BOOK OF SHADOWS

CHARGE OF THE HORNED GOD

Listen the the words of the Great Father, who of old was called Osiris, Adonis, Zeus, Thor, Pan, Cernunnos, Herne, Lugh and by many other names:

"My Law is Harmony with all things. Mine is the secret that opens the gates of life and mine is the dish of salt of the earth that is the body of Cernunnos, that is the eternal circle of rebirth. I give the knowledge of life everlasting, and beyond death I give the promise of regeneration and renewal. I am the sacrifice, the father of all things, and my protection blankets the earth."

Hear the words of the dancing God, the music of whose laughter stirs the winds, whose voice calls the seasons:

"I who am the Lord of the Hunt and the Power of the Light, Sun among the Clouds and Secret of the Flame, I call upon your bodies to arise and come unto me. For I am the flesh of the earth and all it's beings. Through me all things must die and with me are reborn. Let my worship be in the body that sings, for behold all acts of willing sacrifice are my rituals. Let there be desire and fear, anger and weakness, joy and peace, awe and longing within you. For these too are part of the mysteries found within yourself, within me, all beginnings have endings, and all endings have beginnings."

OR ANOTHER VERSION

Listen to the words of the Horned God, who is son, brother, lover, and consort of the Lady:

"I am the fleet deer in the forest, I am the beach which receives the waves, I am the sun which warms the earth. I am the Lord of the Spiral Dance of Life, Death and Rebirth, the Gentle Reaper, the Winter Stag and the Spring Fawn. All things are of me, for I am of the Goddess, opposite, yet not opposing. I bring forth from the womb that is a tomb, for I am the seed which fertilizes. I am abundant Life for I am the grain that grows, and I am death - the harvest in the Fall. And I am rebirth after darkness, for I am the seed that springs forth anew."

"I am Fertility, the Spreader of Life, and I am the Lord of Death, which adds value to life."

"I am the Guardian of the Gate Between Life and Death. I am the King of the Underworld, where no living being may venture, but I am also the King of Rebirth, who makes of the tomb a womb."

"I bring love and strength, peace and passion, hope and joy, for I am the Gentle Lover in the night."

"I am the herald All that comes from the Great Mother, the Divine Star Goddess, who is Mother of us all."

OR ANOTHER VERSION

Listen to the words of the Horned God, the Guardian of All Things Wild and Free, and Keeper of the Gates of Death, whose Call all must answer:

"I am the fire within your heart, the yearning of your Soul. I am the Hunter of Knowledge and the Seeker of the Holy Quest; I who stand in the darkness of light; I am He whom you have called Death. I the Consort and Mate of Her we adore, call forth to thee."

"Heed my call beloved ones, come unto me and learn the secrets of death and peace. I am the corn at harvest and the fruit on the trees. I am He who leads you home. Scourge and Flame, Blade and Blood these are mine and gifts to thee."

"Call unto me in the forest wild and on hilltop bare and seek me in the darkness bright. I who have been called Pan, Herne, Osiris, and Hades speak to thee in thy search. Come dance and sing; come live and smile, for behold: this is my worship."

"You are my children and I am your Father. On swift night wings it is I who lay you at our Mother's feet to be reborn and to return again. Thou who thinks to seek me, know that I am the untamed wind, the fury of storm and passion in your Soul. Seek me with pride and humility, but seek me best with love and strength. For this is my path, and I love not the weak and fearful. Hear my call on long Winter nights and we shall stand together guarding Her Earth as She sleeps."