The Wiccan Rede
A Witch's Guidelines
Most religions espouse a set of ethics, moral rules and guidelines. Wicca is less stringent than most, leaving the practitioner to determine how to apply them. The origins of the rede are debated still, and there are several versions of it. Some Wiccans prefer the Charge of the Goddess as their guide.
The Wiccan Rede
Bide the Wiccan Laws ye must, In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.
Live ye must an’ let to live, Fairly take an’ fairly give.
Cast the Circle thrice about, To keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, Let the spell be spake in rhyme.
Soft of eye an’ light of touch, Speak ye little, listen much.
Deosil go by the waxing Moon, Sing and dance the Wiccan rune.
Widdershins go by the waning Moon, Chanting out the baleful tune.
When the Lady’s Moon is new, Kiss thy hand to Her times two.
When the Moon rides at Her peak, Then your heart’s desire seek.
Heed the Northwind’s mighty gale, Lock the door and trim the sail.
When the wind comes from the South, Love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the wind blows from the East, Expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind blows from the West, Departed spirits have no rest.
Nine woods in the Cauldron go, Burn them quick an’ burn them slow.
Elder be ye Lady’s tree, Burn it not or cursed ye’ll be.
When the Wheel begins to turn, Soon the Beltane fires burn.
When the Wheel has turned to Yule, Light the log; the Honed One rules.
Heed ye flower bush an’ tree, By the Lady Blessed Be.
Where the rippling waters go, Cast a stone an’ truth ye’ll know.
When ye have and hold a need, Hearken not to others greed.
With the fool no season spend, Or be counted as his friend.
Merry meet an’ merry part, Bright the cheeks an’ warm the heart.
Mind the Threefold Law ye should, Three times bad an’ three times good.
When misfortune is enow, Wear the star upon thy brow.
True in love ever be, Lest thy love be false to thee.
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill, An’ Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will.
