***Warning***
It describes rituals and ceremonies of the Alexandrian Tradition witches, coven bound to that tradition.
Alexandrian Wicca was founded by Alex Sanders in England and is highly ceremonial in nature.
We now know that most of the Book of Shadows was copied by him from the Gardnerian Tradition.
It is presented as an interesting historical document, and a working document still used today by Alexandrian Wiccans.
It is not necessarily the view of any channel member, and we advise people to treat it how it is presented, as a document of interest.
We do
not advocate its use by anyone
THE WICCAN LAWS
HPS & HP
SECURITY
DISPUTES
37.She will heed all complaints of all Brothers and strive to settle all differences among them.
38.But it must be recognized that there will always be people who will ever strive to force others to do as they will.
39.These are not necessarily evil.
40.And they oft have good ideas and such ideas should be talked over in council.
41.But if they will not agree with their Brothers, or if they say,
42."I will not work under this High Priestess,"
43.It hath ever been the Old Law to be convenient to the Brethren and to avoid disputes.
NEW COVENS
45.Anyone living within the Covendom and wishing to form a new Coven, shall tell the Elders of their intention, and on the instant avoid their dwelling and remove to the new Covendom.
46.Members of the old Coven may join the new one when it is formed. But if they do, they must utterly avoid the old Coven.
47.The Elders of the new and old Covens should meet in peace and brotherly love to decide the new boundaries.
48.Those of the craft who dwell outside both Covendoms may join either but not both.
49.Though all may, if the Elders agree, meet for the great festivals if it be truly in peace and brotherly love,
50.But splitting the Coven often means strife, so for this reason these Laws were made of old and may the CURSE OF THE GODDESS BE ON ANY WHO DISREGARD THEM. So be it ordained.
GRIMOIRE
52.For if it be found in their hand of write, they may be taken and arraigned.
53.Let each guard his own writings and destroy them whenever danger threatens.
54.Learn as much as you may by heart and, when danger is past, rewrite your book, an it be safe.
55.For this reason, if any die, destroy their book an they have not been able to.
56.For, an it be found, 'tis clear proof against them.
57.And our oppressors know well "Ye may not be a witch alone".
58.So all their kin and friends be in danger of torture,
59.So destroy everything not necessary.
60.If your book be found on you, 'tis clear proof against you alone, you may be arraigned.
PERSECUTION
62.If the torture be too great to bear, say "I will confess. I cannot bear this torture. What do you want me to say?"
63.If they try to make you speak of the Brotherhood, do not.
64.But if they try to make you speak of impossibilities such as flying through the air, consorting with a Christian devil or sacrificing children, or eating men's flesh,
65.To obtain relief from torture say "I had an evil dream, I was beside myself, I was crazed."
66.Not all magistrates are bad, if there be an excuse, they may show mercy.
67.If you have confessed aught, deny it afterwards, say you babbled under torture, say you knew not what you said.
68.If you are condemned, fear not.
69.The Brotherhood is powerful and will help you to escape if you stand steadfast, but if you betray aught there is no hope for you in this life or in that to come.
70.Be sure, if steadfast you go to the pyre, drugs will reach you, you will feel naught. You go to death and what lies beyond, the ecstasy of the goddess.
TOOLS
72.Let the pentacles be of wax so that they may be broken at once or melted.
73.Have no sword unless your rank allows it.
74.Have no names or signs on anything.
75.Write the names and signs on them in ink before consecrating them and wash it off immediately afterwards.
76.Let the colours of the hilts tell which is which.
77.Do not engrave them lest they cause discovery.
CONDUCT
79.Never boast, never threaten, never say you would wish ill of anyone.
80.If any person not in the Circle, speak of the craft, say, "Speak not to me of such, it frightens me, 'tis evil luck to speak of it."
81.For this reason, the Christians have their spies everywhere. These speak as if they were well affected to us, as if they would come to our meetings, saying, "My mother used to worship the Old Ones. I would I could go myself."
82.To such as these, ever deny all knowledge.
83.But to others, ever say, "'Tis foolish men talk of witches flying through the air. To do so they must be as light as thistledown. And men say that witches all be blear-eyed old crones, so what pleasure can there be at a witch meeting such as folks talk on ?"
84.And say, "Many wise men now say there be no such creatures."
85.Ever make it jest) and in some future time perhaps, the persecution may die and we may worship our gods in safety again.
86.Let us all pray for that happy day.
87.May the blessings of the Goddess and God be on all who keep these Laws which are ordained.
VALUABLES
89.And let all justly guard all monies of the craft.
90.And if any Brother truly wrought it, 'tis right they have their pay, an it be just. An this be not taking money for the art, but for good and honest work.
91.And even the Christians say, "The labourer is worthy of his hire," but if any Brother work willingly for the good of the craft without pay, 'tis but to their greater honour. So be it ordained.
QUARRELS
93. And they shall decide justly, not favouring one side or the other.
94. Ever recognising there be people who can never agree to work under others.
95. But at the same time, there be some people who cannot rule justly.
96. To those who must ever be chief, there is one answer.
97. "'Void the Coven or seek another one, or make a Coven of your own, taking with you those who will go."
98. To those who cannot rule justly, the answer be, "Those who cannot bear your rule will leave you."
99. For none may come to meetings with those with whom they are at variance.
100. So, an either cannot agree, get hence, for the craft must ever survive. So be it ordained.
CURSES
102.But as our gods need our aid to make fertility for man and crops, so is the god of the Christians ever in need of man's help to search out and destroy us. Their priests ever tell them that any who get our help are damned to this hell forever, so men be mad with the terror of it.
103.But they make men believe that they may escape this hell if they give victims to the tormentors. So for this reason all be forever spying, thinking, "An I can catch but one of these Wicca, I will escape from this fiery pit."
104.So for this reason we have our hidels, and men searching long and not finding, say, "There be none, or if there be, they be in a far country."
