• THE NEW BOOK OF THE LAW

    From Kurt Snelling@RICKSBBS to ALL on Mon Nov 10 06:25:09 2025
    .he THE NEW BOOK OF THE LAW

    [sources: The Book of The Law, The Old Laws for the Old Religion,
    The Great Book of the Law, The Dragon Law]

    Preface: In my years of teaching and running a group, I have
    always had a dissatisfaction with the popular "Book of the Law"
    available to most Seekers. I felt it to be too archaic in its
    wording and perspective -- and while it was valuable in the
    Burning Times, it simply does not deal with the concerns and
    needs of "modern-day" Witches. Over the years I became familiar
    with several other sets of Laws. Each of these had many good
    points, yet they also had their disadvantages as well.

    Recently, I decided to do something daring -- I took the four
    different versions of the Laws which I had, and combined and
    reworked them. I deleted what was no longer pertinent or
    meaningful, rewording others to make them clearer and more
    understandable, as well as throwing in a few new ones which I
    felt had been lacking. I believe that what has evolved out of
    this work is a set of Laws which are readable, usable, and most
    importantly, pertinent to the needs of today's Witches and Neo-
    Pagans. It is with these thoughts and hopes that I would like to
    share them with you. If you should find merit or worth in them,
    then I will feel as though I have accomplished something. The
    material in this booklet has not been copyrighted, so you may
    reproduce the Laws for students or friends, or reprint them in
    your publication. It is my sincere hope that the New Book of the
    Law will be of use to the Craft Community.

    Blessed Be,
    Lady Galadriel

    Subject: New Book o' Law 1

    PART ONE

    1. The Laws were created to give our lives form and order, that
    all might be balanced throughout all of the planes. In truth
    there are two sets of laws which govern us -- one sets forth the
    ways of the Wiccan, and the other the ways of the Universe. Both
    are important, both should be observed with respect and treated
    with honor. The Laws were shaped and molded to teach us, to
    advise us, and to counsel us in our time of mortal life on earth.

    2. Honor the Gods, for They are the channels and the
    manifestation of the Source. Honor yourself, for this force also
    lies within you. Love the Gods as They love you, and by loving
    yourself and your brothers and sisters, so the Gods shall honor
    you. As the love and joy of a man and a woman [or "lover and
    beloved" -- LAH] flowers and grows when nurtured with respect,
    and cultivated with understanding and honor, so should you love
    the Gods.

    3. The Goddess is the Great Mother, and the God is the Great
    Father, and we are Their children; and we shall worship Them, for
    They are the rulers of the Universe, and all that is therein.
    Therefore, O Children of the Gods, try Them not, nor attempt to
    test Them, for They shall show you that he Ways of the Craft are
    not to be belittled or mocked.

    4. Let the Power of the Craft flow from you only in love -- or
    not at all. For it has always been known that the energy webs
    which we weave and maintain shall eventually return to encircle
    their creator. Thus our works become either the net which
    intaglios and binds us, or the web of light by which we find the
    Gods.

    5. Let the Rites of the Wicca be a way for the children of the
    Gods to be as One -- for Power only flows when unified. Always
    should you revere the Earth, and heal and tend Her, for She is
    our life, our Mothership, on which we navigate the dark currents
    of space.

    6. When you reap the harvests of your lands, then you shall not
    reap one corner of the field, nor glean the herb gardens, or the
    fallen fruits of the orchards. These you shall offer to the
    Earth Mother, in direct return, or through offerings made to your
    Circle, or to sustain its Priests and Priestesses.

    7. Always be proud to be of the Wicca, but do not allow your
    pride to become vanity -- for those who are conceited are a
    stubling block at the door of the Temple, and they shall be cast
    adrift, to swim within their own vanity.

    8. Observe and listen, reserving your judgment, for until all the
    silver is weighed, who can know the worth thereof?

    9. As like breeds like, even more so does good beget love and
    joy. Your life will be full of love and joy if you are joyful and
    happy.

    10. Your teachers are the servants of the Gods, and they shall
    plant the seeds of knowledge within the minds of their students,
    and they shall use their power for the good of the Wicca. Yet it
    is each individual's duty to tend the seeds which are planted,
    and to make the final harvest. Those who misuse the power and the
    trust of the teacher's position shall have to answer to the Lords
    of Karma, and adjust the balance accordingly.

    11. The Temples of the Gods, which are Their abode on Earth,
    shall belong to all Their children, and each Circle shall be as a
    special family. Do naught against any Temple or any family of the
    Wicca, lest you do that thing unto the Gods, and against
    yourself.

    12. You must not be a teller of tales amongst the children of the
    Goddess, and you must hold no malice or evil thoughts towards
    others of the Wicca.

    13. You should not lie, nor give false testimony before your
    Elders, or those who are of the Wicca -- for liars are fools, and
    a menace unto themselves, and to the Wicca. Be truthful in all
    your works and deeds, especially within the Circle, for what you
    say within the presence of the Gods becomes manifest.

    14. You must not put stumbling blocks in the way of those who do
    not follow the Path of the Wicca. You must make no unrighteous
    judgments of their ways, and you should aid them with an attitude
    of love when it is asked for. Yet ever should you keep the
    Counsel of the Elders, and reveal naught to others of where our
    Circles may be, nor may you reveal our ways without the consent
    of the Priestess.

    15. When you make a vow to the Lord or the Lady, or you swear an
    oath to another of the Wicca, then you must do all that has come
    forth from your mouth, for a covenant with the Gods, or with the
    Wicca, is your Honor, and woe to those who care not for the
    fetters they attach to their souls by not keeping their word.

    16. The Great Mother and Father would not have their children
    suffer the indignities of oppressors for their sake, for what is
    within the hearts of Their children is dear and true to Them. The
    Ancient and Mighty Ones shall cause the balance to be made for
    those who desecrate the Lord and Lady, Their temples, or Their
    creations.

    17. Never shall you use Magick, nor the Craft, to cause harm, for
    this is misuse of the Power, and it is not to be condoned. To
    cause the death of another through the Craft is to require the
    death of the Self in sacrifice.

