Charge of the Goddess
Listen to the words of the Great Mother, she who was of old also called among mortals; Artemis, Astarte, Athena, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Kali, Cerridwen, Isis, Arianrhod, Brigid, and by many other names:
Whenever you have need of anything, once a month, and better it be when the Moon is full, then shall ye assemble in some secret place and call upon the spirit of me who is Queen of all the Witches. And to those who are fain to learn all sorcery, yet not won its deepest secrets; I will teach thee things that are yet unknown. And you shall be free from slavery and as a sign that you are truly free, ye shall be naked in your rite; dance, sing, feast, make music and love all in my name. For Mine is the ecstasy of the spirit and Mine is also joy on earth. My law is love unto all beings. Keep pure to your highest ideals: strive ever toward them. Let naught turn you aside, for Mine is the secret door which opens upon youth. And Mine is the cup of Life; the Cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of immortality. I am the gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of joy unto the hearts of all. Upon earth I give the gift of the knowledge of spirit eternal and beyond death I give peace, freedom and reunion with those who have gone on before. Nor do I demand aught of sacrifice, for I am the Mother of all things and My love is poured out upon the Earth.
Hear the word of the Star Goddess; the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven, whose body encircles the universe: “I am the beauty of the green Earth and the white Moon among the stars and the mysteries of the waters. I call upon thy soul to arise and come unto Me, for I am the soul of nature who gives life to the universe. From Me all things proceed and to Me all things must return. Before My face, beloved of Gods and humans, let thine innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the Infinite. Let My worship be within the heart that rejoices, for all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals. Therefore, let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you. And to you who think to know Me, know that your seeking and yearning shall avail thee not, unless you know the Mystery: If that which you seek, you find not within thy self, you shall never find it without. For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning and I am that which is attained at the end of Desire.
Original author – Doreen Valiente
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