Craft Laws

A typical example of the laws under which covens have been known to operate (most covens have similar laws in addition to a\traditional laws which are considered as given).

1. No member of the coven may be an active member of any other coven.
2. No candidate may open the book of shadows until the rite has taken place.
3. No person other than a full coven initiate may handle the sword (in other covens it may be some other tool).
4. No member shall violate the secrecy of the coven or any of its members. 5. Just cause must be given for absence of any scheduled meeting.
6. In the event of an absence, at least one other member must be informed in advance.
7. Any prospective candidate must be discussed in advance and an invitation date must be agreed on unanimously.
8. All decisions by the group must be agreed upon unanimously.
9. No member shall disclose the name or sigel to any cowan (or anybody else).
10. In the even that an outsider is present, full dress is required (robe, cingulum, etc.)

Ethical Laws

1. Do nothing that will harm another unless you are willing to suffer a like or greater harm.
2. Do not bind any free being unless you are willing to be likewise bound.
3. Never use your arts in pride, vain or glory. Using your arts to show off usually results in unwanted destruction in the operation, which produces undesirable backlash.
4. Never use magick for acts which could be done in any other way.
5. Never threaten what you will not do.
6. Do not set a price on magickal work. If you need money before you will consider performing an operation, then you are not prepared to accept the consequences of the operation. Therefore, do not do it.
7. Use no symbol or incantation that you do not completely understand as to its mechanics, content or intent. A lack in any of these areas can be dangerous, both to you and others.
8. Never do a spell without first using divination and meditation to determine if you should do it, and exactly what needs to be done. If you have any doubts at all, do not do it.

Laws of Magick

1. Whatever is done to the environment, to other beings in the environment, for whatever reasons, brings a similar effect on the doer, be s/he trained or not. This is that law of 3-fold.
2. The magick user must be more aware of 3-fold than anyone else for through their acts of being conscious and wilfully directed, they are consequently more powerful than the acts of the untrained.
3. The person using magick must judge the goodness or badness of their output be it conscious or subconscious on the basis of the universal laws - the laws of Nature.
4. Backlash does not necessarily occur right away, but may take place over a period of years. This is usually true of constructive acts as well as destructive acts. (If your luck is constantly bad, you are probably acting contrary to the laws of Nature - regardless of your intent).

