G R E E T I N G S
This Grimoire is inherently stable, if you follow its moral tenets and laws while utilizing the powers described, it will cause neither demonic nor angelic problems. If, however, you elect to mix this system with mainstream ceremonial magick, you alone are responsible for the ensuing chaos.
* T A B L E - O F - C O N T E N T S *
- Introduction
- Table of Contents
- Creed
- The Laws (Morality)
- Laws of Magic
- The Wheel of the Year
- The Charge of the Goddess
- The Charge of the God
- Pentagram
I am a Witch -
I shall assist and protect my brethren:
- They and their secrets are safe with me;
- We are one in the sight of the world;
- I will maintain my dignity, a gracious manner, and good humour;
- All of us are judged by the impressions made by each of us.
I know that deeds, words, and abstinence are all actions:
- I shall consider the reactions before I act;
- Innocence and guilt are not always recognized by others;
- I will keep in mind the reality of consequences:
- I shall choose the way which causes least harm.
I will be courageous and honorable:
- These are the traits that make one immortal;
- My actions shall be honest;
- I shall treat a Promise as the sacred trust it is;
- I will control the influence of my passions upon my actions.
I will keep balance within my Self:
- I will learn to understand the Whole of which I am part;
- I will give equal weight to my thoughts and to my feelings;
- I will exercise and use my judgment;
- I will act to maintain harmony in my surroundings.
I will become more complete every day.
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The Lord and the Lady created the All in Harmony. This is not limited to the material universe of mass and energy, the spiritual realms, intellectual constructs, and the unifying Power which flows throughout, it is beyond comprehension and description. To aid in the maintenance of this binding Harmony, there has been set down,
T H E - L A W S.
Thou hast been given Powers by the Gods to Shape and Change the worlds in which we live, and these powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Exercise discretion in their use and use them not with malicious nor evil intent.
The responsibilities of thy actions, be they conscious or otherwise, are thine own. Therefore let the awareness of Karma guide thy actions, being always mindful that whatsoever ye sow, ye shall surely reap.
And as ye harm none, do as ye will: teach one another; help one another; love one another - for the law is love.
Be it known that the Gods will not help man without the help of man. It is neither meet nor right that a man sit idly by and expect the Lord and Lady to see to his affairs; for he must labor on his own behalf to be worthy of divine aid.
Honor the Gods, for without them naught would exist, and do thou also observe their Holy Festivals as done of Old, for without tradition, how are we to know ourselves?
Have pride in thyself and seek perfection in body, mind and spirit, for as it is said, "How canst thou Honor anything without first giving Honor to thyself?"
Thou canst give nothing to the gods which came not from them, save this, thy free support and love. Therefore offer not any living thing for Sacrifice, those lives are not thine to give.
The teachings and actions of those who follow the Old Ways are not understood by all; therefore those with knowledge of persons, actions, and teachings of a Circle are bound by an oath of secrecy. He who breaks this oath is answerable to those who have been betrayed.
- S O - M O T E - I T - B E -
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Witchcraft acknowledges the existence of and condones the ethical use of magic. To this end, I will now spell out the
LAWS OF MAGIC.
Magic is the craft of the Magi, sometimes the spelling, "Magick", is used to differentiate between prestidigitation and the use of "the paranormal." Since I feel that distinction to be arbitrary, in this writing the term Magic refers to those ways in which desired effects can be caused and distant situations perceived which do not comply with what is "normally" considered possible. No confusion should arise however, since this work does not deal with the ancient secrets and mysteries of human thought and perception which are the basis of the modern stage magician's branch of the craft of the Magi.
There are three metaphysical laws that govern magic: The "Basic Law"; "Contagion"; and "Sympathy". The explanations of which follow...
** The Basic Law is that all things are possible and interrelated, causing the squared infinity of realities to be in a constant state of change do to inter-reaction. These realities are in various states of harmony, ranging from those which can peacefully coexist to those which are mutually exclusive.
The way in which order is supported throughout existence is by way of the time-space continuum. This means that each location in space at each instant of time contains a reality which is related to other times and locations in varying amounts of probability.