105.But when one of our oppressors die, or even be sick, ever is the cry, "This be witches' malice", and the hunt is up again. And though they slay ten of their own to one of ours, still they care not. They have countless thousands.
106.While we are few indeed. So be it ordained.
107.That none shall use the art in any way to do ill to any.
108.However much they may injure us, harm none. And nowtimes many believe we exist not.
109.That this Law shall ever continue to help us in our plight, no one, however great an injury or injustice they receive, may use the art in any way to do ill, or harm any. But they may, after great consultations with all, use the art to restrain Christians from harming us Brothers, but only to constrain them and never to punish.
110.To this end men will say, "Such a one is a mighty searcher out, and a persecutor of old women whom they deemeth to be witches, and none hath done him harm, so it be proof that they cannot or more truly there be none."
111.For all know full well that so many folk have died because someone had a grudge against them, or were persecuted because they had money or goods to sieze, or because they had none to bribe the searchers. And many have died because they were scolding old women. So much that men now say that only old women are witches.
112.And this be to our advantage and turns suspicion away from us.
113.In England and Scotland 'tis now many a year since a witch hath died the death. But any misuse of the power might raise the persecution again.
114.So never break this Law, however much you are tempted, and never consent to its being broken in the least.
115.If you know it is being broken, you must work strongly against it.
116.And any High Priestess or High Priest who consents to its breach must immediately be deposed for 'tis the blood of the Brethren they endanger.
117.Do good, an it be safe, and only if it be safe.
118.And keep strictly to the Old Law.
PAYMENT
120.Be not as these. If you accept no money, you will be free from temptation to use the art for evil causes.
121.All may use the art for their own advantage or for the advantage of the craft only if you are sure you harm none.
122.But ever let the Coven debate this at length. Only if all are satisfied that none may be harmed, may the art be used.
123.If it is not possible to achieve your ends one way, perchance the aim may be achieved by acting in a different way so as to harm none. MAY THE CURSE OF THE GODDESS BE ON ANY WHO BREAKETH THIS LAW. So be it ordained.
124.'Tis judged lawful if ever any of the craft need a house or land and none will sell, to incline the owner's mind so as to be willing to sell, provided it harmeth him not in any way and the full price is paid without haggling.
125.Never bargain or cheapen anything whilst you buy by the art. So be it ordained.
LAW OF THE LAND
127.In any dispute between Brethren, no one may invoke any laws but those of the craft.
128.Or any tribunal but that of the Priestess, Priest and Elders.
DISCUSSION OF WITCHCRAFT
130.But ever say, "I know not of it here, perchance there may be but afar off, I know not where."
131.But ever speak of them as old crones, consorting with the devil and riding through the air.
132.And ever say, "But how may many ride the air if they be not as light as thistledown."
133.But the curse of the Goddess be on any who cast suspicion on any of the Brotherhood.
134.Or who speak of any real meeting-place or where they bide.
WORTCUNNING
136.But keep another book with all the Bales and Apies and let only the Elders and other trustworthy people have this knowledge. So be it ordained.
137.And may the blessings of the gods be on all who keep these Laws, and the curses of both the God and the Goddess be on all who break them.
USE OF THE ART
139.Magicians and Christians may taunt us saying, "You have no power, show us your power. Do magic before our eyes, then only will we believe," seeking to cause us to betray the art before them.
140.Heed them not, for the art is holy and may only be used in need, and the curse of the gods be on any who break this Law.
RESIGNATIONS
142.Nor should we reprove them for this.
143.But it may be found a disadvantage to the craft.
144.And so many a time it has happened that a High Priest or a High Priestess, impelled by love, hath departed with their love. That is, they left the Coven.
145.Now if the High Priestess wishes to resign, she may do so in full Coven.
146.And this resignation is valid.
147.But if they should run off without resigning, who may know if they may not return in a few months?
148.So the Law is, if a High Priestess leaves her Coven, she be taken back and all be as before.
149.Meanwhile, if she has a deputy, that deputy shall act as High Priestess for as long as the High Priestess is away.
150.If she returns not at the end of a year and a day, then shall the Coven elect a new High Priestess,
151.Unless there is a good reason to the contrary.
152.The person who has done the work should reap the benefit of the reward. If somebody else is elected, the deputy is made maiden and deputy of the High Priestess.
TRAINING
154.And if for any reason this be undesireable, it can easily be avoided by both persons from the outset firmly resolving in their minds to be as brother and sister or parent and child.
155.And it is for this reason that a man may be taught only by a woman and a woman by a man, and women and women should not attempt these practices together. So be it ordained.
PUNISHMENT
157.A High Priestess or a High Priest may, and should, punish all faults.
158.To this end all the craft must receive correction willingly.
159.All properly prepared, the culprit kneeling should be told his fault and his sentence pronounced.
160.Punishment should be followed by something amusing.
161.The culprit must acknowledge the justice of the punishment by kissing the hand on receiving sentence and again thanking for punishment received. So be it ordained.
The Wiccan Redes
Bide the Wiccan Redes ye must,
In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust;
Live ye must and let to live,
Fairly take and fairly give;
Form the Circle thrice about,
To keep unwelcome spirits out;
Bind fast the spell every time,
Let the words be spoke in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch,
Speak ye little, listen much;
Deosil go by waxing moon,
Sing and dance the Witches' Rune;
Widdershins go by waning moon,
Chant ye then a baleful tune;
When the Lady's moon is new,
Kiss hand to her times two;
When the moon rides at peak,
Heart's desire then ye seek.
Heed the North wind's mighty gale,
Lock the door & trim the sail;
When the wind comes from the South,
Love will kiss them on the mouth;
When the wind blows from the West,
departed souls have no rest;
When the wind blows from the East,
Expect the new and set the feast.
Nine woods in the cauldron go,
Burn them quick, burn them slow;
Elder be the Lady's tree,
Burn it not or curs'd ye'll be;
When the wind begins to turn,
Soon Beltane fires will burn;
When the wheel has turned to Yule,
light the log, the Horned One rules.
