The Ordains:
Those of the Wicca follow an intricate set of laws
in their personal and group practice. Collectively, these laws are called
The Ordains. The Ordains fall into three basic categories: spiritual laws,
practical laws, and coven laws. The spiritual laws can be seen as a code
of ethics or morals giving the Crafter a guideline for spiritual living,
whether you choose to practice as a solitary (a Witch alone) or within
a group structure. These spiritual laws apply to all magical people, and
most magical individuals incorporate these laws into their group workings,
as well as their solitary practices.
Consider practical laws as the blossoms of experience
from those who have practiced the religion before you. Therefore,
not all of the practical laws will apply to every person. Think of these
laws as guidelines.
The third type of Craft law (mundane law) belongs to
group hierarchy, and most of these laws do not apply to the Witch
practicing alone. This doesn't mean that solitary Witches should ignore
these laws entirely, as many in their community may follow some sort of
coven or group government, and they practice Witchcraft within the confines
of these laws. Mundane laws fall into two categories: Those laws created
for general Wiccan government; and those laws created by the current organization,
group, or coven. The laws created by each group may not contradict the
general mundane laws, but seek to enhance the organization and assist in
creating a group mind.
Through the Principles of Belief and the more intricate
Ordains, New Generation Witches can practice a structured religion that
doesn't appear structured. That's the enchantment, and the mystery, of
the Craft.
Information from Llewellyn's Witches' Calendar
1998.

...On
the Witch's personal standards and spirituality
-
An ye harm none, do as ye will.
-
If you know the Rede is being broken,
you must work strongly against it.
-
Watch, listen, and withhold judgement;
in debate let your silences be long, your thoughts clear, and your words
carefully chosen.
-
Never boast, or threaten, or speak evil
of anyone.
-
Be truthful always, save when speaking
would lead to a great harm.
-
Keep clean your body, your clothes, and
your house.
-
Should you take a task upon yourself,
work hard and well to accomplish it properly and in good time. Always do
the best you can.
-
Do not haggle over the price of your ritual
tools.
-
Witches know that there no absolute truths.
-
Witches understand that the universe consist
of perfect balance; therefore, everything has an opposite.
-
Witches realize that for every action
there is a reaction. (The Law of Three)
-
Witches know that we are all one; we are
all connected.
-
Never lie to yourself for this is the
ultimate act of deceit.
-
Witches understand that the ultimate act
of spirituality is the act of positive creation through love.
-
Witches realize that the energy created
through worship and rituals manifests as a circular stream of positive
energy.
-
Witches should never close their minds
to knowledge.
-
Never practice a magickal system that
you don't fully understand.
-
Do not set a price on your magickal work.
-
A witch uses the magickal circle as a
physical and non-physical representation of a temple on the earth plane.
-
Witches use the energies around them to
assist in raising power.
-
Witches use common sense and do not share
their mysteries with fools.
-
A Witch who knowingly breaks the Law (Ordains)
will not be permitted to incarnate on Earth again.
...Concerning
the relationship of the Witch with others
-
Revere, honor, tend, and heal the Earth
-
Of that which you grow, make or use, let
as much as possible return to the Earth as an offering to Her, as a way
to nourish the cycle of life.
-
Do not judge those of other paths, but
offer them love and aid.
-
Do not steal from human, animal, or spirit;
if you have needs you can't meet, turn to your community.
-
Offer friendship and hospitality to strangers
who visit among you.
-
You shall never handfast or wed someone
you don't love.
-
Honor the relationships and commitments
of others, and don't couple together if it will cause harm to another.
-
Raise your children with kindness, feed,
clothe, and house them as well as you can. Show them love and affection,
teach them strength and wisdom.
-
Deal fairly and honestly in all your transactions
with others, following the letter and spirit of any contract you agree.
...Concerning
the relationship within the Craft
-
Witches do not point out the identity
of other witches to the general public or give addresses, or anything that
can betray any of us.
-
Do nothing that will endanger anyone in
the Craft, or which will bring them into conflict with the law of the land
or any of your persecutors.
-
Do not gossip or speak evil of other witches.
-
Never lie to any of the Wicca.
-
Never use your magickal skills for show,
pride or vainglory.
-
Keep within your Book of Shadows a record
of your own rites and learnings.
-
Do not lend your Book of Shadows to anyone.
You may allow someone to copy it though.
-
Property owned by Crafters should be guarded
both mundanely and spiritually by the Witch.
-
Never use your personal power for evil
purposes or attacks. If someone attacks you, you can defend yourself by
asking the Goddess for justice.
-
Magickal bindings can cost you dearly.
Learn to banish negativity instead.
-
Know that thoughts are things; and what
you create in thought may manifest in reality.
-
A Witch's power grows in direct relation
with his or her level of wisdom.
-
As long as you are acting in accordance
with a positive belief system, don't worry what others think of you and
say about it.
-
Injuries, accidents, sickness, and poverty
are often manifestations of low self-esteem or negative programming, not
hexes.
-
Magick use should be viewed as sacred.
-
Witches may teach others about the Craft
if the place is safe, the teacher is knowledgeable, the student is willing,
and the information is available publicly or is not secret to the organization
to which he or she belongs.
-
Never do anything to disgrace the Goddess
and the Craft.
Reference books:
Amber K's Covencraft, Lady
Galadriel's The New Wiccan Book of the Law, and Silver RavenWolf's
To
Light a Sacred Flame



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