Each Being's actions at each time and location strengthens certain of these probabilities, and guides cumulative existence along the continuum to another reality.
The connections between these time-spaces can be shown as a fluid lattice, actions and perceptions as lines that connect points which are the moments which result from those actions. Closer examination of this model shows that both the 'past' and the 'future' are constantly changing, and the only immutable time is now.
The two other laws that permeate all known magical systems are Contagion and Sympathy. Although concentrating on either principle singly will cause change, the best results are achieved when effort is put forth to use them both.
** The Law of Contagion is that once an object has been in contact with something else, it maintains a contact with that other object which can be used to communicate the will of the Magician. The strength of this link is based on proximity in space, energy, and time, so that the closer the objects were, the amount of energy between them while together, the longer they were together, the more recently they were separated, the stronger the link between them will be.
** The Law of Sympathy is that all similar objects are in communication with each other, the strength of the link is directly proportional to the amount of similarity between them whether obvious or subtle. The Magician can use this sympathetic link similarly to the contagious link to bring his will to bear on the distant object.
The section of this Grimoire that deals with symbolic correspondences is geared toward the development of sympathetic links. Be aware that linking is a two-way street, do not link up with something which may have more willpower than yourself without first VERY carefully examining the possible consequences!
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Before going further into the working of Magic, I feel it best to relate more of the structure of the All. Relating History is not vital... but in order to understand the realms you are about to travel, the present state of existence is.
There are many natural forces which stem from the two major natural ones - the male and the female. Their interaction is mirrored in the yearly progression evident in all life. The Lord and Lady are known to you all at some level, Their Dance is celebrated in the cycle of the Sun and it's eight stations, holidays that provide a mythological guide to aid the "deep mind" in comprehending the world and a route through which the Witch sends will and power to maintain the balance.
This cycle is known as
T H E - W H E E L - O F - T H E - Y E A R.
Which of the holidays is New Year's Day varies widely between different traditions, and is not important to this telling except that although the cycle of the year is eternal.... the story needs a place to begin.
It is the Winter Solstice...
The Lady is alone, hear the cold winds howl outside, the world is wrapped in ice, and life and light have retreated into the other world.
Her son, who is born at midnight this night is the hope, the light, and the life of the year to come, when he arrives, all those who maintain the ancient ways will gather together in celebration, and lend their wit and will to the return of the light.
The Lord of the past cycle is also abroad this night in many guises, bringing to the world gifts of love and joy. The Father who is to be the Son, joyfully returning to his Lady.
Through the next few months, the days will begin to lengthen, as the young Lord grows, and the ice begins to thaw in the returning light, and the Lady is wistfully happy, remembering the past year.
The First of February the young Lord awakes at dawn to find his Mother gone. He searches for her, calling to her in all her names, but she is nowhere to be seen.
That night is the feast of Imbolc...
At sundown, all those who would help the turning of the wheel, light lamps and also call to the Lady to return, keeping the light alive through the night to bring her back.
There is an expectancy in the world now, as though a shining surprise is behind every hedgerow. Life springs forth from the earth, reaching towards the sun. There is rumour of a maiden, more lovely than anything yet seen, perhaps created from the blooms of spring by the old God in the underworld and raised by him to return the Lady to the light of the world.
The Lord seeks this maiden, but she is elusive. He calls out in despair, and, hearing his voice, she is captured by her own heart, and goes to him. In their meeting is the deep mystery experienced by those who have fallen in Love, for although they have just met, they have been always together, and Creation is renewed.
It is the Vernal Equinox...
Those who follow the old ways gather together and celebrate Light and Life, as the Lord again begins to court his Lady for the first time.
Their Love and Dance in these months echoes through the world, and is felt by all persons. Many romances occur now, everywhere in life there are couples sharing in the Courtship.
They are hesitant, for the memories of the myriad cycles of the past are daunting. The joy of Love is weighed against the pain of Loss, and the joy is greater.
He asks her to marry him, to complete the union, She looks into his eyes, knowing full well the consequences of this step of the cycle, and can only answer yes.
Beltane...
The Balance to Samhain. There are ceremonies held on this first day of May to mirror the wedding of Heaven and Earth, of Light and Life, of the Lord and Lady.