Heed the flower, bush or tree
By the Lady blessed be'
When the rippling waters flow
cast a stone - the truth you'll know;
When ye have & hold a need,
Hearken not to others' greed;
With a fool no seasons spend,
Or be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part
Bright the cheeks, warm the heart;
Mind the threefold law ye should,
Three times bad and three times good;
Whene'er misfortune is enow,
Wear the star upon your brow;
True in troth ever ye be
Lest thy love prove false to thee.
'Tis by the sun that life be won,
And by the moon that change be done;
If ye would clear the path to will,
Make certain the mind be still;
What good be tools without Inner Light ?
What good be magic without wisdom-sight ?
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill -
The Charge of the Goddess
HP stands to HPS's left; both face Coven.
HP: "Listen to the words of the Great Mother; she who of old was also called among men Artemis, Astarte, Athene, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Cybele, Arianrhod, Isis, Dana, Bride and by many other names. At her altars the youth of Lacedaemon in Sparta made due sacrifice."
HPS: "Whenever ye have need of anything, once in the month, and better it
be when the moon is full, then shall ye assemble in some secret
place and adore the spirit of me, who am Queen of all the
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 ideal; strive ever towards it; let naught stop you or
turn you aside.
For mine is the secret door which opens upon the Land of Youth, and
mine is the cup of the 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 aught in sacrifice; for behold, I am the Mother of all
living, and my love is poured out upon the earth."
HP: "Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess; she in the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven, and whose body encircles the Universe."
HPS: "I who am the beauty of the green earth, and the white Moon among 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 gives life to the universe. From me all things proceed, and unto me all things must return; and before my face, beloved of Gods and of men, let thine innermost divine self 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."
Charge of the God
Listen the the words of the Great Father, who of old was called Osiris, Adonis, Zeus, Thor, Pan, Cernunnos, Herne, Lugh and by many other names:
My Law is Harmony with all things.
Mine is the secret that opens the gates of life and mine is the dish of salt of the
earth that is the body of Cernunnos that is the eternal circle of rebirth.
I give the knowledge of life everlasting, and beyond death I give the promise of
regeneration and renewal.
I am the sacrifice, the father of all things, and my protection blankets the earth.
Hear the words of the dancing God, the music of whose laughter stirs the winds, whose voice calls the seasons:
I who am the Lord of the Hunt and the Power of the Light, sun among the clouds
and the secret of the flame
I call upon your bodies to arise and come unto me.
For I am the flesh of the earth and all its beings.
Thru me all things must die and with me are reborn.
Let my worship be in the body that sings, for behold all acts of willing sacrifice
are my rituals.
Let there be desire and fear, anger and weakness, joy and peace, awe and longing
within you.
For these too are part of the mysteries found within yourself, within me, all
beginnings have endings, and all endings have beginnings.
Casting the Circle
Needs: Altar, 2 Altar Candles, Water Bowl, Salt Dish, Pentacle,
Censer, Athame, Bell; Presence Lamp; 4 Quarter Candles;
Sword (optional), Candle Snuffer (optional)
Let all be fit to enter into the presence of the Gods.
Start in the dark.
Ritual Leader waits until it feels like time to begin, then rises:
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLE:
R: "I light this Candle (lights Presence Lamp)
in the name of that ancient presence,
which is, was, and ever shall be
male, female, all-knowing, all-powerful
and present everywhere.
And in the names of the four Mighty Ones,
the rulers of the elements,
may power and blessing descend
in this hour upon this place
and those gathered here."
R lights the two altar candles, the charcoal, and the four quarter candles
from the Presence Lamp.
EXORCISM OF THE WATER:
R kneels before the altar and places the Water Bowl upon the Pentacle.
R purifies the water by plunging the tip of his/her athame into the water,
saying:
R: "I exorcise thee, O Creature of Water, that thou cast out from
thee all the impurity and uncleanliness of the world of phantasm.
In the names of Cernunnos and Cerridwen."
BLESSING OF THE SALT:
R sets the Water Bowl aside and in its place sets the Salt Dish upon
the Pentacle. R touches salt with tip of athame, saying:
R: "Blessings be upon thee, O Creature of Salt; let all malignity and
hindrance be cast forth from thee, and let all good enter within.
Wherefore do I bless and consecrate thee, that thou mayest aid me.
In the names of Cernunnos and Cerridwen."
Using the tip of the athame, R takes three measures of salt and puts
it into the water, then stirs deosil three times with the athame, saying:
R: "But ever mind that as water and salt purifies the body,
so the scourge purifies the soul. So mote it be !"
CASTING THE CIRCLE:
R draws a circle, continuous from north deosil unto north with the Sword
(or athame), saying:
R: "I conjure thee, O Circle of Power, that thou beest
a boundary between the world of men and the realms of the Mighty Ones;
a meeting place of love and joy and truth;
a shield against all wickedness and evil;
a rampart and protection that shall preserve and contain
the power that we raise within thee.
Wherefore do I bless thee, and consecrate thee,
in the names of Cernunnos and Cerridwen."
(If others are without, a gate is opened, and they are now brought
into the Circle with a kiss, and the Circle is resealed.)
CONSECRATION OF THE CIRCLE WITH THE FOUR ELEMENTS:
R takes up the consecrated water and asperges the Circle with his/her
fingertips, from north deosil unto north; and then touches each person within
with the water, being touched in turn by his/her working partner (or another of
the opposite sex to R, if available). Water Bowl is returned to altar.
R then takes up the censer, and likewise censes the Circle from north unto
north.
Lastly R takes around the Presence Lamp (or a candle lit from the Presence Lamp
and returned to it).
CALLING THE MIGHTY ONES:
All stand and salute the East. R stands in front of group facing East.
Maiden stands at back of group with the Bell. M rings Bell.
