Rede of the Wiccae

(a.k.a. The Wiccan Rede)

Various versions of a poem usually titled "The Wiccan Rede" appear all over the net and in many books, usually with no author credit. To my knowledge, the earliest version of it ever published was the following one, which appeared in Green Egg #69, as part of an article by Gwen Thompson entitled "Wiccan-Pagan Potpourri". Lady Gwen stated in the article that this version came from Adriana Porter, "who was well into her nineties when she crossed over into the Summerland in the year 1946". Thank you to Moondancer for this information, and sorry it took me so long to find the time to put it up!

REDE OF THE WICCAE

(Being knowne as the counsel of the Wise Ones)

Bide the Wiccan laws ye must in perfect love an perfect trust.
Live an let live -fairly take an fairly give.
Cast the Circle thrice about to keep all evil spirits out.
To bind the spell every time, let the spell be spake In rhyme.
Soft of eye an light of touch - speak little, listen much.
Deosil go by the waxing Moon - sing an dance the Wiccan rune.
Widdershins go when the Moon doth wane, an the Werewolf howls by the dread Wolfsbane.
When the LadyÕs Moon is new, kiss the hand to her times two.
When the Moon rides at her peak, then your heartÕs desire seek.
Heed the NorthwindÕs 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 East, expect the new and set the feast
When the West wind blows oÕer thee, departed spirits restless be.
Nine woods in the Cauldron go - burn them quick an burn them slow.
Elder be ye LadyÕs tree - burn it not or cursed yeÕll be.
When the Wheel begins to turn - let the Beltane fires burn.
When the Wheel has turned a Yule, light the Log an let Pan rule.
Heed ye flower, bush an tree - by the Lady blessed be.
Where the rippling waters go, cast a stone an truth yeÕll know.
When ye have need. hearken not to otherÕs greed.
With the fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry meet an merry part - bright the cheeks an warm the heart.
Mind the Threefold Law ye should - three times bad an three times qood.
When misfortune is enow, wear the blue star on thy brow.
True in love ever be unless thy loverÕs false to thee.
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill - an it harm none, do what ye will.

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