    18. Never betray any of the brethren, nor the lore of our people,
    for you are all servants of the Gods, and must live by the
    virtues of love, honor and wisdom. Let truth, loyalty and honor
    be your creed. Let them be your guides, tempered by love and
    wisdom.

    19. The Order of the Gods shall you keep, and within Their
    Circles shall you walk. You should not say "I believe" when you
    doubt, nor claim to obey the Lord and Lady's word when you never
    enter into the Temple. You must not profess with your lips that
    which is not in your heart.

    20. Do not use the names of the Gods in negative or evil ways,
    for They love and cherish Their children above all others. All
    others They love, even those who know them not. Yet those who
    hate and curse in Their name shall have the Mighty Ones take the
    measure of their worth.

    21. In any disputes between the children of the Goddess, no one
    may invoke any laws but those of the Craft, or any tribunal but
    that of Priestess, Priest, and Elders.

    22. No one of the Wicca may do anything which will endagner the
    Craft, nor bring any of the Wicca into conflict with the Law of
    the Land, or with any of our persecutors.

    23. Your magickal tools are channels to that which is most
    precious and pure within you. Do not cheapen them by haggling
    their price when you acquire them.

    24. Never accept money for the use of the Power. It is sorcerers
    and charlatans who accept money for their spells and prayers. If
    you accept no money, you will be free from the temptation to use
    the Craft for evil or unworthy causes.

    25. You shall never take unduly from any human, animal or
    elemental that which is not yours to take -- for if you steal
    from another, in the end you will have to sacrifice something
    dearer to you in order to attain the balance.

    26. Show honor to all people, that they may look up to you, and
    respect you, and their eyes shall become a mirror for your soul.

    27. Those who are of the Wicca shall not own slaves, for one
    person may not own the spirit of another, for only the Great
    Mother and Father own our souls. Nor shall you take as a pledge
    any person's life, for to do so is to take upon yourself both a
    mill and a millstone.

    28. If a stranger sojourns with you, you shall do them no wrong;
    they shall be as one of the Circle, born amongst ye, and you
    shall deal with them as you would yourself.

    29. Just weights and just balances shall be given by you, and
    just value shall you give, and thereby receive threefold.

    30. Your altars shall be kept clean, pure and holy, and all that
    is brought into the Temple or the Circle shall be cleansed and
    blessed, for the joy of the Gods, and of the Wicca.

    31. A clean mind should have a clean body. You should keep your
    body, your clothes, and your house clean, in honor of the Mother,
    who gives these things to you.

    32. Let none die without honor, without love, without respect,
    unless their actions have decreed otherwise.

    33. You should not couple together if it shall cause pain,
    jealousy or deprivation to another by doing so. Union for malice
    or evil reasons such as these upsets the balance, and the Lords
    of the Universe shall make adjustments accordingly.

    34. Let those who would love, and would be as one, and bear
    child, be handfasted. For the sharing of love in this manner is
    beauteous, and love's union in the energy of the Gods, and the
    heritage of the child. It is important for children to know and
    to identify with those who brought them here.

    35. The Law of the Goddess is that none of the Wicca shall take
    and wed someone who they do not love, whether it is to harm
    another, or for some form of material gain.

    36. Remember that your children are Goddess-spawned, and are free
    spirits. You do not own nor control them. They are your brethren,
    come to visit for a while, that they may share in the vision of
    your love and wisdom. Let each parent realize that although they
    may teach and guide with love, the child shall also teach the
    parent, and aid them in their growth and lessons.

    END OF PART ONE

    PART TWO

    37. The etheric web and energy vortexes of the earth are in
    constant flux and motion to adjust to the needs of the planet.
    The sacred trust of the Wicca is to create and to maintain
    centers of light and knowledge, using the magick of the divine
    spark within us to focus and channel the forces of the Universal
    fire. And these are the channels established between the worlds
    of the stars and the realms of the earth, bringing in and
    regulating the spirit flames which energize and activate all life
    forms. Thus we tend and guard the threads of creation, and we
    weave the patterns of life and manifestation in an ever-evolving
    tapestry.

    38. Never use your heritage or position for self-glorification or
    gain. Respect your magick and our ways. We must always recognize
    that while others may look to us to lead them, they too are our
    guides.

    39. Keep your body strong, your mind keen, and your purpose pure,
    for within your being you shall channel the Power, and it needs
    to be strong and pure. And these are the keys to the path of
    Oneness, and to communication with the Gods. Yet first you must
    learn to speak to Them in such a manner as They can comprehend
    you. For the children of the Wicca must aid the Gods, and work
    with Them, otherwise the Gods cannot aid and work with you. Ever
    remember that the Priest and Priestess are the living
    representatives of the God and Goddess Forces, and likewise that
    all humans carry these forces within them, though they may lie
    dormant and unawakened.

    40. As the Great Mother and Father come unto one another and
    create with the pure vibration of Love-Wisdom, so should you
    strive to make your Temple pure in vibration, and thus a fitting
    place wherein you may invite the Gods. Thus, your Circle should
    always be duly purified and cast, and likewise, those who would
    use the gateways and travel the Circle between the earth and
    other realms should also be duly prepared and purified.

    41. The Goddess hath said, "I shall not carry thee, yet neither
    shall I hinder thee, nor keep thee from having the same
    opportunities as all of my children. Thou art free, yet thou
    shalt not be coddled like babes in the storm. If thou hast true
    devotion within thee, then all obstacles may be overcome."

    42. The laggard is but half a person -- and though half is better
    than none, the whole is twice as good as the half. Those who do
    not work, or who lack the will and desire to learn the ways of
    the Gods, unto them is said, "The Ancient and Mighty Ones shall
    not keep thee within their house, if ye learneth not."

    43. A sanctuary you shall make unto the Gods, that They may dwell
    amongst you. And you shall fashion it to the best of your
    ability, according to all that your Elders shall show you, and
    pure energy shall you place therein.

    44. An altar shall you make to unto the Lady, and you shall make
    due reverence unto Her, for every place where She is exalted, She
    will come to you and bless you. And you shall fashion your altar
    out of wood or stone, and burn incense and candles thereon, at
    the proper times, in observance of her ways.

