Curse of the Goddess....? (priest, Earth, tradition, grace, hell)

[Kcnorwood]

As aWiccan I've never hear of something called the Curse of the Goddess can anyone explain it? Someone pointed this out to me...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiccan_Laws

[MaddLlama]

I have never heard of this either. However, in looking for some info on it, it appears that it's from a document called "The Old Laws" from the original Gardenarian Book of Shadows. Gardener claimed that these were the laws from the unbroken line of practicing witches, but it's more likely, from the strange archaic language that it was written by Gardener himself.

This article, though, really demonstrates the problem with Wikipedia. Yes, the Old Laws document does say that, however this document was never made into official "wiccan law". Apparently there was some fighting over it's authenticity between him and Valentine, and even after they had gone their seperate ways the Gardenarian tradition never really accepted the laws as authentic either.

http://www.newwiccanchurch.net/articles/ggowol.htm
That has an excellent analysis of the situation.

[Feathers in Hair]

Looks like something that's specific to a particular sub-section of the faith. I haven't heard it before, either, and the surrounding text makes it seem particularly antiquated.

Several of the provisions in these laws seem rather disagreeable to many Wiccans of today. For example, its sexist language ("as a man loveth a woman by mastering her"), and cursing people and condemning them to an eternity in the Christian hell ("And if any break these Laws, even under torture, THE CURSE OF THE GODDESS SHALL BE UPON THEM, so they may never be reborn on earth and may remain where they belong, in the hell of the Christians.") Another controversial law which irked Valiante was that: "And the greatest virtue of a High Priestess be that she recognize that youth is necessary to the representative of the Goddess. So will she gracefully retire in favor of a younger woman, should the coven so decide in council." Noticeably the Laws have several anachronisms and refer to the threat of being burnt for witchcraft even though this did not happen in England or Wales where witches were hanged during the witch hunts.

[Luke Wolf]

Never heard of it before. I think it's abit odd how it mentions "the hell of the CHristians."

[Gentoo]

I've heard of it, from what I gather it's like being excommunicated. But also, I think it's mainly in the Garnerian Tradition, I haven't seen it in the other traditions I've researched.

[Comet]

Hmm... I have not heard of the "Curse of the Goddess" in these terms before.... nor have I read the Book Of Shadows that it speaks of. Then again, I'm not a Wiccan. Perhaps I cannot speak of this then, but I will tell you what it means to my "ecclectic" faith:

The Curse of the Goddess is a blessing as well, a double-edged sword. When one commits themselves to one Goddess (or aspect of the Goddess), they are rewarded with some of the Divine Powers thereof; yet, neglected of that which those things can bring. It is to serve a purpose without the pleasure of doing so.

Say one should swear by the Moon Goddess... they could have the wisdom of Nokomis to share insights that another may understand and be better, but never will they quench their search of knowledge.... they will never find in this life that which they seek, though they will bring this to others. They could have the unconditional love of Selene, but never shall they the love in partnership of another. They can teach others to love this way (even to love that which teaches), but it shall always be found in another.... never the one who swears by such things. It is a way of life, a curse and a blessing.

Sorry if that got off topic, but that is the only time I've heard of such a thing.

[Radio Frequency X]

Originally Posted by Gentoo

I've heard of it, from what I gather it's like being excommunicated. But also, I think it's mainly in the Garnerian Tradition, I haven't seen it in the other traditions I've researched.

True, and it doesn't seem to appear in hardly any other pagan traditions. Gods and Goddesses, historically, have tended to bring wrath down upon cities, not individuals. In this case, the curse of the Goddess appears to be strictly Gardnerian and a product of his own invention.

[GreatBigSnake]

I've never heard of this before; I don't think the Goddess would curse anyone....