The Wiccan Rede is a fundamental guiding principle in the Wiccan religion which gives a moral and ethical framework for Wiccans to follow.
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As interest in modern Pagan religions like Wicca continues to grow, more and more people are exploring the core tenets that shape these spiritual paths.
In this post, we'll delve into the meaning of the Wiccan Rede and explore its role in guiding Wiccan practices.
At its heart, the Wiccan Rede is about personal responsibility and the importance of causing no harm to oneself or others. By understanding the Rede's central message and its various interpretations, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the values and ethics that underpin the Wiccan religion.
Whether you're a practicing Wiccan, a curious seeker, or simply interested in learning more about diverse spiritual traditions, I hope you gain some valuable insights into one of the key aspects of modern Pagan thought.
The Wiccan Rede
Bide the Wiccan Laws we must In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.
Live and let live. Fairly take and fairly give.
Cast the Circle thrice about to keep the evil spirits out.
To bind the spell every time let the spell be spake in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch, Speak little, listen much.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the Witches' Rune.
Widdershins go by the waning moon, chanting out the baneful rune.
When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to her, times two.
When the moon rides at her peak, then your hearts desire seek.
Heed the North wind's mighty gale, lock the door and drop the sail.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the wind blows from the West, departed souls will have no rest.
When the wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
Nine woods in the cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Elder be the Lady's tree, burn it not or cursed you'll be.
When the Wheel begins to turn, let the Beltane fires burn.
When the Wheel has turned to Yule, light the log and the Horned One rules.
Heed ye flower, Bush and Tree, by the Lady, blessed be.
Where the rippling waters go, cast a stone and truth you'll know.
When ye have a true need, hearken not to others' greed.
With a fool no season spend, lest ye be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part, bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Threefold Law you should, three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow, wear the blue star on thy brow.
True in love ever be, lest thy lover's false to thee.
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill: An ye harm none, do what ye will.
The Wiccan Rede Explained
The Wiccan Rede is a guiding principle and moral code followed by most practitioners of Wicca, a modern Pagan religion.
The Rede's most well-known version states, "An it harm none, do what ye will," which emphasizes personal freedom and responsibility. This means that Wiccans are encouraged to follow their own path and make their own choices, as long as their actions do not bring harm to themselves or others. The Rede serves as a reminder that one's actions have consequences and that Wiccans should strive to make ethical decisions in their daily lives and especially in their spiritual practice.
The expanded version of the Rede, which you see above, is known as the Long Rede or the "Wiccan Credo." This verse elaborates on the core principle and includes additional guidelines.
Some of the key ideas mentioned in the Long Rede include the Threefold Law (the belief that one's actions, whether positive or negative, will return to them threefold), observing and honoring lunar cycles, respecting nature and its elements, maintaining integrity and truthfulness, and being true in love and relationships.
Common Misconceptions Surrounding Wicca
Despite the growing popularity and acceptance of Wicca, many misconceptions persist about this modern Pagan religion.
One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that Wiccans engage in hexes, curses, or other harmful magical practices. This belief stands in direct opposition to the central tenet of the Wiccan Rede, which emphasizes the importance of causing no harm. Wiccans generally believe that casting hexes or curses goes against their ethical principles and will lead to negative consequences for the practitioner.
Another misconception is that Wicca is associated with devil worship. This idea stems from a complete misunderstanding of Wiccan beliefs. Wiccans do not believe in or worship Satan, as this concept is rooted in Abrahamic religions, not Pagan traditions.
Instead, Wiccans typically honor nature, the cycles of life, and the divine in its various forms, often represented by the Goddess and the God.
The Law Of ThreeFold Return
The Threefold Law, also known as the Law of Return, is another important concept in Wicca that's often misunderstood.
This law suggests that any action, whether positive or negative, will return to the practitioner threefold. Some people mistakenly interpret this as a form of punishment or retribution. However, the Threefold Law is more about personal responsibility and understanding that our actions have far-reaching consequences. It encourages Wiccans to be mindful of their choices and to strive to keep their vibration high through positive, ethical actions.
By addressing these common misconceptions about Wicca, I hope we can foster a more accurate and respectful understanding of paganism and its guiding principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wiccans believe in a spiritual connection to nature and the divine. It's a polytheistic religion, meaning they honor both Goddesses and a Gods. They follow a moral code known as the Wiccan Rede, which emphasizes personal responsibility and avoiding doing harm to others. Wiccan practices often involve ritual, magic, and celebrating the cycles of life and the seasons.
Paganism isn't based on a single religion. It encompasses a wide variety of spiritual beliefs that predate Christianity. Many Pagan traditions draw inspiration from ancient polytheistic religions, such as those of Greece, Rome, Egypt, and the Celtic and Germanic peoples. Contemporary Paganism is diverse. Followers honor a pantheon of gods and goddesses, practice nature-based spirituality, and observe seasonal rituals and festivals.
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