The Wiccan Rede
The Rede is the Central Law
of Wiccan religion. In short it states: "If
it harms none, do what you want."
You may see it phrased in different ways. Some use the old English: "An
it harm none, do as thou wilt".
The Rede is seen by both Wiccans and outside observers as very similar to the
Golden Rule, a belief that is found in nearly every religion. It should be noted
that, while the Golden Rule forbids harm subjectively, the Wiccan Rede
forbids harm absolutely. The concept of ethical reciprocity is not explicitly
stated, but most Wiccans interpret the Rede to imply the Golden Rule in the
belief that the spirit of the Rede is not just to do no harm, but to actively do
good for one's fellow man as well as oneself.
Different sects of Wiccans read "none" differently: some include the self, others include animals or plants, and so forth. The Rede also expressly rejects the concept of sin outside of harm to oneself or to another. The Rede is only a guideline which the individual must interpret to fit each particular situation. Partner to the Rede is the Rule of Three (also called the Threefold Law or or The Law of Return). It states that both the good and the evil that one creates in the world will be returned threefold (in joy or suffering). It is therefore seen as a pragmatic reason for ethical behavior and compliance with the Wiccan Rede.
One of the better versions of it can be found in this short poem by Lady Gwen Thompson:
Practical Magic for
The complete poem "Rede of the Wiccae" or "Counsel of the Wise Ones" by Adriana Porter is as follows:
Source: Wikipedia - Wiccan Rede and Law of Three
Triple Moon Rule graphic
Copyright © Robin Wood
1997, Used with Permission