The following is an adaptation from several sources and versions of the Witch’s Creed. The original Creed was written by Doreen Valiente
Hear now the words of the Witches, the secrets we hid in the night
When dark was our destiny’s pathway that now we bring forth into light.
Mysterious Water and Fire, the Earth and the wide-ranging Air.
By hidden quintessence, we know them, and will and keep silent and dare.
The birth and re-birth of all nature, the passing of winter and spring,
We share with the life universal, and rejoice in the magical ring.
Four times the Father’s rite passes and joyous the Witches are seen.
At Lammas and Candlemas dancing, on May Eve and Ol’ Halloween.
When day time and night time are equal, when our Sun is at greatest and least,
We honor the Lord of the Season, and again gather witches in feast.
Thirteen silver moons in a year, thirteen is the coven’s array.
Thirteen at Esbat time make merry for each golden year and a day.
The power was passed down the ages, each time between woman and man,
Each century unto the other ere time and the ages began.
When drawn is the magical circle, by athame or wand of power,
Its compass between the two worlds lies in the Land of Shades for that hour.
This world has no right then to know it, and the world of beyond will tell naught.
The oldest of Gods are invoked there, the Great Work of magick is wrought.
For two ar ethe mystical pillars that stand at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of nature, the forms, and the forces divine.
The dark and the light in succession, the opposite each unto each
Shown forth as the God and the Goddess; of this did our ancestors teach.
By night he’s the Wild Wind Rider, the Horned One, the Lord of the Shades.
By day he’s the King of the Woodland, the dweller in green forest glades.
She is youthful or old as she pleases, she sails the torn clouds in her barque.
The bright, silver Lady of Midnight, the crone who weaves spells in the dark.
The Master and Mistress of magic, they dwell in the deeps of the mind
Immortal and ever re-newing, with the power to free or to bind.
So drink the good wine to the old Gods and dance and make love in their praise
‘Til Elphames’s fair land shall receive us in the peace at the end of our days.
And do what you will be the challenge, in accordance with the Witch’s decree,
To harm none unless no other path allows, for all to be protected and free.
Now gather we witches together to raise power and build one unto one;
For this is our eternal desire. By magic of old it is done!
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