With athame, R draws three deosil circles and then an invoking earth pentagram,
saying:
R: "Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the East, ye Lords of Air;
I, N....., do summon, stir and call you up, to witness our
rites and guard the Circle !"
All turn and face South. Ritual Leader and Maiden move to corresponding
positions; others just turn in place. M rings Bell.
With athame, R draws three deosil circles and then an invoking earth pentagram,
saying:
R: "Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the South, ye Lords of Fire;
I, N....., do summon, stir and call you up, to witness our
rites and guard the Circle !"
Similarly, in West:
R: "Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the West, ye Lords of Water;
Lords of Death and Initiation; I, N....., do summon, stir and call
you up, to witness our rites and guard the Circle !"
And in North:
R: "Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the North, ye Lords of Earth; Boreas,
thou Guardian of the Northern Portals; I, N....., do summon, stir
and call you up, to witness our rites and guard the Circle !"
All turn back to the East and salute.
Now all turn to North again. M rings Bell. R says:
R: "Ye Mighty Ones,
Lords of the Watchtowers of the Universe,
Dread Lords of the outer spaces,
Thou powerful God, thou gentle Goddess,
We invite you to our meeting.
(pause)
O thou Loving Cerridwen.
O thou Mighty Cernunnos,
we gather (I stand) before you
to ...."
(state intent)
The Circle is now perfect.
Closing the circle
When the Circle's work is done, R goes to the East, athame in hand, salutes, and draws a banishing Earth pentagram, saying:
R: "Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the East, ye Lords of Air, we thank you for attending our rites; and ere ye depart to your beauteous realms, we bid thee Hail and Farewell..."
All: "Hail and Farewell !" (R extinguishes Quarter Candle)
Repeat for the remaining Quarters, addressing each with the titles by which it was invoked.
R thanks and says goodbye to the God and Goddess. (Words To Be Decided.) and extinguishes altar candles.
R then thanks and dismisses any spirits who have gathered.
R: "The Circle is open but unbroken. Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again."
R extinguishes the Presence Lamp, saying:
R: "This rite is ended !"
All: "So mote it be !"
The Witches' Rune
Darksome night and shining moon,
Hearken to the witches' rune.
East, then south, west then north,
Here come I to call the forth.
Earth and water, air and fire,
Work ye unto my desire.
Wand and Pentacle and Sword
Hearken ye unto my word.
Cords and Censer, Scourge and Knife,
Waken all ye into life.
Powers of the Witches Blade,
Come ye as the charm is made.
Queen of Heaven, Queen of Hell,
Lend your aid unto the spell.
Horned Hunter of the Night,
Work my will by magic rite.
By all the power of land and sea,
As I do will, so mote it be.
By all the might of moon and sun,
Chant the spell and be it done.
Descent of the Goddess
HPS and HP turn to salute altar with the Horned God's salute as HP says:
HP: "Great God Cernunnos, return to earth again ! Come at my call and show thyself to men. Shepherd of Goats, upon the wild hill's way, Lead thy lost flock from darkness into day. Forgotten are the ways of sleep and night - Men seek for them whose eyes have lost the light. Open the door, the door which hath no key, The door of dreams, whereby men come to thee. O Mighty Stag, O answer to me !"
HPS & HP say:
Both: "Akhera goiti - akhera beiti !" (lowering their hands)
Great God Cernunnos Invocation
HPS and HP turn to salute altar with the Horned God's salute as HP says:
HP: "Great God Cernunnos, return to earth again !
Come at my call and show thyself to men.
Shepherd of Goats, upon the wild hill's way,
Lead thy lost flock from darkness into day.
Forgotten are the ways of sleep and night -
Men seek for them whose eyes have lost the light.
Open the door, the door which hath no key,
The door of dreams, whereby men come to thee.
O Mighty Stag, O answer to me !"
HPS & HP say:
Both: "Akhera goiti
- akhera beiti !" (lowering their hands)
First Degree Initiation
People: Hierophant (H) (Initiator)
Candidiate (C)
Hierophant's Working Partner (P)
Summoner (S) (Hierophant does his part if S unavailable)
High Priestess (HPS) (actually, H or P, depending on gender)
Needs: blindfold
nine foot red cord
short white cord
oil
scourge
all ordinaryesbat requirements
Preparation:
Candidate stands outside Circle to NE, blindfolded and bound
by members of the opposite gender.
Wrists are bound together in back by middle of a 9 foot red cord,
knotted in front at throat with ends hanging down front as cable-tow.
A short white cord is fastened to the right ankle with ends tucked in
so as not to trip C up, saying:
"Feet neither bound nor free."
HPS casts Circle. Opening ritual is followed to the end of the Drawing Down of the Moon, but the Charge is not yet declaimed.
Summoner fetches Sword (or athame) from the altar, and opens a gate in NE. S, H, and P face C and S issues the Challenge:
S: "O thou who standest on the threshold between the pleasant world of men and the dread domains of the Lords of the Outer Spaces, hast thou the courage to make the assay ?"
Placing point of blade against C's heart, S continues:
S: "For I say verily, it were better to rush on my blade and perish, than make the attempt with fear in thy heart."
C: "I have two passwords. Perfect love and perfect trust."
S: "All who have such are doubly welcome."
H: "I give thee a third to pass thee through this dread door."
H grasps C above waist with H's left arm, kisses C on the lips, and swings C into the Circle with H's body, from behind.
S (or P if no S) closes the gate.
H leads C to each Quarter in turn, saying:
H: "Take heed, ye lords of the East (South/West/North) that N... is properly prepared to be initiated a priest[ess] and witch."
H leads C back to centre of Circle (via East) while coven dances around, singing:
"Eko, eko Azrak, (etc.)...."
... over and over, meanwhile pushing C back and forth among them, until H calls a halt.
