The Charge of the Goddess (Prose edition)

This version of "The Charge of the Goddess" is lesser known, as its prose counterpart has become more popular. This version could be considered the first version of the charge that we know today. This version was the original one written by Doreen Valiente, prior to writing the prose charge(which was written to make it a bit easier for witches to understand, as some people had difficulty pronouncing some of the names.).

The Verse Charge draws influence from Aradia: Gospel of the Witches.

According to Jason Mankey, a Gardnerian High Priest (whose blog on Patheos, Raise The Horns, I highly reccomend), The Charge initially served two purposes: To explain the Witchcraft Religion to new initiates, and as a subsitute for The Goddess herself during the ritual of Drawing Down the Moon, should it not go as planned.

The Charge of the Goddess itself, in my opinion, captures the very essence of just WHO the Goddess of the Witches is. The Prose Charge, as written by Doreen Valiente, is as follows:

I the Mother, darksome and divine, Say to thee, Oh children mine (All ye assembled at mine Shrine),

Mine the scourge and mine the kiss The five-point star of love and bliss Here I charge ye in this sign

All ye assembled here tonight Bow before my spirit bright

Aphrodite, Arianrhod, Lover of the Horned God, Mighty Queen of Witchery and night

Astarte, Hecate, Ashtaroth, Dione,

(Morrigan, Etain, Nisene)

Diana, Brigid, Melusine

Am I named of old by men, Artemis and Cerridwen, Hell's dark mistress, Heaven's Queen.

(Whene'er trouble comes anoon) All who would learn of me a Rune Or would ask of me a boon,

Meet ye in some secret glade Dance my round in greenwood shade, by the light of the full moon.

(In a place wild and lone) With the comrades alone Dance about my altar stone.

Work my holy Magistry,Ye who are fain of sorcery, I bring ye secrets yet unknown.

(Whate'er troubles come to thee), No more shall ye know slavery Who give due worship unto me,

Who tread my round on Sabbat-night. Come ye all naked to the rite, In token ye be truly free.

I teach the mystery of rebirth, Keep ye my mysteries in mirth

Heart joined to heart, and lip to lip,

Five are the points of fellowship That bring ye ecstasy on Earth.

I ask no offerings, do but bow,

No other law but love I know

By naught but love I may be known,

All that liveth is mine own

From me they come, to me they go.