    45. You should set aside at least one day during each moon unto
    the Goddess, and on these days you shall do Her work; and on
    those days She shall renew Her children and bless them.

    46. Learn to build your own Temple, and to craft your own sacred
    Circle, and all the tools that are used therein -- for to be a
    person of the Craft is to be a person of consequence.

    47. Let each of you inscribe your own record of our ways and
    teachings. For the course of each Wiccan should be charted, that
    the patterns of their life-web may be made known and utilized.
    Let each Wiccan start their Book of Light with the teachings and
    lore of their tradition, yet let it also contain the rites and
    ways of each individual, which are the harvest of each child of
    the Wicca, to use the wisdom of their heritage as the seeds of
    their own wisdom. Thus shall our lore and knowledge continue to
    grow and unfold, like a beautiful flower.

    48. It is right to study and to understand the sigils, statues
    and stories of the Gods, for they shall guide your thoughts to
    Them, and They shall hear them. Yet you must ever remember that
    you worship not the sign nor the statue, but the Gods which
    inspired them.

    49. If your Circle owns any land, let all guard it, and help to
    keep it clean. Let all justly guard all moneys of the Circle, as
    well as the rights and property of all members of the Circle.

    50. If any Wiccan truly labors, then it is right that they should
    have their just pay. This is not considered the taking of money
    for the Art, but good and honest work. Yet if any Wiccan works
    willingly for the good of the Craft, or for their brothers and
    sisters without pay, then it is to their greatest honor.

    51. If any Wiccan should deny themselves some pleasure or
    material indulgence in order to do service in the Circle, this
    person shall be blessed and remembered. For those who give for
    the greater good of all shall have their spirit uplifted.

    52. Know also that if you gift the Lady's Priests and
    Priestesses, or Her Circles, this is an offering made unto the
    Mother Herself, for a true Priest or Priestess strives always to
    do Her work, and to be of service to Her children, so to honor
    and respect them is to honor and respect the Queen of All.

    53. And the offerings which are considered the most pleasing to
    the Gods are these:

    the fruits of the orchards
    the scents of the trees and herbs
    the metals of the earth
    the waters of the earth
    the flowers of the meadows
    and the milk of all mothers.

    Yet offerings of labor or money are honest too, and these will
    also be accepted -- more so if you work with love in your heart,
    for always there is work to be done for the Gods, and service to
    be given to the children of the Wicca.

    54. If your offerings are made to restore the balance, it must by
    of a nature that it not offensive to the Gods. It must be of
    value, yet given with a free heart. Thus shall the harmony be
    restored. If your offerings are given with a heart filled with
    love and devotion, or are of service to the Gods, or to the
    Craft, then shall you receive blessings manifold.

    55. And when you make an offering unto the Gods, you should offer
    it thru the most proper medium, at the proper times, and in such
    a manner as to make it acceptable. Any and all remains of the
    rituals shall be consumed in the fire, or buried within the
    Earth, as a way of returning to the Source all that we use in the
    observance of our ways, thus ensuring the continuity of the
    cycle.

    56. All may use the Craft to help and aid them, or for the
    advantage of their Circle, or the Craft -- yet only if you are
    sure that you harm none. Let each Wiccan and Circle always debate
    these matters at length. Only if all be satisfied that none be
    harmed in any way, may the Art then be used. If it is not
    possible to achieve your ends one way, then perhaps the goal may
    be achieved by acting in a different way, so as to harm none.

    57. Throughout the world it has been many a year since Wiccans
    have been burned. Yet misuse of the Power might raise the
    persecutions once again. So never break the Laws, however much
    you might be tempted, and never consent to their being broken.
    And if you know they are being broken, then you must work
    strongly against it.

    58. In days of old it was decided by the Mighty Ones who came
    before us that the Art might be used to restrain others from
    harming the Craft or its children, yet only after great
    consultation with all members of the Circle, and only then to
    deflect or to constrain them.

    59. And such were the ways of the Lady that She brought us forth
    in joy, and such were the Ways of the Lord that His reign gave
    all life pleasure. Offer love in your worship and all shall be
    joyous in beauty.

    END OF PART TWO

    PART THREE

    60. In the dimly remembered dawn of ages past, the Wicca were
    truly free. Then, in Atlantis came the Age of the Misuse of
    Power, followed by the Ages of Persecution and Suffering. Thus
    the people of the Wicca hid themselves and cloaked their
    knowledge, and wove veils of secrecy and silence. And this is how
    the Ways of the Wicca have been preserved through the time of
    darkness. Yet much of the ways of our people were lost to the
    ignorance of others.

    61. Yet the cycle spirals ever on -- and the Age of the Earth
    Mother once again draws nigh. We must be strong -- one with our
    birthright, and one with our Gods, if we are to bring forth the
    balance. Those who would harm us, or attempt to enslave us, we
    must overcome -- yet only through light and love, and never
    through violence or the evil of chaos. And through our efforts
    the time of our people will come into being once more. In the
    times which lie ahead, there lies much work to be done, so that
    once more the cycles of life are drawn to the path of light, and
    the balance achieved through the power of love.

    62. In order to bring the ways of Light and Love and Life to the
    peoples of the Earth, our secrets are slowly becoming secrets no
    more, and it is good that this is so -- for the age of shadow and
    secrecy is passing. Yet the sharing of our ways needs always to
    be guided by wisdom and by love. Let our rites and our mysteries
    be kept sacred. Let no one defile our worship or our heritage.
    For the defilement of our ways is an honor loss to self, and for
    the Craft.

    63. Let each High Priestess govern her Circle with justice and
    Love, and with the help and advice of the Elders and the High
    Priest, always heeding the messages of the Gods when they come.

    64. Ever remember that although the Priest is the force with
    which the Circle is built, the Priestess is the ruler therein --
    for it is through her that the Goddess created the world, and all
    things therein.

    65. The High Priestess will heed all complaints of all Pagans and
    Wiccans, and strive to settle any differences between them with
    reason and with justice.

    66. Let each Circle of Light decide how it shall be known --
    whether by earthly name or magickal one. For each child of the
    Wicca knows best the safety or dangers of their homeland.

