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Monograph 2:
Pagan
Morality
Be Mindful
"Be mindful! Husband the earth. Protect her from greed and violence. Build humbly, plant trees, grow flowers and clothe her with dignity. Respect all her creatures. Honour her natural law and the universe which cradles her. Above all, heartily worship the Source of All that Is."
"This world needs secret heroes! Be brave, speak the truth, heal the sick, make peace. Be strong, serve patiently, love generously, live simply. Enjoy fellowship, eat and drink modestly, celebrate the festivals. Breathe deeply, sing and make music, walk often, cycle and recycle. Be thrifty, prefer cash flow to possession, give good measure. Let your work be your
prayer."
"Put on the whole armour of light! Unearth the beauty in everything. Inhale the Spirit of Goodness. Kindle kindness, especially toward yourself, embracing the sweet silence of your own soul. Fear nothing. Accept what you are and - while you have breath - give
thanks". (source unknown)
Europe and America are
multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-faith societies. So why is it that
whenever people talk of "morality" they immediately think of the Christian
moral code? Christianity has been the dominant religion in the west a long
time now, but it wasn't always that way, and it won't always be that
way.
As Pagans we have our own moral code and our own set of
ethics. Our ways are just as high, just as decent, and just as respectable
as those of any other segment of society.
So what are the main
differences between our moral code and that of the Christians? It all
seems to revolve around attitudes to sex and violence. The Christians
appear to be petrified of anything to do with sex. They teach that is sex
something dirty, sordid, a thing to be hidden away, something to be
ashamed of.
Often they can't even cope with simple nudity. They are
ashamed of the bodies the Gods gave them.
On the other hand, their
actions suggest they see nothing wrong with violence. In past centuries
they have murdered millions of innocent people for daring to hold
religious views different from their own. During the middle ages,
thousands of innocent Witches were hanged or burned by their Christian
oppressors. These murders usually followed the most horrific torturing.
And the burning times were not that long ago
Of course it is not
just us that they persecute. For the last several decades, the streets of
Northern Ireland have seen the hand of violence raised by Christian
against Christian. We have even seen church leaders condoning the
violence.
Sometimes Christian violence takes on other, non-physical
forms. Even now they still send their missionaries into remote places,
deliberately to corrupt, to destroy, the religious and cultural patterns
of the native peoples. All this is done in the name of humanitarian aid.
Admittedly their missionaries do good work too, but at what a price!
About fifteen hundred years ago they were doing the same thing
here in Europe, corrupting our Celtic forebears and undermining their
Pagan religion. Even today they misrepresent our views and blaspheme
against our gods and goddesses.
Unlike the Christians, violence is
abhorrent to all modern Pagans. It is negative, destructive, and never
justified. Those who practice violence have no place in The Craft Of The
Wise. We do not strive to exult ourselves to a position of political
supremacy. We have no need to oppress other religions or other cultures.
We are a gentle people motivated by love.
Yet we do not hate the
Christians, although we oppose bigotry wherever we may find it. We know
that all paths lead to the centre, so we have no desire to seek converts.
Nor do we need to resort to violence or lies. As Pagans we look at life
differently. Our great law is "An it harm NONE, do as you
will".
Another important difference is in our attitude to nature.
Christians believe they have been granted "dominion over the beasts of the
earth and the fish of the sea" . This belief has led to a violent attitude
towards our mother the Earth. They may think its okay to rape our mother
but we think otherwise.
The very term PAGAN comes from the Latin
PAGUINI meaning countryside. So in this sense PAGANISM is the old religion
of the country folk. Pagan religions are nature based, respecting the
needs of the planet and her natural systems. Pagans hold all life to be
sacred and regard the human species to be Nature's care-takers,
responsible for her well-being.
Pagans are aware of the cycles of
nature and observe them as festivals throughout the changing year. We see
the magic in Nature, the magic of balance and harmony. We bring this
loving balance into our lives through our worship of the God and the
Goddess, not just a male deity or trinity of all male deities.
We
strive ever after greater spiritual development. We do not attempt to
confine and limit our fellow worshippers with dogma but encourage each to
find one's own personal truth and fulfillment. We are individuals, not
clones. It is our differences that make us special.
Nor are we
scared by sex or nudity. To us sexual union is a sacrament to the gods. As
a nature religion all acts of creation are sacred. Sexual union brings
forth new life. This is as sacred to us as the new life which arises in
the spring time and which we celebrate at our sabbats.
