Panmankey

This is probably the best thing I've ever written.  If it's not the best, it's the piece I'm most proud of.  I wrote this about eight years ago (1998 or so) after not being able to find a decent Charge of the God anywhere.  It was truly one of those moments when I wrote it.  It just poured out of me, it's one of the times I really felt as if my pen was being moved by a higher power.

Unlike a lot of other "charges" you can play with this one a little bit.  I sometimes rearrange the verses to stress a certain aspect of the God, or leave out a verse or two if it doesn't fit at that particular sabbat.  It also works well with two voices alternating between stanzas, kind of like competing aspects of the God.  Enjoy!

The Charge of the God

I am he who abides in the deepest darkerst woods.  It is my place to be with the creatures of the forest running in the cloak of blackest night.  With bow strung across my back I make my home with the Earth.  I am the defender of the sacredness of nature.  I am the Great God.

I am he whose light and warmth brings forth life from the soil.  My warmth is the covenant of union between Lady and Lord.  My brow is the radiant crown of summer, the glow about me my promise of eternal light.  I am the Great God.

I am he who is magick, creator of eternal energy, the catalyst of beneficial change for all who would walk in the Old Ways.  My whispers are those of tommorows revealed and knowledge to be granted.  I am the power to see and do all things I am the Great God.

I am the trickster, scourge of all those methodical and overanalyzing.  I am the troube in the best laid plans, the unexpected when all seems well.  I am the chaos in a world of balance.  I am the Great God.

I am he whose gift is the vine, the never ending chalice of intoxication.  My presents are those of joy:  wine, dance, and the freedom to be without care.  Merriment and mirth to me are great honor for the joy of the folk is my reward.  I am the Great God.

I am the cosmic god, one with all aspects of the universe.  It is the stars which provide the sparkle in my eyes, a multitude of planets make up my body, and a thousdand suns burn together as my heart and soul.  I am the Great God.

I am he that stands at the threshold of death, and life eternal.  I welcome those who have departed your world and bid farewell to those who return to it.  I guard the mysteries of the end and the wonder of beginnings.  I am the Great God.

I am he who abides in the skies, bringer of thunder and sender of lightning.  I give the blessings of rain to the parched and hungry land.  I command the winds that turn the seasons.  I am he whose face can be seen amongst the clouds.  I am the Great God.

I am the horned one, ancient god of fertility.  It is my seed which brings forth life in the great womb.  I am the bringer of physical pleasure, god of lust, god of the flesh.  I give the joys of bodily union to all who ask.  I am the Great God.

Worship me side by side with the Lady.  Honor me and I shall abide forever within you.  For as long as tolerance, happiness, and righteousness exist, the true God will eternally reign.  I am love, I am eternal, I am a part of all things.  I am the Great God.

The above text is my standard Charge, but there are a few other verses which I've used from time to time.  My friend Eddie despises the "sacrificial" god verse, and you might too.  It's certainly very uncomfortable and has inspired several Pagan theology discussions over the years. 

I am the sacrificial god, my blood is poured out upon the Earth so that the soil may be renewed, and those that need forgiveness may receieve it.  I care naught for myself, only for those who serve me.  I am the Great God.

I am the god of love and the commitment between two individuals sharing heart, mind, bodies, and soul.  It is my arrows which awaken desire in the hearts of women and men,  and it is my poison which make the sane foolish in the name of love.  I am the Great God.