    67. Let each Circle or Temple maintain and dedicate unto the
    Goddess and the God all the things that are required for Their
    rituals, for what is blessed in the name of the Gods rightly
    belongs to Them, and the Priest and Priestess shall be the
    caretakers thereof.

    68. Anyone of the circle who is of sufficient rank, and wishes to
    form a new Circle, shall tell the High Priestess and the Elders
    of their intentions. Members of the old Circle may join the new
    Circle when it is formed, but if they do so they must leave the
    other Circle, unless otherwise instructed. For it is the Old Law
    that each Wiccan may join the Circle of their choice, yet their
    energy should not be divided between two or more Temples.

    69. The Elders of the old and new Circles shall meet in peace and
    with respect, to decide the level of interaction and connection
    between the Circles. Yet it is known that the splitting of a
    Circle often means strife. So only if it is truly in a spirit of
    peace and harmony should the Circles meet for the celebration of
    the Great Festivals.

    70. None shall enter the Circle that have a sickness or an
    ailment which may be passed on to the Lady's other children --
    for to do so causes harm to yourself, as well as to the others of
    the Circle. Rather should the Healers go unto the sick one, that
    through the love of the Gods they shall be made well and whole
    once more.

    71. It has been judged lawful that if any of the Craft need a
    house, or land, and none will sell, to incline someone's mind so
    as to be willing to sell, providing it harms none and the full
    price is paid without haggling.

    72. In the matter of quarrels or disputes between the members of
    the Circle, the High Priestess shall convene the Council, and
    inquire into the matter. The Council shall hear each person
    privately, and then both together. And they shall decide justly,
    not favoring one side nor the other.

    73. If an agreeable resolution cannot be reached, then that
    Wiccan must leave the Circle, for a Circle of Light cannot be
    properly formed where there is disagreement and discord. And when
    a Circle is not properly formed, the energy within is either
    dissipated, or turns ugly, festering like a hidden sore. So let
    them leave, but only with love in their hearts and yours, for
    even though your paths may diverge, you are still all children of
    the Wicca, and there must be no violence between us. Bear no
    grudges, hold no thoughts of vengeance, for this will rot away
    the foundation of your power.

    74. It has ever been recognized that there are some people who
    can never agree to work under any others. At the same time there
    are also people who cannot rule justly. To those who must ever be
    chief there is but one answer: "Void this Circle, and seek
    another one, or if ye be of sufficient rank, then form a Circle
    of your own." To those who cannot rule justly, the answer shall
    be "Those who cannot bear your rule will leave you." For none may
    come to Circle with those with whom they are at variance, for to
    do so angers the Gods, and hinders the Craft.

    75. Those that do wrong without knowledge shall be held innocent;
    those that do wrong through carelessness shall be judged lacking
    in wisdom, and dealt with according to the nature of the
    transgression. Those who do wrong with deliberation and
    forethought shall be thrice punished, and the Lords of Karma
    shall lay low their pride.

    76. Each person must make a balance for their words and actions,
    and the judgments of the Elders should incline to try to make
    good come from the injustice or wrong-doing. Many are the ways to
    restore the balance, so let the judgments of the Elders and the
    Priestess be in keeping with this.

    77. Do not turn aside those who seek the ways of the Wicca for
    the want of an offering or the lack of a robe. You are the
    servants of the Gods, and the servants of Their people, and those
    that seek for the Gods you must aid in their quest.

    78. Of those who would inquire as to the ways of the Goddess, or
    who wish to become of the Wicca, ye shall search their hearts,
    and even into their spirits you shall look, as you are able. For
    the Wicca do not look to acquire mere numbers. Let none be turned
    away if their hearts are true, and their desire earnest.

    79. The hidden children are like the strings of a harp: each one
    may give a clear note, and when gathered together in sympathy and
    accord, they shall give rise to a beautiful symphony. Yet when
    struck without reason or thought, these notes may cause discord
    or disharmony. Therefore the Gods decree to Their Teachers and
    Priests that all must be taught to master their harp, and to
    pluck their strings with care, that they cause no discord or
    imbalance.

    80. Choose the Priests and Teachers of the Wicca with diligence
    and with care. The qualities that you should search for within
    them are Faith, Belief, Knowledge, Ability, Patience, Leadership,
    Humility, and a loving nature -- for they must lead and teach the
    children of the Goddess, and will thereby have the power to do
    great good, or to cause great imbalance.

    81. In practice it should be that the greatest of the Priests and
    Priestesses should guide the rituals within each of the Temples
    of the Old Gods, and truly you should be content with the advice
    and guidance given by them. Yet ever it should be given so that
    it is clear and understandable, for within the Temple each of the
    Wicca is free, and thus they should be able to recognize and to
    understand our ways and their implications. And those who cannot
    explain the inner workings, or give just cause and reason for
    their decisions, may be questioned, or the wisdom of the advice
    weighed.

    82. Let the Priestess and Priest lead as long as they are able,
    and their leadership be wise and strong, and to the benefit of
    the Wicca. Yet if their health is ill-favored, or if the next
    generation needs to try their hand, then let them have the vision
    and the wisdom to step away from their position, and pass the
    duties of the Circle to another. Let them not become overly
    attached to the office, nor too fond of the power.

    83. If a Priestess or a Priest should tire of their duties and
    charges, then they may step down, but only after having trained
    and acknowledged a successor. If a Priest or Priestess deserts
    their Circle, then they have lost the right to ever lead again
    within this life, so great a trust they have broken. If they
    should return to the Circle within one turn of the Wheel, and are
    judged to have true atonement in their hearts, new insight and
    growth, then they may be forgiven, and allowed to return to the
    Circle, yet they shall worship only, and hold no office or title.
    Leadership is a sacred commitment and an honor, and they have
    shown that they cannot be trusted with such responsibility.

    84. Any Priestess, Priest, or Elder who consents to a breach of
    the Laws regarding the use of the Craft to cause harm to others
    must immediately be relieved of their office, for it is the lives
    of the children of the Goddess which they endanger, as well as
    the honor of the Craft.

