THE CHARGE OF THE GODDESS
By Doreen Valiente (1922-1999)
who of old was called Artemis, Astarte, Diane,
Melusine, Aphrodite, Ceridwen, Diana, Arionrhod,
Brigid, and by many other names:
"Whenever you have need of anything, once in the month
and better it be when the moon is full, you shall
assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit
of Me who is Queen of all the Wise. You shall be
free from slavery, and as a sign that you be free
you shall be naked in your rights.
Sing, feast, dance, make music and love,
all in My presence, for Mine is the ecstasy of the spirit
and Mine also is the joy of the earth. For My law is
love unto all beings. Mine is the secret that opens
upon the door of youth, and Mine is the cup of
wine of life that is the Cauldron of Ceridwen
that is the holy grail of immortality.
I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal and
beyond death I give peace and freedom and
reunion with those that have gone before.
Nor do I demand ought of sacrifice, for behold,
I am the mother of all things and My love is
poured upon the earth."
Hear the words of the Star Goddess, the dust of
whose feet are the hosts of heaven,
whose body encircles the universe:
"I who am the beauty of the green earth and
the white moon among the stars and the mysteries
of the waters, I call upon your soul to arise
and come unto me. For I am the soul of nature that
gives life to the universe, From Me all things proceed
and unto Me they must return. Let My worship be
in the heart that rejoices, for behold -- all acts of
love and pleasure are My rituals. Let there be
beauty and strength, power and compassion,
honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you.
And you who seek to know Me, know that your
seeking and yearning will avail you not, unless you
know the Mystery: for if that which you seek,
you find not within yourself, you will never
find it without. For behold, I have been with you
from the beginning, and I am that which is
attained at the end of desire."
© Doreen Valiente
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