In my previous blog, one of the people interview referenced the "Ardanes", an ungodly long list of rules that some Wiccan covens use as a basis for their practices. Gardner claimed that they came to him, unbroken of course, from knowledge passed down from Medieval covens. I highly doubt that, and so do many other people, even folks who were in Gardner's inner circle. I think that they were a Gardnerian concoction pieced together from fragments from witch trail transcripts, rules that fin de siecle covens had in place (such as the New Forest Coven), and his own fancy. Like everything in Wicca, Gardner's original list was taken and "improved" upon by others along the way. There are several versions of the Ardanes out there. This is Lady Sheba's version. Because of the extreme length of the text, I've highlighted in red the section that pertains to the previous blog. Feel free to skip the stuff in white. I certainly would.
THE LAWS
2. The Law was made for the Wicce, to advise and help comfort 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 Wicce, as the worship of the Wicce is good for the gods. For the Gods love the brethren of the Wicce, and it is from this love that cometh the Power.
4. As a man loveth a woman by mastering her,
5. So should the Wicce love the Gods by mastering them.
6. And it is necessary that the Magick 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 and dwell.
7. And the Wicce should be properly purified and prepared in heart 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. And in so doing the complete Circle is formed.
9. As has been taught of old.
10. For in this way only may man have communication 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 and protect 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 Five-fold 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 the 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 eternal Goddess.
19. So she will gracefully retire in favour of a younger woman should the Coven so decide in council.
20. For the true High Priestess realizes that gracefully and humbly surrendering pride of place is one of the greatest virtues.
21. And it shal be that She thereby 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 truly free and joyfully worshipped in all the greatest temples.
23. But, in these unhappy times of woe, we must celebrate our Sacred Mysteries in secret.
24. So be it ardane, that none but the Wicce may see our Mysteries, for our enemies are many and torture loosens the tongue of men.
25. So be it ardane, that no Coven may know where the next Coven bide.
26. Or who its members be, save only the Priest and Priestess and 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 and secret place for the Great Festivals.
29. And while there, none shall say whence they came, 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 Wicce, nor give any names, or where any abide, or in any way tell anything which can betray any of us to our foes.
32. Nor may he tell where the Covendom be.
33. Nor the Covenstead.
34. Nor where the meetings be.
35. And if any break these Laws, without express permission, even under torture, the curse of the Goddess shall be upon them, so they may never be reborn on earth, and may remain where they belong, in the hell of the christians.
36. Let each High Priestess govern Her Coven with justice and love, and with the help and advice of the High Priest and the Elders, always heeding the advice of the Messenger of the Gods, if he cometh.
37. She will heed all complaints of all Brothers and strive to settle all differences among them in reason and justice.
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 and decided 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 to the Brethren, and to avoid disputes.
44. Any of the third may claim to found a new Coven, because they live over a league away 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 the new Covendom.
46. Members of the old Coven may join the new one when it is formed, but if they do so, they must utterly, unless otherwise so bidden, avoid the old Coven.
47. The Elders of the new and old Covens shall meet in peace and brotherly love to decide the new boundaries.
48. Those of the craft who live outside both Covens may join either indifferently, but certainly not both.
49. Though all may, if the Elders be in agreement, meet for the Great Festivals, if it be truly in peace and brotherly love,
50. But it is known that the splitting the Coven often means strife, so for this reason these Laws were made of old, and may the Curse of the Goddess be on any who disregard or take these Laws lightly!!
52. For if it be found in their hand of write, they may be taken and engained.
53. And 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 an 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 friends 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. You may be engained.
61. Under torture 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 would you have 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 cruel; 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 know not 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, but stand steadfast in trust.
70. But if you betray any Secrets, and Bretheren, there is no hope for you in this life or any that is to come.
71. Be sure, if steadfast you go to the pyre, drugs will reach you, you will feel naught. You go but to death and that peace which lies beyond.
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 should danger threaten.
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 after all rites have ended.
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 threaten, never boast, never say you would wish ill of anyone.
81. If any person, not in the Magick Circle, speak of the Craft, say, "Speak not to me of such, it frightens me. 'Tis evil luck speak of it."
82. For this reason: the christians have their spies 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 to worship the Old Ones. I would I could go myself."
83. To such as these, ever deny all knowledge.
84. But to any others, ever say, "'Tis foolish talk of Witches flying through the air. To do so they must be light as thistle-down. And men say that Witches all be so blear-eyed, old crones, so what pleasure can there be at a Witch meeting such as folks talk on ?"
85. And say, "Many wise men now say there be no such creatures."
86. Ever make it a jest and in some future time, perhaps the persecution may die and we may worship our Gods in peace and safety again.
87. Let us all pray for that happy day.
88. May the blessings of the Goddess and God be on all those who keep these Laws which are ardane.
89. If the craft have any Appenage, let all guard it, and help to keep it clear and good for the Craft.
90. And let all justly guard all monies of the Craft.
91. But if any Brother truly wrought it, 'tis right they have their pay, and it be just. And this be not taking of monies for the Art, but for good and honest work. For money cheapens the Arts.
