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                                   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 perspec-
           tive -- 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 dif-
           ferent  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 some-
           thing. 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 
            
            
           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. 
              
 
 
                                                                             1175
 
           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  entagles 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 judgement, 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 judge-
           ments 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. 
              
 
 
                                                                             1176
 
 
           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 sorcerors 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. 
 
 
                                                                             1177
 
              
           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 mill-
           stone. 
              
           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 lesson  
              
           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. 
            
 
 
                                                                             1178
 
 
           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. 
 
 
                                                                             1179
 
           39. Keep yor 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 tha 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 teach-
           ings.  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  in-
           dividual, 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. 
 
 
                                                                             1180
 
 
           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  monies 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 -- moreso 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 retur-
           ning 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 actng in  a different
           way, so as to harm none. 
 
 
                                                                             1181
 
           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 temp-
           ted, 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. 
              
           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 knowlege, 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 acheived 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. 
 
 
                                                                             1182
 
           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 div-
           erge, 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. 
            
 
 
                                                                             1183
 
 
           75. Those that do wrong without knowlege 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 punish-
           ed, and the Lords of Karma shall lay low their pride. 
 
           76. Each person must make  a balance for their words and  actions, and
           the  judgements 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 judgements  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 t  o
           another. Let  them not become overly  attached to the office,  nor too
           fond of the power. 
             
 
 
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           83. If  a Priestess or a Priest should tire  of their duties and char-
           ges, 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
           concernted 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  sur-
           renders 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
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           printing/handling costs will be appreciated. 
 
 
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