The Covenant of Aradia
Every religion, no matter what its basis, has certain rules it adhears to. Rather, these guidelines demonstrate how we should strive to live our lives. More than simply the "rule of three" or even the Rede, as some know it, these are more exact guidelines of what to do, and what we should avoid.
I feel that many of these are more or less common sense. Then again, "common sense" differs, depending on who you are speaking with. The rest are there to help us attune to Nature, and to grow in the knowledge She has to offer. Sometimes, what is here is often difficult to keep. I know there are times when I'd just love to be mean and nasty and not give a flying fig about anything. But I've noticed those moments come lesser and lesser, and I find myself gradually more in tune with Nature, and it's easier to keep even the strictest of these. I present now, the Covenenant of Aradia, as it is given in Raven Grimassi's book, Ways of the Strega.
The Covenant of Aradia
- Observe the times of the Treguenda, for therein is the foundation of the powers of Stregheria.
- When good is done to you, then do good to another. If someone wishes to repay you for a kindness, then bind them to go out of their way to help three others, then this shall clear the debt.
- Do not use the arts of Stregheria to appear powerful among others. Do not lower the standards of the Art and thereby bring contempt upon the Old ways.
- Do not take the life of anything unless it is to preserve life, yours or another's.
- Do not give your word of honour lightly, for you are bound by your words and by your oaths.
- Do not accept any authority over you unless it is of the Gods. Instead, cooperate with others but do not be a slave and always preserve your honour. Give respect to others and expect respect in return.
- Teach all who appear worthy and aid the continuance of the Old Religion.
- Do not belittle another's religious beliefs, but simply state your own truths. Strive to be at peace with those who differ.
- Do not purposely cause harm to another, unless it is to prevent true harm to yourself or another.
- Strive to be compassionate to others, and to be aware of the hearts and minds of those around you.
- Be true to your own understanding and turn away from those things which oppose the good in you, or are harmful to you.
- Hold reverence to all within Nature. Destroy nothing, scar nothing, waste nothing, live in harmony with Nature, for the ways of Nature are our own ways.
- Remain open in your heart and in your mind to the Great Ones who created all that is, and to your brothers and sisters alike.
Taken from Raven Grimassi's Ways of the Strega, p. 240

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