Although
there is no dogma and few rules in Paganism & Wicca, this monograph
contains a few quotations which we hope will serve our students as a
source of inspiration and guidance.
CRAFT MANNERS:
1) Say "Blessed Be" when greeting other Wiccans. (The alternative
"Bright Blessings" is sometimes used, as is the written abbreviation
"B.B.").
2) Greet Pagans of the opposite sex with a kiss on the
lips, or on both cheeks, and those of your own sex with a warm handshake.
Embracing warmly is also common practice.
3) Never
handle the ritual equipment (tools) of another without their
permission.
4) Never give out another Pagan's name, address, or
telephone number; or discuss their beliefs in front of another; without
their permission. You may, of course, give out the URL of this
course, so that others may benefit from these teachings.
5) When
answering advertisements that say "write", don' t just turn
up on the doorstep!
A WITCHES MANIFESTO -
(Adapted from The Wiccan Bardo by Paul
Beyerl)
I DEMAND THESE THINGS OF MYSELF AS A
WITCH:
I must pursue my
highest ideals
I must aspire to the highest of ethics
I must demand
integrity of myself
I must always keep my word
I must cultivate self
discipline
I must LIVE by the Hermetic Principles
I must seriously
contemplate the ramifications of Reincarnation & Karma
I must
respect the astral realms
I must approach ritual with reverence and
care
I must respect ritual work as an act of love and beauty.
I must
take sole responsibility for all the events and circumstances in my
life,
in the knowledge that I have created them all for my own
development.
I must strive to cultivate a sense of humour and of
humility.
I must avoid all negativity in my thinking and, as a
consequence, in my life.
I must live in harmony with the Earth Goddess
- Gaia.
I must cultivate a global perspective.
I must serve my
community, both locally and globally, being of help to all people.
I
must be willing to defend my religion.
I must provide for the safe
future of my ritual tools, should I be taken by death.
The First Knowledge
(by Rosaleen Norton)
The Craft is only part of the way and must not
be mistaken for the whole way. But in itself it is important, for it can
be used to lighten burdens and help in the Great Work.
It is not
for the weak, therefore know this: Some have the power but most have it
not. If you have it, it springs from within you, from the will, the mind
and the spirit; and it can be joined to external symbols. It must grow
through practice, as you gain in knowledge and skill.
The
implements, words, symbols and spells are your working tools. You must be
guided by the gods who dwell in your mind and body. Always remember that
you must be stronger than the powers you evoke. Therefore to the work,
which is joy and strength and light and life
everlasting.
PRINCIPLES OF BELIEF
by The COUNCIL OF AMERICAN
WITCHES
In April 1974, The
Council of American Witches adopted a set of
Principles of Wiccan
Belief as set out below:
1) We practice rites to attune ourselves with
the natural rhythm of life forces, marked by the phases of the moon and
the seasonal quarters and cross quarters.
2) We recognise that our
intelligence gives us a unique responsibility towards our environment. We
seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance, offering
fulfillment to life and consciousness, within the evolutionary
concept.
3) We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that
apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it
is sometimes called "supernatural" , but we see it as lying within that
which is naturally potential to all.
4) We conceive of the Creative
Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity - masculine and
feminine - and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and
functions through the interaction of the masculine and the feminine. We
value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive to the other.
We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one
of the sources of the energy used in magical practice and religious
worship.
5) We recognise both outer worlds and inner, or
psychological worlds, sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the
Collective Unconscious, Inner Plane etc. and we see in the interaction of
these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magical
exercise. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as
necessary for our fulfillment
6) We do not recognise any
authoritarian hierarchy, but do honour those who teach, respect those who
share their grater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have
courageously given of themselves in leadership.
7) We see religion,
magick and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world
and lives within it - a world view and philosophy of life which we
identify as Witchcraft - the Wiccan Way.
8) Calling oneself "Witch"
does not make a witch - but neither does heredity itself, nor the
following of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the
forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely
and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.
9) We
believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of
evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe
we know and our personal role within it.
10) Our only animosity
towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life,
is to the extent that it's institutions have claimed to be "the only way"
and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of
religious practice and belief.
11) As American Witches, we are not
threatened by debates on the history of The Craft, the origins of various
terms, or the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We
are concerned with our present and our future.