    85. The High Priestess may take a Sabbatical from her Circle, if
    her personal life and duties require it, for up to a year and a
    day. During that time, the Maiden shall act as High Priestess. If
    the High Priestess does not return at the end of a year and a
    day, then the Initiates of the Circle shall name a new Priestess.
    Unless there is good reason to the contrary, the person who has
    done the work of the Priestess should reap the reward. If someone
    else is named, then the Maiden should continue in that office.

    86. Each Priestess and Priest shall choose their own consorts,
    yet let them be wise in the learning of our people, and thus
    others shall abide by the wisdom of their choice. Yet if the
    Circle feels the decision is ill-advised, or that they cannot
    abide and work in honor and trust with that consort, then they
    may request a gathering of all concerned to meet and to talk, and
    to resolve the balance with love and honor. For only those who
    are pure and strong, keen and wise, patient and loving, can
    effectively and properly carry out the duties of a Keeper of the
    Circle.

    87. Those of the Priesthood shall not neglect their mates, or
    their children, or their house, nor anything which is in their
    possession; nor shall the sick and the needy be neglected for the
    sake of the Circle. Therefore let them adjust the one thing
    against the other, that neither should suffer, and that which is
    given by the Gods is treated with love and respect.

    88. Long ago, at the time of Creation, it was deemed that the
    female should hold the power of life-giving. And such was the
    male force drawn to the love and beauty of the Creation of life,
    that he surrenders unto her keeping the force of his powers in
    the furtherance of life. Yet the Priestess must always remember
    that the fuel of the flames which light the fires within her
    Temple comes from the Priest. Thus she must use the force wisely,
    and only with love, and she must honor and respect he who is the
    activator of the Life Force.

    HERE ENDS THE NEW BOOK OF THE LAW.

    Published by: The Grove of the Unicorn PO Box 13384 Atlanta, GA
    30324

    Ordering Information: Send Legal size SASE A small contribution
    towards printing/handling costs will be appreciated. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    To this I would add only one more admonishment, based on my own
    experience: It is as important not to take oneself, one's power,
    and one's Craft too seriously as it is not to take them too
    lightly. Moderation in all things, including moderation. And
    remember that all acts of love and pleasure are the rites of the
    Goddess, and this includes HAVING FUN.

    B*B Leigh Ann



    NOTICE: This file is part of Cassandra-News for November 1989 (CNEW1189)
    and its as well asthe various members of the arcive may be downloading or
    FREQ. The Current Issue of Cassandra-News may be FREQ with the "Fido Magic
    Word" CASSNEWS. Cassandra-News is a news service of the United Wiccan Church
    a 501(c)(3) California non-profit, tax-exempt religious corporation.
    Cassandra-News grants License for Non-Commercial electronic and print
    reproduction and distribution as long as no fee is charged for these
    reproductions other than the cost of reproduction and printing. The name
    and address of the United Wiccan Church this notice must be preserved on
    all copies.

    United Wiccan Church
    P. O. Box 16025
    North Hollywood California, 91615-6025, U.S.A., NA.
    (818) 899-3687 (3/12/2400 Baud 8N1)
    FIDO 1:102/922   

    Kurt,
    telnet://ricksbbs.synchro.net:23
    http://ricksbbs.synchro.net:8080
    ---
    þ Synchronet þ Rick's BBS telnet://ricksbbs.synchro.net:23
  • From Kurt Snelling@RICKSBBS to ALL on Wed Nov 12 06:42:28 2025
    THE NEW BOOK OF THE LAW

    Commentary by J. Random Folksinger

    I have to preface this by stating that I was first drawn to this
    work by Leigh Ann Hussey, and reacted very negatively to it. This will
    be my second time through these Laws, with comments that are SOLELY MY
    OWN OPINION. I know that Lady Galadriel put a lot of work (translate:
    sweat blood) into these Laws, and I am not attacking her or her work.
    Making my points without sounding negative would have been nice, but I
    have not been very successful at this; since several people have been
    asking me to put down *WHY* I didn't like them, I felt that getting the
    project over with would be better than struggling with a novel-length
    exercise in not offending anyone. To Lady Galadriel: I, too, have sweat
    blood over a reconstruction project similar to this (and I got lots of
    negative feedback, too). My finished copy, which includes the old
    "Burning Times" laws as a historical source or what to do when things
    *really* get bad, can be had from Leigh Ann, Judy Harrow, or downloaded
    from WeirdBase in St. Louis as "JRFLAWS.TXT". My heart goes out to you,
    but I am commenting on your Laws from my head only.

    Notes:

    On the Preface: The Book of the Law, or Liber Al, which Lady G. refers
    to as a primary source, is not the same as Craft law in most traditions
    as it was written by Aleister Crowley; it is, therefore, hardly a
    wonder why it was not found to be very pertinent by Lady G. If, indeed,
    Lady G.'s Book of the Law was *not* Liber Al, it is hard to understand
    where many of these Laws originated.

    The Laws:

    1. Form and Order? Ask a Discordian or Shamanic Craft type. The Laws
    were created for guidance, as the latter part of this Law attests.

    2. Channels, and manifestation of the Source? This sounds more like New
    Age Xtianity than Wicca. I should stop talking about the flowers in the
    language, although they are disconcerting and very distracting from the
    original goal of "readable, usable, and pertinent to the needs ..." I
    suppose I can just use the term "flowers" as my way of saying that the
    language is unnecessarily complicated when it really bothers me -- and
    most of these laws do fall in this category.

    3. Oh, no. Not the Xtian "Ye are as children" routine again. The Gods,
    in my training, wish us to grow, not perpetually remain children. To
    not test what they say is the same as channelling some unknown spirit
    and believing everything he/she says. We are growing, making the Gods
    proud, not belittling or mocking them.

    4. This law is over-judgemental (something I am accused of being at
    times), and ignores the need for working with our shadow-side; I
    suppose naivete is the worst I can say about this Law. I can easily
    find better in Marion Weinstein's POSITIVE MAGIC...

    5. The "Mothership" routine smacks of Close Encounters, but other than
    the children routine and some language problems, this one isn't too bad
    -- but isn't there something in an initiation ritual about us and the
    Gods being the same "but for a difference of power"? I would think
    Brothers and Sisters of the Gods would be better terminology --
    feminists are welcome to reverse the wording.

