Pagan Essentials
The Wiccan Rede is the central moral philosophy of Wicca. It isn’t a list of “thou shalt nots,” but rather a single guiding principle often expressed through a longer poem.
The word “Rede” comes from Old English, meaning “counsel” or “advice.” It isn’t a commandment; it’s a suggestion for how to live a balanced and ethical life.
The Words of the Rede (The Long Version)
While many simply know the last line, the full poem provides a beautiful framework for the faith:
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 thine again.
Deasil 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 shall kiss thee 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 learning and lore-gives free-will to the silver store.
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 of evergreen remain to represent immortality maintained.
Elder is the Lady’s tree burn it not or cursed you’ll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats fall in the light and in the dark.
As the old year starts to wane, then begins the feast of Samhain.
When Imbolc lights the longest night, watch for the winter’s fading light.
When the wheel begins to turn, soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lammas night, power is forged in magick light.
Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to greet them all.
When the Sun has reached its height, Yule is the time for the shortest light.
Ostara is the time of spring, when all the birds begin to sing.
Litha is the summer’s pride, when the Sun is at its stride.
Mabon is the time of fall, when the harvest comes to call.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree – by the Lady, blessed 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 thy brow.
Be true in love this you must do, unless your love is false to you.
These Eight words the Rede fulfill:”An’ it harm none, do what ye will.”
Breaking Down the Meaning
The Rede focuses on personal responsibility rather than external judgment. Here are the three core pillars:
1. “An’ It Harm None“
“An” is an archaic word for “if.” The core message is: If your actions don’t cause harm, you are free to take them. This requires a lot of self-reflection because “harm” includes:
- Physical or emotional harm to others.
- Harm to oneself.
- Harm to the earth or the environment.
2. “Do What Ye Will”
This is often misinterpreted as “do whatever you want.” In a Wiccan context, “Will” refers to your True Will—your higher purpose or soul’s path. It’s an encouragement to live authentically and follow your intuition, provided you follow the first rule of non-harm.
3. The Threefold Law
Mentioned toward the end of the poem, this is the Wiccan version of karma. It suggests that whatever energy you put out into the world—whether positive or negative—will return to you with three times the intensity.
Why it Matters
The Rede creates a “self-policing” system. Since there is no concept of “hell” or “sin” in the traditional sense, Wiccans use the Rede to weigh their choices. It places the power (and the consequences) entirely in the hands of the individual.
