Regarding Oaths

Oaths is a very interesting thing in Pagan communities. Most of the 101 books out there (especially Wiccan) warn against oaths of secrecy. This inclusion of this is probably the authors blanket attempt at helping the masses avoid cult like situations. Though, this blanket attempt is misplaced because it is usually given without any much explanation and context other then that should be avoided. This misplaced attempt is disappointing to me because oaths and can very important, solemn, and powerful.

Though, I think it is very important that a person should do as much research as they can if they are looking into joining a group (even non spiritual groups) and should meet as many members as possible as well. Issac Bonewits created an amazing rubric to see if the group you are in or thinking about joining is a cult. It is referred to as the ADVANCED BONEWITS' DANGER EVALUATION FRAME and should be used with critical thinking as a form of checks and balances.

Before I go further, I think it is important to define terms. Oaths per the Websters Dictionary is defined as, "a solemn appeal to a deity, or to some revered person or thing, to witness ones determination to speak the truth, to keep a promise, etc.". Though most people are probably more familiar with the idea of a vow, which is defined by the Websters dictionary as, "a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment." A lot of us has taken vows for marriage, for our work (such as doctors, military, police, etc), and for various organizations (such as fraternities, religions, etc). The point of these vows is to make promises with witnesses, in front of your God(s), and yourself.

This point is the same with Oaths, but in a more traditional sense you letting more then just the witnesses, yourself, and your God(s) know your intentions; you are letting the whole universe know.

In the Heathen communities oaths are revered as much as they are feared. This is because of a unique belief within these communities which is those who are witnessed to said oath are responsible for making sure the person upholds their oath and if the oath is broken, the witnesses are also guilty of breaking it. Now there are people that balk at this notion (Pagans, Heathens, the profane, etc) because they think it is insane. If you really think about it and feel it out, this belief makes perfect sense.

A person takes an oath in front of witnesses so the oath is made public. As witnesses it is implied that these people should support the oath taker in helping them keep and fulfill their oath. In addition, the witnesses should be willing to do this out of respect and love for the oath taker. I think it also is implied that the oath taker should feel comfortable enough with these witnesses that they would be able to ask for help and support. With this being said, the oath taker has a deeper responsibility of discussing  their ideas for their oath beforehand with their fellows and should make sure it is within their abilities and the abilities of their witnesses (not just be prideful and drunken boasts or illusions of grandeur). In essence, an oath is a bonding alliance where the oath taker, the witnesses, the God(s), and the spirits all take part. This should never be a problem with a group of true brothers and sisters or any other members of your inner circle.

It was not to long ago that I took one of the most powerful oaths of my life;

As I kneeled on a bearskin I felt invigorated with the strength and presence

of Bother Bear. At the same time my toes were digging into the Earth which 

kept me grounded as I felt the energy of the earth circle through me. This was

all going on as the sounding horn was blown and the proper blessing were set

into place before the ritual could be begin. As my witnesses stepped forward I

felt their love and support wash over me like a wave from the ocean. When I

 I held the horn up time seemed to stop. Each word I spoke to call the universe to 

bear witness reverberated from me like the sound of a hammer striking an anvil.

When I held the cradle up to pledge my peace, truth, and harmony to my 

brothers and sisters each word reverberated from me with the sound of thunder.

When I presented the breath of the life giver to swear my honor to group and 

its spirit each word reverberated from me with the sound of a war cry. Each 

word I spoke when iron bound my skin as I let the universe know I bound myself

harmless to all those that keep the same reverberated out of my like the sound

of countless drums. It was when I felt myself being pulled up did time seem to 

return to normal and my senses became more localized. 

As for Oaths of secrecy? Well these should not always be shied away from just because there is elements of secrecy involved as long as the secrecy is healthy. There is nothing wrong with secrecy if it helps protect members identity because not everyone is out as a pagan or spiritual person, if it helps keep certain practices within the circle and outside of the profane because the profane can have extreme reactions to things they do not understand, etc.

Oaths are extremely important and sacred. I hope that all people, the profane and Pagans alike will start to realize this importance and act accordingly. 

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