charge

Charge of the Goddess

This charge is attributed to Aradia, the Etruscan teacher of the Witches and prophetess of Diana, Queen of the Witches. For more information on Aradia or Etruscan Witchcraft (Strega), reference Ways of the Strega by Raven Grimassi (Llewellyn Pubs, 1995).

Hear ye now the words of the Great Mother, She who was of old called amongst men: Artemis, Astarte, Diana, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Dana, Arianrhod, Brigid, Isis, and by many other names.

At mine altars the youth of Lacedemon in Sparta made due sacrifice.

Whenever ye have need of anything, once in the month,

And better it be when the moon is full,

Then shall ye assemble in some secret place

And adore the spirit of Me, who am Queen of all Witches.

There shall ye assemble, ye who are fain to learn all sorcery,

Yet have not yet 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 truly 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;

Strive ever toward it;

Let naught stop thee nor turn thee aside.

For mine is the secret door which opens upon the door 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 give 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 sacrifice:

For behold, I am the Mother of all living,

And My love is poured out upon the Earth.