Public Contents of the Book of Shadows

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft

There is really no such thing as the text of the Book of Shadows, because Gardner never bothered to word things the same way twice; whenever he copied something, he simultaneously rewrote it. But

this, of course, is the way that an author treats his own original material; it is not how anyone treats authoritative texts preserved from an earlier generation.

I have grouped the documents according to the dates when they were written; these dates are accurate to within a year or so, and the point to providing them, of course, is to emphasize that these documents are modern creations, NOT anything preserved from ancient or medieval tradition.

Material or comments added to these documents later on I have enclosed in square brackets [these things].

[7] Light candles; say, "I exorcise thee, O Creature of Fire, that every kind of Phantasm may retire from thee, and be unable to harm or deceive in any way, in the names of Aradia and Cernunnos."

[8] Caution initiate (if any); warn companions; enter circle and close doors with 3 pentagrams.

[9] Proclaim object of working

[10] Circumambulate 3 times or more before commencing work.

[11] Summon: "I summon, stir, and Call thee up, thou Mighty Ones of the East, South, West, and North." Salute and draw pentacle with Magic Sword or Athame, the first stroke being from the top down to the left.

(kissing feet) "Blessed be thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways";

(kissing knees) "Blessed be thy knees, that shall kneel at the sacred altar";

(kissing womb) "Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be";

(kissing breasts) "Blessed be thy breasts, formed in beauty and in strength";

(kissing lips) "Blessed be thy lips, that shall speak the sacred names."

Women all bow.

If there be an initiation, then at this time the Magus and the High Priestess in Goddess position (Arms Crossed) says the Charge while the Initiate stands outside the circle.

Magus: "Listen to the words of the Great mother, who of old was also called among men Artemis, Astarte, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Diana, Arianrhod, Bride, and by many other names."

High Priestess: "At mine Altars the youth of Lacedaemon in Sparta made due sacrifice.

"Whenever ye have need of anything, once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, ye shall assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of Me who am Queen of all Witcheries and magics.

"There ye shall 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, both men and women, and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music, and love, all in my praise.

"There is a Secret Door that I have made to establish the way to taste even on earth the elixir of immortality. Say, ‘Let ecstasy be mine, and joy on earth even to me, To Me,’ For I am a gracious Goddess. I give unimaginable joys on earth, certainty, not faith, while in life! And upon death, peace unutterable, rest, and ecstasy, nor do I demand aught in sacrifice."

Magus: "Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess."

High Priestess: "I love you: I yearn for you: pale or purple, veiled or voluptuous.

"I who am all pleasure, and purple and drunkenness of the innermost senses, desire you. Put on the wings, arouse the coiled splendor within you.

"Come unto me, for I am the flame that burns in the heart of every man, and the core of every Star.

"Let it be your inmost divine self who art lost in the constant rapture of infinite joy.

"Let the rituals be rightly performed with joy and beauty. Remember that all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals. So let there be beauty and strength, leaping laughter, force and fire by within you.

"And if thou sayest, ‘I have journeyed unto thee, and it availed me not,’ rather shalt thou say, ‘I called upon thee, and I waited patiently, and Lo, thou wast with me from the beginning,’ for they that ever desired me shall ever attain me, even to the end of all desire."

This much of the rites must ever be performed to prepare for any initiation, whether of one degree or of all three.

I must be thy sponsor, as well as priest. I am about to give you a warning. If you are still of the same mind, answer it with these words: ‘Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.’"

Placing the point of the sword to the Postulant’s breast, he says, "O thou who standeth on the threshold between the pleasant world of men and the domains of the Dread Lords of the Outer Spaces, hast thou the courage to make the Assay? For I tell thee verily, it were better to rush on my weapon and perish miserably than to make the attempt with fear in thy heart."

Postulant: "I have two Passwords: Perfect Love and Perfect Trust."

Magus drops the sword point, saying, "All who approach with perfect love and perfect trust are doubly welcome."

Going around behind her, he blindfolds her, then putting his left arm around her waist and his right arm around her neck, he pulls her head back, says, "I give you the 3^rd password, a Kiss to pass through this dread Door," and pushes her forward with his body, through the doorway and into the circle. Once inside, he releases her saying, "This is the way all are first brought into the circle."

Magus closes the doorway by drawing the point of the sword across it three times, joining all three circles, saying, "Agla, Azoth, Adonai," then drawing three pentacles to seal it.

Magus guides Postulant to south of altar, and whispers, "Now there is the Ordeal." Taking a short piece of cord from the altar, he ties it around her right ankle, saying, "Feet neither bound nor free."

Taking a longer cord, he ties her hands together behind her back, then pulls them up, so that the arms form a triangle, and ties the cord around her neck, leaving the end dangling down in front as a Cable Tow.

With the Cable Tow in his left hand and the sword in his right hand, the Magus leads her sunwise around the circle to the east, where he salutes with the sword and proclaims, "Take heed, O Lords of the Watchtowers of the East, (name), properly prepared, will be made a Priestess and a Witch."

Magus leads her similarly to the south, west, and north, making the proclamation at each quarter.

Next, clasping Postulant around the waist with his left arm, and holding the sword erect in his right hand, he makes her circumambulate three times around the circle with a half-running, half-dancing step.

He halts her at the south of the altar, and strikes eleven knells on the bell. He then kneels at her feet, saying, "In other religions the postulant kneels, as the Priests claim supreme power, but in the Art Magical, we are taught to be humble, so we kneel to welcome them and say:

"Blessed be thy feet that have brought thee in these ways." (He kisses her feet.)

"Blessed be thy knees that shall kneel at the sacred altar." (He kisses her knees.)

"Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be." (He kisses her Organ of Generation.)

"Blessed by thy breasts, formed in beauty and in strength." (He kisses her breasts.)

"Blessed be thy lips, which shall utter the sacred names." (He kisses her lips.)

Take measure thus: height, around forehead, across the heart, and across the genitals.

Magus says, "Be pleased to kneel," and helps her kneel before the altar. He ties the end of the Cable Tow to a ring in the altar, so that the postulant is bent sharply forward, with her head almost touching the floor. He also ties her feet together with the short cord.

Magus strikes three knells on the bell and says, "Art ready to swear that thou wilt always be true to the Art?"

Magus strikes eleven knells on the bell, takes the scourge from the altar, and gives a series of three, seven, nine, and 21 strokes with the scourge across the postulant’s buttocks.

Magus says, "Ye have bravely passed the test. Art always ready to help, protect, and defend thy Brothers and Sisters of the Art?"

Magus: "Then say after me. ‘I, (name), in the presence of the Mighty Ones, do of my own will and accord, most solemnly swear 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. All 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.’"

Magus now unbinds her feet, unties the Cable Tow from the altar, removes the blindfold, and helps her up to her feet.

Magus now unbinds her hands and removes the last cord, saying, "Now I Present to thee the Working Tools of a Witch.

