| 100.for none may come to meetings with those with whom they are at variance.For to do so angers the Gods and hinders the Brotherhood. 101.so,an either cannot agree,"both get hence,for the Craft must ever survive." 102.In the olden days,when the Old ones walked amoungst us and we were blessed with full powers,we could use the art against wind and fire and any of those who ill threated the Brotherhood.But in these evil days,we must not do so!For our enemies have devised a burning pit of everlasting fire into which they say their God casteth all the people who whorship him,except it be a very few who are released by their priests spells and masses.And this be chiefly by giving monies and rich gifts to recieve his favor,for their God is in ever need of money. 103.But as our Gods need our aid to make fertility for men and crops,so it is the God of the christians that is ever in need of mans help to search out and destroy us.Their priests ever tell them that any who get our help are damned to this hell forever,so men be mad with the fear of it. 104.But they make men believe that they may escape this hell if they give up Witches to the tormentors.So for this reason,all be forever spying,thinking "An I catch but one of the Wicce,I will escape this firey pit." 105.So for this reason,we havehidels and men searching long and not finding us say;"There be none,or if there be,be in a far country." 106.But when one of our oppressors dies,or even be sick,ever is the cry"This be Witches'malice" and the hunt is up again and though they may slay ten of their own to one of ours,still they care not.They have countless thousands. 107.wheile we are few indeed 108.that none shall use the art in anyway to do ill to any 109.however much they may ingure us,HARM NONE and now times there are that many believe we exsist not. 110.that this law shall ever continue to help us in our plight,no one ,however great an ingury or injustice they recieve,may use the great art in anyway to do ill will or harm any.But they may,after great consultaions withall,use the art to restrain christians from harmingus or tax others,but only to dismiss or to constrain them and never to punish. 111.to this end men will say:"such as one is a Mighty searcher out and a persecutor of old women whom they deemeth to be Witches,and none hath done him skith,so they be proof that they cannot,or more turly where be none. 112.for all know full well that so many folk have died becouse someone had a grudge against them.or were persecuted becouse they had money or goods to seize or becouse they had none to bribe the searchers.And many have died becouse they were scolding old women.So much that men say "Only old women are Witches." 113.and this be to our advantage,and turn suspisions away from us 114.in England and Scotland,'tis now many a year since a Witch hath died the death.But misuse of the power might raise the persecution again 115.so never break this law,however much you are tempted,and never consent to it being broken in the least. 116.if you know it is being broken you must work strongly against it 117.and any High Priestess who consents to its breach must immediatly be deposed"For 'tis the blood of the Brethren they danger." 118.do good,and it be safe,and only if it be safe 119.and strictly keep to the Old Law. 120.Never accept money for use of the Art,for money ever smearth the taker."'Tis sorcerors and conjurers and the priests of the christians who ever accept money for the use of their Arts.And they sell dwale,and evil love,spells and pardons,so letting men escape from their sins." 121.be not as these.If you accept no money,you will be free from temptation to use the Art for evil causes 122.all may use the Art for their own advantage,or for the advatage of the Craft,only if you are sure you harm none. 123.but let the Coven debate this at length.Only if all be satisfied and none be harmed in anyway,may the Act be used If it is not possible to achieve your ends one way, perchance the aim may be achieved by acting in a different 124.way, so as to harm none. May the Curse of the Goddess be on any who breaketh this law. 125. 'Tis judged lawful an any of the Craft need a house or land and none will sell, to incline the owners mind so as to be willing to sell, provided it harmeth it not in any way and the full price is paid, without haggling. 126. Never bargain or cheapen anything whilst you live by the Art. 127. "Tis the Old Law and the most important of all Laws that 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. 128. In any disputes between Brethren, no one may invoke any Laws but those of the Craft. 129. Or any tribunal but that of the Priestess, Priest and Elders. And may the Curse of the Goddess be on any who do so. 130. It is not forbidden to say as christians do: "There be Witchcraft in the land," because our oppressors of old make it heresy not to believe in Witchcraft, and so a crime to deny it, which thereby puts you under suspicion. 131. But ever say, "I know not of it here, perchance there may be, but afar off-- I know not where." 132. But ever speak of them as old crones, consorting with the devil and riding through the air. 133. And ever say: "But how may men may ride through the air an they be not as light as thistledown?" 134. But the Curse of the Goddess be on any who cast suspicion on any of the Brotherhood. 135. Or speaks of any real meeting place where any abide. 136. Let the Craft keep books with the names of all herbs which are good for men, and all cures, so all may learn. 137. But keep another book with all the Bales and Apies and let only the Elders and other trustworthy people have this knowledge. 138. Remember the Art is the secret of the Gods and may only be used in earnest and never for show or pride, or vainglory. 139. Magicians and christians may taunt us saying, "You have no power. Do magick before our eyes. Then only will we believe." seeking to cause us to betray our Art before them. 140. Heed them not. For the Art is a Holy Gift, and may only be used in need. And the Curse of the Gods be on any who break this Law. |