As I mentioned in a previous blog post that there are tenets that exist that create the foundation of Wicca even if you are a Modern Eclectic Wiccan. There is a line, a boundary for everything, a point when something stops being one thing and transforms into something else. There are characteristics or traits that identify Wicca as Wicca. I will continue to discuss these characteristics or tenets in this blog. I have already discussed other tenets and today I will continue with the next one, which is:
- Understanding the lessons of The Charge of The Goddess.
Many Wiccans use the poetic text, The Charge of The Goddess, written by Dorren Valiente during their esbat Rituals as it has become the closest text to scripture that we possess. This piece of prose presents some basic teachings within Wicca. The following are the teachings that can be found within the text:
Listen to the words of the Great Mother, who was of old also called Artemis; Astarte; Diana; Melusine; Aphrodite; Cerridwen; Dana; Arianrhod; Isis; Bride; and by many other names.
In the beginning of the text the Wiccan is informed that the Great Mother Goddess has been called many names over the years. While she was called many names, which are indicated within the text, she was not called by all names. There is a distinction. The Goddess of Wicca is not all goddesses, but has been called by many names, meaning that she represents a specific energy that isn’t found in all goddess, but many. She is She-Of-Many-Names.
Listen to the words of the Great Mother, who was of old also called Artemis; Astarte; Diana; Melusine; Aphrodite; Cerridwen; Dana; Arianrhod; Isis; Bride; and by many other names.
Here the text dictates the appropriate time, place, and practices that are to be done during an esbat Ritual, while explaining the purpose of such a gathering and who should be invited or included. It is clearly stated that not all should attend, only those who are willing to learn and follow the demands the Goddess makes of them including being naked (skyclad).
For mine is the ecstasy of the spirit and mine also is joy on earth; for my Law is Love unto all Beings
Here the declaration that ecstasy of the spirit, joy and Love are the essence of the Goddess and thus these conditions are sacred and divinely inspired.
Keep pure your highest ideal; strive ever toward it; let naught stop you or turn you aside.
For mine is the secret door which opens upon the Land of Youth; and mine is the Cup of the Wine of Life, and the Cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of Immortality.
I am the Gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of joy unto the heart. Upon earth, I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal; and beyond death, I give peace, and freedom, and reunion with those who have gone before. Nor do I demand sacrifice, for behold I am the Mother of All Living, and my love is poured out upon the earth.
The Goddess is Mother to all living beings and She whom receives the spirit at death granting rebirth and eternal life. The Wiccan is told that the Goddess does not demand sacrifice for the gift of life for he or she is born of Her love.
Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess, she in the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven; whose body encircleth the Universe; I, who am the beauty of the green earth, and the white Moon among the stars, and the mystery of the waters, and the heart’s desire, call unto thy soul. Arise and come unto me.
For I am the Soul of Nature, who giveth life to the universe; from me all things proceed, and unto me must all things return; and before my face, beloved of gods and mortals, thine inmost divine self shall be unfolded in the rapture of infinite joy.
The Goddess is the soul within the entire natural world. She is and is of everything; the stars, the heavens, the Universe, the earth, the Moon, the waters, and humanity. She created everything and everything must return to her at death where one will experience infinite joy.
Let my worship be within the heart that rejoiceth, for behold: all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honour and humility, mirth and reverence within you.
This part of the text is quoted most frequently as it states that “ … all acts of love and pleasure …” are the Goddess’ Rituals, which is used to explain or justify some behaviors that others might judge as inappropriate or bad, along with the Eight Virtues of the Goddess, which I have previously blogged about HERE.
And thou who thinkest to seek for me, know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not, unless thou know this mystery: that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, thou wilt never find it without thee
Divinity and understanding about the nature of the Cosmos can only be found within oneself. If he or she continues to search for the knowledge and understanding in the external world the answers will always be elusive because what is sought outside can only be found within.
For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning; and I am that which is attained at the end of desire.
The Goddess is eternal. It is She that existed before time was constructed, She that gave birth to everything within the natural world, She that is found within bliss, and She that welcomes us at death. She always was, always is, and always will be.
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