"First the Magic Sword. With this, as with the Athame, thou canst form all Magic Circles, dominate, subdue, and punish all rebellious Spirits and Demons, and even persuade the Angels and Geniuses.

With this in your hand you are the ruler of the Circle. [Here "kiss" means that the initiate kisses the tool, and the Magus then kisses the Witch being initiated.]

"Next I present the Athame. This is the true Witch’s weapon and has all the powers of the Magic Sword [kiss].

"Next I present the White-Handled Knife. Its use is to form all instruments used in the Art. It can only be properly used within a Magic Circle [Kiss].

"Next I present the Wand. Its use is to call up and control certain Angels and geniuses, to whom it would not be mete to use the Magic Sword [Kiss].

"Next I present the pentacles. These are for the purpose of calling up appropriate Spirits [Kiss].

"Next I present the Censer of Incense. This is used to encourage and welcome Good Spirits and to banish Evil Spirits.[kiss]

"Next I present the scourge. This is a sign of power and domination. It is also to cause suffering and purification, for it is written, to learn you must suffer and be purified. Art willing to suffer to learn?"

Witch: "I am."[Kiss]

Magus: "Next, and lastly I present the Cords. They are of use to bind the sigils in the Art, the material basis, and to enforce thy will. Also they are necessary in the oath. I Salute thee in the name of Aradia and Cernunnos, Newly made Priestess and Witch."

Magus strikes seven knells on the bell and kisses Witch again, then circumambulates with her, proclaiming to the four quarters, "Hear, ye Mighty Ones, (name) hath been consecrated Priestess and Witch of the Gods."

(Note, if ceremony ends here, close circle with "I thank ye for attending, and I dismiss ye to your pleasant abodes. Hail and farewell." If not, go to next degree.)

[Second Degree]

Magus binds Witch as before, but does not blindfold her, and circumambulates with her, proclaims to the four quarters, "Hear, ye Mighty Ones, (name), a duly consecrated Priestess and Witch, is now properly prepared to be made a High Priestess and Witch Queen."

Magus now leads her thrice around the circle with the half-running, half-dancing step, halts south of the altar, has the Witch kneel, and ties her down to the altar as before.

Magus: "To attain this sublime degree, it is necessary to suffer and be purified. Art ready to suffer to Learn?"

Magus: "Repeat thy new name after me, <saying> I, (name), swear upon my mother’s womb and by mine Honor among men and among 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. This I swear by my hopes of Salvation, my past lives, and my hopes of future ones to come, and I devote myself to utter destruction if I break this my solemn oath."

Magus kneels, placing left hand under her knees and right hand on her head, thus forming magic link.

Magus: "I hereby will all my power into you." Wills.

Magus now unties her feet, unties the Cable Tow from the altar, and helps the Witch to her feet.

Magus: "I hereby sign and consecrate you with the great Magic Sign. Remember how it is formed and you will always recognize it.

"I consecrate thee with oil." (He anoints her with oil on her womb, right breast, left hip, right hip, left breast, and womb again, thus tracing a point-down pentacle.)

"I consecrate thee with wine." (He anoints her with wine in the same pattern.)

"I consecrate thee with my lips" (he kisses her in the same pattern), "High Priestess and Witch Queen."

Magus now unbinds Witch’s hands and removes the cord, saying, "Newly made High Priestess and Witch Queen" [kiss] "you will now use the working tools in turn. First, the Magic Sword; with it you will scribe the Magic Circle [kiss]

Magus: "Learn, in Witchcraft, thou must ever return triple. As I scourged thee, so thou must scourge me, but triple. So where you received 3, return 9; where you received 7, return 21; where you received 9, return 27; where you received 21, return 63."

Magus, taking the new Initiate by the hand and holding the Athame in the other, passes once round the Circle, proclaiming at the Four Quarters, "Hear, Ye Mighty Ones, (name) hath been duly consecrated High Priestess and Witch Queen."

(Note, if ceremony ends here, close circle with "Hail and farewell." If not go to next degree.)

[Third Degree]

Magus: "Ere we proceed with this sublime degree, I must beg purification at thy hands."

High Priestess binds Magus and ties him down to the altar. She circumambulates three times, and scourges Magus with three, seven, nine, and 21 strokes. She then unbinds him and helps him to his feet.

Magus now binds the High Priestess and ties her down to the altar. He circumambulates, proclaiming to the four quarters, "Hear, ye mighty Ones, the twice consecrate and Holy (name), High Priestess and Witch Queen, is properly prepared and will now proceed to erect the Sacred Altar."

Magus scourges High Priestess with three, seven, nine, and 21 strokes.

Cakes and wine may now be taken [see section A.5].

Magus: "Now I must reveal to you a great Mystery." [kiss].

Note: if High Priestess has performed this rite before, omit these words.

High Priestess assumes Osiris position.

Magus: "Assist me to erect the Ancient Altar, at which in days past all worshipped, the Great Altar of all things. For in the old times a woman was the Altar. Thus was the altar made and so placed [Priestess lies down in such a way that her vagina is approximately at the center of the circle], and the sacred place was the point within the center of the circle, as we of old times have been taught, that the point within the center 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." Invokes.

"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 ashamed, the mind bewildered and understanding dark, not unto thee may we attain unless thine image be of love [kiss].

"Therefore, by seed and root, and stem and bud and leaf and flower and fruit do we invoke thee, O, Queen of space, O dew of light, O 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 truly are erected the Holy Twin Pillars Boaz and Jachin [kisses breasts]. In beauty and strength were they erected, to the wonder and glory of all men."

(Eightfold Kiss: 3 points, Lips, 2 Breasts and back to lips; 5 points)

"O Secrets 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 every man, and in the core of every star [kiss].

"I am Life and the giver of Life, yet therefore is the knowledge of me the Knowledge of Death [kiss].

"I am alone, the Lord within ourselves whose name is Mystery of Mysteries [kiss].

"Make open the path of intelligence between us. For these truly are the 5 points of fellowship [on the right appears an illuminated diagram of the point-up triangle above the pentacle, the symbol for the third degree], feet to feet, knee to knee, groin to groin, breast to breast, arms around back, lips to lips, by the Great and Holy Names Abracadabra, Aradia, and Cernunnos.

Magus and High Priestess: "Encourage our hearts, Let thy Light crystallize itself in our blood, fulfilling us of Resurrection, for there is no part of us that is not of the Gods."

Closing the Circle

High Priestess Circumambulates, proclaiming, "The twice consecrate High Priestess greets ye Mighty Ones, and dismisseth ye to your pleasant abodes. Hail and Farewell." She draws the banishing pentacle at each quarter.

Magus: "As the Athame is the Male, so the Cup is the female; so, conjoined, they bring blessedness."

Witch lays aside Athame, takes Cup in both hands, drinks and gives drink.

Magus Holds Paten to Witch, who blesses with Athame, then eats and gives to Eat.

