Following the Path

The Charge of the Goddess: A Wiccan Ethic

head_Diane-MorrisonIt has been my experience that many people get involved in Wicca because they like the lack of rules. We don’t have a lot of “Thou shalt nots.” All we have is the Witch’s1 Rede, they say. But there are many unspoken rules of ethics that we think of as being essentially “Wiccan.” Why? Where do they come from?

The answer should be self-evident but often isn’t. What is the one piece of liturgy that Wiccans really have? The answer is the Charge of the Goddess.

Most modern Wiccans treat this prose as a lovely way to invoke the Goddess. It does work well that way. But consider the original meaning of the word “charge”. It is a command, a responsibility laid upon someone, an exhortation, a duty, an injunction, or being entrusted with someone’s care. It is a series of rules!

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Magical Cleaning for a New Beginning

head_Deborah-Blake_wp-19Start getting ready for spring now.

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time for new beginnings. At Imbolc, in February, we celebrated the first tiny stirrings below the surface of the earth. At least, in theory. In reality, it can be difficult to get ourselves in motion during the doldrums of winter and even early spring. Especially if, like me, you live in a place where Brigid — or even Spring Equinox! — is as likely to be heralded by a snowstorm as by emerging tulips. So how do we push past the winter-induced lethargy and get our bodies and our lives moving in a positive direction? I respectfully suggest a major bout of magical cleaning. Here’s a three-step plan to bringing the New Year’s burst of energy into your life for more than just an evening!

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Respecting Boundaries

head_Ashleen-O-Gaea_wp-19Law and structure are the basis of community.

On a recent camping trip we met our first anarchists. “Any government that forces me to pay taxes is immoral,” the man said. “Why would you even want to pay taxes?”

I can think of lots of reasons, but I opened with “fire departments. ” Who doesn’t appreciate fire departments?

He said, “So it’s okay to rob me to pay for your fire protection?”

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