Parts the Fifth and Sixth
5. Soft of eye and light of touch, speak ye little, listen much
Yet another abjuration. The first phrase 'soft of eye' is of course a direction to be as wanting in apparent agression as possible. It might be pointed out that this is the first of the abjurations that implies that those with faith in wicca and the Godess, must when needs be, a gentle force on a situation. This does not contradict the 'live ye must' statement, but qualifies attitude rather than conviction. It is not to say that those who would not seek to fight, would refuse to fight. But it must be said that those who look for a fight, are ethically out of whack. The second part of the phrase is especially interesting, for while it's message is self evident, it is still an adage used commonly in the North of England, throughout Yorkshire and Northumbria. 'See all..hear all..say nowt..'. Words to live by. It also defines why wiccans and pagans in general do not proseletise, actively try to convert those who do not share exactly the same faith. As Christians are enjoined to 'go forth and spread the Gospel (the good news)'. pagans are instructed, for the most part, keep your peace, that those who will be drawn to the Old Ways will come of their own, and need no pulling or enticement.
6. Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out ye baleful tune
This is the first of a triplet dealing with attitudes to be adopted, ceremoniously, with the phases of the moon.
There would appear to be a bit of a problem with determining the etymology, indeed of even exacting a dictionary definition of the word 'deosil'. It means counterclockwise, but substantiation of such an assured claim, will remain for the moment undone. Howeer, 'baleful' is a word which bears scrutiny, both for what it has been made to mean, and that which in fact it does. Baleful is defined as 'full of evil or mischief;pernicious, harmfull, deadly'. Yet also is included the definition '*full of pain, misery, sorrow'. The issue with the mainstream churches and paganism has always been one of image. There have been great political forces at work, one's who's machinations belittle that of Machiavelli or Goebbels, which have painted paganism as something foul, and abominable. It was perhaps the greatest public relations jobs this world has ever seen, one with the scope to enforce an immediate response, even after 6 thousand years. For indeed the Christian position on paganism is only another step in the same direction as that of Judaism. However, this verse concerns itself with a ritual to be performed by those among the faithfull, in which the group or the solitary will circle a fire three times counter-clockwise during the eve of the waning moon, and while marching, will rid ones self of those elements of unsavory baggage that have collected over the preceeding 28 days. It is an opportunity to unload one's spiritual doubts to the godess, who is in her passing phase. She will take them with her, and leave you fresh to work on solutions rather than wallowing in guilt. Something along the lines of the sacrement of confession, but only every lunar month.