It is said that in olden days ale or mead was often used instead of wine. It is said that spirits or anything can be used so long as it has life.

"Eko, eko, Azarak Eko, eko, Zomelak Bazabi lacha bachabe Lamac cahi achababe Karrellyos Lamac lamac Bachalyas cabahagy sabalyos Baryolos Lagoz atha cabyolas Samahac atha famolas Hurrahya!"

Yet is the knowledge of thee the knowledge of death. Open wide, I pray thee, thy gates through which all must pass. Let our dear ones who have gone before, return this night to make merry with us. And when our time comes, as it must, O thou the comforter, the consoler, the giver of peace and rest, we will enter thy realms gladly and unafraid, for we know that when rested and refreshed among our dear ones, we shall be born again by thy grace and the grace of the Great Mother. Let it be in the same place and the same time as our beloved ones, and may we meet and know, and love them again.

February Eve

After usual opening, all are doubly purified [that is, with eighty strokes].

Dance round outside circle, High Priestess with sword girded on and drawn, Phallic wand in left hand.

High Priestess gives Fivefold Kiss, invokes: "Dread Lord of death and Resurrection, life and the giver of life, Lord within ourselves, whose name is Mystery of Mysteries, encourage our hearts. Let the light crystalize 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 this thy servant and Priest (name)."

All should be purified in sacrifice before him. He then purifies the High Priestess with his own hands, and others if he will.

May Eve

If possible ride poles, brooms, etc. High Priestess leading, quick dance step, singing

"O do not tell the priests of our arts.For they would call it sin, For we will be in the woods all nightA conjuring summer in.

And we bring you good news by word of mouthFor women, cattle, and corn:

The sun is coming up from the south,With oak and ash, and thorn."

Magus invokes, draws down moon, "I invoke thee and call upon thee, O mighty Mother of us all, bringer of all fruitfulness, By seed and root, by stem and bud, by leaf and flower and fruit, by life and love, do we invoke thee, to descend upon the body of thy servant and Priestess here."

Magus invokes her: "O mighty Mother of us all, Mother of all fruitfulness, give us fruit and grain, flocks and herds and children to the tribe that we be mighty, by thy rosy love, do thou descend upon thy servant and Priestess (name) here."

The women form circle outside, trying to blow it out over their shoulders. Whoever’s hand it is in when it is blown out is 3 times purified by whoever blew it out, giving fivefold Kiss in return. This game may go on as long as the people like.

Before Thee! I invoke thee at the end

Thy foot is to my lips! My sighs inborn

And bring me luck who am lonely and forlorn.

Ask the Goddess to help you to obtain your desires, then Scourge again to bind the spell. This be

powerful in ill luck and for sickness. It must be said in a Circle, and you must be properly prepared

and well purified, both before and after saying, to bind the spell.

Before starting you must make a very clear picture in your mind of what you wish. Make yourself see

the wish obtained. Be sure in your own mind exactly what it is and how it is to be fulfilled.

This spell is the one that was taught to me long ago and I have found it works, but I don’t think there

is any special virtue in these words. Any others can be substituted provided they ask the goddess’s (or

gods’) help, and say clearly what you wish and you form the clear mental image; and if it doesn’t work

at first, keep on trying till it works. Your helper, who wields the scourge, must know what you wish,

and also form the mental image. And at first at any rate, it will be better for you to work the spell,

then for the girl to take your place and work it also; you scourge her. Don’t try anything difficult at

first, and do it at least once a week till it works. You have to get into sympathy with each other, before

should be the scourge, followed by a forfeit such as several fivefold kisses or something of this nature.

The culprit must acknowledge the justice of the punishment by kissing hands and scourge on receiving

sentence and again when thanking for punishment received.*

[3] The scourgings are 3, 7, 9 (thrice three), and 21 (thrice seven) 40 in all. It is not meet to make

offerings [scourgings] of less than two score to the Goddess, for here be a mystery. The fortunate

numbers be: 3 and 5. For three added to two (the Perfect Couple) be five. And three and five be

eight; eight and five be thirteen; thirteen and eight be twenty-one.

The Fivefold Kiss is called 5, but there are 8 kisses, for there be 2 feet and 2 knees and genitals and

2 breasts and the lips. And 5 times 8 be two score. Also, fortunate numbers be 3, 7, 8, and 21, which

total 40, or two score. For each man and woman hath ten fingers and ten toes, so each totals a score.

dried leaves pounded. Place pans in hot water bath. Stir and cook for several hours, then pout into

linen bags, and squeeze grease through into pans again, and fill up with fresh leaves. After doing this

several times, the grease will be highly perfumed. Then mix all together and store in a well-corked

A woman may impersonate either the God or the Goddess, but a man may only impersonate the God.

Keep this book in your own hand of write. Let brothers and Sisters copy what they will, but never

let this book out of your hands, and never keep the writings of another, for if it be found in their hand

of write, they may well be taken and tortured. Each should guard his own writings and destroy them

whenever danger threatens. Learn as much as you may by heart, and when the danger is past, rewrite

your book. For this reason, if any die, destroy their book if they have not been able to, for, if it be

found, ‘tis clear proof against them. "Ye may not be a Witch alone"; so all their friends be in danger

of the torture. So destroy everything not necessary.

If your book be found on you, ‘tis clear proof against you. You may be tortured. Keep all thought

of the cult from your mind. Say you had bad dreams, that a Devil caused you to write this without

your knowledge. Think to yourself, "I Know Nothing. I Remember nothing. I have forgotten all."

Drive this into your mind. If the torture be too great to bear, say, "I will confess. I cannot bear this

torment. What do you want me to say? Tell me and I will say it." If they try to make you talk of the

brotherhood, do not, but if they try to make you speak of impossibilities, such as flying through the

air, consorting with the Devis, sacrificing children, or eating men’s flesh, say, "I had an evil dream.

If you be condemned, fear not. The Brotherhood is powerful. They may help you to escape if you

are steadfast. If you betray aught, there is no hope for you, in this life, or in that which is to come.

But, ‘tis sure, that if steadfast you go to the pyre, drugs will reach you. You will feel naught, and you

go but to Death and what lies beyond, the ecstasy of the Goddess.

The same with the working Tools. Let them be as ordinary things that anyone may have in their

homes. The Pentacles shall be of wax that they may be melted or broken at once. Have no sword

unless your rank allows you one. Have no names or signs on anything. Write them on in ink before

scourge each other in an octagon, did better still; but they apparently did not know the virtue of bonds

and did evil, man to man.

But perhaps some did know? What of the Church’s charge that they wore girdles or cords?

1 Meditation or Concentration. This in practice means forming a mental image of what is desired, and

forcing yourself to see that it is fulfilled, with the fierce belief and knowledge that it can and will be

precautions, to see that the person who uses it has no control over the supply. This should be doled

These are all the ways. You may combine many of them into the one experiment, the more the better.

