Weave Restrictions
One of the tasks set before you when you joined the White Tower was to learn to control your use of Saidar. This is more than just learning the intricacies of weaves and becoming strong in the elemental weaves that are their components. If you remember that you are here to train in hopes of becoming Aes Sedai then the scope of your training in the One Power broadens and you can see that it encompasses the matter of the Three Oaths that you one day hope to swear. Two of the oaths either directly or indirectly pertain to studying the use of Saidar.
The second oath, To make no weapon with which one man may kill another, means that among other things we may not enhance or ward any weapon for anyone. This is a weave that we may not even learn and if we even attempt to learn it we will be punished.
The third oath, not to use the One Power as a weapon, except against Shadowspawn, or in the last defence of my life, the life of my Warder, or that of another Sister, may be one of the most perplexing of all the oaths. In what cases is the use of the One Power considered an aggressive act? We can certainly agree that any weaves that cause damage would fall into this category, but what about other weaves? The current criteria for making this judgment is to ask yourself ‘Does this weave alter the recipient's ability to defend himself in a negative manner?’ If the answer is yes, even to the smallest degree, then the weave is considered offensive and should be used only according to the conditions above. Weaves currently on this list are: blind, chill, fear, contagion, poison, freeze, sleep, slow, deafen, silence.
A warning though that there are those who consider ANY use of the One Power on their person an aggressive act. It is important that you ask before weaving beneficial weaves. You may find yourself at the wrong end of blade if you do not make certain of this ahead of time.
Information provided by Lena Sedai March 2005
