The Wiccan Rede: A Matter of Choice or Consequence

The Wiccan Rede (or Witches' Rede)

Bide the Wiccan Laws we must
In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.
Live and let live.
Fairly take and fairly give.
Cast the Circle thrice about
to keep the evil spirits out.
To bind the spell every time
let the spell be spake in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch,
Speak little, listen much.
Deosil go by the waxing moon,
chanting out the Witches' Rune.
Widdershins go by the waning moon,
chanting out the baneful rune.
When the Lady's moon is new,
kiss the hand to her, times two.
When the moon rides at her peak,
then your hearts desire seek.
Heed the North wind's mighty gale,
lock the door and drop the sail.
When the wind comes from the South,
love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the wind blows from the West,
departed souls will have no rest.
When the wind blows from the East,
expect the new and set the feast.
Nine woods in the cauldron go,
burn them fast and burn them slow.
Elder be the Lady's tree,
burn it not or cursed you'll be.
When the Wheel begins to turn,
let the Beltane fires burn.
When the Wheel has turned to Yule,
light the log and the Horned One rules.
Heed ye flower, Bush and Tree,
by the Lady, blessed be.
Where the rippling waters go,
cast a stone and truth you'll know.
When ye have a true need,
hearken not to others' greed.
With a fool no season spend,
lest ye be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part,
bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Threefold Law you should,
three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow,
wear the blue star on thy brow.
True in love ever be,
lest thy lover's false to thee.
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill:
And ye harm none, do what ye will.

Two Interpretations, One Core Belief

The controversy in Wicca often starts with the line: "Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill: An ye harm none, do what ye will." Some Wiccans adhere to the phrase...
"Do As Thy Will, But Harm None"

Others believe it should read:
"Do As Thy Will Is The Whole Of The Law"

At first glance, these interpretations may seem vastly different, but they both emphasize personal responsibility, choice, and the understanding of consequences.

The Essence of Right and Wrong

The debate over the Wiccan Rede's wording often leads to discussions about the nature of right and wrong. In Wicca, morality isn't dictated by rigid rules but shaped by personal beliefs, ethics, and an understanding of the impact our actions have on ourselves and others.

The first interpretation, "Do As Thy Will, But Harm None," emphasizes compassion and mindfulness. It urges us to act according to our will while considering the potential harm our actions may cause.

The second interpretation, "Do As Thy Will Is The Whole Of The Law," focuses on personal freedom and the pursuit of one's true will. It recognizes that our actions are guided by our innermost desires and that we must be true to ourselves.

Living with Consequences

Regardless of which interpretation resonates with you, the core lesson of the Wiccan Rede is about understanding and accepting the consequences of our actions. Every choice we make, whether deemed right or wrong, leads to outcomes that we must live with.

The challenge isn't merely in deciding between right and wrong, but in recognizing the ripple effects of our decisions. It's about asking ourselves, "Can I live with the consequences of this choice?" and finding the courage to accept responsibility for those consequences.

A Personal Journey

The Wiccan Rede isn't a one-size-fits-all rule, but a guiding principle that encourages introspection, empathy, and personal growth. It invites us to reflect on our values, make conscious choices, and embrace the lessons learned along the way.

Whether you align with either interpretation, the Wiccan Rede's wisdom transcends the words themselves. It's a reminder that our spiritual journey is uniquely our own, shaped by our choices and the understanding that every action has a reaction.

The ongoing controversy over the Wiccan Rede's wording may never find a definitive resolution, and perhaps it doesn't need to. The true power of the Rede lies in its ability to inspire thoughtful decision-making, compassion, and self-awareness.

In the end, the Wiccan Rede encourages us to navigate the complex landscape of morality with an open heart and a mindful spirit. It's not about rigidly defining right and wrong, but about embracing the beautiful, sometimes challenging journey of self-discovery, growth, and acceptance.

So, whether you believe in "Do As Thy Will, But Harm None" or "Do As Thy Will Is The Whole Of The Law," the essence of the Wiccan Rede remains the same: a call to live authentically, responsibly, and with a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.