12) We do not accept
the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as
"Satan" or "the Devil", as defined by the Christian tradition. We do
not seek power through the suffering of others, nor accept that personal
benefit can be derived only by denial to another.
13) We believe
that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health
and well-being.
The WITCHES' REDE OF CHIVALRY
(adapted from Rites From The Crystal
Well)
Insofar as The Craft Of The Wise is the most
ancient and most honourable creed of humankind, it behoves all who would
be witches to act in ways that give respect to the Old Gods and Goddesses,
to their brothers and sisters of The Craft, and to themselves.
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) Know well that
thoughts and intent put forth, will wax strong on many planes of existence
and return, bringing into creation that which has been sent forth. For
this reason the adept must exercise discipline over his or her thoughts.
Remember: " as you sow, so shall you harvest".
3) It is only by
preparing our minds to be as Gods that we may one day unite with the
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 document. It is only by developing such mental discipline that
great power may be controlled and directed.
6) It is well to
refrain from speaking ill of others for not all truths of the matter may
be known.
7) Pass not unverified words about another. For the most
part hearsay is a thing of falsehoods.
8) Be honest with others.
Have them know that honesty is likewise expected of them.
9) The
fury of the moment plays havoc with the truth. Strive always to keep your
head.
10) Harm not another. Think always of the consequences of
your actions.
11) Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humour are
much to be admired.
12) As a witch you wield much power. Therefore
exercise much discretion in its use.
13) Courage and honour endure
forever.
14) Offer friendship only to those worthy of it. To
associate with younger souls will only pull you down.
15) Those who
follow the mysteries must be above reproach in the eyes of the
world.
16) Keep pride in thyself. Seek perfection in body and in
mind.
Before Time Was
a creation myth by Scott
Cunningham
Before time
was, there was The One.
The One was all, and all was The One.
And
the vast expanse known as the universe was The One,
all-wise,
all-pervading,
all-powerful, eternally changing.
And space
moved.
The One molded energy into twin forms, equal but
opposite,
fashioning the Goddess and God from The One and of The
One.
The Goddess and God stretched and gave thanks to The One,
but
darkness surrounded them.
They were alone, solitary save for The
One.
So They formed energy into gasses, into suns and planets and
moons;
They sprinkled the universe with whirling globes
and so all
was given shape by the hands of the Goddess and God.
Light arose and
the sky was illuminated by a billion suns.
And the Goddess and God,
satisfied by their works, rejoiced and loved,
and were one.
From
their union sprang the seeds of all life, and of the human race,
so
that we might achieve incarnation upon the Earth.
The Goddess chose the
Moon as Her symbol, and the God the Sun as His symbol,
to remind the
inhabitants of Earth of their fashioners.
All are born, live, die
and are reborn beneath the Sun and Moon;
all things come to pass
thereunder,
and all occurs with the blessings of The One,
as has
been the way of existence before time was.
THE ABUSE RESOLUTION
(first published in GREEN EGG magazine -
U.S.A.
author unknown)
They have been particularly concerned with the
issue of ritual child abuse. They have done good work explaining to the
police the differences between Pagans and Satanists. Many of the police
involved are now aware that the widespread anti-Pagan propaganda is a
lie.
Many of us feel that there is no point in attempting to speak
to people in authority, that we will only be misrepresented once again.
But his work shows that changes can be made. orning Glory Zell writing in
Green Egg magazine, says that she is convinced that some cases of child
abuse have a ritualistic nature, and that there is a danger that when we
rightly deny that these are in any way concerned with Wicca and Paganism,
that we will wrongly deny that it happens at all.
We as Pagans
practice a positive, life affirming faith that is dedicated towards
healing, both of ourselves, others, and our mother the Earth. As such we
never advocate or condone criminal activities. We absolutely condemn the
practice of child abuse. We offer prayers, therapy, and support for the
victims of such abuse.
We will not tolerate slander or libel
against our churches*, clergy, or practitioners. We are prepared to defend
our civil rights with such legal action as we deem necessary and
appropriate.
* In America, Pagan groups register as "churches"
for legal and tax reasons.
The Wiccan Rede
Bide ye the Wiccan laws ye must,
in perfect
love in perfect trust.
Ye must live and let live, fairly take and
fairly give.
Cast the circle thrice about, to keep unwelcome spirits
out.
To bind the spell well every time,
let the spell be spoken
in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch,
speak ye little and listen
much.