The Five Essentials:

1. The most important is "Intention": you must know that you can and will succeed; it is essential in

4. You all must be properly purified, several times if necessary, and this purification should be

repeated several times during the rite.

5. You must have properly consecrated tools.

These five essentials and Eight Paths or Ways cannot all be combined in one rite. Meditation and

dancing do not combine well, but forming the mental image and the dance may be well combined with

Chants. Spells, etc., combined with scourging and No. 6, followed by No. 8, form a splendid

combination. Meditation, following scourging, combined with Nos. 3 and 4 and 5, are also very

Good. For short cuts concentration, Nos. 5, 6, 7, and 8 are excellent.

[6] Remember, the Circle, properly constructed, is ever necessary to prevent the power released from

being dissipated. It is also a barrier against any disturbances of mischievous forces, for to obtain good

results you must be free from all disturbances. Remember that darkness, points of light gleaming amid

the surrounding dark, incense, and the steady passes by a white arm are not stage effects. They are

the mechanical implements which start the suggestions, which later unlocks the knowledge that it is

possible to obtain the divine ecstasy, and so attain knowledge and communion with the Divine

Goddess. When once you have attained this, Ritual is not needed, as you may attain the state of

ecstasy at will, but till then, or if you having attained this yourself, and wish to bring a companion to

this state of joy, ritual is best.

meaningless shrieking produces power. But this method inflames the mind and renders it difficult to

control the power, though control may be gained through practice. The scourge is a far better way,

for it stimulates and excites both body and soul, yet one easily retains control.

The Great Rite is far the best. It releases enormous power, but the conditions and circumstances make

it difficult for the mind to maintain control at first. It is again a matter of practice and the natural

strength of the operator’s will and, in a lesser degree, of those of his assistants. If, as of old, there were

many trained assistants present and all wills properly attuned, wonders occurred.

Sorcerors chiefly used the blood sacrifice; and while we hold this to be evil, we cannot deny that this

method is very efficient. Power flashes forth from newly shed blood, instead of exuding slowly as by

our method. The victim’s terror and anguish add keenness, and even quite a small animal can yield

enormous power. The great difficulty is in the human mind controlling the power of the lower animal

mind. But sorcerers claim they have methods for effecting this and that the difficulty disappears the

direct and use it; and it is most probable that the classical and heathen sacrifices were used in the same

way. There are whispers that when the human victim was a willing sacrifice, with his mind directed

on the Great Work and with highly skilled assistants, wonders ensued but of this I would not speak.

The Maiden should lead. A man should place both hands on her waist, standing behind her, and

alternate men and women should do the same, the Maiden leading and they dance following her. She

at last leads them into a right-hand spiral. When the center is reached (and this had better be marked

by a stone), she suddenly turns and dances back, kissing each man as she comes to him. All men and

women turn likewise and dance back, men kissing girls and girls kissing men. All in time to music,

it is a merry game, but must be practices to be done well. Note, the musicians should watch the

dancers and make the music fast or slow as is best. For the beginners it should be slow, or there will

be confusion. It is most excellent to get people to know each other at big gatherings.

having made your circle, erect an altar. Any small table or chest will do. There must be fire on it (a

candle will suffice) and your book. For good results incense is best if you can get it, but coals in a

chafing dish burning sweet-smelling herbs will do. A cup if you would have cakes and wine, and a

platter with the signs drawn into the same in ink, showing a pentacle. A scourge is easily made (note,

the scourge has eight tails and five knots in each tail). Get a white-hilted knife and a wand (a sword

is not necessary). Cut the marks with Athame. Purify everything, then consecrate your tools in proper

form and ever be properly prepared. But ever remember, magical operations are useless unless the

mind can be brought to the proper attitude, keyed to the utmost pitch.

Affirmations must be made clearly, and the mind should be inflamed with desire. With this frenzy of

will, you may do as much with simple tools as with the most complete set. But good and especially

ancient tools have their own aura. They do help to bring about that reverential spirit, the desire to

learn and develop your powers. For this reason witches ever try to obtain tools from sorcerers, who,

being skilled men, make good tools and consecrate them well, giving them mighty power. But a great

witch’s tools also gain much power; and you should ever strive to make any tools you manufacture of

the finest materials you can obtain, to the end that they may absorb your power the more easily. And

of course if you may inherit or obtain another witch’s tools, power will flow from them.

It is an old belief that the best substances for making tools are those that have once had life in them,

as opposed to artificial substances. Thus wood or ivory is better for a wand than metal, which is more

appropriate for knives or swords. Virgin parchment is better than manufactured paper for talismans,

etc. And things which have been made by hand are good, because there is life in them.

Lords of the OUTER SPACES, that Thou be cleansed, Purified, and strengthened to be a Guardian

and a Protection that shall preserve and contain THAT POWER which we so earnestly desire to raise

within thy bounds this night, wherefore do I bless thee and entreat thee to aid me in the endeavor, in

the names of Aradia and Cernunnos." Hands sword to Magus [handwritten].

[5] Magus then summons the Mighty Ones as usual.

[6] High Priestess stands in front of Altar (which may be pushed back for this). High Priestess

assumes Goddess position (arms crossed). Magus kneeling in front of her, draws pentacle on her

body with Phallus-headed Wand, Invokes (Drawing down the Moon), "I Invoke and beseech Thee,

O mighty MOTHER of all life and fertility. ‘By seed and root, by stem and bud, by leaf and flower

and fruit, by Life and Love, do I invoke Thee’ to descend into the body of thy servant and High

Priestess (name)." (The Moon having been drawn down, i.e., link established, Magus and all male

officers give fivefold kiss; all others bow.)

[7] High Priestess in Goddess position says Arms Crossed

"Mother, Darksome and Divine,Mine the Scourge and Mine the Kiss,The Five-point Star of Love and

Bow before my Spirit bright (All bow)Aphrodite, Arianrhod,Lover of the Horned God, Queen of Witchery and Night.

Diana, Brigid, Melusine,

Hell’s dark mistress, Heaven’s Queen.

Ye who ask of me a boon,

By the light of the full moon.

Dance about mine altar stone,

I bring ye secrets yet unknown.

No more shall ye know slavery

In sign that ye are truly free.

Keep ye my mysteries in mirth,

That bring ye ecstasy on Earth.

No other law but love I know;

From me they come, to me they go.

"We kindle fire this day!

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 in our hearts within,A flame of love for our neighbor, To our foes, to our friends, to our kindred all:To all men on this broad Earth.

O merciful son of CerridwenFrom the lowest thing that liveth To the name that is highest of all."

High Priestess draw pentacle upon Magus with wand, kiss, gives it to him. He does likewise. They

lead the dance round the circle, all couples leaping burning fire. The last couple as the fire goes out

flowers. The people, men and women alternately, stand round circle.

High Priestess stands in north, before Cauldron, holding raised wand, which should be Phallic or

tipped with a pinecone (anciently the thyrsus) or a riding pole or a broomstick, invokes the sun.