92. And even 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.
94. And they shall decide justly, not favouring the one side or the other.
95. Ever recognizing there be always people who can never agree to work under any others.
96. But at the same time, there be some people who cannot rule justly.
97. To those who ever must be chief, there is but one answer.
98. "'Void the Coven, or seek another one, or make a Coven of your own, if ye be of the third, taking with you those who will go."
99. To those who cannot rule justly, the answer shall be, "Those who cannot bear your rule will leave you."
100. For none may come to meetings with those with whom they are at variance. For to so so angers the Gods and hinders the Brotherhood.
101. So, an either cannot agree, "Both get hence, for the Craft must ever survive."
103. But as our Gods need our aid to make fertility for man and crops, so it is the God of the christians that is ever 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.
104. But they make men believe that they may escape this hell if they give up Witches to the tormentors. So for this reason, all be forever spying, thinking, "An I catch but one of the Wicce, I will escape this fiery pit."
105. So for this reason, we have our hidels, and men searching long and not finding us say: "There be none, or if there be, they be in a far country."
106. 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.
107. While we are few indeed.
SO BE IT ARDANE
108. That none shall use the art in any way to do ill to any.
109. However much they may injure us, HARM NONE and now times there are many that believe we exist not.
111. To this end, men will say: "Such an 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 that they cannot, or more truly where be none."
112. 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 sieze or because they had none to bribe the searchers. And many have died because they were scolding old women. So much that men say "only old women are Witches."
113. And this be to our advantage, and turns suspicions away from us.
114. In England and Scotland, 'tis now many a year since a Witch hath died the death. But misuse of the power might raise the persecution again.
115. So never break this Law, however much you are tempted, and never consent to it being broken in the least.
116. If you know it is being broken, you must work strongly against it.
117. And any High Priestess who consents to its breach must immediately be deposed. "For 'tis the blood of the Brethren they endanger."
118. Do good, an it be safe, and only if it be safe.
119. And strictly keep to the Old Law.
120. Never accept money for the use of the Art. For money ever smeareth the taker. " 'Tis sorcerors and conjurers and the priests of the christians who ever accept money for the use of their Arts. And they sell dwale, and evil love spells and pardons, so letting men escape from their sins.
121. Be not as these. If you accept no money, you will be free from temptation to use the Art for evil causes.
122. All may use the art for their own advantage, or for the advantage of the Craft, only if you are sure you harm none.
123. But ever let the Coven debate this at length. Only if all be satisfied and none be harmed in any way, may the Art be used.
124. 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.
126. Never bargain or cheapen anything whilst you live by the Art.
128. In any disputes between Brethren, no one may invoke any Laws but those of the Craft.
129. Or any tribunal but that of the Priestess, Priest and Elders. And may the Curse of the Goddess be on any who do so.
131. But ever say, "I know not of it here, perchance there may be, but afar off-- I know not where."
132. But ever speak of them as old crones, consorting with the devil and riding through the air.
133. And ever say: "But how may men may ride through the air an they be not as light as thistledown?"
134. But the Curse of the Goddess be on any who cast suspicion on any of the Brotherhood.
135. Or speaks of any real meeting place where any abide.
137. But keep another book with all the Bales and Apies and let only the Elders and other trustworthy people have this knowledge.
139. Magicians and christians may taunt us saying, "You have no power. Do magick before our eyes. Then only will we believe." seeking to cause us to betray our Art before them.
140. Heed them not. For the Art is a Holy Gift, and may only be used in need. And the Curse of the Gods be on any who break this Law.
142. Nor should we reprove them for this.
143. But it may be found to the disadvantage of the Craft.
144. And so many a time it has happened that a High Priest or a High Priestess impelled by love, hath departed with their love, that is they have left the Coven.
145. Now if a High Priestess wishes to resign, they may do so in full Coven.
146. And this resignation is valid.
147. But if they should run off without resigning, who may know if they may not return within a few months time?
148. 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.
149. Meanwhile, if she has a deputy, that deputy shall act as High Priestess for as long as the High Priestess is away.
150. If she returns not at the end of a year and a day, then shall the Coven elect a new High Priestess,
151. Unless there is a good reason to the contrary, the person who has done the work of the High Priestess should reap the benefit of the reward.
152. If somebody else is elected, the deputy is made maiden and deputy of the High Priestess.
154. But if for any reason this be undesireable, 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.
155. 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.
156. And may the Curses of the Mighty Ones be on any who make such an attempt.
158. A High Priestess or a High Priest may and should punish all faults.
159. To this end: all the Craft must receive their correction willingly. If not from the hands of the Representative of the God and Goddess, how then from the Gods Themselves if you are so blessed with Their presence?
160. All properly prepared, the culprit kneeling, should be told his fault, and his sentence pronounced.
161. Punishment should be the $ followed by something amusing such as several SSSS, or something of this nature.
162. The culprit must acknowledge the justice of the punishment by kissing the hand of the Priestess and by kissing the $ on receiving sentence; and again thanking for punishment received.