Partner then rings bell three times as H turns C to stand before the altar, with C's back to the altar (i.e. facing South if altar is in North). H stands in centre of Circle, facing C (and altar). H says:
H: "In other religions, the postulant kneels, while the
priest towers above. But in the Art Magical we are
taught to be humble, and we kneel to welcome
her [/him] and we say:
[kneels]
'Blessed be thy feet, which have brought thee in these ways;'
[kiss r. foot, then l. foot]
'Blessed be thy knees, that shall kneel at the sacred altar;'
[kiss r. knee, then l. knee]
'Blessed be thy womb[/phallus], without which we would not be;'
[kiss above pubes]
'Blessed be thy breasts [/breast], erected in beauty [/formed in
strength] ;'
[kiss r. breast, then l. breast]
'Blessed be thy lips, that shall utter the sacred names.'"
[kiss on lips]
[rises]
H: "Now we are going to take your measure."
H, aided by another witch of the same gender, stretches a button thread from
the ground by C's foot to crown of C's head and cuts it there with
athame or bolline.
Measure C once about the forehead with the cut thread and knot at the point of
overlap, again about the heart starting from the same end [knot], and lastly
about the hips across the genitals [knot]. The measure is wound and placed upon
the altar. H asks:
H: "Before thou art sworn, art thou ready to pass the ordeal and be purified ?"
C: "I am."
H, aided by another witch of the same gender, helps C to kneel, head and shoulders bowed forward. The loose ends of the short cord are unwound and C's ankles bound securely. The cable tow is fastened to the altar. H fetches scourge from altar as Partner rings bell three times, saying:
P: "Three."
H scourges C firmly, but tenderly, thrice.
P says (but doesn't ring bell):
P: "Seven ... Nine ... Twenty-one."
And each time H scourges C with the number of strokes P has named, and all should be light, yet firm, save only the very last which may sting somewhat as a reminder that H. has been deliberately restrained. Hierophant then says:
H: "Bravely thou hast passed the test. Art thou ready to swear that thou wilt always be true to the Art ?"
C: "I am."
H: "Art thou ever ready to help, protect and defend thy brothers and sisters of the Art, even though it should cost thee thy life. ?
C: "I am."
H: "Then say after me: I, N..., in the presence of the Mighty Ones, do of my own free will and accord, most solemnly swear, without any reservation in me whatever, that I will ever keep secret, and never reveal, the secrets of the Art, except it be to a proper person, properly prepared within a Circle such as I am now in. This I swear by my hopes of a future life, mindful that my measure has been taken; and may my weapons turn against me if I break this my solemn oath."
H and other witch of the same gender help C to feet. P fetches anointing oil and chalice of wine. H moistens fingertip with oil saying:
H: "I hereby sign thee with the Triple Sign. I consecrate thee with oil ..."
H touches moistened finger to just above pubes, right breast, left breast, and above pubes again. H moistens fingertip with wine and anoints the same three places, saying:
H: "I consecrate thee with wine ..."
H: "I consecrate thee with my lips ... [kiss as above]
Priest[ess] and witch."
C is now unbound and the blindfold removed by H and assistant of same gender. New Initiate is welcomed by coven, then presented with the Working Tools. As each tool is named, H takes it from the altar and passes it to the Initiate with a kiss. As each tool is finished with, the assistant takes it from the Initiate [kiss] and replaces it upon the altar. H says:
H: "Now I present to thee the Working Tools.
First, the Magic Sword.
With this, as with the athame, thou canst form all Magic Circles,
dominate, subdue and punish all renellious spirits and daemons,
and even pursuade angels and good spirits.
With this in thy hand, thou art ruler of the Circle.
Next I present the Athame. This is the true witch's weapon and has all the powers of the Magic Sword.
Next I present the White-hilted knife. Its use is to form all instruments used in the Art. It can only be used in a Magic Circle.
Next I present the Wand. Its use is to call up and control certain angels and genii to whom it would not be meet to use the Magic Sword.
Next I present the Cup. This is the vessel of the Goddess, the Cauldron of Cerridwen, the Holy Grail of Immortality. From this we drink in comradeship, and in honour of the Goddess.
Next I present the Pantacle. This is for the purpose of calling up appropriate spirits.
Next I present the Scourge. This is the sign of power and domination. It is also used to cause purification and enlightenment. For it is written: 'To learn you must suffer and be purified.' Art thou willing to suffer to learn ?"
C: "I am."
H: "Next and lastly I present the Cords. They are of use to bind the sigils of the Art; also the material basis; also they are necessary in the Oath.
I now salute thee in the name of Aradia, newly made priest[ess] and witch." [kiss]
H and P now face the new Initiate and deliver the Charge.
The Initiate may consecrate his athame here; he must consecrate it before using it.
Cakes and Wine.
The Initiate is now presented to each Quarter in turn by the Hierophant, saying:
H: "Hear ye Mighty Ones of the East [S./W./N.]; N... has been consecrated priest[ess], witch and hidden child of the Goddess." [to north declaim: "Hear ye Mighty Ones of the North; Boreas, thou guardian of the Northern portals; thou powerful God, thou gentle Goddess; N... .... (etc.)]
Close Circle.
A "graduation" party should follow.
Initiation of the Second Degree
HPS casts Circle as usual. Esbat
rite is followed to end
of Invocation of the Horned God.
Candidate, properly prepared (in centre of Circle), is bound and
blindfolded as in the First Degree, but with the addition of a blue cord
bound about the knees. Hierophant leads Candidate to each Quarter in
turn,
proclaiming:
H: "Hear ye O Mighty Ones of the East [S, W, N], N....,
a
duly consecrated Priest(ess) and Witch is now
properly prepared to be made a High Priest and
Magus
(High Priestess and Witch Queen)."
Candidate is returned to center, facing altar. Coven links hands
and thrice circle C.
Candidate is now assisted to kneel and rebound securely, facing altar.
Hierophant says:
H: "To attain to this sublime degree, it is necessary to suffer
and
be purified. Art thou willing to suffer to learn ?"
C: "I am."
H: "I purify thee to take this great Oath rightly."