"Great One of Heaven, Power of the Sun, we invoke thee in thine 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, blossoming

orchards and ripening corn. Bring us to stand upon thy hill of vision, and show us the path to the

lovely realms of the gods."

High Priestess draws invoking pentacle on Magus with wand.

Magus comes forward sunwise and takes wand with kiss, plunges wand into Cauldron and holds it

upright, saying, "The spear to the Cauldron, the lance to the Grail, spirit to flesh, man to woman, sun

to earth." He salutes High Priestess over Cauldron, then rejoins people, still bearing wand.

High Priestess takes aspergillum, stands by Cauldron, says, "Dance ye about the Cauldron of

Cerridwen the Goddess, and be ye blessed with the touch of this consecrated water, even as the sun,

the lord of light, arriveth in his strength in the sign of the waters of life."

The people dance sunwise about the altar and Cauldron, led by Magus bearing wand. High Priestess

and should have fire or burning incense on it as usual. After usual purification, the people stand

round, men and women alternately. Magus at west of altar in God position.

High Priestess stands at east of altar, facing him, and reads the incantation.

"Farewell, O Sun, ever returning light. The hidden god, who ever yet remains. He departs to the land

of youth, through the gates of death, to dwell enthroned, the judge of gods and man. The horned

leader of the hosts of air. Yet, even as stand unseen about the circle the forms of the Mighty Lords

of the Outer Spaces,. So dwelleth he, ‘the lord within ourselves’. So dwelleth he within the secret

seed, the seed of new reaped grain, the seed of flesh, hidden in the earth, the marvellous seed of the

stars. ‘In him is life, and life is the light of men [John 1:4],’ that which was never born and never dies.

The people begin to slowly move round the circle sunwise. As each passes him the Magus lights his

candle or torch from the fire in the Cauldron, which may be simply a candle, till all have lighted

candles or torches. Then the people dance round slowly as he reads the incantation. (A real fire must

now be kindled in the Cauldron.)

Queen of the Moon, Queen of the Sun.Queen of the Heavens, Queen of the Stars.

Queen of the Waters, Queen of the Earth.Who ordained to us the child of promise:

It is the Great Mother who gives birth to him,He is the Lord of Life who is born again, Darkness and tears are set behind,And the star of guidance comes up early.

Golden sun of hill and mountainIllumine the land, illumine the world Illumine the seas, illumine the rivers,Grief be laid, and joy be raised.

Blessed be the Great MotherWithout beginning, without ending, To everlasting, to eternity,I O. Evohe, Blessed be."

The dance commences slowly, in rhythm with the chant, all taking up the call "I. O. Blessed be." The

Priestess joins dance and leads them with a quicker rhythm. The cauldron with burning fire is pushed

so that the dancers leap or step over it, in couples. Whichever couple is passing it as it goes out,

should be well-purified, three times each, and may pay any amusing forfeit as the High Priestess may

ordain. Sometimes the cauldron is relighted several times for this purpose.

Go round, saying at East, South, West, and North, "I summon, stir, and call thee up, ye Mighty Ones

Lead Postulant sunwise to south of altar, and say, "O thou who hast declared intent to become one

of us, hear then that which thou must know to do. Single is the race of men and of Gods; from a

single source we both draw breath, but a difference of power in everything keeps us apart, for we are

as nothing, but the Gods stay forever. Yet we can, in greatness of minds, be like the Gods, though

we know not to what goal by day or in the night Fate has written that we shall run. Beyond all seas

and Earth’s last boundaries, beyond the Spring of night and the Heavens’ vast expanse, there lies a

majesty which is the domain of the Gods. Thou who would pass through the Gates of Night and Day

to that sweet place, which is between the worlds of men and the domains of the Lords of the outer

spaces, know that unless there is truth in thy heart, thy every effort is doomed to failure. HEAR

THEN THE LAW: that thou lovest all things in nature; that thou shalt suffer no person to be harmed

by thy hands or in thy mind; that thou walkest humbly in the ways of men and the ways of the Gods.

Also it is the law that contentment thou shalt learn, through suffering, and from long years and from

nobility of mind and of purpose, FOR THE WISE NEVER GROW OLD. Their minds are nourished

by living in the daylight of the Gods, and if among the vulgar some discoveries should arise concerning

some maxims of thy belief in the Gods, so do thou, for the most part, keep silent. For there is a great

risk that thou mayest straightway vomit up that which thou hast not digested, and when someone shall

say to thee, "Thou knowest naught," and it bites thee not, then knowest thou that thou hast begun the

work. And as sheep do not bring their food to the shepherd to show how much they have eaten, but

digesting inwardly their provender, bear outwardly wool and milk, even so, do not thou display the

maxims to the vulgar, but rather the works that flow when they are digested. Now there is the ordeal."

[This speech was added after about 1960.]

Tie cord around Postulant’s right ankle, leaving ends free; say, "Feet neither bound nor free."

Leading postulant, proclaim at four quarters, "Take heed, ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the East

postulant’s feet together, and secure cable tow to altar. Three strokes on bell. Say, "Art ready to

swear that thou wilt always be true to the Art?"

Postulant "I am."

Strike seven times on bell and say, "Thou must first be purified." Scourge 3, 7, 9, 21.

Say, "Ye have bravely passed the test. Art always ready to help, protect, and defend thy brothers and

"I hereby sign thee with the triple sign [the point-down triangle formed by touching the genitals, the

"Next I present to you the athame. This is the true witches’ weapon, and has all the powers of the

"Next I present the censer of incense. This is used to encourage and welcome good spirits, and to

banish evil spirits." [kiss]

"Next I present the scourge. This is a 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.’ [kiss] Art

"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." [kiss]

"I now salute you in the names of Aradia and Cernunnos, Newly made Priestess and Witch."

Lead round and proclaim to four quarters, "Hear, ye Mighty Ones, (name) has been consecrated a

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. 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.’"

Kneel. Place Left Hand under Initiate’s Knee and Right Hand on Head, thus forming Magic Link,

saying: "I will all my power into thee." WILL. Loose, assist to rise.

Consecrate: "I consecrate thee with oil [on genitals, right breast, left hip, right hip, left breast, genitals),

I consecrate thee with wine, I consecrate thee with my lips, High Priest and Magus (High Priestess and

return 63." (Use, 9, 21, 27, 63; i.e., 120 in all [kiss]) "Thou hast obeyed the law. But mark well,

when thou receivest good, so equally art bound to return good threefold."

The Priestess or Magus is then loosed from the cords and says: "Having learned thus far, you must

know why the Wicca are called the Hidden Children of the Goddess".