This season is that of consummation of the union, The young that are born in this time, and the new growth of the fields are in response to the Lady's knowledge that she is bearing the child which is the Lord to be.
The Light is waxing towards it's peak, and Life follows in the dance. Heaven on Earth shows itself in this abundance, providing a glimpse of the world beyond earthly existence, called the Summerland.
The Summer Solstice has come...
At mid-day the Sun is said to stand still in the sky, and with its descent, the Lord's attention begins to slowly turn from this world to the other.
The Light is still strong, and Life is waxing to full in these months, across the face of the land, the blessing of the Summerland is coming to its fruition. The wonder of love fulfilled is evident everywhere.
As the season draws to its end, Life is everywhere, and the Light is noticeably withdrawn to the other world. The Lady feels the stirring of the Child within, and holds tightly to her Lord, knowing too well that the cycle will continue as it always has.
Lughnassadh...
Harvest begins even as Life is at its peak in the world. The mystery of the ceremonies of this turning point of the wheel is that Life is not something which can exist if clutched tightly. It is a force which flows from one being to another, best when cherished and lovingly passed along. Keeping this knowledge within is the sanctification of the harvesters as they gather and hunt in the months to come, respecting that which is given by the Earth to their Folk.
Now is the time of balance and maturity. The Lord and Lady are most easily seen as Father and Mother in these times, as wise and protective providers to those who follow the Old Ways. The flow of Life is very evident, from the earth to the plants to the animals and folk, then back to the land.
Toward the end of the season, the days and nights approach equal length, showing the Lord's attention to be nearly evenly balanced between this world and the next. Life has begun to follow in the cycle, and those who are Wise know that soon will be the time to start the final harvest.
It is the Autumnal Equinox...
The flow of life from the Land to the Folk continues as the Harvest peaks. The Lord sees the afterlife filling with spirits that have passed on their life-force and begins to spend more time with them, the Light beginning to pass into the underworld more each day.
We are entering the time of realization of mortality, that even though we are still vital, the dance continues. The time will come someday for us to return our lives to the world. The Lord shows us the way in this season, the grandeur of autumn's glow an example to everyone of the way to walk the path all must take.
The Lady is carrying the future, their child carried soft and secure within. She knows what must happen, that the old must make way for the new... Throughout this season there is a bittersweet combination of expectation and remembrances as Life follows Her lead in watching Light's glorious displays of love.
Samhain...
The opposite side of the wheel from Beltane. The Lord passes into the underworld and the Lady descends also, to spend their last night of the cycle together.
The wake is quite a party. Light takes on masks of Darkness and Life plays at being Death, all things are jumbled, and the gates between the worlds of flesh and spirit are opened for the night so the Lady may pass and return... This is the time to prepare places for the spirits of those who have gone before to return and visit.
The season that follows is the waning of Life's cycle. The Lady dwells on the child to come, and Life follows her lead, seeming to withdraw as its energy is focused into seeds, roots, dens, and homes to nurture the new lives dwelling within.
North or South of the equator the wheel remains the same, though the dates are rotated to reflect the dance of light and life as it flows in each half of the world.
North |
Sabbat |
South |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Dec | Winter Solstice | 21 Jun |
| 2 Feb | Imbolc | 1 Aug |
| 21 Mar | Vernal Equinox | 22 Sep |
| 1 May | Beltane | 31 Oct |
| 21 Jun | Summer Solstice | 21 Dec |
| 1 Aug | Lughnassadh | 2 Feb |
| 22 Sep | Autumnal Equinox | 21 Mar |
| 31 Oct | Samhain | 1 May |
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Doreen Valiente did a wonderful piece of writing in the early days of the modern Wiccan movement which is used in ritual to inspire our deep minds with the feeling of the Goddess, her heritage, wonder and power. This has had several slight modifications as it has been passed through different covens, and therefore exists today in slightly different forms in each tradition. I don't remember which one I copied this from, but it's my personal favorite.
The Charge of the Goddess
Listen to the words of the Great Mother, who was of old called among men Artemis: Astarte: Dianne: Melusine: Bride: and by many other names.
