the rede of the wiccz

The rede of the wiccz refers to the guiding principles and ethical code followed by practitioners of witchcraft or Wicca. "Rede" is an old English word for advice or counsel, and "wiccz" is an archaic spelling of "witch." The rede of the wiccz serves as a moral compass and a set of guidelines for living in harmony with nature, oneself, and others. The primary principle of the rede of the wiccz is the Wiccan Rede, which states, "An' it harm none, do what ye will." This simple phrase encapsulates the belief in non-harming and personal freedom. It emphasizes the importance of considering the potential impact of one's actions on oneself and others.

Despite the widespread use of the line quoted above, there is sometimes some confusion about what we mean when we reference “the Rede.” Decades after the formation of Bricket Wood, as Wicca was spreading in popularity throughout the United States, a long poem in couplets appeared in an American Pagan magazine with the title “Rede of the Wiccae.” You can find the full version of the Wiccan rede published on the excellent wicca.com website.

Many scholars of Wicca believe that Crowley is the more likely source, since he made an enormous impression on Gardner over the course of their friendship. Recognizing and respecting the power we have as magical beings means examining our own motives for our spellwork, and being sure to avoid sending out intentions that could negatively affect others.

It emphasizes the importance of considering the potential impact of one's actions on oneself and others. Wiccans strive to avoid causing harm to others and work towards positive outcomes whenever possible. This principle encourages personal responsibility and the exercise of one's free will, as long as it does not interfere with the well-being of others.

The Wiccan Rede

Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal.

One of the most often quoted "laws of Wicca," a variation of the Wiccan Rede appeared in the writings of Gerald Gardner, and is still used by many magical practitioners today.

Did You Know?

• The Wiccan Rede is merely a guideline; there is no universal set of rules or ethical standards for today's Pagans, so not all Pagans follow the Wiccan Rede.
• An early version of the Rede was made famous by Doreen Valiente in the early 1960s.
• In the 1970s, Lady Gwen Thompson published her version of the Rede in the Green Egg, a Pagan magazine; she credited her grandmother, Adriana Porter, with the original work.

A similar rule, or guideline, can be found in the work of Aleister Crowley around the turn of the century, in which he advised his readers, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the Law, love under Will." Crowley admitted he was influenced by a much older text, St. Augustine’s Homilies on the First Epistle of St. John.

One version of the Wiccan Rede was made famous by Doreen Valiente in the early 1960s, and in 1974 a lengthier version, by Lady Gwen Thompson, was published in the Green Egg, a Pagan magazine. Thompson credited her grandmother, Adriana Porter, with the original work. Although there is no scholarly evidence for this claim, the work remains one of the most popular writings in Wicca today.

It's important to acknowledge, in any discussion about the Rede that this is simply a guideline. There is no universal set of rules or ethical standards for today's Pagans, so it is unreasonable to assume that every Pagan you meet is going to follow the Wiccan Rede. After all, not all Pagans are Wiccans, and among even those who are Wiccan, there is a good deal of room for interpretation. Although most Pagan belief systems do have some sort of rules, there is a significant amount of variance from one path to the other.

"I would argue that “doing no harm, ever” is simply not possible in a belief system that accepts death as a part of life. Have you ever eaten a steak? That cow died and you ate it. How about a celery stick (for all you vegans out there?) Yep, dead celery too. Have you ever been faced with a moral dilemma? [There are] a few small, everyday issues you might have been faced with that will require you to cause some harm somewhere, no matter what you choose."

Lady Gwen Thompson's version of the Wiccan Rede reads as follows:

Another aspect of the rede of the wiccz is the emphasis on nature and the cycles of life and death. Wiccans believe in the interconnectedness of all living beings and the divine presence within nature. They honor the four elements – earth, air, fire, and water – and respect the balance and harmony that exist in the natural world. Wiccans often celebrate the solstices, equinoxes, and other seasonal festivals, aligning their spiritual practice with the rhythms of nature. Furthermore, the rede of the wiccz promotes self-exploration, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. Wiccans encourage personal development through practices such as meditation, ritual, divination, and spellwork. They believe in harnessing personal power and connecting with the divine within oneself. It is important to note that the rede of the wiccz is not a strict set of rules but a flexible guideline that allows for personal interpretation and adaptation. Wiccans have individual beliefs and practices, and the rede serves as a common thread that unites them in their dedication to living in harmony with nature and following their own spiritual paths. In summary, the rede of the wiccz provides a moral framework for Wiccans, guiding their actions and beliefs. It emphasizes the importance of non-harming, personal freedom, and respect for nature and the interconnectedness of all living things. Through the rede, Wiccans strive to live in harmony with themselves, others, and the natural world..

Reviews for "the rede of the wiccz"

1. John - 1/5 stars - I couldn't make it through "The rede of the wiccz." The story was confusing and the characters were hard to connect with. The pacing was slow and it felt like nothing was really happening. The writing style was also difficult to follow, with overly flowery language and unnecessary descriptions. Overall, I found the book to be a tedious and unsatisfying experience.

2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - While I appreciate the attempt to create a unique magical world in "The rede of the wiccz," I was ultimately disappointed by the execution. The plot felt disjointed and lacked cohesion, making it difficult to stay engaged. The characters were also underdeveloped, making it hard to root for or even understand their motivations. Additionally, the writing style seemed forced and overly descriptive, taking away from the overall reading experience. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and didn't live up to my expectations.

3. Chris - 2/5 stars - "The rede of the wiccz" promised to be an exciting and magical adventure, but it fell flat for me. The world-building was confusing and it felt like there were too many magical elements introduced without proper explanation. The story meandered without a clear focus, making it hard to stay engaged. Additionally, the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural. I was hoping for a captivating read, but sadly this book didn't deliver.

the rede of the wiccz