LAWS OF WICCA

1. No group may have more than two leaders. The responsibility lies with the High Priest and High Priestess. These shall be whom ever seems the most fit for the duty and who shall accept the charge.

2. In the circle the wishes, words and commands of the leader are law.

3. In circle the Priest and Priestess act as one, each gives strength and wisdom to the other. Their word is law.

4. The High Priestess is the representative of the goddess. She is to be given the respect and shall be obeyed as is her due.

5. The High Priest is the representative of the god. He is to be given the respect and shall be obeyed as is his due.

6. The laws are old and are to be respected, as they have lasted this long. However, they should be modified, replaced or added as the times see fit.

7. The law was made for those of the Craft. It is only there to guide not to bind or constrict or hinder in any way.

8. Those of the Craft shall give due worship to the gods. Should any message from the gods seem unclear to them, they shall seek out the High Priest or Priestess for interpretation.

9. The High Priest and Priestess shall always be available, upon reasonable notice, to assist their students and fellow followers of the Craft.

10. The circle must be purified and cast so that it may be a fit place for the gods to enter.

11. So shall the members of the Craft, be duly prepared and pure to be in the presence of the gods.

12. A Legend: As early man spent his time in hunting and trapping, they learned more of the ways of the wild and less of the ways of people. As early woman spent most of their time in agriculture and with the people of town, they learned more of the ways of personal relations and less of the ways of the wild life. Women learned tolerance, patience and empathy from their lives as mothers. As the Lord and Lady are the gods of mankind and womankind the Horned God is wild, free and strong, while the goddess is wise, tolerant and patience. So it is said that the Horned One upon returning form one of his many journeys, looked upon his lady and recognized her great understanding of human problems. So declared that she had all of his strength to command in all matters of people and their dealings with others. So also, did our gracious goddess understand that she must never interfere with the wildness.

13. As a High Priestess can grow old and lose touch with the needs, and desires of contemporary people. She shall hold herself ready for the time when she shall retire in favour of a younger woman, should the followers and she deem it necessary.

14. Also the High Priest must be prepared to give way to a younger, more dynamic man should he or his followers perceive the need.

15. Secrecy laws are not as needed in these modern times, but shall be replaced with a law, equally as firm, of privacy.

16. So shall it be that none shall bring an outsider to a meeting, study group, or any other event without first obtaining the permission of the Priest and Priestess and the group.

17. None shall reveal to any outsider, the meeting place of the coven or study group without the express consent of all.

18. None shall bring an outsider to any meeting, circle or study group, without the consent of all.

19. Abstain from all great festivals or Sabbats should it endanger the privacy of another member of the Craft.

20. Should there be any disputes among the brethren, the High Priest and Priestess shall hear both sides. First separately, then together. They shall decide justly, favouring not one or the other.

22. Any person has the right to travel far distances in order to find a group of serious students with whom to work and worship.

23. The Elders are respected by virtue of the fact that they have been studying a long time and have gained the trust of the High Priest and Priestess. They are councilors and may or may not be involved in the everyday aspects of the coven.

24. All should strive toward the goal of perfect love and perfect trust within the group and with all others.

25. Should irredeemable conflict occur, one of the authority may split off and create their own group. Provided they have the wisdom and understanding to lead.

26. If the founder of a new group wishes to teach, only those who think him a superior teacher will follow. Should he seek a new teacher, he must find one superior to the old, or the move is pointless. If he or she wishes to lead in the of the worship of the old gods they must be truly wise or none will follow. True wisdom cannot be faked

27. Members of the new are forever bound to silence concerning the affairs of the old.

28. Should the High Priest or Priestess leave without word or notice for a full lunar cycle ( comprised of three full or new moon rites ) then on the third such celebration the stead shall call for the formal appointment of his or herself or some other replacement. Should the Priest or Priestess return within the subsequent six moons or three months, he must present an excellent reason for the absence and accept their verdict for re-appointment. Should the departed be gone for more than nine full or new moon celebrations, he may return only as a common covener. Or be appointed as elder.

29. Leaders or teachers of the Craft must ponder the readiness and the karmatic consequences of teaching of poisons or curses. Only after considering all of these factors should the teacher teach.

30. Never take payment for teaching of the gods.

31. Should the gods give you a gift, however, they would not hold it against you to use this gift to provide for your body.

32. If the coven has any money, let it be kept in a safe place and spent only after the whole group has agreed.

33. Should you wish to purchase a tool, offer what it is worth and do not barter, to do so would cheapen it an its use.

34. Keep your tools and those of the coven clean and safe.

35. When you make a tool, do so with love and let the gods guide your hands.

36. When you search for a tool let your senses stay open and it will cry out to you. Touch it and it will speak to you with love.

37. Never use the art to do ill to any, to lose the small acceptance we have with modern society there is no surer way.

38. The law shall be AN IT HARM NONE DO WHAT THOU WILT. It is up to those of the Craft to think and act only in ways that shall harm none.

39. REMEMBER KARMA! These are the laws of old and they are to guide, not to bind. Love shall be the whole of the law, so mote it be.

Updated at PaganFest in 1988

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