The Charge of the Goddess

Common to all Witches is the Charge of the Goddess. These are words spoken to us by the Goddess. During this prayer, we are instructed on when to gather, as well as the reasons for each part of the Veglione, or Full Moon Ceremony. It is probably the most well-known text in Wicca, and is part of every Witch's Book of Shadows.

The most common version of the Charge is Gardnerian, and is relatively modern. The Gardnerian tradition is primarially based upon ancient Celtic beliefs. This version of the Charge, however, is based upon a much older, non-celtic work published by Charles Leland in his book Aradia, Gospel of the Witches, in which an old Italian witch named Maddalena passed on her knowledge of the Craft. Although this book contained much incorrect information, the portion that was true stems from extremely ancient beliefs.

I have decided to include the "Charge of Aradia" as is included in Raven Grimassi's "Ways of the Strega." I feel that this text is very important in understanding any Tradition of Witchcraft. It was given to the Witches of old by Aradia, the "Holy Pilgram." It provides us with guidelines as to the proper way to worship, the meanings of our rituals, and much more. It describes our Goddess to us, that She is all things. It describes Her beauty and Her wisdom.

The ending is particularly significant. It tells us that we must first look within for what we seek to find spiritual enlightenment, for we will never find anything outside our own selves that is not already present within us. All efforts and studies will be fruitless if it is not already within ourselves.

The Charge of Aradia

As taken from Raven Grimassi's "Ways of the Strega"

Whenever you have need of anything, once in the month when the Moon is full, then shall you come together at some deserted place, or where there are woods, and give worship to She who is Queen of all Witches. Come all together inside a circle, and secrets taht are yet unknown shall be revealed.

And your mind must be free and also your spirit, and as a sign that you are truly free, you shall be naked in your rites. And you shall rejoice, and sing; making music and low. For this is the essence of spirit, and the knowledge of joy.

Be true to your own beliefs, and keep to the Ways, beyond all obstacles. For ours is the key to the mysteries and the cycle of rebirth, which opens the way to the Womb of Enlightenment.

I am the spirit of witches all, and this is joy and peace and harmony. In life does the Queen of all witches reveal the knowledge of Spirit. And from death does the Queen deliver you to peace and renewal.

When I shall have departed from this world, in memory of me make cakes of grain, wine and honey. These shall you shape like the Moon, and then partake of wine and cakes, all in my memory. For I have been sent to you by the Spirits of Old, and I have come that you might be delivered from all slavery. I am the daughter of the Sun and Moon, and even though I have been born into this world, my Race is of the Stars.

Give offerings all to She who is our Mother. For She is the beauty of the GreenWood, and the light of the Moon among the Stars, and the mystery which gives life, and always calls us to come together in Her name. Let Her worship be the ways within your heart, for all acts of love and pleasure gain favour with the Goddess.

But to all who seek Her, know that your seeking and desire will reward you not, until you realize the secret. Because if that which you seek is not found within your inner self, you will never find it from without. For she has been with you since you entered into the ways, and she is that which awaits at your journey's end.

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The colour image of the Goddess was a gift from a wonderful lady, Denise. Click to visit her web site. She has more wonderful original paintings there!