Comments on The Abbreviated Laws

J Random Folksinger

The Wiccan Rede, while it has been taught widely, is not a part of the Laws, although it may be considered derivative of them. There is nothing in the Laws that says that "in case of trouble, the Coven will be disbanded". There are, in fact, quite a few possible solutions to specific instances, not just for "trouble".

There is nothing in the Laws about unaffordability equaling inappropriateness in the purchase of a magickal tool. What the heck are "L.T. Initiates"? Long Term? Why is it OK for them to form a Coven when it is plain that you have to be of the Third Degree?

The traditional way to hear complaints, at least in my set of the Old Laws, is for the High Priest or High Priestess to convene the Elders. It says nothing about whether the HP or HPs are included in this group, but it is assumed that BOTH, not just the HPs, are so included. There is also nothing in the Old Laws about a "time of waiting" for a decision.

In the Old Laws, the only thing the year-and-a-day rule pertains to is the leaving of a High Priestess.

Everything in the "Temple Laws" falls in the good-to-very-good category of advice; NONE of it is in the Old Laws. And I have known a good many pagans to take PST to mean anytime during the calendar DAY. There are a number of teachers in my experience to whom you NEVER ask a question, at penalty of being kicked out of the class; still, a teacher who can accept this rule is probably a good teacher.

In general, this sheet appears to be a worksheet handed to new students and gone over with them for a quick rundown of the Craft in order to go on to other things; in my opinion, giving them this sheet and NOT reviewing the entire set of the Old Laws (in whatever form) is doing the students a disservice; having this sheet around for later reference, on the other hand, is probably a Good Thing.