Laws of the Craft

Author and source unknown

The Laws, Ordains, or Ardaynes are an important part of many Wiccan traditions, although none is certain of their origin. They may be centuries old, originating from the Burning Times; or they may have appeared much later; or they may be a mixture of old and new. There are several versions in existence; one of the most popular updated versions is the The New Wiccan Book of Law By Lady Galadriel.

What follows is an updated version, without arachic language and with obsolete sections dropped (such as the rule that most Witches are not allowed to know where covens meet).

Personal Standards

  1. An ye harm none, do as ye will.
  2. If you know the Rede is being broken, you must work strongly against it.
  3. Watch, listen, and withhold judgment; in debate, let your silences be long, your thoughts clear, and your words carefully chosen.
  4. Never boast, or threaten or speak ill of anyone.
  5. Be truthful always, save when speaking would lead to great harm.
  6. Do not haggle over the price of your ritual tools.
  7. Keep clean your body, your clothes, and your house.
  8. Should you take a task upon yourself, work hard and well to accomplish it properly and in good time.

    9. Relationships with Others

  9. Revere, honor, tend , and heal the earth.
  10. Of what which you grow, make , or use, let as much as possible return to the Earth as an offering to Her, as a way to nourish the cycle of life.
  11. Do not judge those of other paths, but offer them love and aid.
  12. do not steal from human, animal, or spirit; if you have needs you cannot meet, turn to our community.
  13. Offer friendship and hospitality to strangers who visit among you.
  14. Honor relationships and commitments to others, and do not couple together if it will cause pain to another.
  15. Raise your children with kindness; feed, clothe, and house them as well as you can. Show them love and affection; teach them strength and wisdom.
  16. You may not own slaves, or willingly be any part of any nation, community, or organization which allows this practice.
  17. Deal fairly and honestly in all your transactions with others, following the letter and spirit of any contract you agree to.

    18. Within the Coven

  18. The High Priestess shall rule her coven as representative of the Goddess.
  19. The High Priestess shall choose whom she will have as High Priest, providing he have sufficient rank.
  20. The High Priest shall support her as a representative of the God.
  21. In the circle, the commands and wishes of the High Priestess are law.
  22. The High Priest commands the respect due a Magus, Counselor, and Father.
  23. If there are disputes among you, let the High Priestess convene the Elders. They shall hear both sides, alone, then together, and make a just decision.
  24. If the High Priestess and High Priest find it necessary to correct, rebuke, or punish a coverner, this would be done in private and accepted with good grace by the recipient.
  25. Any who will not work under the High Priestess may found a new coven, if they are third degree. They and any members who choose to go must then avoid the old coven for a time, until the new coven has bonded and harmonious relations can be established between the covens.
  26. If a High Priestess leaves her coven, but returns within a year and a day, she shall be taken back as before. Meanwhile, her Maiden or chief deputy shall act as High Priestess. If the High Priestess does not return within the allotted time, then a new High Priestess shall be elected: one who has been acting in that role, unless there is a powerful reason to the contrary.
  27. The High Priestess shall gracefully retire in favor of a new High Priestess, should the coven decide so in council.
  28. You must immediately depose any High Priestess who consents to the breaking of the Rede.
  29. Before the coven uses magick, let them debate at length; only if all are satisfied that none will be harmed may magick be used.
  30. The circle must be duly cast and purified. The Wicca should be prepared and purified to enter the circle.
  31. No one may tell outsides where the covenstead is or where the meetings, without the consent of the coven.

    32. Within the Craft

  32. Do not gossip or speak evil of others of the Wicca.
  33. Never lie to the Elders or to any of the Wicca.
  34. None but the Wicca may see our inner mysteries; but with the consent of the coven, friends and relatives may be invited to ordinary rituals.
  35. No one shall reveal to outsiders who is Wiccan, or give names or addresses, or anything which could betray any of us. No one may do anything which will endanger any of the Craft, or bring them into contact with the law of the land, or any of our persecutors.
  36. Keep within your Book of Shadows the teachings of your coven, and also a record of your own rites and learning.
  37. None may come to a meeting with those whom they are at odds. In any disputes among Wiccans, no one may invoke any laws but those of the Craft, nor any court but that of Priest, Priestess, and Elders.
  38. It is all right to accept money for the work of your hands, but not for work done within the circle: never accept money for the use of magick or for the teaching of the Craft within the Circle.
  39. Never use magick for show, pride, or vainglory.
  40. Give of your skills, your work and your earnings to your coven, to the Craft, to Priests and Priestesses who do Her work, and to worthy causes which honor the Lady and the Lord. Honor those others who work willingly for the good of the Craft without pay.
  41. Never do anything to disgrace the Goddess or the Wicca.
    42. Return to Ethics Main page
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