    6. Hmmm. Sounds like tithing to me. While it is certainly a good idea,
    we give back to the Gods all the time -- this would be making the
    meaningful ritual a mechanical one. Sustain its Priests and
    Priestesses? Paid (or fed) clergy? Shades of Paul! This part would
    still work in my tradition, since we are all priests and priestesses,
    but I know some that are different...

    7. I can't see the purpose of this Law, and know of no corresponding
    Law in the Laws I have come across. It sounds like the God of the
    Xtians again, making people the way they are and then judging them for
    being that way.

    8. A direct statement would be better. Who do you know in these times
    that goes around weighing silver? Is this a modern metaphor? I don't
    think so.

    9. Does not parse. Sounds good, though...

    10. This sounds like it's setting up the teacher as infallible -- shut
    up and listen. Also, while I hear Karma used frequently in Craft
    discussions, it is because it is a useful concept for us; however, this
    is the first time I have seen the Lords of Karma enthroned in Craft
    Law.

    11. I could have taken the Golden Rule in one of its permutations, but
    this is much more akin to the concept of "Sin" than that of Karma.

    12. "You must not be a teller of tales..."? What, we are to have no
    Bards in the Craft? If this law means that gossipping is not a good
    thing, why doesn't it say so? And "must hold no malice" indicates that
    we are not allowed to be human again -- true, it is better for the
    Craft that we all be as a loving family, but there are other ways to
    deal with the problems caused by personality conflicts than to outlaw
    legitimate feelings.

    13. Flowers. Old Law. (Meaning that, other than difference in wording,
    this is the same as the "Old Laws", i.e., Lady Sheba and others.)

    14. Oh, boy! Priestess Knows Best (and will be happy to be responsible
    for *you*). If someone asks me a question, give them the straightest
    answer I can, and without phoning up my Priestess for permission to do
    so. I am a trained, adult Witch, and am capable both of making my own
    decisions *and* taking the consequences for making a wrong decision.
    The "You must not put stumbling blocks..." sounds like the old parental
    admonishment, "Don't put beans in your ears." The Xtians have enough
    stumbling blocks of their own; I don't think ours would even be
    noticed, and so are unnecessary.

    15. The key words are in the Preface: readable, usable, and pertinent.
    "Fetters" and "woe" are not very meaninful words in this half of the
    20th century. Not sure about the use of "souls", either, since that
    seems to be mostly a Xtian concern. Remember, Lady G. said that she
    reworded some of these laws "to make them clearer and more
    understandable". I think she missed here.

    16. Sounds like "Trust in God; He will provide." Where is the Craft
    basis for this Law?

    17. If you kill someone magickally, accidentally or otherwise, you
    should be sacrificed to atone for it? My Goddess demands nothing in
    sacrifice. It would be far better to get into therapy and see how you
    could forgive yourself and help others to forgive you (I'm using
    "forgive" as a psychological, not religious, term). No problem with the
    first sentence.

    18. Could be said more clearly.

    19. The source for this, especially the final sentence, seems to be
    Jesus in Revelation. "Many say, Lord, Lord, but I know them not..."
    etc.

    20. Sounds like, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God in
    vain". Either that is what this law is saying, or it needs to be
    clearer.

    21. Old Law. I would have worded it, "In any disputes among the
    Wicca..."

    22. Old Law.

    23. To me, my magickal tools are channels between what is within me and
    what is outside of me (on the magickal planes, which frequently
    intersect with the planes of reality). Still, Do Not Haggle is Old Law.

    24. Old Law, except for the semantical substitution of "Power" for
    "Art" and the use of the judgmental terms "evil" and "unworthy".

    25. "Thou shalt not steal"? Hinted-at consequences are unnecessary.

    26. I don't understand "Show honor" as a phrase, and the last phrase is
    not comprehensible to me.

    27. "Those who are of the Wicca shall not own slaves," -- good idea,
    although I have never seen it included in Craft Law. The rest of this
    sentence is again unclear and/or unnecessary justification. "Nor shall
    you take as a pledge any person's life,"; well, the Laws of Karma (if
    you accept them, which these Laws purport to) demand otherwise from
    time to time, and again, this has not been found necessary in any other
    set of Craft Laws I have seen.

    28. This is the second time the Golden Rule has been quoted in a faulty
    permutation. "If a stranger sojourns with you...they shall be as one of
    the Circle..." What, we're going to invite total strangers into our
    rites just because this Law says so? There are enough Laws that
    contradict this already. This doesn't sound right.

    29. This came straight out of Leviticus, and also exists in Baha'i law
    in a slightly clearer form. It's nice that we're getting ecumenical,
    but what is the need for this in Craft Law? The Threefold Law applies,
    and is easier to understand.

    30. The Good Wiccan Houskeeping Seal is required for Circle?

    31. Not a Wiccan Law. "Cleanliness is next to god/dessliness" would be
    a shorter way of phrasing this. Although the old customs (NOT laws)
    require bathing prior to a ritual, even that has been used to "find"
    Witches with in some areas (they're clean and smell nice -- they must
    be seducing our men for Satan!).

    32. Not Law, but a start; I believe none should die without someone
    having cared for them; and that death with dignity is the hoped-for
    ideal. Many of you already know that I'm initiating action toward Pagan
    hospice, funeral, and cemetery care. The judgement about "their
    actions" is for the Dark Lord to make.

    33. Threefold Law is all you need here. Anything else is moral
    judgement.

    34. Amended version: "Let those who desire union as a couple (or other
    forms as might be desirable, such as a triad or a group relationship)
    be handfasted, sharing their love in a manner they and the Gods find
    pleasing." Children are not necessary for shared love (and often
    separate the parents from their mutual desires), and there is no need
    to deny handfasting to couples not wanting children. I also am not
    certain that this needs to be a Law.

    35. "The Law of the Goddess is that none of the Wicca shall take and
    wed someone who they do not love." Period.

    36. Not Law. Also uses "brethren", another male term. (Anyone who has
    read my revision of Gardnerian Craft Law should have noticed the
    near-total lack of gender terminology.)

