Charge to the Initiate

O thou who hast declared intent to become one of us, hear then that which thou must know. Single is the race, single of men and of Gods, from a single source we both draw breath, but a difference of power in everything keeps us apart. For we are as nothing, but the Gods exist for ever. Yet we can, in greatness of minds, be like the Gods. Though we know not to what goal by day or in the night. Fate has written that we shall run beyond all seas and earth's last boundaries, beyond the spring of night and the Heaven's vast expanse there lies a majesty which is the domain of the Gods. Those who would pass through the Gates of Night and Day to that blessed place which is between the world of men and the domains of the Lords of Outer Spaces, know that unless there is truth in thy heart, they every effort is doomed to failure. Hear then the Law. That thou lovest all things in nature. That thou shalt suffer no person to be harmed by thy hands or in they mind. That thou walkest humbly in the ways of men and the ways of the Gods. Also it is the Law that contentment thou shalt learn through suffering, and from long years and from nobility of mind and of purpose.

For the wise never grow old. Their minds are nourished by living in the daylight of the Gods, and if among the vulgar some discoveries should arise concerning some maxims of thou belief in the Gods, so do thou, for the most part be silent. For there is a great risk that thou shalt straightway vomit up that which thou has not digested. And when someone shalt say to thee, 'thou knowest naught', and it bites thee not, then knowest thou hast begun the work, and as sheep do not bring their food to the Shepherd to show how much they have eaten, but digesting inwardly their provender, bear outwardly wool and milk. Even so, do not thou display the maxims to the vulgar, but rather the works that flow when they are disgested.

The Declaration of the Goddess (Leaves of Serenity):

Hear thou the words of Annis the Great One; For it is I, and none but I, that is Queen of all living, and it is through My will that all live or die. I am the Laughing Maiden, the Loving Mother, and the Black Hag of Death. I am the Three and the One. Listen to My words. For it is I, and none but I, that wakens that desire which uses all of a man and a woman and so wastes nothing, even though it leave the favoured like wan ashes in the sunlight. I smile, and the radiance of moonlight is everywhere. For there is no power like My power, and no living thing can withstand My power, and those who deride Me are but the dead dry husks that the wind moves with hissing noises. For I am the anticipation, I am the fulfilment, I am the pain. I am all pleasure, I am all love, I am all life, and I am all death. Her My words, My children, worship and be glad, for if you seek Me I am with you always. I was with you in the beginnings, and I shall be with you at the end.