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The most basic form of the Wiccan Rede (or creed) is
"an' it harm none, do as ye will." The "an'" is from
the Old English, short for "and." Its meaning is that
so long as there is no harmful intent or action toward
another, one has the right to do or think as one pleases.
The Rede may sound too simplistic to some, but it is not.
It is highly idealistic, and can be compared to the most
basic of Christian teachings, "Love thy neighbor as thyself,"
or to the even more widely quoted Golden Rule, "Do onto
others as you would have them do onto you." Very similarly
worded concepts exist within every known religion! If these
precepts were sincerely followed by everyone, one would not
need to write a single law, nor would any crimes ever be
committed. Everyone would be naturally considerate of
everyone else, and would act according to a highly developed
conscience.
The complication and double-bind that can occur is in the
instance where no matter what one does, it is impossible
to avoid the perception of harm, slight or lack of love
from someone else who is involved. Here, one is obligated
to consider, mediate or pray, if necessary, and then choose
the path of highest conscience.
The Wiccan Rede has various elaborated wordings that extend
its meaning further. The most widely accepted concept is the
Rule of Three, the essential meaning of which is that whatever
one puts out into the Universe comes back threefold: physically, mentally and spiritually.
If one does harm, it can boomerang back with a vengeance. If one does
good, that comes back magnified, as well. This is especially
applicable within the practice of magick. Many Wiccans have
discovered that as they become increasingly adept at focusing
magickal will, "karma" or "what goes around, comes around" can
be instant!
Positive magick is not universally accepted, but it is a very
widespread teaching of modern Wicca. Some believe that it is
acceptable to use magick to suppress or bind something or
someone considered to be evil, but fully positive magick
rejects all magickal intent or action that seeks to bind,
direct harm toward or even manipulate the free will of
another individual. One only seeks to change oneself from
within, in the belief "as within, so without." When one
changes oneself for the better, one's environment responds in
kind.
Perhaps the most popularly used version of the Wiccan Rede
(author unknown) expands the basic Rede to include the
Threefold Law:
Bide ye the Wiccan Rede ye must,
In perfect love and perfect Trust.
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill
An' it harm done, do as ye will
Lest in self defense it be,
Ever mind the Rule of Three
Follow ye this with mind and heart,
Merry ye meet, and merry ye part.
Copyright © 2000-2008
Maria Kay Simms
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THE CRAFT
Facts about The Craft
What are Wicca and Witchcraft?
The Wiccan Rede
& the Law of Three
The Pentagram
The Elements
Air |
Fire |
Water |
Earth
The Wheel of the Year
The Timing of the Sabbats
Samhain |
Yule |
Imbolc |
Ostara
Beltane |
Litha |
Lughnasad |
Mabon
Magical Moon
Maria Kay Simms' monthly column on
lunar and astrological events to
help you plan your magickal calendar.
Recommended Reading
Moon Tides, Soul Passages,
The Witch's Circle,
A Time for Magick,
Future Signs, and
Your Magical Child
by
Maria Kay Simms
Books on Spellcraft
Books on Wicca & related subjects
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