The bell is rung thrice and purification follows: 3, 7, 9, 21 (=40)
strokes. Scourge and bell are returned to the altar as Hierophant says:
H: "I now give thee a new name, N.... What is thy name ?"
(giving
light smack or push)
C: "My name is N.... ."
Each member of the Coven in turn gives Candidate a light swat or push,
asking:
Each Covener: "What is thy name ?"
Candidate responds to each with his (her) new name. When all have put
the question, all return to their places and H. administers the Oath
saying:
H: "Repeat thy new name after me: I, N...., swear upon my mother's
womb,
and by mine honour among men and my Brothers and Sisters
of
the Art, that I will never reveal, to any at all, any of the
secrets of the Art, except it be to a worthy person, properly
prepared, in the center of a Magic Circle such as I am now in;
and
that I will never deny the secrets to such a person, if he
or
she has been properly vouched for by a Brother or Sister of
the
Art. All this I swear by my hopes of salvation, my past
lives
and my hopes of future ones to come; and I devote myself
and
my measure to utter destruction if I break this my solemn
oath."
Kneeling, H. places left hand under Candidate's knee and right hand
upon his (her) head to form the Magical Link and concentrates long
enough
to fully charge C., saying:
H: "I will all my power into thee."
Candidate's knees and ankles are now unbound, and he/she is assisted
to rise. Hierophant takes up oil and anoints C. at pubes, right breast,
left hip, right hip, left breast, and above pubic hair again, saying:
H: "I consecrate thee with oil."
And again with wine, saying:
H: "I consecrate thee with wine."
And lastly kisses Candidate in the same pattern:
H: "I consecrate thee with my lips,
High
Priest(ess) and Magus (Witch Queen)."
The blindfold and cable-tow are now removed and the Initiate
is congratulated by coveners.
H. takes up Magic Sword from altar, saying:
H: "You will now show
the use of each of the Working Tools in turn.
First
the Magic Sword." (S)
(Initiate silently redraws Circle and returns Sword with a S.)
H: "Second the Athame." (S)
(Initiate again recasts Circle in silence. S)
H: "Third, the White-Hilted Knife." (S)
(Initiate inscribes pentagram in new white candle. S)
H: "Fourth, the Wand." (S)
(Initiate circumambulates presenting Wand to each Quarter. S)
H: "Fifth, the Cup." (S)
(Initiate consecrates wine; may be assisted by H. S)
H: "Sixth, the Pentacle." (S)
(Initiate consecrates cakes; may be assisted by H. S)
H: "Seventh, the Cords." (S)
(Initiate, with help from Partner, binds H. as s/he was bound
to take this degree. S)
H: "Eighth, the Scourge. For learn, in Witchcraft you must ever
give
as you receive, but ever triple. So where I gave thee
three, return nine; where I gave thee seven, return twenty-one;
where
I gave thee nine, return twenty-seven; where I gave
thee
twenty-one, return sixty-three."
(Initiate gives 9, 21, 27, 63 = 120 strokes with Scourge.)
H: "Though hast obeyed the Law. But mark well, when thou receivest
good,
so equally art thou bound to return good threefold."
H. is unbound and assisted to rise, then leads Initiate to wach Quarter
in turn, saying:
H: "Hear ye, Mighty Ones of the East [S. W. N.]:
N....
has been duly consecrated High Priest(ess) and Magus
(Witch Queen)."
H. leads Initiate back to center of Circle, saying:
H: "Having learned this far, you must know why the Wicca are
called the Hidden Children of the Goddess."
Proceed with the Legend of the Descent of the Goddess. Generally
Initiate and Hierophant act the appropriate parts. H. appoints Narrator
and Guardian.
Initiation of the Third Degree
HPS sits upon the altar, facing South, in the Osiris
position. HP kneels
before her, kisses both knees, extends arms along
thighs, and adores. HP
then fetches filled chalice and celebrates Wine and
Cakes. HP
again kneels
before HPS,
kisses knees and extends arms in adoration as before. Both
rise.
HP says:
HP:
"Ere I proceed with this sublime rite, I must beg purification
at thy hands."
HPS takes up a red
cord and binds his arms, then taking up the cable-tow,
leads him once
about the Circle.
HP kneels
facing altar.
Scourge.
HP rises and
is unbound whereupon he binds HPS as she bound him,
leads her
about the Circle and scourges her as she kneels before the altar.
HPS rises and
HP takes her by the cable-tow to each Quarter in turn,
saying:
HP:
"Here ye, Mighty Ones of the East [S, W, N]:
the twice consecrated and holy N....,
High Priestess and Witch Queen [High Priest and Magus],
is properly prepared,
and will now proceed to erect the Sacred Altar."
HP unties HPS and
says:
HP:
"Now again I must beg purification."
HPS binds him,
leads him about the Circle and Scourges him kneeling
before the
altar, as before.
He stands and
is unbound and says:
HP:
"Now I must reveal a great mystery."
HPS stands vefore
altar in God Position.
HP gives her
Fivefold Salute. [After he kisses feet, HPS opens into
Goddess
position, still holding scourge and athame].
HPS then sets scourge
and athame aside and lies in the middle of the Circle
with her head
to the East and her womb in the shekinah point. HP kneels
beside her
facing North. [At each point marked (S) below he kisses her
womb unless
instructed otherwise.] HP says:
HP:
"Assist me to erect the ancient altar,
At which in days past all worshipped,
The Great Altar of all things;
For in old times, Woman was the altar.
Thus was the altar made and placed;
And the sacred point was the point within the centre of the Circle.
As we have of old been taught that the point within the centre
is the origin of all things,
Therefore should we adore
it.
[kiss]
Therefore whom we adore we also invoke,
by the power of the Lifted
Lance.
