In ancient times, our Lord, the Horned One, was (and still is) the Consoler, the Comforter.  But men know him as the dread Lord of Shadows, lonely, stern, and just.  

But our Lady the Goddess would solve all mysteries, even the mystery of death; and so she journeyed to the Underworld. The Guardian of the Portals challenged her: “Strip off thy garments, lay aside thy jewels; for naught mayest thou bring with thee into this our land�?  So she laid down garments and jewels, and was bound, as all living must be who seek to enter the realms of Death, the Mighty One. 

Such was her beauty that Death himself knelt, and laid his sword and crown at her feet, and kissed her feet, saying: “Blessed Be thy feet that have brought thee in these ways.  Abide with me; but let me place my cold hands on thy heart.�?nbsp;

And she replied: “I love thee not.  Why dost thou cause all things that I love, and take delight in, to fade and die?�?nbsp;

“Lady,�?replied Death, “it is age and fate, against which I am helpless.  Age causes all things to wither; but when men die at the end of time, I give them rest and peace and strength, so that they may return.  But you, you are lovely.  Return not, abide with me. 

But she answered: “I love thee not.�?nbsp;

Then said Death: “An you receive not my hand on your heart, you must kneel to Death’s scourge.�?nbsp;

“It is fate, better so,�?she said, and she knelt. 

And Death scourged her tenderly.  And she cried: “I know the pangs of love.�?nbsp; 

And Death raised her, and said: “Blessed be.�?SPAN>  And gave her the fivefold salute, saying: “Thus only may you attain to joy, and knowledge.�?nbsp; 

And he taught her all of his mysteries, and he gave her the necklace which is the circle of rebirth.  And she taught him all her mystery of the sacred cup which is the cauldron of rebirth.   

They loved, and were one: for there be three great mysteries in the life of man, and magic controls them all.  To fulfill love, you must return again at the same time and at the same place as the loved ones; and you must meet, and know, and remember, and love them again. 

But to be reborn, you must die, and be made ready for a new body.  And to die, you must be born; but without love, you may not be born. 

And our Goddess ever inclineth to love, and mirth, and happiness; and guardeth and cherisheth her hidden children in life, and in death she teacheth the way to her communion; and even in this world she teacheth them the mystery of the magic Circle, which is placed between the world of men and of the gods.