“A Witch’s word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus, give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.” – Ed Fitch, High Priest of Gardnerian Wicca
Oaths permeate our history and society.
Couples getting married make an oath to one another in the form of chosen vows during the wedding ceremony.
Doctors swear to abide by the Hippocratic Oath when they practice medicine.
When joining the military, an oath is sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution. (U.S.A.)
Before giving testimony in court, a witness gives and oath to tell the truth.
As children, our first oaths among friends might have included something like: “Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye…”
Many professions ask their members to make an oath of ethics or confidentiality so that clients know they are protected from their personal information being shared —clergy, lawyers, healthcare providers, counselors, etc.
And in Wicca and many other forms of Paganism and Witchcraft, oaths play a huge part whether made to one’s self, other people, or deity/ancestors/spirits.
In Wicca, an oath is: A promise made in a ritual setting where one pledges fealty and honor to the gods of a particular path or tradition and to one’s brothers and sisters in the Craft. It is witnessed by all called forth in the oath, in this world and others. It is considered the highest and most serious pledge a Witch can make.
Along with this, in Wicca, someone who breaks this oath is named a Warlock — meaning “oath breaker”. There is some debate over how this title is used or misused in modern magical and Craft practice, and I go into more detail in my article here: W is for Warlock
In my own experience and practice I’ve taken several oaths over time. My first oaths were taken when I dedicated to Wicca at age 17, when I joined my first coven at age 23, when I joined my first formal Tradition at age 27, when I pledged to the priesthood and took the oath of that service at age 30, and others since then as the situation arises. Within the span of these years and in the decades since, I have taken various oaths to different specific deities.
Oaths, whether made to a group of other people as in a coven setting, or alone between myself and my gods, are inviolate and carry serious repercussions should they be unconscionably broken.
Being released from an oath is a different matter. I may address that specifically in a future article.
An oath is serious to me because of my understanding and my belief in its importance. It is a huge part of my bond and connection with my path, practice, and gods. If you do not believe an oath to hold this position for you, then why are you taking it?
Witches understand and accept that words have power. This is even more so with words spoken for magic or in a ritual setting. Words carry intention, they focus a Witch’s will, they move through all levels and are heard on all planes, they are formed with breath and vibration —the essences of life and energy.
If you choose to make an oath, this is what you are signing up for. Take it seriously, or don’t take it at all.
The Keeper's Path 