Deosil go by waxing moon,
chanting out the Wiccan
Rune.
Widdershins go by waning moon,
chanting out the baneful
tune.
When the Lady's moon is new,
kiss the hand to her times
two.
When the moon rides at her peak,
then the heart's desire
seek.
Heed the North wind's mighty gale:
lock the door and trim
the sail.
When the wind comes from the South,
love will kiss thee on
the mouth.
When the Moor wind blows from the West,
departed
spirits have no rest.
When the wind blows from the East,
expect the
new and set the feast.
Nine woods in the cauldron go,
burn them
quick and burn them slow.
Elder be the Lady's tree,
cut it not or
cursed you’ll be.
When the wheel begins to turn,
let the Beltane
fires burn.
When the wheel has turned to Yule,
light the log and
the Horned One rules.
Heed ye flower, bush and tree, by the
Lady, Blessed Be.
Where the rippling waters go, cast a stone,
the
truth to know.
When ye have and hold a need,
hearken not to
others' greed.
With a fool no seasons spend,
or be counted as his
friend.
Merry meet and merry part,
bright the cheeks and warm
the heart.
Mind the Threefold Law ye should,
three times bad and
three times good.
When misfortune is enow,
where the blue star
on thy brow.
True in love ye must ever be,
lest thy love be false to
thee.
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These words the Wiccan
Rede fulfill:
An ye harm none, do what ye will.
Bide the Wiccan
Rede ye must,
In perfect love & perfect trust.
Eight words the
Wiccan Rede fulfil,
An it harm none, do as ye will.
Ever mind
the rule of three,
What you send out comes back to thee.
Follow this
with mind & heart,
And merry meet & merry
part!
MONOGRAPH TWO
The Hall of Miracles Meditation
Go to some quiet place
where you will not be disturbed. If there is a telephone disconnect it.
Any lighting should be dimmed. Candlelight is best. Light joss sticks or
incense, preferably frankincense, if you have any.
Have a good
scratch if you need one. Sit or lie down. Now relax you body and calm your
mind. You are about to create a sacred sanctum deep inside your own mind.
Close your eyes and visualise a forest clearing or a beautiful garden
where you feel good. In one corner of the garden or forest clearing there
is a cave.
In front of the entrance is a huge round stone
preventing others from entering. Yet it is no hindrance to you as this is
your own special private cave. It was you that put the stone there in the
first place. On the stone you see a sigel or special symbol. Only you know
what it looks like. See it now; it is your own mark. As you pass your hand
across this sigel it glows bright and the stone rolls aside so you can
enter the cave.
Once inside you turn back towards the stone and see
the same mark on the inner side. Pass your hand across it once more and
the stone rolls back securing the cave and keeping you safe. Only you can
open it.
As you walk a short distance into the cave you see a
flight of steps hewn into the bare rock floor. There are ten steps leading
downwards. They lead to your own private sanctum. This sanctum is your
Hall of Miracles. Whatever thoughts you create here will soon become
objective reality in your waking life.
Count the steps as you
slowly descend. 1… 2… 3… 4… 5… 6… 7… 8… 9… 10. With each step you feel
more relaxed. As you descend deeper and deeper, you become more calm and
relaxed. You feel marvelous!
As you step off the 10th. stair you
see your sanctum stretching out before you. It is a great hall with
flaming torches set all around the walls. This is your "HALL OF MIRACLES
". Here you will create the things you need. Here you see the things,
people and events exactly as you want them to be. You see everything
clearly with your inner eyes. You smell all the smells clearly. You feel
all the feelings intensely. This inner world is just as real as the outer
one.
When you have finished seeing and feeling everything just as
you want it to be, dismiss it quickly from your mind with the words "So
mote it be!" These words are spoken by your inner self. They cannot be
heard in the waking world. Now say, "I love myself, I love myself. I love
myself enough to grant myself all the things I have just created. What I
have created in the world within, is now becoming just as real in the
world without, for this is my Hall of Miracles!"
Now return the way
you came, counting the steps from ten back up to one. Walk back through
the cave until you see the stone. As you pass your hand across the sigel
the stone rolls away and you walk out into the bright sunshine. Remember
to close the entrance in the now familiar way before allowing the scene to
fade.
When you feel ready, open your eyes. You are back in waking
conscious, fully confident that the things you created are becoming
objective reality.
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