[touch phallus]
O Circle of
Stars
[kiss]
Whereof our father is but the younger
brother [kiss]
Marvel beyond imagination, soul of infinite space,
Before whom time is bewildered and understanding dark,
Not unto thee may we attain unless thine image be love. [kiss]
Therefore by seed and root, by stem and bud,
by leaf and flower and fruit, Do we invoke thee,
O Queen of Space, O dew of light,
Continuous one of the
heavens
[kiss]
Let it be ever thus, that men speak not of thee as one, but as none;
And let them not speak of thee at all, since thou art continuous.
For thou art the point within the
circle
[kiss]
which we
adore,
[kiss]
The fount of life without which we would not
be, [kiss]
And in this way are erected the Holy Twin Pillars.
[kiss breasts, left then right]
In beauty and in strength were they erected,
To the wonder and glory of all men."
[If the Great Rite
is to be actual, non-participants leave, sealing gate
behind.]
"O Secret of Secrets,
That art hidden in the being of all lives,
Not thee do we adore,
For that which adoreth is also thou.
Thou art That, and That am
I.
[kiss]
I am the flame that burns in the heart of every man,
And in the core of every star.
I am life, and the giver of life.
Yet therefore is the knowledge of me the knowledge of death.
I am alone, the Lord within ourselves,
Whose name is Mystery of Mysteries."
HP now kisses HPS
in the Sigil of the Third Degree as follows:
[There's a diagram
in the non-computer version which I can't reproduce. It
shows the
Priestess with the points of the Third Degree Sigil marked on her
body. The
points are: 1. genitals/womb; 2. right foot; 3. left knee; 4.
right knee;
5.left foot; 6. genitals/womb; 7. lips; 8. left breast; 9.
right breast;
10. lips.]
and then lays his
body gently over hers, saying:
"Make
open the path of intelligence between us;
For these
truly are the Five Points of Fellowship -
Foot to
foot,
knee to
knee,
Lance to
Grail,
Breast to
breast,
Lips to
lips.
By the
great and holy name Cernunnos;
In the name
of Aradia;
Encorage
our hearts,
Let the
light crystalize itself in our blood,
Fulfilling
of us resurrection.
For there
is no part of us that is not of the Gods."
.....
HP rises and goes to each Quarter in turn saying:
HP: "Ye Lords of the
Watchtowers of the East [S, W, N];
the thrice
consecrated High Priestess greets you and thanks you."
Notes for Initiates
Yule Ritual
Preparation:
Let all be properly prepared and purified.
In the centre (or just south of centre) of the
Circle stands the
Cauldron of Cerridwen wreathed about with pine
boughs, holly,
ivy and mistletoe and therein is laid a
balefire of nine woods:
rowan, apple, elder, holly, pine, cedar,
juniper, poplar and
dogwood.
The altar is decorated as is
the Cauldron and bears two red candles
as well as an unlit red candle or torch for each
covener present.
There should be no other light except the altar
candles and those
about the Circle.
HP casts the Circle, calling forth the Ancient Ones to
bear witness.
HP draws down the moon upon the HPS and then lights
the balefire.
HP then moves to the north, before the altar, as the
HPS stands in the
south with the coveners in a circle, alternately man
and woman, about the
Cauldron between them.
The circle now moves slowly deosil once about the
Circle. As each passes
the HPS they kiss her upon the cheek; as they pass the
HP, he hands each
one a candle which is lit from the balefire.
Coveners dance slowly deosil as the HP calls:
HP: "Queen of the Moon, Queen of the Sun,
Queen of the Heavens, Queen of the Stars,
Queen of the Waters, Queen of the Earth,
Bring to us the Child of Promise !
It is the Great Mother who gives birth to Him;
It is the Lord of Life who is born again.
Darkness and tears are set aside when the Sun
shall come up early.
Golden Sun of hill and mountain,
Illumine the land, illumine the world,
Illumine the seas, illumine the rivers,
Sorrows be laid, joy to the world !
Blessed be the Great Goddess,
Without beginning, without ending,
Everlasting to eternity.
Io Evoe ! Heh ! Blessed be !
All raise their tapers high and repeat twice the last
line.
HPS joins the dance, leading it with a quieter rhythm.
The burning cauldron is pushed into the centre and the
dancers jump over
it in man and woman couples. The last couple
over the fire should be well
purified, three times each, and may pay an amusing
forfeit as the HPS may
ordain.
Cakes and wine follows and, after the Circle has been
closed, much
merriment, feasting, dancing and games.
Candlemas
The HPS, carrying the Wand, leads the coveners with a dance step to
the chosen site.
The Volta Dance follows: in other words, lively dancing in couples.
HPS casts the Circle in the usual way.
HP then enters the Circle, with a Sword in his right hand
and a Wand in his left. He lays these on the altar.
HP now salutes the HPS with the Fivefold Kiss.
She says 'Blessed be' and gives him the Fivefold Kiss in return.
HP assumes the god position before the altar as the HPS invokes:
HPS: "Dread Lord of Death and Resurrection,
Of Life, and the Giver of Life;
Lord within ourselves, whose name is Mystery of Mysteries;
Encourage our hearts,
Let the Light crystallize itself in our blood,
Fulfilling us of resurrection;
For there is no part of us that is not of the Gods.
Descend, we pray thee, upon thy servant and priest."
Any initiations to be done are done at this point.
The ceremony of Cakes and Wine follows.
The Great Rite is done if at all possible.
Feasting, dancing and games follow the closing of the ritual.
Vernal Equinox (Ostara, Eostre) around September 21
Preparation:
A Symbol of the Wheel is on the altar, flanked with burning candles, or with fire in some form - torches, or small tripods with fire in their cups.
The Symbol of the Wheel may be a plain disc, or an eight spoked wheel, or the pentacle. Alex and Maxine Sanders used a circular mirror with a broad frame, also circular, decorated as a twelve- pointed star.
In the centre of the Circle is either a cauldron full of inflammable material, or (out of doors) a bonfire ready to be lit.
HPS casts the Circle.
HPS then stands in the West, and the HP in the East, both with carrying wands.
HPS: "We kindle this fire today
In the presence of the Holy Ones,
Without malice, without jealousy, without envy,
Without fear of aught beneath the Sun
But the High Gods.
