Vows

Vota

Keep a promise you have made – unless there will be dire consequences for doing so. Vows are made under divine watch, so do not make them lightly. Consider your motivations carefully before setting any strong intentions. Actions speak louder than words.

Prick my finger, burn the bay,

I vow to thee,

Banish the eye, curve of horn,

Love, truth and loyalty.

I speak my word

Within this mound.

I make my vow

Upon this ground.

In Aradia’s time, many people were illiterate, so making a vow didn’t involve signing one’s name to a piece of paper. Instead, your vow was a solemn promise, often confirmed by a ritual, act, or action. For instance, a simple handshake might seal a deal that involved life or death.

The Gospel of Aradia reminds us how important it is not to make a vow lightly-and when we do make a vow, to seal it with spellcraft. In modern stregoneria, as well as in ancient Etruscan and Roman magic, specific workings are indicated for the declaration and strengthening of vows.

Today, when we think of vows, marriage vows are likely to be the first to come to mind. But we actually make vows more often than we think. Vows are cousins to intentions-so when we decide we want something and put the power of intention behind the words that state our desire, that statement is akin to a vow. For instance, we may vow never to make the same mistake, vow not to overeat, or vow not to continue to attract the type of person that doesn’t benefit us. All of these are true vows- and they can all be strengthened by witchcraft.