    END OF PART ONE
    -------------------

    PART TWO

    37. The first sentence is incomprehensible, immaterial, or both. This
    law is very flowery, and I would love to know what Lady G. extracted it
    from.

    38. Old Law: "Never boast, never threaten..." seems to be the root here
    - and is much clearer in that form.

    39. The concept of magickal purity is one of ritual magick, not the
    Craft. This Law is, in letter and spirit, one of ritual magick. While
    some traditions of the Craft do get into ritual magick, that still does
    not make this "proper" as Craft Law.

    40. Old Law was both clearer and less "new-agey".

    41. WHERE hath the Goddess said these things? Nowhere in my tradition,
    and they sound more like things She may have said in circle --
    certainly no need to canonize them.

    42. Back to Leviticus. This is far too judgemental for any tradition I
    am familiar with. There also seems to be confusion between "work" as in
    make money and "work" as in learning and teaching the things of the
    Craft.

    43. A sacred trust? This explains why Grove of the Unicorn built a
    sanctuary in Georgia, but I have never seen this expressed as a
    requirement. Most traditions are not getting over being hidden; this
    Law requires total openness. I think it's dangerous to do this in most
    areas, and having the Goddess decree (here) that we should do something
    that could harm Her Witches (something She expressly forbids us to do
    in the Old Laws) doesn't feel right. What is the source of this one? It
    appears to be the inner feelings of some Witch or Witches, which is not
    good enough to pass off as Craft Law.

    44. While I have been taught this, it was under "What We Do" rather
    than "The Law". The style of presentation sounds too much like what
    YHWH would have written as a law rather than the Goddess I know...

    45. Am I reading this wrong, or is this saying "Honor the Sabbath and
    keep it holy"? We need to set aside a whole day(s)? I don't think
    that's realistic in these times, although it might have been in
    paleolithic times.

    46. Not necessary. Any teacher will give you this information.

    47. Definitely flowers. Let each Witch keep a book (she even dropped
    the "in their own hand" part). What else is necessary?

    48. Clumsy, with too many "they"s in spots; How about, "Study the signs
    of the Gods in all their forms; these shall guide your thoughts to the
    Gods and the Gods will take notice of you. Turn your thoughts and
    worship to the Gods, not the signs and statues of them."

    49. The original here says "If *any* in the Craft owns any land...guard
    all monies of the Craft..." thus widening the circle of love beyond
    just the Circle you are a part of.

    50. Old Law. I feel this could be done a bit more clearly.

    51. Extremely Crowleyian in content, where the content can be
    determined. It sounds like it is favoring asceticism "for the good of
    the Craft...". Unclear rules like this have led to excesses in other
    religions they have appeared in.

    52. NOT CRAFT LAW. Paul would have loved to have this kind of law as
    stated by Christ, but it wasn't true then and it isn't true now. IF
    WE'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO TAKE MONEY FOR THE ART, HOW COME WE CAN BE
    ALLOWED TO TAKE GIFTS?????

    53. Taken as an extension of #52, this law repulses me; however, having
    deleted #52, and deleting "offerings of ... money", it could be OK. But
    it is totally unnecessary unless you're trying to set yourself up as
    the First Church of Wicca, N.A., complete with Xtian abuses of power.
    In any loving circle, poeple will bring the incense, or the cakes
    and/or wine, or work together on building a new altar. This is already
    covered in the laws above, though.

    54. Harmony will be restored by working toward harmony, not by donating
    to your favorite non-profit Temple. Again, the emphasis on giving makes
    me think of televangelists ("I need to make the payment on my
    Inspirational Cadillac"). I don't know what problems Grove of the
    Unicorn has been having in keeping up their payments on the land or
    whatever, but their problems should not be used as a lever to change
    Craft Law (if indeed this is the object of these laws).

    55. Once more, this law either comes out of ritual magic or
    televangelism (or both). Every Witch should know (or know how to look
    up) the proper times for a ritual, and should be able to offer it up
    themselves ("thru the most proper medium" could mean "Pay the
    Priestess" or it could mean "use the right tools" -- if it is *not*
    intended to mean the latter, then this law has no basis in the Craft).

    56. Old Law, and one of the most important Craft Laws.

    57. Separating this Law from the previous one causes a minor problem --
    it now becomes "Never break the Laws" (and there are some dillies in
    this set) instead of "Never break *this* Law".

    58. The "Mighty Ones" decided for us "in days of old" that we cannot
    use the Art against anyone? A shirking of responsibility is again
    evident. While the same precept occurs in my set of the Laws, it is
    obviously a decision made in the light of persecutions, not something
    decreed from on high.

    59. Sentence fragments. (sic) This is a subject that is not in the Laws
    (but is in the Charge of the Goddess, without the God's side of
    things).

    END OF PART TWO
    -------------------

    PART THREE

    60. Why do we need "the dimly remembered dawn of ages past" and
    Atlantis to make this point? This is the only version I've seen that
    goes beyond remembered history.

    61. Should be combined with #60, and have more of the excessive
    verbiage dropped. Oh, no! Not another cry of "the evil of chaos" again!
    How can these people even *talk* to Discordians??? Any set of Laws that
    is intended to be Craft-inclusive must not include value judgements,
    especially using the words "good", "evil", and "chaos". This law seems
    to be wishing for the time when we were in power; every set of Laws
    I've seen prior to this one would settle for a time in which we are
    tolerated or accepted.

    62. I don't understand what this is trying to say -- it seems to
    fluctuate between "No more secrets", "Only a few secrets", and "Don't
    tell anybody anything". Since all three of these have been expressed
    above, I'm not sure this law is needed; it hardly even adds to the
    confusion.

    63. The change from "always heeding the Messenger" to "always heeding
    the messages" is a little dangerous, but otherwise, this is Old Law.

    64. This law sounds pretty Gardnerian in tone, but it does not agree
    with Gardnerian myths -- i.e., while Goddess created everything, she
    did not create Death itself. Life without Death offers no regeneration,
    as Life could not continue on its own; the God was outside of Her
    creation, and so He had things to teach Her about Death. (Those of you
    who prefer Starhawk's version of this myth are TOTALLY ignored in this
    law.)

