Roget's Pocket Thesaurus gives words like "entire, whole, intact, full, thorough, solid, [and] undivided", which can be used in place of the word "perfect". Can anything in life really be so complete?

In answer to the above questions, I say, without a doubt, ABSOLUTELY! There can be a "flawless" circle, "undivided" attention, "solid" relationships, and "thorough" investigations. Math is "accurate", the love we have for our children is "absolute", and true beauty is "without fault or defect" in the eye of the beholder.

So how does all this "perfection" fit into our journey on the path of Wicca and Witchcraft? The answer lays in the the simple phrase, "Perfect Love and Perfect Trust".

Quite often, words can have different meanings to different individuals. While a dictionary may give a definition of a word, sometimes all it takes is a tone of voice, a gesture, or a look, and a word used in a sentence can be misconstrued to have a different meaning all together. This sometimes makes it necessary for us to act as an interpreter when trying to discern what someone is saying. In other words, there are times when we have to look for the hidden meanings behind the words, as if they were being spoken as a secret code.

While easily spoken, "Perfect Love and Perfect Trust" are words that do require sincerity when leaving your lips. Ironically enough, these originated as a secret code. A code which does not offer the option of being misunderstood.

Before this phrase became common place in the Craft, these words were (and often still are) spoken before entering the ritual circle, used as a key of sorts. This key opens the door to a world of hidden awareness, in the spiritual, mental, and physical senses, warmly blanketed in the heart-felt security of those we are sharing our spiritual journey with.

Sharing in "Perfect Love"

Just as the word "perfect" is defined as being flawless and absolute, "love" can be thought of in a similar fashion. When we love someone or something, not only is our object of affection often seen without flaw, but to love usually comes with an overwhelming feeling of wholeness, mixed with absolute adoration.

A spiritual journey is very much the same way. We feel a sense of wholeness when we find that path which speaks to our heart. As Witches we experience a love of Life and Nature, with a particular affection and adoration for the God and Goddess in the Wiccan Traditions. In a group or coven setting, with individuals who are experiencing the same spiritual awareness, we tend to become as one; complete and whole within that circle of spiritual companions.

To state "Perfect Love" to a Companion in Spirit is to say 'In this time and in this place, we are one. We share this journey together, with the same love and affection for what we do, and for what we are trying to achieve.' There can be no misunderstanding, as it is imperative that all who enter the circle have the same goal in mind, particulary when it comes to magickal work.

Acting with "Perfect Trust"

When we say we trust someone, it usually means that we put our faith in that persons' care, not only spiritually, but in the physical and mental senses as well. We are relying on their honesty and integrity, with the confidence that they will not bring any type misfortune upon us, either through words, thoughts, or actions.

In the world of the Craft, it is essential to understand what "perfect trust" means. One has to be fully aware that to enter the circle, joining hands with Brothers and Sisters in the name of the Divine, is not a matter to be taken lightly.

To state "Perfect Trust" to your Spiritual Companions is to say 'I am here for you. I will do you no wrong, and I will work by your side with loyalty, honesty, strength, and dependability. Put your faith in me, and I will do the same of you.'

As a Solitary Witches, we do not generally have others that we rely on, having only ourselves to depend upon. Does this mean that "Perfect Love and Perfect Trust" is an irrelevant statement? Absolutely not. It is just as valid and important when we are working alone.

When we draw spiritual energy into ourselves, we are working with the Divine. We undoubtedly ask Spirit that, while doing energy work, no harm will come to us. This is also done with the understanding that 'All' will be received with great care and responsibility. In the same respect, we send out energy in perfect love to heal and work positive magick, with perfect trust that it will do no harm to our intended goal.

• The God and Goddess have entrusted their most precious possessions of the Elements to us in perfect love and perfect trust.

• Those who come to us for help, in any form, while not necessarily knowing the exact words for it, seek perfect love and perfect trust from us.

• When we seek fellowship with others of like-mind, whether it be on the internet, or locally; whether it be in the form of a webpage, or a chatroom, a local metaphysical shop or a study group, we hope that we will be able to do so in perfect love and perfect trust, allowing us a stronger sense of security which many of us are not fortunate enough to experience outside this arena.

I leave you with these final words, which I speak from the heart...

BACKSTUDY~BUDDY HOMENEXT

IntroductionStudy OutlineMagical Dictionary

Lesson ILesson IILesson III