help, protect, and defend thy Brothers and Sisters of the Art
There is an ancient story that in days long ago Wytches met in secret. That to come among them, you swore a fearsome Oath. Your measure was taken, with cord Hallow and Mighty, upon your promise to “keep Secret” and “Protect” the Art and those who practiced it.
A dread Oath to swear. For, if the oath be broken by a Witch, his or her cord was buried with curses, so that as it rotted the traitor would too.
How many of you have mused on that time, and imagined yourself called to betray the names of your coven or your neighbors? Would you…under torture, speak their names?
Bessie Dunlop
Elizabeth Knap
Marigje Arriens
Johann Albrecht Adelgrief
Goodwife Bassett
Giovanna Bonanno
George Burroughs
Lasses Birgitta
Michée Chauderon
Nyzette Cheveron
Elizabeth Clarke
Helena Curtens
Jean Delvaux
Catherine Deshayes
Thomas Doughty
Anna Eriksdotter
Ann Glover
…..
Perhaps we understand, all too well, what heinous physical cruelty these healers, midwives, cunning folk, and mystics endured.
Perhaps we hold mercy for those who screamed the names of others.
But in our day and age?
What is our modern equivalent?
A subpoena?
Would you “out” your brothers and sisters if a court demanded it?
What of MONEY?
Would you make known the secrets of the Art for payment?
What of prestige?
“I am High Muckety Muck Raven Claw” …. “I was told by the Goddess Spank Me that THIS is the only correct way”
I am a Witch heart-broken, enraged, and determined. Someone has revealed. Someone has made known. Someone has not protected her brothers and sisters of the Art.
What would you do?
Confessions of a Hedge Witch 
Thank you for this.
Love to you, and yours
This is something I think about frequently. I share my knowledge and opinions every day and I wonder about if it is right.
Hi !
If you are not part of a Tradition or coven that has required an Oath prohibiting it, then it is left to your best judgement. There is power in Silence. Yet, knowledge is passed mouth to ear, isn’t it? As long as we show honor to our traditional ways, and the ancestors who passed them to us, we are doing well.
If there is even a hint that there maybe something wrong going on and innocents maybe being harmed or abused?? Tell, tell it from the Goddess blessed mountains if you must be heard, but if your telling as an act of revenge?? Then your a coward and should be ashamed for breaking your vows not to your coven but those you took to honor your Gods & Goddesses. I’m not even sure what is going on but these are my thoughts on speaking out.
Very close to my own thinking. And even in that situation, there isn’t really a need to ‘out’ them as a witch. Their actions speak for themselves – and I personally feel that someone with bad ethics is not representative of paganism as a whole.
But, if authorities found out the ‘Wrong Doer’ (for such a one who would harm or prey on others certainly is in the wrong) was a member of my coven or Tradition, or was a student of my Tradition….. I would not reveal the names of the other members of that coven or Tradition. Not even if the “Wrong Doer” were attempting to name them. Not even if the “Wrong Doer” named me, and I was subpoenaed and questioned my the authorities.