Thee we invoke, O Light of Life;
Be thou a bright flame before us,
Be thou a guiding star above us,
Be thou a smooth path beneath us;
Kindle thou within our hearts
A flame of love for our neighbours,
To out foes, to our friends, to our kindred all,
To all men on the broad earth;
O merciful Son of Cerridwen,
From the lowliest thing that liveth,
To the Name which is highest of all."
HPS then draws invoking pentagram before the HP and then hands the Wand to him, together with the scourge.
The Maiden strikes a light and hands it to the High Priest, who lights the cauldron or bonfire. He (carrying a wand) and the High Priestess (carrying a sistrum) lead the dance, with the rest following in couples. Each couple must leap over the fire. The last couple over the fire before it goes out must be well purified. The man must then give a fivefold kiss to each of the women, as the woman to the men, or any other penalty the HPS shall decide.
Cakes and wine shall follow.
Beltane Ocober 31
Preparation:
Two white candles are on the altar with a wreath of spring flowers.
Quarter candles are green.
HPS leads the coven, riding poles if possible, about the Covenstead with a quick, trotting step, singing:
All: "O do not tell the priests of our Art,
For they would call it sin;
But we will be in the woods all night,
A-conjuring summer in.
And we bring you good news by word of mouth,
For woman, cattle and corn,
For the sun is coming up from the south
With oak and ash and thorn."
A ring dance follows after which the High Priestess casts the Circle.
High Priest draws down the Moon upon the High Priestess.
All are purified in sacrifice before Her.
She then purifies the High Priest at her own hands.
All partake of Cakes and Wine followed by feasting and dancing and singing
and the Great Rite, if at all possible, in token or truly.
Summer Solstice around December 22
The cauldron, filled with water and decorated with flowers, is placed before the altar. HPS casts the Circle and then stands before the Cauldron, wand upraised. HP stands in North behind the altar; coven is in a circle, facing inwards, alternately man and woman. HPS says:
HPS: "Great One of Heaven, Power of the Sun,
We invoke thee in thy ancient names -
Michael, Balin, Arthur, Lugh, Herne;
Come again as of old into this thy land.
Lift up thy shining spear of light to protect us.
Put to flight the powers of darkness.
Give us fair woodlands and green fields,
Blooming orchards and ripening corn.
Bring us to stand upon thy hill of vision,
And show us the lovely realms of the Gods."
HPS traces an invoking pentagram upon the HP with her wand. He comes desoil about the altar picking up his own wand and the scourge. He plunges the wand into the cauldron and holds it up, saying:
HP: "The Spear to the Cauldron, the Lance to the Grail,
Spirit to Flesh, Man to Woman, Sun to Earth."
Saluting HPS with wand, he joins the Coven in their circle. HPS picks up a sprinkler and stands by the cauldron, saying:
HPS: "Dance ye about the Cauldron of Cerridwen, the Goddess, and be ye blessed with the touch of this Ccnsecrated water; even as the Sun, the Lord of Life, ariseth in his strength in the sign of the Waters of Life."
HP leads a slow circle dance deosil about the Cauldron. As each passes, HPS sprinkles them with water from it.
Cakes and wine follow and dances, rites and games as the HPS shall direct. A balefire may be lit and leaped.
Lammas February 2
Poles should be ridden in a ring dance about the Covenstead. And sing the Ancient Call. The casting of the Circle follows. HPS traces the Five Point Star before the Coven saying:
HPS: "O Mighty Mother of us all, Mother of all things living, give us fruit and grain, flocks and herds and children to the tribe, that we may be mighty. By thy Rosey Love, do thou descend upon thy servant and priestess here."
HPS draws down the Moon upon herself and all salute Her. After a brief silence for contemplation, the Ceremony of Cakes and Wine follows.
Autumnal Equinox
The altar is decorated with the symbols of autumn: pine-cones, oak sprigs, acorns, ears of grain, etc.
After the Circle has been cast, the coven stands in a ring facing inwards, men and women alternately. The High Priest stands to the west of the altar and the High Priestess to the east, facing each other. The High Priestess recites:
HPS: "Farewell, O Sun, ever-returning Light,
The hidden God, who ever yet remains,
Who now departs into the Land of Youth
Through the Gates of Death
To dwell enthroned, the Judge of Gods and men,
The horned leader of the hosts of air -
Yet even as he stands unseen about the Circle,
So dwelleth he within the secret seed -
The seed of newly-ripened grain, the seed of flesh;
Hidden in earth, the marvellous seed of the stars.
In him is Life, and Life is the Light of man.
That which never was born, and never dies.
Therefore the wise weep not, but rejoice."
HPS hands HP the wand, and picks up a sistrum; they lead the dance three times round the altar.
The Candle Game is played, followed by cakes and wine and any other games
the High Priestess decides on.
-The Candle game
-The men form a ring facing inwards, either sitting or standing.
The women stand in a ring outside them, standing on something
if too short. The men pass a lighted candle from hand to hand,
deosil, while the women lean forward and try to blow it out.
-The man who holds it when it is blown out gets three flicks of the
scourge from the successful blower, and must give her the Fivefold
Kiss in return. The candle is relit and the game proceeds.
Samhain (Hallowmas) April 30
Consecrating a Sword or Athame
Consecrating Other Working Tools
The Working Tools
Making Tools
Esbat Ritual
Drawing Down the Moon
The Great Rite
(Alternative Verse Version of Priest's Declamation)
Air
Earth
Fire
Water
Cake Blessing
Wine Blessing
Cone of Power
The Cone of Power
Properly Prepared
To Make Anointing Ointment
The Ways of Making Magic
Ancient Call
The Ordeal of the Art of Magic
Power
To Leave the Body
To Get the Sight
Various Instructions
The Witches' Round
The Meeting Dance
Various Aphorisms (Proverbs)
Besom Chant
Invocation to the Horned God