The New Laws of Craft

1. As no ship may have two captains, so must it be that no coven or grove or other gathering of those of the craft gave two or more most powerful leaders. The leadership of any such group of the craft shall devolve upon a High Priestess or Priest, whoever seem most fit to serve and will accept the charge of duty.
2. Within the Circle, the words, commands and every wish of this leader is the law.
3. In the best of Circles, the High Priest and High Priestess act as one; and their union gives each of them the strength and wisdom of the other. As such, the words, commands and wishes of either is the law.
4. The High Priestess is the Earthly representative of the Goddess; obeyed and respected in ALL ways, and given whatever signs of respect due to her office in her tradition or coven.
5. The High Priest is the Earthly representative of the God; obeyed and respeted in ALL ways, and given whatever signs of respect due to his office in his tradition or coven.
6. The laws of the craft are old and they command respect due to the fact that they have withstood the test of time; but, should they fail that test, then they may be revised, added to or deleted as the times require.
7. The law was made for those of the Wicca, their students, and their followers; to advise and help them in their troubles. The law was not made to bind or constrain or hinder the free exercise of wisdom.
8. Those of the craft shall give due worship to the Gods and obey their will. To this end should they hold themselves aware of nature and all the world around them that they may reap there from the portence (omens), and signs of the will of the Gods. So also shall they strive within their hearts and minds to interpret those signs and portence. But, if they should find themselves lacking the wisdom to do so they shall seek further to discover the divine will by taking their questions to the High Priestess or High Priest of their coven or grove.
9. The High Priestess or Priest should always be available, upon reasonable notice, to assist those of the craft to encounter and to understand the Gods.
10. It is essential that the circle, which is the temple of the Gods, shall be duly cast and purified that it might be a fitting place for the Gods to enter.
11. So also shall those of the craft be properly prepared and purified to enter the presence of the Gods.
12. The High Priestess, who is the representative of the Goddess, rules her students and followers of the craft by the authority which is backed by the strength of the High Priest and the God. Thus also does the High Priest, by the authority of his closeness with the High Priestess and the Goddess.
13. Even a High Priestess can grow old and loose touch with the needs, desires and thoughts of contemporary people. Therefore, she should hold herself ready to retire in favour of a younger woman should she or her followers decide that another has the wisdom to better carry out the duties of the position.
14. So also should a High Priest be prepared to retire in favour of a stronger, more dynamic young man should he or his followers foresee such need.
15. The times of persecution by violence and torture have been and gone but the time of full acceptance of the craft is not yet upon us. And so, while the old laws of secrecy are no longer necessary, they must be replaced by new and equally firm laws of privacy.
16. So must it be that none of the craft shall bring or allow the presence of an outsider at any worship, or at any class, or at any study, or at any other gathering of those of the craft, without first obtaining permission to do so from the High Priestess or high Priest, teacher or other leader who speaks for the entire group.
17. None of the craft shall reveal to anyone outside of his or her own coven, grove, circle, or study group, the names of any of his or her brothers or sisters, nor their places of residence or work, nor any other information without first obtaining the expressed permission of both the person involved and the Priesthood, teacher or other leader who speaks for the welfare of the entire group.
18. None of the craft shall reveal or permit the discovery of the location of the covenstead or study place or meeting place.
19. As communication and travel have become easier, so must it be recognized that none of the craft may any longer attend the great festivals and gatherings of the craft without fear of being recognized. Any must abstain from these gatherings if such recognition might cause a serious invasion of the privacy of any other, or others of the craft.
20. If there be any quarrels or disputes among the brothers, the High Priestess and High Priest shall convene the Elders; if any; and inquire into the matter, and they should hear both sides; first alone, and then together.
21. And they should decide justly, not following one side or the other.
22. As travel has become quicker and easier, and as those of the craft tend to live in larger and more densely populated cities, the idea of the covendom becomes meaningless. The covendom is traditionally the geographic area within the convenient travelling distance of the covenstead; but in some large cities today, there can be several covensteads within a small radius. Even in the country a serious student may be prepared to travel far to seek out the finest group of friends within the craft with whom to worship and work, and this right should not be denied them.
