The Wiccan Rede

The Wiccan Rede is a saying that sums up the ethicsof the neo-Paganreligion Wicca. The most common form of the rede is An it harm none, do what ye will. "Rede" is a word from Middle Englishmeaning "advice" or "counsel". "An" is an archaic contraction of the word "and", meaning "if", as in the Shakespearian "an it please thee". Other variants include:

An it harm none, do as thou wilt

Do what you will, so long as it harms none

An it harm none, do what thou will

That it harm none, do as thou wilt

Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill, / An it harm none do what ye will.

How to Follow the Rede, understand it 

1

Understand what harm means. In Wicca, harming others means anything from causing voluntary pain or distress to manipulating or trying to control another person.

2

Remember the freedom given. Wicca has no rules or strict code of behavior to follow. Wiccans are free to choose their paths and their own ways of life, as long as they do not intentionally harm others with their actions.

3

Take care of yourself by avoiding harm to your own body or mind while living your life or practicing the Wiccan religion. For example, Wiccans believe in the right to protect themselves if physically attacked or in danger. This is based on the belief that sometimes inaction can be more harmful than acting, even if the action itself causes some kind of harm.

4

Understand the broadness of the word "none." All Wiccans believe in not harming the Earth and respecting nature. Many Wiccans are vegetarian because they extend their belief to all living creatures.

5

Live and let live, as is stated in the Rede: "Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give." This part of the Rede is one of the reasons Wiccans don't believe in preaching, as it is considered interfering in somebody else's life.

The above is a simple translation for the meaning of the rede = below is the original rede:

The Complete Wiccan Rede (The Counsel Of The Wise Ones) Bide the Wiccan Law ye must, In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust; Live ye must and let to live, Fairly take and fairly give. True in love, ever be, Lest thy love be false to thee. With a fool no season spend, Nor be counted as his friend. Soft of eye and light of touch, Speak ye little, listen much. Ever mind the rule of three, What ye send out comes back to thee. This lesson well, thou must learn Ye only get what ye do earn. Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill - An it harm none, do as ye will. Deosil go by waxing Moon, Sing and dance the invoking Rune; Widdershins go by waning Moon, Chant ye then a freeing tune; When the Lady's Moon is new, Kiss thy hand to Her times two; When the Bow rides in the eve Turn to what you would achieve; When the Moon rides at her peak, Then thy heart's desire seek; When the Sickle shows Her face Release the old with proper grace. Greet the Days and greet the Nights With joy and thanks for all delights. Sing the seasons all around Til wondrous awe and love abound Heed the North wind's mighty gale, Lock the door & trim the sail; When the wind comes from the South, Love will kiss thee on the mouth; When the wind blows from the West, Hearts will find their peace and rest; When the wind blows from the East, Expect the new and set the feast. Nine woods in the Cauldron go, Burn them quick and burn them slow; Birch and fir and apple tree, Hawthorn is sacred to Thee, Willow, hazel, rowan, grape, And oak will shape the weave of fate; Elder be the Lady's tree - Burn it not or cursed ye'll be. Birchwood in the fire goes To tell us true what Goddess knows. Oak trees tower great with might, Burn the Oak for God's insight. Rowan is a tree of power Causing life and magick to flower. Willows at the waters stand To help us to the Summerland. Hawthorn burn to purify And draw the faerie to your eye. Hazel tree, the wisdom sage, Lends strength that comes with honoured age. White the flowers of Apple tree, The holy gift of fecundity. Grape grows upon the fruitful vine, Sacred gifts of joy and wine. Fir's ever greenness declares life Succeeds beyond any strife. Heed ye flower, bush, and tree, And by the Lady Blessed be. Where the rippling waters flow Cast a stone and truth ye'll know; Four times the Major Sabbats mark In the light and in the dark: As the old year starts to wane The new begins with dark Samhain. When flowers blossom through the snow Fair Brighid casts her seed to sow. When winter yields to warmth's return Let the Beltane fires burn. As summer turns to Lammas night First fruits and Grain Gods reach their height. Four times the Minor Sabbats fall Use the Sun to mark them all: At Yuletide, with feast and mirth We celebrate the God Child's birth. Spring Equinox, Eostara's fest, All newborn creatures will be blessed. When the Sun has reached its height Celebrate the greatest Light. Offer thanks at second reaping; Mabon poised for winter's sleeping. Cast the circle thrice about, To keep unwelcome spirits out. To bind the spell well every time, Let the spell be spake in rhyme. Follow this with mind & art, Bright the cheeks and warm the heart, And merry meet & merry part And merry meet again!