The Laws
THE OLD LAW
1.The Law was made and ordained of old. 2.The Law was made for the
Wicca, to advise and help in their troubles. 3.The Wicca should give due
worship to the gods and obey their will, which they ordain, for it was
made for the good of Wicca as the worship of the Wicca is good for the
gods. For the gods love the brethren of Wicca. 4.As a man loveth a woman
by mastering her, 5.So should the Wicca love the gods by being mastered
by them. 6.And it is necessary that the Circle which is the temple of
the gods, should be truly cast and purified. And that it may be a fit
place for the gods to enter. 7.And the Wicca shall be properly prepared
and purified to enter into the presence of the gods. 8.With love and
worship in their hearts, they shall raise power from their bodies to
give power to the gods. 9.As has been taught of old. 10.For in this way
only may men have communion with the gods, for the gods cannot help man
without the help of man.
HPS & HP
11.And the High Priestess shall rule her coven as the representative of
the Goddess. 12.And the High Priest shall support her as the
representative of the God. 13.And the High Priestess shall choose whom
she will, be he of sufficient rank, to be her High Priest. 14.For, as
the God Himself kissed Her feet in the five-fold salute, laying His
power at the feet of the Goddess because of Her youth and beauty, Her
sweetness and kindness, Her wisdom and justice, Her humility and
generosity, 15.So He resigned all His power to Her. 16.But the High
Priestess should ever mind that the power comes from Him. 17.It is only
lent, to be used wisely and justly. 18.And the greatest virtue of a High
Priestess be that she recognize that youth is necessary to the
representative of the Goddess. 19.So she will gracefully retire in
favour of a younger woman should the Coven so decide in council. 20.For
a true High Priestess realizes that gracefully surrendering pride of
place is one of the greatest virtues. 21.And that thereby she will
return to that pride of place in another life, with greater power and
beauty.
SECURITY
22.In the old days, when witchdom extended far, we were free and
worshipped in all the greater temples. 23.But in these unhappy times we
must celebrate our sacred mysteries in secret. 24.So be it ordained that
none but the Wicca may see our mysteries, for our enemies are many and
torture loosens the tongue of man. 25.So be it ordained that no Coven
shall know where the next Coven bide. 26.Or who its members be, save
only the Priest and Priestess and messenger. 27.And there shall be no
communication between them, save by the messenger of the gods, or the
summoner. 28.And only if it be safe may the Covens meet in some safe
place for the great festivals. 29.And while there, none shall say whence
they came nor give their true names. 30.To this end, that if any be
tortured, in their agony, they may not tell if they do not know. 31.So
be it ordained that no one shall tell anyone not of the craft who be of
the Wicca, nor give any names or where they bide, or in any way tell
anything which can betray any of us to our foes. 32.Nor may he tell
where the Covendom be. 33.Or the Covenstead. 34.Or where the meetings
be. 35.And if any break these Laws, even under torture, THE CURSE OF THE
GODDESS SHALL BE UPON THEM, so they may never be reborn on earth and may
remain where they belong, in the hell of the Christians.
DISPUTES
36.Let each High Priestess govern her Coven with justice and love, with
the help and advice of the High Priest and the Elders, always heeding
the advice of the Messenger of the Gods if he cometh. 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
44.Any of the third may claim to found a new Coven because they live
over a league away from the Covenstead or are about to do so. 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 oft 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
51.If you would keep a book, let it be in your own hand of write. Let
brothers and sisters copy what they will, but never let the book out of
your hands, and never keep the writings of another. 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
61.Keep all thoughts of the craft from your mind. 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
71.To avoid discovery, let the working tools be as ordinary things that
any may have in their houses. 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
78.Ever remember ye are the hidden children of the Goddess so never do
anything to disgrace them or Her. 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
88.If the craft hath any appanage, let all guard it and help to keep it
clear and good for the craft. 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
92.If there be any dispute or quarrel among the Brethren, the High
Priestess shall straightly convene the Elders and inquire into the
matter, and they shall hear both sides, first alone and then together.
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
101.In the olden days when we had power, we could use the art against
any who ill-treated the Brotherhood. But in these evil days we must not
do so. For our enemies have devised a burning pit of everlasting fire
into which they say their god casteth all the people who worship him,
except it be the very few who are released by their priest's spells and
masses. And this be chiefly by giving monies and rich gifts to receive
his favour for their great god is ever in need of money. 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
119.Never accept money for the use of the art, for money ever smeareth
the taker. 'Tis sorcerors and conjurers and the priests of the
Christians who ever accept money for the use of their arts. And they
sell pardons to let men ascape from their sins. 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
126."Tis the Old Law and the most important of all laws, that no one may
do anything which will endanger any of the craft, or bring them into
contact with the law of the land or any persecutors. 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
129.It is not forbidden to say as Christians do, "There be witchcraft in
the land," because our oppressors of old make it a heresy not to believe
in witchcraft and so a crime to deny it which thereby puts you under
suspicion. 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
135.the craft keep books with the names of all herbs which are good, and
all cures so all may learn. 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
138.Remember the art is the secret of the gods and may only be used in
earnest and never for show or vainglory. 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
141.It ever be the way with women and with men also, that they ever seek
new love. 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
153.It has been found that practicing the art doth cause a fondness
between aspirant and tutor, and it is the cause of better results if
this be so. 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
156.Order and discipline must be kept. 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.
NOTES
•These Laws appear to have become part of the GBG BOS shortly after
Doreen Valiente left his Coven (in 1957); they existed at the time that
she left. (They were an innovation at that time, and were one of the
things that the people who hived at that time refused to accept, though
not themselves a reason for hiving.) See Doreen Valiente's "The Rebirth
of Witchcraft". •Some of this material was already in the GBG BOS at the
time. See the Farrars' "The Witches' Way". •They also seem to be present
throughout the Alexandrain stream. (See the Farrars' "The Witches Way",
and June Johns' "King of the Witches".) •The list I give here is drawn
from several published sources: •June Johns,"King of the Witches" •Lady
Sheba,"The Grimoire of Lady Sheba" •Janet and Stewart Farrar,"The
Witches' Way" •I used Johns as my primary source, as Sheba is generally
full of copyist errors, and the Farrars don't give the full text. I
couldn't find the section headings in any published source, but I
included them anyway because they make the text easier to follow. •Sheba
*may* be a more accurate source than Johns for the GBG version. (Some of
what I took to be typos may well have been GBG-ism's.) Johns is probably
a better source for Alex Sanders' own version. Covens in either lineage
have probably cross referenced and 'corrected' what they took to be
errors. (For example, in Law 60, I use the word 'arraigned'. Sheba gives
'engained', which makes no sense (that we know of). However, 'engined'
(meaning tortured) makes more sense in context than 'arraigned'. Did
Alex Sanders miss-correct the 'engrained' error ?