23. The Elders are those, who by virtue of long study and experience, have acquired the respect of the coven and are accepted by the High Priestess and High Priest as valued and trusted councillors. They may or may not be active in the daily functioning of the coven.
24. Within a coven, all shall strive toward the ultimate goal of perfect love and perfect trust, each one of rest.
25. Brothers and Sisters of the craft are however people, and not Gods; they are imperfect and imperfection may cause insolvable conflict. Those of the Craft may not work together when such conflict exists between them, for such conflict is contrary to the co-operation needed to hold the Circle. Such resolve conflict must be removed and to this end, any of the craft who possess sufficient wit, wisdom and understanding may leave the coven, grove or study group to find another.
26. If the founder of a new group of the craft wishes to teach, then only those who acknowledge him/her as a superior teacher will follow him/her. If s/he wishes to learn, s/he must find a superior teacher to the old, or the move is pointless. S/he must be truly wise in their ways or none will follow, for wisdom cannot be counterfeitted.
27. Members who leave a coven to join another are bound to silence as to the affairs of the old coven.
28. The positions of the High Priest and High Priestess carry responsibility of both the followers of the Wiccan faith and to the Gods, and this responsibility may not be lightly abandoned. So, if a High Priest or High Priestess should not be seen; nor heard from for a full lunar cycle, comprised of three full or new moon celebrations, then on the third such celebration shall the one acting in his or her place call for the formal appointing of him/herself or some other to replace the departed. Should the departed return within the following three months or three moon cycles and wish to carrry on in their former office, they shall present to the entire coven their excellent reasons for their absence and lack of communication, and they should accept the verdict of the coven as to their reappointment. Should the departed High Priest or Priestess be gone and out of communication for more than nine full or new moon cycles (18 weeks) they may return only as a common member, or may be appointed as an Elder. Remember, the laws of the craft are made to guide firmly, but not to bind.
29. Leaders of the craft, High Priestesses, High Priests, and teachers among the Wicca shall bear ever in mind that the arts of the wicca are powerful and can be dangerous. Therefore shall they not teach of poisons and curses and any destructive manner of arts to any, without first spending time meditating on the student's preparedness for such knowledge. Only after consciously accepting the Karmic responsibility for the student's use of such knowledge, may the teacher teach.
30. Never accept payment for teaching and guiding people to an understanding and worship of the Gods, for the food of the Gods is love and their drink is joy and these cannot be bought with money.
31. If the Gods have endowed you with a gift for music or carpentry, clairvoyance or the ability to heal, etc. they would not then deny you the right to use that gift to support your body. So y ou may ask payment for the use of your gifts in good honest work, but ask not too much, for the gifts of the Gods are to be used, not abused. And if anyone needs you and cannot pay, deny them not, for who are you to withhold a gift from the Gods.
32. If the coven or grove has any money, it is to be kept safe and spent only as asked by the full group in concert.
33. Should you wish to purchase a tool or temple, or any other thing with which to practice the craft, decide what it is worth to you and offer not a penny less for it, for to do so would cheapen it and its use for the craft. 34. Keep your tools and those of the coven clean and safe.
35. When you make a tool, do so with care and love, paying attention to using the proper materials and working at the proper times and days. Hold the Gods in your mind as you work and they will guide your hands.
36. When you search for a tool, keep your senses open and one will cry out to you. Touch it, and let it speak to you with love and you will know that you have found your tool.
37. Keep your book regularly, both so you do not forget the wisdom that the Gods show you each day, and as an exercise in the discipline that the craft demands of those who would excel.
38. Today it is more essential than ever before that none use the art to do ill to any, for today we have some measure of acceptance by those who are not of the craft, and to lose this would be a serious blow indeed, as there is no surer way to lose that acceptance than to violate our birthright, which is a gift of the Gods to the Wicca.
39. Do what thou wilt shall not be the whole of the law. The law shall be "And it harm none, do what thou wilt." The Gods of the Wicca are not makers of morality. It is up to those of the craft to think and act only in ways which bring harm to none.
40. Remember Karma (3-fold).

