covenrochester

In time, Diana bore a child
Of Light and Dark now reconciled,
Like father - bright, like mother - wild,
Her name - Aradia.

The child grew strong with passing years.
Diana grew in naught but fears,
She laved the Earth with anguished tears,
For Man had wicked grown:

The Rich of Poor made toiling slaves,
The lands were full of thieves and knaves,
The holy priests were base, depraved,
Would even cheat or kill.

"The Earth grew vile by naught but me,
"For Man was spun from trickery,
"The fruit of chase and strategy,"
The dark Diana wept.

The Goddess called her daughter nigh,
"My dear Aradia," she sighed,
"My heart will break and I will die,
"If Man continues thus."

"I wish for you to go to Earth,
"As Spirit stoop to mortal birth,
"And lift from me this evil curse,
"By teaching Witchery."

"To all the common folk oppressed
"Reveal the charms and spells that bless,
"That heal the sick with tenderness,
"By calling on My name."

"You shall be first of Witches known,
"To teach the arts of wind and stone,
"Of rune and plant and beast and bone,
"And ways of praising Me."

-- excerpt of an English rhyming version of Il Vangelo delle Streghe, The Gospel of the Witches.
It is also sometimes called Il Vangelo di Diana, The Gospel of Diana.

*** Blessed be to those who serve the Great Mother and the Horned Father.

* Copyright to Coven Rochester