The Wiccan Rede

And It Harm None,

Do What You Will.

The Wiccan rede is actually part of a witches’ poem. It has been handed down from generation to generation and slightly different versions can be found, but all mean the same. This particular one is written by the late Lady Gwen Thompson in 1975, saying this version was handed down to her by her grandmother who died in 1946, she was over 90 years old.

Rede of the Wiccae

1. Bide the Wiccan laws ye must in perfect love an’ perfect trust.
2. Live ‘an let live – fairly take an’ fairly give.
3. Cast the Circle thrice about to keep all the spirits out
4. To bind the spell every time, let the spell be spake in rhyme.
5. Soft of eye an’ light of touch – speak little, listen much.
6. Deosil go by the waxing moon – sing an’ dance the Wiccan rune.
7. Widdershins go when the Moon doth wane, an’ the Werewolf howls by the dread Wolfsbane.
8. When the Lady’s Moon is new, kiss the hand to her times two.
9. When the Moon rides at her peak, then your heart’s desire seek.
10. Head the Northwind’s mighty gale – lock the door and drop the sail.
11. When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss thee on the mouth.
12. When the wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
13. When the West wind blows o’er thee, departed spirits restless be.
14. Nine woods in the Cauldron go – burn them quick an’ burn them slow.
15. Elder be ye Lady’s tree – burn it not or cursed ye’ll be.
16. When the Wheel begins to turn – let the Beltane fires burn.
17. When the Wheel has turned a Yule, light the Log an’ let Pan rule.
18. Heed ye flower, bush an’ tree – by the Lady blessed be.
19. Where the rippling waters go, cast a stone an’ truth ye’ll know.
20. When we have need, hearken not to other’s greed.
21. With the fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
22. Merry meet an’ merry part – bright these cheeks an’ warm the heart.
23. Mind the Threefold Law ye should – three times bad an’ three times good.
24. When misfortune is enow, wear the blue star on my brow.
25. True in love ever be unless thy lover’s false to thee.
26. Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill – an’ it harm none, do what ye will.