Old Laws (from the Grimoir of Lady Sheba)

Your High Priestess
In the Magic Circle, the words, commands, and every wish of the High Priestess are law. She is the earthly, living representative of our Gracious Goddess. She must be obeyed and respected in all things. She is Our Lady and above all others, a queen in the highest sense of the word. All female coveners must curtsy whenever they come before her and say, "Blessed Be." All male coveners must bend the knee and give her a kiss on the right cheek and say, "Blessed Be."

Your High Priest
He is the earthly, living representative of the Great Horned God and in the Magic Circle, He commandeth the respect due to one who is a Magus, a Lord Counselor, and father.

The Laws

1. The Law was made and ardane of old.
2. The Law was made for the Wicca to advise and help in their troubles.
3. The Wicca should give due worship to the Gods and obey Their will, which They ardane, for it was made for the good of the Wicca, as the worship of the Wicca is good for the Gods. For the Gods love the brethren of the Wicca.
4. As a man loveth a woman by mastering her,
5. So the Wicca should love the Gods by mastering them.
6. And it is necessary that 0 (Magic Circle) which is the temple of the Gods, should be duly cast and purified that it may be a fit place for the Gods to enter.
7. And the Wicca should be properly prepared and purified to enter into the presence of the Gods.
8. With love and worship in their hearts, they shall raise power from their bodies to give power to the Gods.
9. As has been taught of old.
10. For in this way only may man have a communion with the Gods, for the Gods cannot help men without the help of man.
11. And the High Priestess shall rule Her Coven as the representative of the Goddess.
12. And the High Priest shall support Her as the representative of the God.
13. And the High Priestess shall choose whom She will, if he have sufficient rank, to be Her High Priest.
14. For, as the God himself kissed Her feet in the Fivefold salute, laying His power at the feet of the Goddess, because of Her youth and beauty, Her sweetness and kindness, Her wisdom and Her justice, Her humility and gentleness and generosity,
15. So He resigned all His power to Her.
16. But the High Priestess should ever mind that all power comes from Him.
17. It is only lent, to be used wisely and justly.
18. And the greatest virtue of a High Priestess be that She recognizes that youth is necessary to the representative of the Goddess.
19. So will She gracefully retire in favor of a younger woman, should the Coven so decide in council.
20. For the true High Priestess realizes that gracefully surrendering the pride of place is one of the greatest virtues.
21. And that thereby will She return to that pride of place in another life, with greater power and beauty.
22. In the old days, when Witches extended far, we were free and worshipped in all the greatest temples.
23. But, in these unhappy times, we must celebrate our Sacred Mysteries in secret.
24. So be it ardane, that none but the Wicca may see our mysteries, for our enemies are many and torture loosens the tongue of men.
25. So be it ardane, that no Coven shall know where the next Coven bide.
26. Or who its members be, save only the Priest and Priestess and the Messenger.
27. And there shall be no communication between them, save only by the Messenger of the Gods, or the Summoner.
28. And only if it be safe may the Covens meet in some safe place for the Great Festivals.
29. And while there, none shall say whence they come, nor give their true names.
30. To this end, that if any be tortured, in their agony, they may not tell if they do not know.
31. So be it ardane, that no one shall tell anyone, not of the Craft, who be of the Wicca, or give any names, or where any abide, or in any way tell anything which can betray any of us to our faces.
32. Nor may he tell where the Covendom be.
34. Or where the meetings be.
35. And if any break these Laws, even under torture, the Curse of the Goddess shall be upon them, so they may never be reborn on earth, and may they remain where they belong, in the Hell of the Christians.
36. Let each High Priestess govern Her Coven with justice and love, with the help and advice of the High Priest and the Elders, always heeding the advice of the Messenger of the Gods if He comes.
37. She will heed all complaints of all Brothers and strive to settle all differences among them.
38. But it must be recognized that there will always be people who will ever strive to force others to do as they will.
39. These are not necessarily evil.
40. And they oft have good ideas, and such ideas should be talked over in council.
41. But, if they will not agree with their Brothers or if they say:
42. "I will not work under this High Priestess."
43. It hath ever been the Old Law, to be convenient for the Brethren, and to avoid disputes.
44. Any of the third may claim to found a new Coven, because they live over a league from the Covenstead or are about to do so.
45. Anyone living within the Covendom and wishing to form a new Coven shall tell the Elders of their intentions and on the instant avoid their dwelling and remove to a new Covendom.
46. Members of the old Coven may join the new one when it is formed, but if they do they must utterly avoid the old Coven.
47. The Elders of the old and new Covens should meet in peace and brotherly love to decide the new boundaries.
48. Those of the Craft who live outside both Covens may join either indifferent, but not both.
49. Though all may, if the Elders agree, meet for the Great Festivals, if it be truly in peace and brotherly love.
50. But splitting the Coven oft means strife, so for this reason these Laws were made of old, and may the Curse of the Goddess be on any who disregard them! SO BE IT ARDANE.
51. If you would keep a book (your Black Book) let it be in your own hand of write, let Brothers and Sisters copy what they will, but never let the book out of your hands and never keep the writings of another.
52. For if it be in their hand of write, they may be taken and ingrained.
53. Let each guard his own writings, and destroy them whenever danger threatens.
54. Learn as much as you may by heart, and when danger is past, rewrite your book when it be safe.
55. For this reason, if any die, destroy their book, an they have not been able to.
56. For, an it be found, 'tis clear proof against them.