"At mine altars the youth of Lacedemon in Sparta made due sacrifice. Whenever ye have need of anything, once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, then ye shall assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of me who am queen of all witcheries.
There shall ye assemble, ye who are fain to learn all sorcery, yet have not won its deepest secrets: To these will I teach things that are yet unknown.
And ye shall be free from slavery. And as a sign that ye be really free, ye shall be naked in your rites. And ye shall dance; sing; feast; make music, and love, all in my praise.
For mine is the ecstasy of the spirit: and mine also is joy on Earth for my law is love unto all beings.
Keep pure your highest idea: Strive ever toward it: Let naught stop you or turn you aside.
For mine is the secret door which opens upon the door of youth: And mine is the cup of wine of life; and the cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of Immortality.
I am the Gracious Goddess who gives the gift of joy unto the heart of man: Upon earth I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal; And beyond death I give peace and freedom: and reunion with those who have gone before: nor do I demand sacrifice: for behold, I am the Mother of all living: and my love is poured out upon the Earth.
Hear me childe, for I am the Star Goddess: She in the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven, whose body encircleth the universe.
I who am the beauty of the green earth: and the white Moon amongst the stars: and the mystery of the waters: and the desire of the heart of man, call unto thy soul; arise, and come unto me. For I am the soul of nature who giveth life to the universe; from me all things proceed, and unto me all things must return; and before my face, beloved of gods and men, thine inmost divine self shall be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite.
Let my worship be within the heart that rejoiceth: for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals: and therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honour and humility, mirth and reverence within you.
And thou who thinkest to seek for me: know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not: unless thou knowest the mystery; that if that which thou seekest thee findest not within thee, Thou wilt never find it without thee.
For behold: I have been with thee from the beginning: and I am that which is attained at the end of desire."
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There have also been many attempts to come up with a complementary piece to evoke a deep understanding of the God. Most of them tend to concentrate on his care of the afterlife, which I feel misses out on conveying his vitality. Therefore, when I found this strongly moving passage in a sword and sorcery novel ("A Midsummer Tempest" by Poul Anderson), I slightly reworded it to use for this communion.
The Charge of the God
I Am the Land.
I have the right to raise the land I am. In me the mightiness indwells, till I bestow it on my messengers that they may bear my passion across the world. Mine is the joy, the rage, the sorrow, and the love.
I am the land by virtue of my forefathers which have strengthened it, the flesh which they give back to us in harvest, the patience of their plowing centuries, each blossom time when they went two by two, each hunter's moon on woods afire with fall, each winter and each sorrow they outlived till humbly they went down to namelessness. Their gnarled old fingers made me what I am - not wilderness nor iron desert: home: - the while my skies and seasons worked on them. Their songs and hearthside tales, my wind and rain, speak each unto the other of our oneness. Though men and trees do die and die and die, the blood, the house, the field, the woods endure, and every babe or lamb or new-leaved branch says forth the immortality we share.
Thou shalt not bind me fast in brick and steel, nor make my people to idolators of little frantic leaders and their texts. If mystery and merriment alike be human rights, I claim them for my folk.
Mine are the dead, the quick, and the unborn. From out of time, I call their life to me that it may leap in those embodiments to which the wonder of the folk gave birth.
Come in your love and in your dreadfulness. Ye garlanded white maidens of the springs, ye dancers in a bright midsummer night, ye tricksy elves who are a household's luck - ye huntsmen who go rushing through the air, ye tall gray-cloaked who walk the hills in awe, ye lurkers in the rustling river depths, ye warriors who sleep by rusted swords that once did bell, This country is our own! - arise. The hour is gruesome late. Arise.
I am the land. I bid you come alive.
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One symbol used to illustrate how the cycle of existence functions is the
Pentagram.
Starting at the top and tracing along the lines clockwise:
-
"Spirit descends to the Earth,"
"Then wells back up like Water from a spring,"
"To travel through the Air with the winds,"
"Until we breathe it into the Fire of our souls,"
"And return it back to the Source."
Then, on the circle around the points -
-
"So the cycle continues unending."
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