The Charge of the Goddess

I am the generous womb in which all life begins,
And the embrace which awaits at life's journey's end.
You may see my face in all women you encounter,
Whether chance-met, friend, sister, mother, or lover.
I am the soft breeze, the golden moon, the silver birch,
The warm tides of the ocean, that caress the earth.
The hug and kiss that heal and comfort life's little woes,
The ecstacy, passion and fire of your heart's deepest throes.
I hope for you to love me, as Maiden, Crone, and Mother,
Just as I charge you to love, trust, and respect one another.
Use your power to choose to create the good things in life,
Love and tolerance, truth and honor, not mistrust and strife.
In my absolute love did I bring you to be part of this world,
To protect it, to care for it, and all the creatures it holds.
Travel now around the wheel of life's path once again
And refine your spirit by the things that you do and you learn.
Come to me by your own path, not some path you are taught,
For who can direct you better than yourself, your own thought?
Remember me when the moon rides high in the night's sky,
But also carry me with you as the days of your life go by.
For I am best honored not by your rituals and your workings,
But by the respect that you show to all of my world's living things.