So I'm going to split these blogs into topics of research and learning that I have come across or will come across in the future and try to keep topics focused that way.
In this entry I'll be chatting about some of the rules or guides I've come across that those who choose to follow a Wiccan path are encouraged to abide by.
The first is known as the Wiccan Rede which acts as a moral system for those of this path to follow. In it we are introduced to a number of themes that are widely seen in the Wiccan faith including ritual circle, moon phases and sabbats. In its best known form as the "eight words" couplet, the Rede was first publicly recorded in a 1964 speech by Doreen Valiente:
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill, An it harm none do what ye will.
This honors the great freedom that each individual has to ascertain truth, to experience the divine directly, and to determine how to best live her or his own life. Wiccans practice magic and cast spells using a form of ritual and meditation similar to prayer, except that, instead of beseeching the aid or intervention of an external deity, the indwelling divine energy is drawn outward into manifestation in the world through harmonious interaction with the divine presence already present.
As I have been doing my research and study, this is something that I've come across in many places. In fact, when beginning my Book of Shadows it is one of the things that is frequently recommended grace the first few pages.
Here is the full version as found on The Celtic Connection:
The Wiccan Rede
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, harken 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"
The second is the Law of Threefold Return or the Rule of Three. This rule relates to the idea of karma and that the energy one puts out into the world will inevitably come back upon us times three. One of the earliest versions of the Rule of Three appeared in Gerald Gardner's book, High Magic's Aid.
Patti Wigington at PaganWiccan - About.com states, 'Although the Law of Three sounds prohibitive, many Wiccans see it instead as a useful standard to live by. It allows one to set boundaries for oneself by saying, "Am I prepared to accept the consequences -- be they good or bad -- for my deeds, both magical and mundane?"'
Rule of Three
What ye send forth comes back to thee,
So ever mind the rule of three.
Follow this with mind and heart,
Merry Meet and Merry Part.
There is an abundance of information about these two laws and it's one of the first thing I ever became aware of in relation to following this path. I personally believe it's a nice moral compass to have as a guide in all we choose to do and a good thing to find out more about.
Some interesting links and articles to check out on this topic include:
- Gocek.org - Wiccan Rede
- Religious Tolerance - Wiccan Rede
- Sacred-Texts
- Mystic Moon Coven - Rede
- WitchVox - Threefold Return
- Pagan Roots - Law of Three
- The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft and Wicca by Rosemary Guiley
Blessed Be,
Vivienne
The full Wiccan Rede is beautiful. So many only know it as "An ye harm none, do what ye will", but the whole thing is just so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a beautiful piece of literature and it's a shame that not many people seem to know the full Rede.
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