Witch Mabel's Practical Field Guide to Magic
1001 Rules for How to Do Stuff

Introduction

Witch Mabel's rules are a collection of rules for the practising of magic. Each rule is a piece of advice telling, more or less specifically, what to do in order to work successful magic. The idea was in response to frustration at the rigid, mechanistic and game-based rules for magic in HârnMaster and discussions on HârnList which showed the same qualities. Witch Mabel's rules are rules that a Hârnic witch would teach her pupil.

The Rules

1. When there is a high place near sunset, keep it to your left.
2. The full moon looks kindly upon attempts to find others.
3. The moon is cold, and fire is hot; do not mix the two.
4. Dance in time to the crickets if you wish for rain.
5. Sit down to guard, and to see far; stand up for affecting others.
6. Let the wind carry your breath away - do not swallow it!
7. To do is to be.
8. A willow branch pierces the heart of the old.
9. Save the feathers of birds, for they aid in travelling swiftly.
10. Never shoot arrows at the moon, unless certain you can match what you catch.
11. Leaves burnt on a fire make smoke that is good for seeing what is not.
12. When it is too dark to see, cease looking.
13. Silver herbs should be harvested in the light of the new moon, using the sickle sinisterly.
14. To be powerful, stand with your feet on the ground, your head in the clouds; burn one hand in fire, and drown the other.
15. Brown mud is for warmth, black mud is for cleanliness.
16. Your own hair is as dangerous as it is powerful; do not cut it except in dire need, and use it wisely - lest none shall grow to replace it.
17. Can you who have two legs outrun the horse who has four? Then do not be so quick to say that insects are slow.
18. Trees are life; what then is the woodpecker? Hasten to sleep under the home of one, and no harm shall befall you that night; just be sure to leave at dawn.
19. Beware of cities, for all rules are there reversed.
20. The Old Gods like the smell of Stiltrassa leaves.
21. The greatest desire requires the least distance.
22. Sacrifice that which is most useful to you, not that which is least.
23. True Names are nonsense; learn all names, and you will be great.
24. Custom is law.
25. Clockwise creates, anti-clockwise goes closer to the Creator.
26. Be always grateful.
27. Fly with the birds, swim with the fish, run with the horses, but live as a man.
28. An open hand holds more.
29. Nothing is sudden, everything has a past and future.
30. Unravel the knots in trees and they will teach you their secrets.
31. A single swan, a brace of geese, three trout and four mountain peaks proclaim great change in fortune.
32. Do not travel to find wisdom, you are running away from it.
33. The Maker's thoughts are ever beneath the earth; his creatures roam the lands and skies.
34. Messengers will come to you at night, while you sleep. Listen to them. Obey them.
35. To see the world in its true glory, walk alone.