Wiccan Rede & The Threefold Law
Paganism is one of the few religions that doesn't have a long list of laws regulating what we can and can't do. That doesn't mean that pagans can do whatever we please! Most pagans have adopted the Wiccan Rede and the Threefold Law which define the basic ethics and morals we are to observe. This is not a step by step instruction manual for living a good life; pagans are expected to use their own intelligence and common sense in concert with these two guiding principles.
The short version of the Wiccan Rede is "An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will". Basically, do what you wish to do, as long as it harms no one. Every action, every decision has consequences, and the Rede encourages you to think about those consequences before you act. Stepping back and considering for just a moment, could save you a lot of regret in the future.
The short version of the Wiccan Rede is "An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will". Basically, do what you wish to do, as long as it harms no one. Every action, every decision has consequences, and the Rede encourages you to think about those consequences before you act. Stepping back and considering for just a moment, could save you a lot of regret in the future.
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The Threefold Law:
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Ever Mind The Rule Of Three
Three Times Your Acts Return To Thee This Lesson Well, Thou Must Learn Thou Only Gets What Thee Dost Earn |
The Threefold Law is hotly contested in some circles. Some take it very literally, saying that whatever energy you send out will return to you threefold. Others say it returns to you in three ways, affecting mind, body and spirit. Still others, including myself, aren't as literal minded. This is a reminder that you get what you give, so give something that you would like to get back in return.
Both the Wiccan Rede and the Threefold Law are referenced in the Long Rede, or Rede of the Wiccae, shown below in full.
Rede of the Wiccae
(Counsel of the Wise)
(Full Version)
Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.
For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.
Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name, let love and light be our guides again.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane, and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.
When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.
Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.
Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.
Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's insight.
Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.
Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.
Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.
Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.
Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.
As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.
When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.
Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.
In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.
Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.
Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, hearken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.
These Eight words the Rede fulfill: "An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"
