The Charge of the Goddess
from Spiral Dance by Starhawk
Listen to the words of the Great Mother, who of old was called Artemis, Astarte,
Dione, 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 rites. Sing, feast, dance,
make music and love, all in My presence, for Mine is the ecstasy of the spirit
and Mine also is joy on 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 aught 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:
