Charge of the Goddess
There is another version of this in my Book of Shadows...I like this version better though...so I put it with the rest of the charges.
Traditionally read by the High Priest:
Listen to the words of the Great Mother, she who of old was also called among men Artemis, Astarte, Athene, Diane, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Cybele, Arianrhod, Isis, Dana, Bride and by many other names:
Traditionally read by the High Priestess (in a trance):
Whenever ye have need of anything, once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, then ye shall gather in some secret place and adore the spirit of Me who is Queen of all Witches.
Within a circle there shall ye assemble, ye who are willing to learn all sorcery, yet have not won its deepest secrets; to these I will teach things that are yet unknown.
And ye shall be free from slavery within your mind and your spirit; and as a sign that ye are 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 and strive ever towards it; let nothing 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 gave 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 anything in sacrifice; for behold, I am the Mother of all living, and My love is poured out upon the Earth.
Traditionally read by High Priest:
Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess; She in the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven, whose body encircles the universe.
The High Priestess continues:
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 your 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 men, let your innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite.
Let My worship be within the heart that rejoices; for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you.
And thou who think to seekest for Me, know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not unless thou know the mystery: If that which thou seekest is not found within thee, thou will never find it without thee. For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning; and I am that which awaits attainment and your journey's end.
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