Redes & Creeds

 


 

In so far as the Craft of the Wise is the most ancient and most honorable creed of humankind, it behoves all who are Witches to act in ways that give respect to the Old Gods, to their sisters and brothers of the craft, and to themselves.  Therefore, be it noted that:

 

1.         Chivalry is a high code of honour, which is of most ancient Pagan origin and must be lived by all who follow the Old Ways.

2.         It must be kenned that thoughts and intent put forth on this Middle-Earth will wax strong in other worlds beyond, and return… bringing into creation, on this world, that which has been set forth.  Thus one should exercise discipline, for “as ye do plant, so shall ye harvest.

3.         It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead.

4.         “This above all…to thine own self be true…”

5.         A Witch’s word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath.  Thus, give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.

6.         Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known.

7.         Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing of falsehood.

8.         Be thou honest with others, and have them know that honesty is likewise expected of them.

9.         The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keeps one’s head is a virtue.

10.     Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others.  Strive not to harm.

11.     Diverse covens may well have diverse views on love between members and with others.  When a coven, clan, or grove is visited or joined, one should discern quietly their practices, and abide thereby.

12.     Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humour are much to be admired.

13.     As a Witch, thou hast power, and thy powers wax strongly as wisdom increases.  Therefore exercise discretion in the use thereof.

14.     Courage and honour endure forever.  Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust.

15.     Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant.  Strengthen others by the Brethren and they shall strengthen thee.

16.     Thou shalt not reveal the secrets of another Witch or another Coven.  Others have laboured long and hard for them, and cherish them as treasures.

17.     Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways, those who are once-born must see nothing, and must hear nothing.

18.     Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world.

19.     The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and within reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom.

20.     Have pride in thyself, and seek perfection in body and in mind.  For the Lady has said, “How canst thou honour another unless thou gives honour to thyself first?”

21.     Those who seek the mysteries should consider themselves as select of the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humankind to the highest of thrones and beyond the very stars.

 





 









 











 






 




 





 









 






 






 

The Three-Fold Law is the belief and principle on which magick is used.  This law relates to the use of power and energy, for when used, power is returned to the sender, three times the level it was sent out.

Used in relation with the ethos, “Do what thy wilt, though it harm none” (as stated in the Wiccan Rede), witches take great care when preparing and casting spells that no harm should come to others because of it.


The nature of this three-fold return can perhaps be better understood when considering the cause and effect principle of a spell.  Let’s take an example – someone comes to you in distress with a problem, you help by sending out positive energy and the problem is successfully resolved.  This automatically makes you feel good about yourself and influences your thoughts; thus your state of consciousness is altered.  In turn your thoughts stir the emotions, which has a physical effect in the body by causing glandular secretions to enter into the blood stream.  The resulting state of mind and body lifts your spirit, which is what makes you feel good.  Thus with the act of a single good deed, you have been effected three times, in mind, body, and spirit.  This then is your three-fold response to the return of positive energy.  Now consider your response had you sent out negative energy or something went drastically wrong?

1.  The Power shall not be used to bring harm, to injure or to control others.  But if the need arises, the Power shall be used to protect your life or the lives of others.


2.  The Power is used only as need dictates.             

3.  The Power can be used for your own gain; as long as by doing so you harm none. 

4.  It is unwise to accept money for the use of the Power, for it quickly controls its taker.  Be not as those of other religions. 

5.  Use not the Power for prideful gain, for such cheapens the mysteries of Wicca and Magick. 

6.  Ever remember that the Power is a sacred gift of the Goddess and the God, and should never be misused or abused. 

7.     And this is the Law of the Power.



The Four Powers of the Magus are the personal attributes traditionally necessary and required for the successful use and practice of magick. 

These are - To Know, To Dare, To Will, and To Be Silent. 

Without these four attributes combined, the individual will never be successful in magick. 

The reasoning is quite simple; none of the attributes mentioned are enough in themselves, as all four attributes must be present to balance each other out.

For instance:  

To Know - Knowledge is no good, without the will and audacity to see magick done.  

To Dare – Audacity is no good, without the knowledge and will to see magick done. 

To Will – Will power is no good, without the knowledge and audacity to see magick done.   

To Be Silent – What good are the above, without the discretion to remain silent until the magick is done? 

To reveal your magick before it is done, dissipates it’s power and effectiveness. 

So, anyone aspiring to use magick, he/see needs a knowledge of what he/see is doing, the audacity to use it, the will power to control it, and the discretion to remain silent till the work is done.

In ancient times, our Lord, the Horned One, was (and still is) the Consoler, the Comforter.  But men know him as the dread Lord of Shadows, lonely, stern, and just. But our Lady the Goddess would solve all mysteries, even the mystery of death; and so she journeyed to the Underworld.  The Guardian of the Portals challenged her: “Strip off thy garments, lay aside thy jewels; for naught mayest thou bring with thee into this our land”.  So she laid down garments and jewels, and was bound, as all living must be who seek to enter the realms of Death, the Mighty One.
Such was her beauty that Death himself knelt, and laid his sword and crown at her feet, and kissed her feet, saying: “Blessed Be thy feet that have brought thee in these ways.  Abide with me; but let me place my cold hands 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, “it is 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 kneel to Death’s scourge.”
“It is fate, better so,” she said, and she knelt.
And Death scourged her tenderly.  And she cried: “I know the pangs of love.”
And Death raised her, and said: “Blessed be.”  And gave her the fivefold salute, saying: “Thus only may you attain to joy, and knowledge.” 
And he taught her all of his mysteries, and he gave her the necklace which is the circle of rebirth.  And she taught him all her mystery of the sacred cup which is the cauldron of rebirth. 
They loved, and were one: for there be three great mysteries in the life of man, and magic controls them all.  To fulfill love, you must return again at the same time and at the same place as the loved ones; and you must meet, and know, and remember, and love them again.
But to be reborn, you must die, and be made ready for a new body.  And to die, you must be born; but without love, you may not be born.
And our Goddess ever inclineth to love, and mirth, and happiness; and guardeth and cherisheth her hidden children in life, and in death she teacheth the way to her communion; and even in this world she teacheth them the mystery of the magic Circle, which is placed between the world of men and of the gods.