The Witches' Creed
~Doreen Valiente~
"Witchcraft for Tomorrow" 1978
(As found in the "Encyclopedia of Wicca and Witchcraft"
by Raven Grimassi p. 435-437)

Hear now the words of the witches,
The secrets we hold in the night,
When dark was our destiny's pathway,
That now we bring forth into light.

This speaks of the Burning Times when our ancestors were forced to take the Craft underground, into the "dark". Today many of us are able to be more open about our path, because of the educational efforts brought to those who have misunderstood it. Many of us no longer have to practice in secrecy as our ancestors did, enabling us to peek out into the "light", and enjoy our path without so much fear. While we are not all completely "out of the broom closet", that day is rapidly approaching.

Mysterious water and fire,
The earth and the wide-ranging air,
By hidden quintessence we know them,
And will and keep silent and dare.

The presence of the Elemental forces may seem a muted one at times, but they are far from silent from a Witches' perspective. We are all too aware of their presence, and know their power well. As their pure energy speaks to us, we also know that the knowledge and energy they offer is not to be fluanted or waved about under the noses of those who would not understand. These are forces that command respect and deserve appreciation, for they are a precious essence in our magickal lives.

The birth and rebirth of all nature,
The passing of winter and spring,
We share with the life universal,
Rejoice in the magical ring.

We acknowledge the cycle of Nature, and connect with its marvelous gifts. We see beyond the here and now, able to enter the realm of Spirit, knowing that the magickal circle we cast brings us the pleasure of experiencing both the natural, and what some would call the "supernatural".

Four time in the year the Great Sabbats,
Returns, and the witches are seen,
At Lammas and Candlemas dancing,
On May Eve and old Hallowe'en.

Refers to our celebration of the Greater Sabbats, sometimes also known as the Fire Festivals.

When day-time and night-time are equal,
When the sun is at greatest and least,
The four Lesser Sabbats are summoned,
Again witches gather at feast.

Refers to the Lesser Sabbats, known as the Equinoxes and Solstices, and sometimes referred to as the Solar Rites. (Note: There are some Witches' who do not acknowledge the Lesser Sabbats.)

Thirteen silver moons in a year are,
Thirteen is the coven's array.
Thirteen times as Esbat make merry,
For each golden year and a day.

Thirteen is a magickal number based on the Thirteen Full Moons which present themselves each year. The Moon is seen as a powerful source of the Goddess, and so at these times, rituals known as Esbats are held. Many Covens will not allow more than 13 members because magickal work is usually done during the Esbats, and some feel that more than thirteen members may disrupt the magick associated with the power of the thirteen moons.

The "year and a day" refers to the magickal time period usually associated with the spiritual growth necessary before moving on to the next level of knowledge towards enlightenment. I'm not sure where the belief of the "year and a day" originates from, but it is widely used in many Celtic traditions.

The power was passed down the ages,
Each time between woman and man,
Each century unto the other,
Ere time and the ages began.

In the days of Old, the Art of the Craft was passed down verbally, from generation to generation.

When drawn is the magical circle,
By sword or athame or power,
Its compass between the two worlds lies,
In Land of the Shades for that hour.

The Ritual Circle is the doorway between the physical and spiritual realms, and therefore is considered the "Land" in between, the area of gray, being of neither worlds, yet being of both worlds at once.

This world has no right then to know it,
And world of beyond will tell naught,
The oldest of Gods are invoked there,
The Great Work of magic is wrought.

Those who do not know or understand the power of the magickal circle have no place in it, and spiritual realm will not give its secrets to those who know not its purpose or power. For this is the means by which we are able to invoke the gifts of magick with the blessings and strength of our Lord and Lady.

For two is the mystical pillar,
That stand at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of nature,
The forms and the forces divine.

We see the male - female polarity in all of Nature, from the flowers to the precious creatures of our Earth Mother. The God and Goddess are in all that exists.

The dark and the light in succession,
The opposites each unto each,
Shown forth as a God and a Goddess,
Of this did our ancestors teach.

We also see the light and dark sides of the All as being necessary aspects of life. From the Sun and the Moon to Summerland and the Underworld. From the joy in all things, to the sadness we sometimes have to endure. All of these, and more, bring universal balance.

By night he's a wild wind's rider,
The Horn'd One, the Lord of the Shades,
By day he's the King of the Woodlands,
The dweller in green forest glades.

Describes some of the many different faces of the God.

She is youthful or old as she pleases,
she sails the torn clouds in her barque,
The bright silver lady of midnight,
The crone who weaves spells in the dark.

Describes the Goddess as Her three aspects of Maid, Mother, and Crone.

The master and mistress of magic,
They dwell in the deeps of the mind,
Immortal and ever-renewing,
With power to free or to bind.

For the Lord and Lady are with us always. They are ever changing, ever inspiring, and always in control of the deepest secrets of magick and life. Yet, even still, They offer us the ability to take control of our own destinies and the freedom to choose our own path to eternity.

So drink the good wine to the Old Gods,
And dance and make love in their praise,
Til Elphame's fair land shall receive us
In peace at the end of our days.

Live and rejoice in the gifts that the God and Goddess have given us. Never skimp on life and love, for to do so is not Their way. Make the most of everything, and know that in the end there will be peace for us.

(Note: Elphame is a Crone Goddess of Death, and also said to be a Scottish Faery Queen. ~ {"Celtic Myth & Magick", Edain McCoy p.204})

An Do What You Will be the challenge,
So be it in Love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment,
By Magic of old, be it done.

It is interesting to note that the first line of this stanza refers to the Creed as being a challenge to fulfill. And I have to agree because, while the Creed/Rede of "harm none", again, is a seemingly simple line to live by, we are often put to the test by even life's smallest trials and tribulations. So it has been for lifetimes before us, and so it will be in lifetimes yet to come.

Eight words the Witches' Creed fulfill:
If it harms none, do what you will.

Once again, just as the Wiccan Rede has done, The Witches' Creed brings home the very belief we wish to live our lives by.