Then the Legend of the Goddess is either read or acted out. If it is possible to act it out, the new

Initiate may take one of the parts. One of the Coven should act as Narrator, and another as Guardian

of the Portal. The Priestess, or another woman, may act the part of the Goddess, and the Magus, or

another man, may act the part of the God. The Priestess—or whoever is taking the part of the

Goddess—takes off her necklace and lays it on the Altar. Then she goes outside the circle and is

dressed in a veil and jewellery. The Magus—or whoever is taking the part of the God—is invested

with a horned crown and girds on a sword, which he draws and stands in the God position with sword

Goddess had never loved, but she would solve all mysteries, even the mystery of Death—and so she

journeyed to the Nether Lands. The Guardians of the Portals challenged her:"

(The Priestess—or whoever is taking the part of the Goddess -- advances to the side of the Circle.

Whoever is taking the part of the Guardian of the Portal challenges her with the Sword or Athame.)

Narrator: "‘Strip off thy garments, lay aside thy jewels, for naught may ye bring with ye into this our

land’. So she laid down her garments and her jewels and was bound, as are all who enter the realms

of Death the Mighty One".

(The Priestess takes off the veil and the jewellery and lays them down outside the Circle. The

Guardian of the Portal binds her with the Cords and brings her inside the Circle.)

Narrator: "Such was her beauty that Death himself knelt and laid his sword and crown at her feet and

kissed her feet."

(The Magus—or whoever is playing the part of the God—comes forward and lays the Horned

Crown and the Sword at the Priestess’s feet and kisses her feet)

Narrator: "Saying, ‘Blessed be thy feet that have brought thee in these ways. Abide with me, but let

me place my cold hand on thy heart’. And she replied, ‘I love thee not. Why dost thou cause all things

that I love and take delight in to fade and die?’ ‘Lady,’ replied Death, ‘’Tis Age and Fate, against which

I am helpless. Age causes all things to wither; but when men die at the end of time, I give them rest

and peace and strength, so that they may return. But you, you are lovely. Return not; abide with me.’

But she answered, ‘I love thee not.’ Then said Death, ‘An you receive not my hand on your heart,

you must receive Death’s scourge.’"

(The Magus rises and takes up the Scourge from the Altar.)

Narrator: "‘It is fate, better so,’ she said, and she knelt."

(The Priestess kneels before the altar, and the Magus uses the scourge 3, 7, 9, 21.)

Narrator: "And Death scourged her tenderly, and she cried, ‘I feel the pangs of love’. And Death

raised her, and said, ‘Blessed be,’ and he gave her the Fivefold Kiss, saying, ‘Thus only may you attain

remember and love them again. But to be reborn you must die and be ready for a new body; to die

you must be born; without love you may not be born—and these be all the magics. And our Goddess

ever inclineth to love and mirth and happiness, and guardeth and cheriseth Her hidden children in life;

and in death she teacheth the way to have communion, and even in this world She teacheth them the

Mystery of the Magic Circle, which is placed between the worlds."

The Priestess or Magus then replaces the Sword, Crown, Scourge, etc., upon the Altar, and taking the

new Initiate by the hand and holding the Athame in the other, passes once round the Circle,

proclaiming at the Four Quarters, "Hear, Ye Mighty Ones, . . . hath been duly consecrated High Priest

and Magus (or High Priestess and Witch Queen)."

Magus kisses her feet. "Ere I dare proceed with this sublime degree, I must again beg purification at

Note: if High Priestess has not performed this rite before, he says, "Here I reveal to you a great

mystery." [Kneel and place couch in position so as to face north.]

As the Mighty One willed,

From beginning of days,

Twixt the points of the sky,

For thus it was placed When the Goddess embraced The Horned One,

Her Lord, Who taught her the word,

[Priestess lies down in such a way that her vagina is approximately at the center of the circle]

Which quickened the womb,

The Shrine we adore, [kiss]

The life-giving Grail, [kiss]

The Miraculous Spear,

The Goddess divine. [kiss]

Invoke: "Thou who at moon of night doth reign,

Queen of the starry realm above,

‘Not unto Thee may we attain

Unless Thine Image be of Love.’ [kiss]

By green leaf breaking from the bud,

By life that courseth in the blood. [kiss]

By flowing water and green earth,

From out Thy Cauldron of Rebirth. [kiss]

Here may we see in vision clear

The Secret Strange unveiled at length,

Erect in Beauty and in Strength. [kiss breasts]

Altar of Mysteries manifold, The Sacred Circle’s central point, Thus do I sign thee as of old, With kisses of my lips anoint.

(Eightfold Kiss: 3 points, Lips, 2 Breasts and back to lips, & 5 points*, with oil, wine, & kisses)

The pathway of intelligence,

Beyond the bounds of time and sense.

The Five True Points of Fellowship,

And feet and knees and breast and lips."

Magus and High Priestess: "Encourage our hearts, Let thy Light crystallize itself in our blood, fulfilling

us of Resurrection, for there is no part of us that is not of the Gods."

Earth and Water, Air and Fire,

Work ye unto my desire,

Cords and Censer, Scourge and knife,

Waken all ye into life,

Queen of Heaven, Queen of Hell,

Lend your power unto the Spell,

If chant is used to reinforce a work already begun, end with this:

By all the power of land and seaBy all the might of moon and sun, What is my will- "So mote it be,"What I do say- "It shall be done."

[2] Place tool on pentacle on altar. Magus sprinkles it with salt and water. Witch passes it through

smoke of incense, replaces it on pentacle. Touching with already consecrated weapon, they say the

in the names of Aradia and Cernunnos. I conjure thee anew by the Holy Names Aradia and

Cernunnos, that thou servest me for a protection in all adversities, so aid me."

[2b] For any other tool, say, "Aradia and Cernunnos, deign to bless and to consecrate this [tool], that

it may obtain necessary virtue through thee for all acts of love and Beauty."

[3] Again they sprinkle and cense, and say the Second Conjuration:

[3a] For sword or athame, say, "I conjure thee, O Sword [Athame] of Steel, by the Great Gods and

the Gentle Goddesses, by the virtue of the Heavens, of the Stars, of the Spirits who preside over them,

that thou mayest receive such virtues that I may obtain the end that I desire in all things wherein I shall

triangle] sign salute (if they are working in the 1^st degree, or the sign of the higher degree if they are

impregnated with your aura; say, six months or as near as possible. But a couple working together

may own the same tools, which will be impregnated with the aura of both.

Gods, as has been toughed us of old, [15] For in this way only may man have communion with the

Gods, for the Gods cannot help man without the help of men.

[B] And the High Priestess shall rule her Coven as representative of the Goddess, and the High Priest

shall support her as the representative of the God, And the High Priestess shall choose whom she [20]

necessary to the representative of the Goddess, so that she will retire gracefully in favour of a younger

woman, Should the Coven so decide in Council, For the true [30] High Priestess realizes that

gracefully surrendering pride of place is one of the greatest of virtues, and that thereby she will return

to that pride of place in another life, with greater power and beauty.

