The Wiccan Rede

Full version of the Wiccan Rede can be found at www.wicca.com/celtic/wicca/rede.htm

The Wiccan Rede was adopted by wiccans as a sacred poem because of the symbology which resides in the poem. Its meanings guide can guide us with simple magickal steps. But again.....only those initiated into the The Craft can "read between the lines"

Over the next few days, I will open the floor for discussion about the Rede, hope to hear from you all. My comments are what it means to me, would love to hear what it means to you.

First Three stanzas:

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 uwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.


My thoughts on its meaning: Understand the Laws of Nature, understand them, learn them and learn too, how to use them. Learn the responsobilities associated with the use of them, and how they may affect others. Work in Love, with love in mind always, and Trust that the Laws will work as well, and that deity, gods, are on your side.

Second Stanza: In traditional Gardenarian Wicca, the ritual circle is tread widdershins (anti-lockwise) three times, and a chant is usually said. It is a cleansing ritual, that can be accompanied by the Besom (broom). This is the opening of any ritual, a cleansing of the sacred space to prepare for magic work. It is for a mental adjustment as well, and helps the mind focus away from the inner demons that can pop into your thoughts and cause you to lose focus. That the spell be said in rhyme, speaks to your subconcious or inner child. You are entering the process of making your inner child believe it can happen. Ryhmes are playfull chants, when the spell or desire is said in a rhyme, it increases the chance of belief. When you increase your ability to believe that the goal can happen, the likelyhood of it happening increases. Take time in spell preperation to create a poem of your desires....and it must be fun.