What Protean Students Pledge

Webweaver Note: The Protean Oath of Dedication has been a subject of debate for many years, particularly item #4. Note that there is no link connected to that one as Judy never actually wrote an essay on that one. I plan on doing so in the near future. As the current head of the Protean family, I have eased the restrictions on #4 for several reasons and I should explain myself. The short form is simply that we truly have no control over those who pass through our covens once they move on either through hiving or choosing to walk a different path – or in rare cases, expulsion. If we lay claim to wisdom, we should be discerning enough in choosing out students to know who we can trust to pass along our ethics. But again, we have little to say about how they behave once people leave. Use good judgement. – G

These are the commitments that students of Proteus Coven make at the very beginning of their formal Wiccan training.

1. We don’t tell:

We protect the confidentiality of all who we meet in Circle and all who ask for our aid.
We also respect Traditional secrecy regarding certain lore.

2. We don’t sell:

Our work as priest/esses is done for love and need alone. We do not accept any payment for the practice or teaching of our religion, neither in money nor in labor nor in goods.

3. We don’t force:

We direct our magic only towards people who have given their prior and explicit consent. We do not practice baneful magic, which is intended to harm others. We do not practice coercive magic, which is intended to control others for our own purposes. We do not practice manipulative magic, which is directed toward others for “their own good,” but without regard to their opinions or wishes in the matter.

and

4. We don’t train those who would:

We promise that, if we eventually have students of our own, we will require these same pledges of them at the very beginning of their training.

an it harm none, do what you will!

(More on the Wiccan Rede)

updated: May 15, 2004 by Judy Harrow, HPs, Proteus Coven
the address of this page is: proteuscoven.com/Pledges.htm