The Charge of the Goddess

Written by Doreen Valiente

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 won it's 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 really 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 towards it, let naught stop you or turn you aside. For Mine is the secret door which opens upon the Land 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. I who am the beauty of the green Earth, and the white Moon among the stars, and the mystery of the waters, and the desire of the heart of man, call unto thy soul. Arise, and come unto me. For I am the soul of nature, who gives life to the universe. From Me all things proceed, and unto me all things must return; and before My face, beloved of Gods and men, let thine innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite. Let My worship be within the heart that rejoiceth; for behold, All acts of love and pleasure are my rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honour and humility, mirth and reverence within you. And thou who thinkest to seek for Me, know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not unless thou knowest the Mystery; That if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, then thou wilt never find it without thee. For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning; and I am that which is attained at the end of desire.

Another Charge of the Goddess

Listen to the words of the Great Mother, who was of old called amongst men, Isis, Artemis, Astarte, Dione Melusine, Aphrodite, Diana and by many other names.
Whenever you have need of anything, once in the month and better it be when the Moon is full or new, then shall ye assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of Me, Queen of all Witches. To these I shall teach that which is yet unknown. Ye shall be free from all slavery, and as a sign that you be free, ye shall be naked in your rites. You shall sing, feast, make music and love all in my name for Mine is the ecstacy of the spirit, and mine is also joy upon earth. My law is love unto all beings.
Mine is the Secret that opens upon the door of youth and mine is the cup of wine of life, the cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of Immortality. I am the Gracious Goddess who gives the gift of youth unto the heart of mankind. I give 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 aught of sacrifice, for behold, I am the Mother of all things and love is poured out upon the Earth.
Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess. She in 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 mystery of the Waters. I call unto thy soul, Arise and come unto me, for I am the Soul of Nature who gives life to the universe, from me all things proceed and unto me all things return.
Beloved of all the Gods and men, let my worship be in the heart. Rejoice, for behold 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 you who think to seek me know that your seeking and yearing will avail you not unless you know the Mystery, that if that which you seek you find not withing yourself, you will never find it without. For behold, I have been with you from the beginning and I am that which is attained at the end.
I seek the Crown of Wisdom and Understanding, that might and mercy in balance bring beauty, victory and glory find their foundation in my kingdom.