57. And our oppressors know well: "Ye may not be a Witch alone."
58. So all their kin and friend be in danger of torture.
59. So destroy everything not necessary.
60. If your book be found on you, 'tis clear proof against you alone.
61. Keep all thoughts of the Craft from your mind.
62. If the torture be too great to bear, say: "I will confess. I cannot bear this torture. What do you want me to say?"
63. If they try to make you talk of the Brotherhood, do not.
64. But if they try to make you speak of impossibilities such as flying through the air, consorting with the Christian Devil, or sacrificing children or eating men's flesh,
65. To obtain relief from the torture, say, "I hold an evil dream, I was beside myself, I was crazed.:
66. Not all the magistrates are bad; if there be any excuse, they may show mercy.
67. If you have confessed ought, deny it afterwards. Say you babbled under the torture, say you do not know what you said.
68. If you are condemned, fear not.
69. Fear not, the Brotherhood is powerful, they will help you to escape if you stand steadfast.
70. But if you betray ought, there is no hope for you in this life or that to come.
71. Be sure, if steadfast you go to the pyre, drugs will reach you, you will feel naught. You but go to death and what lies beyond. The Ecstasy of the Goddess
72. To avoid discovery, let the working tools be as ordinary things that any may have in their houses.
73. Let the Pentacles be of wax so that they may be broken at once or melted.
74. Have no sword, unless your rank allows you one.
75. Have no names or signs on anything.
76. Write the names or signs on them in ink immediately before consecrating them, and wash it off immediately afterwards.
77. Do not engrave them lest they cause discovery.
78. Let the color of the hilts tell which is which.
79. Ever remember, ye are the "Hidden Children of the Goddess," so never do anything to disgrace them or her.
80. Never boast, never threaten, never say you would wish ill of anyone.
81. If any person, not in the magic circle, speak of the Craft say, "Speak not to me of such, it frightens me. 'Tis evil luck to speak of it."
82. For this reason: the Christians have their spied everywhere. These speak as if they were well affected to us, as if they would come to our meetings saying, "My mother used to go worship the Old Ones. I would I 83. could go myself."
84. To such as these, ever deny all knowledge.
85. But to others, ever say, "'Tis foolish talk of Witches flying through the air. To do so they must be light as thistledown. And men say that Witches all be so bleary-eyed, old crones, so what pleasure can there be at 86. a Witch meeting such as folks talk on?"
87. And say "Many wise men now say there be no such creatures."
88. Ever make it a jest and in some future time, perhaps, the persecution may die and we may worship our Gods in safety again.
89. Let us all pray for that happy day.
90. May the blessings of the Goddess and God be on all who keep these Laws which are ardane.
91. If the Craft have any Appendage, let all guard it, and help to keep it clear and good for the Craft.
92. And let all justly guard all moneys of the Craft.
93. But if any brother truly wrought it, 'tis right they have their pay, and it be just. And this be not taking money for the Art, but for good and honest work.
94. And ever the Christians say, "The laborer is worthy of his hire" but if any brother work willingly for the good of the Craft without pay, 'tis to their greatest honor. SO BE IT ARDANE
95. If there be any quarrels or disputes among the brethren the High Priestess shall straightway convene the Elders and inquire into the matter and they shall hear both sides, first alone, then together.
96. And they shall decide justly, not favoring the one side or the other.
97. Ever recognizing there be people who can never agree to work under others.
98. But at the same time, there be some people who cannot rule justly.
99. To those who ever must be chief, there is one answer.
100. Void the Coven, or seek another one or make a Coven of your own, taking with you those who will go.
101. To those who cannot rule justly the answer be, "Those who cannot bear your rule will leave you."
102. For none may come to meetings with those with whom they are at variance. 103. So, an either cannot agree, "Get hence, for the Craft must ever survive." SO BE IT ARDANE
104. In the olden days, when we had power, we could use the Art against any who ill-treated the Brotherhood. But in these evil days, we must not do so! For our enemies have devised a burning pit of everlasting fire, into which they say their God casteth all the people who worship Him, except it be the
105. very few who are released by their priest's spells and masses. And this be chiefly by giving moneys and rich gifts to receive His favor, for their God is ever in need of money.
106. But as our Gods need our aid to make fertility for man and crops, so it is the God of the Christians ever is in need of man's help to search out and destroy us. Their priests ever tell them that any who get our help are damned to this Hell forever, so men be mad with the terror of it.
107. But they make men believe that they may escape this Hell if they give Witches to the tormentors. So for this reason, all be forever spying, thinking, "An I catch but one of the Wicca, I will escape this fiery pit."
108. So for this reason we have our hides, and men searching long and not finding say, "There be none, or if there be, they be in a far country."
109. But when one of our oppressors dies, or even be sick, ever is the cry, "This be Witches' malice," and the hunt is up again and though they slay ten of their own to one of ours, still they care not. They have countless thousands. 110. While we are few indeed. SO BE IT ARDANE
111. That none shall use the Art in any way to do ill to any.
112. However much they injure us, HARM NONE and now times many believe we exist not. SO BE IT ARDANE
113. That this Law shall ever continue to help us in our plight. No one, however great an injury or injustice they receive, may use the Art in any way to do ill or harm any. But they may, after great consultations with
114. all, use the Art to restrain Christians from harming us or tax others, but only to let or constrain them.
115. To this end, men will say: "Such a one is a mighty searcher out and a persecutor of old women whom they deemeth to be Witches, and none hath done him skith, so they be proof they cannot, or more truly where be none."