    65. I thought an HPs was only concerned mainly with what happens in Her
    Circle -- this Law seems to state that She is concerned with an
    unstated, but large-sounding, community. Other than that, this is Old
    Law.

    66. I don't think this needs to be in the Laws, but it's a good idea
    for each Circle to consider.

    67. This seems to be based upon the Old Laws' "If any in the Craft has
    any land...", but it does take that additional step into demi-deified
    clergy. I wish I knew whether Grove of the Unicorn was an authoritarian
    structure or not, but these Laws go a long way toward making its sound
    like one. (I'm not sure this group could "pass" Isaac Bonewits' Cult
    Danger Evaluation Frame after having read this many of their Laws.)

    68. Aha! Almost Old Law, and a "Burning Times" law! This is still a
    good Law , but it was formulated to keep anyone from knowing more than
    one group to "give away" if they cracked under pressure of Inquisition.

    69. Old Law; probably should be included in #68.

    70. Are we talking about pneumonia, herpes, or a cold here? You can do
    a lot better healing work *in* Circle (in my experience) than outside
    of it in many cases, and any Witch can decide for her/himself whether
    they are too sick to be in Circle and ask (or not ask) for healing. I
    suppose I find this law too judgemental, or too general.

    71. Old Law.

    72. There is no definition of Council given (the "Old Law" says "the
    Elders"), and the "Old Law" states that either the High Priest or the
    High Priestess can convene the Elders (useful if the HPs is out of
    town...) Otherwise, Old Law.

    73. Generally, Old Law. Some of the restatements are difficult or
    unwieldy, but no real problems.

    74. Old Law. (Actually, a bit of another Old Law is grafter in for
    clarification, but it doesn't hurt anything.)


    75. In conflict with English(/American) Law, "Ignorance is no excuse,"
    includes threefold law (which is NOT included in the Old Laws), and
    throws in the Lords of Karma again; rephrased, this could be an
    excellent law or rule, but I do not recognize a single source for this
    one. Some ritual magic, a little Hinduism, no Craft per se.

    76. Nice thought; sounds like a personal addition.

    77. As above, the "want of an offering" is not an issue in Old Law; the
    "lack of a robe" has never been discussed, since most groups I am
    familiar with generally work skyclad or negotiate the issue. Personal
    addition?

    78. Nice thought; sounds like a personal addition.

    79. So many flowers that (I feel) most would miss the point. I'm afraid
    I did, and I'm a musician.

    80. Sounds like the Apostle Paul. The qualities I was taught to look
    for in a High Priestess were caring, leadership, patience, ability, and
    knowing when to ask for help. This cuts out faith (something Goddess
    says in Her Charge is not asked for) and belief (something she wouldn't
    be in Circle without). More flames on the topic of children.

    81. Source? Sounds clergy-like to me...

    82. Old Law states that a requirement of being High Priestess is youth;
    while this is not easily practiced in all covens, going to the opposite
    extreme is probably not much better. My personal experiences have been
    in covens where everyone takes their hand at practicing HP and HPs,
    with the HPs acting more like organizer and running coven meetings.

    83. Ouch. Based upon Old Law, this Law removes the aspect of Love as an
    excuse (or Glands, if you like the Wombat Wicca version) -- and demands
    both judgement *and* atonement for a HPs who has left and come back --
    even uses the judgemental term, "deserts", in dealing with the issue.
    The Old Law may have its drawbacks, but is a much better guide (I feel)
    than getting nasty about it. Oooh, they don't even get to hold office
    again! Many things are sacred, and certainly being High Priestess is
    one of them, but in my teaching, Love is a higher ideal, and the Craft
    has always allowed for it.

    84. Old Law, with flames as above. "It is the lives of all of the Craft
    they endanger." Honor is still undefined in this context.

    85. The use of the word, "Sabbatical" is cute in this context, but this
    should be a part of #83 rather than separating them out. Also, the
    phrase, "the Maiden should continue in that office" confuses the reader
    as to which office -- the law has already stated that she should reap
    the reward; does election of another person invalidate the election? It
    should read, "...the Maiden shall be the Maiden for the new HPs."

    86. This is a new idea, and probably a good one: the Priestess and the
    Priest need not be the consort of the other, but are selected each by
    the coven or circle and are free to choose their own consorts. The one
    possible negative I can think of concerns the few times when Great Rite
    is held, and the feelings of their consorts on this matter. But then it
    lets the coven decide whether the choice was right nor not! If we're
    dealing with private lives, let them remain private. Based on Old Law,
    except that in Old Law the Priestess is chosen and She selects the
    Priest. This law again contains too many value judgements -- if you
    need a perfect person to run your circle, you will never meet.

    87. Adapted from the Letters of Paul the Apostle, not the Old Laws. It
    is nice to state that we should be responsible for ourselves, but that
    is a part of being a Witch (oops, by these Laws, Witches are only
    children, so I suppose making "those of the Priesthood" adults is what
    this law is about). This also seems to state (per Xtianity) that their
    mates, children, and house are all possessions; hardly a feminist or
    Craft perspective.

    88. Reverse Xtian. Extremely sexist, and no more or less bad than
    making the Man ruler of the world.

    THE NEW BOOK OF THE LAW is published by:
    The Grove of the Unicorn PO Box 13384 Atlanta, GA 30324
    To order, send a legal size SASE. A small contribution towards
    printing/handling costs will be appreciated.

    These comments have been made by Gerald L. Bliss, who is also known as
    J. Random Folksinger. Address further comments to Lady Galadriel at the
    above address and/or myself. My address is P.O. Box 1842, Colorado
    Springs, CO 80903. Also, please feel free to give pointers on how to
    make some of these comments in a less-judgemental manner (especially
    since my major complaint on these Laws was their own jundgemental
    style). I need all the help I can get...
    

    Kurt,
    telnet://ricksbbs.synchro.net:23
    http://ricksbbs.synchro.net:8080
    ---
    þ Synchronet þ Rick's BBS telnet://ricksbbs.synchro.net:23