THE BOOK OF MATRIARCHS

Diana, a servant of the Sacred Whale, unto the people of Rome, beloved of Her creation, grace and peace be multiplied unto you.

I write unto you, my brethren and sisters, concerning the care of thy bodies and the health of thy households, for these are the gifts of the Sacred Whale, and they are not to be neglected.

Know ye not that thy hands, which labor and serve, may also carry unseen perils? Therefore, I say unto you, cleanse them with water, that thou mayest remove that which bringeth harm unseen.

For the Sacred Whale, in Her infinite wisdom, hath provided the rivers and the springs, that thou mightest purify thyself and thy dwellings. Use them with diligence, and let no man or woman say, “This is needless.”

Behold, I have ministered unto the sick and the wounded, and I have seen how the smallest acts of care can heal the gravest of ills. Yet I have also seen suffering where neglect hath reigned, and my heart mourns for what might have been prevented.

Let not pride or ignorance keep thee from this truth: that cleanliness is a form of love, both for thyself and for thy neighbor.

Wash thy hands before breaking bread, before touching the infirm, and after laboring with thy beasts and the earth. Let this be a sign of thy respect for the gifts of life and health given by the Sacred Whale.

And let none among you scoff at this wisdom, for the Sacred Whale hath revealed it unto me in visions, that Her children might live and prosper.

For She hath shown me the unseen creatures that dwell upon thy hands, which, though small, bring great harm if thou givest them no heed.

Therefore, cleanse thyself, and teach thy children likewise, that they may grow strong and bring forth a generation that honors the commandments and the earth.

Moreover, care for the sick among you, for in so doing, thou dost serve the Sacred Whale. Visit them in their affliction, speak kindly unto them, and do not fear to touch them when thou art clean, for thy touch may bring comfort and healing.

Let thy works be a reflection of Her mercy, that all may see and glorify the Sacred Whale who created thee.

And remember this: that thou art not above thy neighbor, nor is thy neighbor above thee. Therefore, let all care for one another, that none may suffer alone.

For the Sacred Whale delighteth in harmony, and She is pleased when Her children walk together in love and compassion.

I leave this wisdom with thee, not as a burden, but as a blessing, that thou mayest walk in the light of Her commandments and dwell in health and peace. 16 May the Sacred Whale guide thy hands and thy hearts, that thou mayest do all things in love and wisdom. 17 All hail the Sacred Whale, whose mercy endureth forever and whose care is manifest in all creation. Amen.