116. For all know full well, that so many folk have died because someone had a grudge against them, or were persecuted because they had money or goods to seize, or because they had none to bribe the searchers. And many have died because they were scolding old women. So much that men now say
117. that "only old women are Witches."
118. And this be to our advantage, and turns suspicions away from us.
119. In England and Scotland, 'tis now many a year since a Witch hath died the death. But the misuse of the power might raise the persecution again.
120. So never break this Law, however much you are tempted, and never consent to it being broken in the least.
121. If you know it is being broken, you must work strongly against it.
122. And any High Priestess who consents to its breach must immediately be deposed. "For 'tis the blood of the Brethren they endanger."
123. Do good, an it be safe and only if it be safe.
124. And strictly keep to the old Law.
125. Never accept money for the use of the Art. For money ever smeareth the taker. "'Tis sorcerers and conjurers and priests of the Christians who ever accept money for the use of their Arts. And they sell dwale, and evil loves spells and pardons, so let men escape from their sins."
126. Be not as these. If you accept no money, you will be free from temptation to use the Art for evil courses.
127. All may use the Art for their own advantage, or for the advantage of the Craft, only if you are sure you harm none.
128. But ever let the Coven debate this at length. Only if all be satisfied and none be harmed may the Art be used.
129. If it is not possible to achieve your ends one way, perchance the aim may be achieved by acting in a different way, so as to harm none. May the Curse of the Goddess be on any who breaketh this Law. SO BE IT ARDANE.
130. 'Tis judged lawful if any of the Craft need a house or land and none will sell, to incline the owner's mind so as to be willing to sell, providing it harmeth it not in anyway and the full price is paid, without 131. haggling.
132. Never bargain or cheapen anything whilst you live by the Art. SO BE IT ARDANE.
133. 'Tis the old Law and the most important of all Laws that no one may do anything which will endanger any of the Craft, or bring them into contact with the law of the land, or any of our persecutors.
134. In any disputes between the brethren, no one may invoke any Laws but those of the Craft.
135. Or any tribunal but that of the Priestess, Priest and Elders. And may the Curse of the Goddess be on any who do so. SO BE IT ARDANE.
136. It is not forbidden to say as Christians do: "There be Witchcraft in the land," because our oppressors of old make it heresy not to believe in Witchcraft, and so a crime to deny it, which thereby puts you under
137. suspicion.
138. But ever say "I know not of it here, perchance there may be, but afar off - I know not where."
139. But ever speak of those as old crones, consorting with the Devil and riding through the air.
140. But ever say: "But how many men may ride through the air an they be not light as thistledown?"
141. But the Curse of the Goddess be on any who cast any suspicion on any of the Brotherhood.
142. Or who speaks of any real meeting place where any abide. SO BE IT ARDANE.
143. Let the Craft keep books with the names of all herbs which are good for men, and all cures, so all may learn.
144. But keep another book with all the Bales and Apies and let only the Elders and other trustworthy people have this knowledge. SO BE IT ARDANE.
145. Remember the Art is the secret of the Gods and only may be used in earnest and never for show or pride, or vainglory.
146. Magicians and Christians may taunt us saying, "You have no power. Do magic before our eyes. Then only will we believe." Seeking to cause us to betray our Art before them.
147. Heed them not. For the Art is holy, and may only be used in need. And the Curse of the Gods be on any who break this Law. SO BE IT ARDANE.
148. It ever be the way with women, and with men also that they ever seek new love..
149. Nor should we reprove them for this.
150. But it may be found to the disadvantage of the Craft.
151. As, so many a time it has happened that a High Priest or High Priestess impelled by love, hath departed with their love, that is, they have left the Coven.
152. Now if a High Priestess wishes to resign, they may do so in full Coven.
153. And this resignation is valid.
154. But if they should run off without resigning, who may know if they may not return within a few months.
155. So the Law is: If a High Priestess leaves her Coven, but returns within the space of a year and a day, then she shall be taken back and all shall be as before.
156. Meanwhile, if she has a deputy, that deputy shall act as High Priestess for as long as the High Priestess is away.
157. If she returns not at the end of a year and a day, then shall the Coven elect a new High Priestess.
158. Unless there be a good reason to the contrary, the person who has done the work should reap the benefit of the reward.
159. If somebody else is elected, the deputy is made maiden and deputy of the High Priestess. SO BE IT ARDANE.
160. It hath been found that practicing the Art doth cause a fondness between aspirant and tutor, and it is the cause of better results if this be so.
161. But if for any reason this be undesirable, it can easily be avoided by both persons from the outset firmly resolving in their minds that if any such ensure, it shall be that of brother and sister, or parent and child.
162. And it is for this reason that a man may be taught by a woman and a woman by a man and that woman and woman and man and man should never attempt these practices together.
163. And may all the Curses of the Mighty Ones be on any who make such an attempt. SO BE IT ARDANE.
164. Order and discipline must be kept.
165. A High Priestess or a High Priest may and should punish all faults.
166. To this end: all the Craft must receive their correction willingly.
167. All, properly prepared, the culprit kneeling, should be told his fault, and his sentence pronounced.
168. Punishment should be the scourge followed by something amusing such as several kisses, or something of this nature.
169. The culprit must acknowledge the justice of the punishment by kissing the hand of the Priestess and by kissing the scourge on receiving sentence; and again thanking for punishment received. SO BE IT ARDANE.