[C] In the days when Witchdom extended far, we were free and worshipped in Alther Greatest

Temples, but in these unhappy times [35] we must hold our sacred mysteries in secret. So it be

Aredan, that none but the Wicca may see our mysteries, for our enemies are many, And torture

looseth the tongues of many. It be aredan that each Coven shall not know where the next Coven bide,

or who its members are, save the Priest and Priestess, [40] That there shall be no communication

And if any break these laws, even under torture, The Curse of the Goddess shall be upon them, so

they never reborn on earth, And may they remain where they belong, in the Hell of the Christians.

[D] Let each High Priestess govern her Coven with Justice and [55] love, with the help of the advice

of the elders, always heeding the advice of the Messenger of the Gods, if he cometh. She will heed

all complaints of brothers, and strive to settle all differences among them, but it must be recognized

that there be people who will ever strive to force others to do as they will. [60] They are not

necessarily evil, and they often do have good ideas, and such ideas should be talked over in council.

And if they will not agree with their brothers, or if they say, "I will not work under this High

Priestess," it hath always been the old law to be convenient for the brethren, and to void disputes, any

of the Third [65] may claim to found a new Coven because they live over a league from the

Covenstead, or are about to do so. Anyone living within the Covendom wishing to form a new Coven,

to avoid strife, shall tell the Elders of his intention and on the instant void his dwelling and remove to

were made of old, And may the curse of the Goddess be on any who disregard them. So be it

aredan.

[E] If you would Keep a book let it be in your own hand of write. [80] Let brothers and sisters copy

what they will, but never let the book out of your hands, and never keep the writings of another, for

if it be found in their hand of write, they well may be taken and Engined. Each should guard his own

writings and destroy it whenever danger threatens. Learn as much as you may by heart, and when

danger is [85] past, rewrite your book an it be safe. For this reason, if any die, destroy their book if

they have not been able to, for an it be found, ‘tis clear proof against them, And our oppressors well

your knowledge. Think to yourself, "I know nothing. I remember nothing. I have forgotten

everything." Drive this [95] into your mind. If the torture be too great to bear, say, "I will confess.

I cannot bear this torture. What do you want me to say? Tell me and I will say it." If they try to make

you speak of the brotherhood, Do NOT, but if they try to make you speak of [100] impossibilities,

such as flying through the air, consorting with the Christian Devil, or sacrificing children, or eating

men’s flesh, to obtain relief from torture, say, "I had an evil dream. I was not myself. I was crazed."

Not all Magistrates are bad. If there [105] be an excuse they may show mercy. If you have confessed

aught, deny it afterwards; say you babbled under torture, you knew not what you did or said. If you

are condemned, fear not. The Brotherhood is powerful. They may help you to escape, if you stand

steadfast, but if you betray aught, there is no hope for you, in this [110] life, or in that which is to

come. Be sure, if steadfast you go to the pyre, Dwale will reach you. You will feel naught. You go

but to Death and what lies beyond, the ecstasy of the Goddess.

[F] ‘Tis probable that before you are engined, Dwale will reach you. [115] Always remember that

Christians fear much that any die under torture. At the first sign of swoon, they cause it to be stopped,

and blame the tormenters. For that reason, the tormenters themselves are apt to feign to torment, but

do not, so it is best not to die at first. If Dwale reaches you, ‘tis a sign that you have a friend

somewhere. [120] You may be helped to escape, so despair not. If the worst comes, and you go to

the pyre, wait till the flames and smoke spring up, bend your head over, and breath in with long

breaths. You choke and die swiftly, and wake in the arms of the Goddess.

[G] To void discovery, let the working tools [125] be as ordinary things that any may have in their

houses. Let the Pentacles be of wax, so they may be broken at once. Have no sword unless your rank

allows you one. Have no names or signs on anything. Write the names and signs on them in ink

before consecrating them and wash it off immediately after. Do not Bigrave them, [130] lest they

cause discovery. Let the colour of the hilts tell which is which.

[H] Ever remember, ye are the Hidden Children of the Gods. So never do anything to disgrace them.

Never boast, Never threaten, Never say you would wish ill to anyone. If you or any not in the Circle

speak of the Craft, [135] say, "Speak not to me of such. It frightens me. ‘Tis evil luck to speak of it."

For this reason: the Christians have spies everywhere. These speak as if they were well affected, as

if they would come to Meetings, saying, "My mother used to go to worship the Old Ones. I would that

I could go myself."* To these ever deny all knowledge.

[140] But to others ever say, "’Tis foolish men talk of witches flying through the air; to do so they

must be light as thistledown," and "Men say that witches all be bleared-eyed old crones, so what

pleasure can there be in witch meetings such as folk talk on?" Say, "Many wise men now say there

be no such creatures." Ever [145] make it a jest, and in some future time, perhaps the persecution will

die, and we may worship safely again. Let us all pray for that happy day.

[I] May the blessings of the Goddess and the God be on all who keep these laws which are Aredan.

[J] If the Craft hath any Appanage, let all brothers guard it, and help to keep it clear and good for the

Craft, and let all justly guard all monies of the Craft.

But if some brothers truly wrought it, ‘tis right that they have their pay, an it be just, an this be not

taking [5] money for the use of the Art, but for good and honest work. And even the Christians say,

"A labourer is worthy of his hire." But if any brothers work willingly for the good of the craft without

pay, ‘tis but to their greater honour. So it be Aredan.

[K] If there be any disputes or quarrels among the brethren, the [10] High Priestess shall straight

convene the Elders and enquire into the matter, and they shall hear both sides, first alone, then

together, and they shall decide justly, not favouring the one side or the other, ever recognizing that

there be people who can never agree to work under others, but at the same time there be some people

who [15] cannot rule justly. To those who ever must be chief, there is one answer, "Void the Coven

and seek another, or make a Coven of your own, taking with you those who will to go." To those who

cannot rule justly, the answer be, "Those who cannot bear your rule will leave you," for none may

come to meetings with those with whom they are at [20] variance; so, an either cannot agree, get

except it be the very few who are released by their priests’ spells and Masses, and this be chiefly by

giving money and rich gifts to receive his favour, for their Alther Greatest God [Greatest God of all]

is ever in need of Money. [30] But as our Gods need our aid to make fertility for men and crops, So

the God of the Christians is ever in need of man’s help to search out and destroy us.

Their priests tell them that any who get our help or our cures are damned to the Hell forever, so men

be mad for the terror of it. But they make men [35] believe that they may scape this hell if they give

victims to the tormenters. So for this reason all be forever spying, thinking, "An I can but catch one

of the Wicca I will scape this fiery pit." But we have our hidels, and men searching long and not

finding say, "there be none, or if they be, they be in a far country."

[40] 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 people to one of ours, still they care not;

they have many thousands, while we are few indeed. So it is Aredan that none shall use the Art in any

way to do ill [45] to any, howevermuch they have injured us. And for long we have obeyed this law,

"Harm none" and nowtimes many believe we exist not. So it be Aredan that this law shall still

continue to help us in our plight. No one, however great an injury or injustice they receive, may use

the Art in any to do ill or harm any. [50] But they may, after great consultations with all, use the Art

to prevent or restrain Christians from harming us and others, but only to let or constrain them and

never to punish, to this end. Men say, "Such an one is a mighty searcher out and persecutor of Old

Women whom he deemeth to be Witches, [55] and none hath done him Skith [harm], so this be

proof they cannot, or more truly, that there be none," 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 seize, or because they had none to bribe the searchers. And many have died [60] because

they were scolding old women, so much so that men now say that only old women are witches, and

this be to our advantage, and turns suspicion away from us.

In England ‘tis now many a year since a witch hath died the death,

but any misuse of the power might raise the Persecution again; so never break this law, [65] however

much you are tempted, and never consent to its being broken. If you know it is being broken in the

least, you must work strongly against it, and any High Priestess or High Priest who consents to it must

be immediately deposed, for ‘tis the blood of the Brethren they endanger. Do good, an it be safe, and

pardons to let men scape from their sins. [75] Be not as these. Be not as these. If you accept not

money, you will be free of temptation to use the Art for evil causes.

[N] You may use the Art for your own advantage, or for the advantage of the Craft, only if you be

sure you harm none. But ever let the Coven debate the matter at length. Only if all are satisfied that

none may be harmed [80] may the Art be used. If it is not possible to achieve your ends one way

without harming any, 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 breach this law. So it be aredan.

[O] ‘Tis adjudged lawful an anyone need a house or land, an none will [85] sell, to incline the owner’s

mind to be willing to sell, provided it harmeth him not in any way, and that the full worth is paid,

without haggling. Never bargain or cheapen anything which you buy by the Art. So it be Aredan.

[P] It is the Old Law and the most important of all Laws [90] that no one may do or say anything

which will endanger any of the Craft, or bring them in contact with the law of the land, or the Law

of the Church or any of our persecutors. In any disputes between the brethren, no one may invoke

any laws but those of the Craft, or any Tribunal but that of the Priestess and the Priest and the [95]

Elders. And may the Curse of the Goddess be on any who so do. So it be Aredan.

[Q] It is not forbidden to say as Christians do, "There be Witchcraft in the Land," because our

oppressors of old made it Heresy not to believe in Witchcraft, and so a crime to deny it, which thereby

put [100] you under suspicion. But ever say "I know not of it here, perchance they may be, but afar

off. I know not where." But ever speak so you cause others to doubt they be as they are. Always

speak of them as old crones, consorting with the Devil and riding through the air. But ever say, "But

how may men ride through the air an they be not [105] as light as thistledown?" But the curse of the

Goddess be on any who cast any suspicion on any of the Brotherhood, or speaks of any real meeting

[S] And may the Blessings of the Gods be on all who keep these Laws and the Curses of both God

happened that a High Priest or High Priestess, impelled by love, hath departed with their love; that is,

they have left the coven. Now, if a High Priestess wishes to resign, she may do so in full Coven, and

this resignation is valid. But if they should run off without resigning, who may know if they may not

return within a few months? So the law is, if a High Priestess leaves her coven, but returns within the

space of a year and a day, then she shall be taken back, and all shall be as before. Meanwhile, if she

has a deputy, that deputy shall act as High Priestess for as long as the High Priestess is away. If she

returns not at the end of a year and a day, then shall the coven elect a new High Priestess. Unless

there be a good reason to the contrary. The person who has done the work should reap the benefit

of the reward, Maiden and deputy of the High Priestess.

All ye assembled here tonight

Bow before my spirit brightAphrodite, Arianrhod,Lover of the Horned God,

Mighty Queen of Witchery and night

Diana, Brigid, Melusine,Am I named of old by men,Artemis and Cerridwen,

Hell’s dark mistress, Heaven’s Queen.

Or would ask of me a boon,Meet ye in some secret gladeDance my round in greenwood shade,

by the light of the full moon.

Dance about my altar stone.Work my holy Magistry,Ye who are fain of sorcery,

I bring ye secrets yet unknown.

I teach the mystery of rebirth,

Keep ye my mysteries in mirthHeart joined to heart, and lip to lip,Five are the points of fellowship

That bring ye ecstasy on Earth.

I ask no offerings, do but bow,

No other law but love I know,By naught but love I may be known,All that liveth is mine own

From me they come, to me they go.

witness the Rites and to guard the Circle."

hindrance be cast forth hencefrom and let all good enter herein. Wherefore I bless thee that thou

mayest aid me, In the names of Aradia and Cernunnos."

and hindrance be cast forth hencefrom, and let all good enter herein. Wherefore I bless thee that thou mayest aid me, in the name of Aradia and Cernunnos.

[5] Then trace Circle on the lines you have marked out, starting at the East and returning to the East.

(Always go round the circle with your Right hand to the Altar. Never go Widdershins.) Then put the Salt into the water. and go round the circle again, sprinkling it to purify it. Then go round again censing it. (Everyone in the circle must be sprinkled and censed.)

[6] Then go to the East, Sword or Athame in hand. Draw an invoking pentacle in the Air, starting at the top and going to the lefthand corner, saying, "I summon, and call thee up, O Ye Mighty ones of the East, to guard the Circle and witness our rites." Then holding the point of sword or Athame upwards, do the same to the south, west, and north, and return to the center, to the south of the Altar.

[7] Then each girl should bind her man, hands behind back and cable Tow to neck. He should kneel at altar, and be scourged. When all men are thus "purified," they purify the girls in turn. No one may be in the circle without being thus purified.

[8] Then do whatever work wanted.

[9] When closing the Circle, the High Priestess, or whoever she tells to do it, saying, "Hail, ye mighty ones of the East. I thank you for attending, and ere ye depart for your lovely realms, We say, Hail and Farewell."

Murray, Margaret A. The Witch-Cult in Western Europe. Oxford University Press, 1921. Oxford

paperback, 1962.

------. The God of the Witches. Oxford University Press, 1934. Doubleday Anchor, 1960.

Regardie, Israel. The Golden Dawn: An Account of the Teachings, Rites, and Ceremonies of the

Order of the Golden Dawn. 1937-1940. Hazel Hills, 2d ed., 1969.

• Gardner appended this paragraph to the Craft Laws in the early 1960s.
• Gardner appended this paragraph to the Craft Laws in the early 1960s.
• These are shown by a drawing to be: genitals, left foot, right knee, left knee, right foot, and back

to genitals.

• My Lady Epona points out that this is precisely what Charles Cardell had claimed; that is, this

paragraph is a response to Cardell, and so it was probably inserted into the Craft Laws after the run-in

with the Cardells and Olive Green in 1959. This again is an indication that Gardner did not

promulgate the Craft Laws as a document for the Book of Shadows until about 1960, when Mr. Q

was initiated.

APPENDED NOTE: Although the information in regard to cource books is very

correct, it should be noted that additionally Gardner is known to have also

drawn from non-publically available books of Masonic Ritual accessable only to

members of FreeMasonry Lodges.