The Wiccan Rede and Rule of Three

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The Wiccan Rede (pronounced "reed") is the cornerstone of Wiccan ethics. The word "Rede" is an archaic term meaning "advice" or "counsel." The Rede is most commonly known in its eight-word phrasing:

"An it harm none, do what ye will."

(Translated into modern English: "If you do no harm, do what you will.")

This statement is often interpreted as the only true "rule" in Wicca.

Key Interpretations of the Rede:

• Emphasis on Responsibility: The Rede does not provide a list of "do's" and "don'ts" in the manner of commandments. Instead, it places the responsibility for ethical decisions squarely on the individual. Wiccans are encouraged to follow their true will and desires, provided their actions do not cause harm.
  
• Defining "Harm": The definition of "harm" is left open to personal interpretation. While it clearly includes physical and emotional harm to other people, many Wiccans extend this definition to include interference with another person's free will, as well as harm to animals, plants, and the environment.
  
• A Guideline, Not a Law: The Rede is viewed as wise advice rather than a rigid law. Wiccans are expected to carefully consider the potential consequences of their actions and strive to minimize harm.
  
• Historical Context: The Rede gained prominence in modern Wicca in the 1960s, notably through Doreen Valiente. Its philosophical roots are often compared to the principle in Aleister Crowley’s Thelema, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law," and the philosophical ideal of "Do what you like so long as you harm no one."
  

The Rule of Three (also known as the Threefold Law or the Law of Return) is a widely accepted, though not universally followed, ethical concept within Wicca, particularly regarding the use of magic.

The Rule of Three states that:

Whatever energy a person puts out into the world, whether positive or negative, will be returned to them threefold.

Key Interpretations of the Rule of Three:

• Karmic Principle: The Rule of Three functions as a form of karmic consequence. It serves as a strong moral deterrent against using magic for harmful purposes (such as curses or manipulative spells), emphasizing that negative actions will inevitably lead to magnified negative repercussions for the practitioner.
• Positive Reinforcement: Conversely, it also suggests that positive actions, healing rituals, and good intentions will return to the practitioner amplified three times over.
• Interpretation of "Threefold": The meaning of "threefold" is often debated:
  
  • Literal Return: Some Wiccans interpret it as a literal tripling of the energy.
  • Three Levels of Existence: A common interpretation is that the consequences return on three levels: the physical, the emotional/mental, and the spiritual.
  • Symbolic Amplification: Others view "threefold" as a symbolic representation of intense amplification, serving as a reminder that actions, especially magical ones, have significant consequences.
    
• Origins and Controversy: The Rule of Three's origins are often traced back to early Wiccan literature, notably the writings of Gerald Gardner and subsequent interpretations popularized by figures like Raymond Buckland. While many Wiccans adhere to it strictly, some newer practitioners and scholars view it as a modern invention or an over-simplification of the broader concept of karma.
  

The Wiccan Rede and the Rule of Three often work in tandem. The Rede provides the guidance ("harm none"), while the Rule of Three provides the motivation or consequence, reminding the practitioner that the effects of their actions will return to them with amplified intensity.

Together, these principles encourage Wiccans to approach their spiritual and mundane lives with mindfulness, personal accountability, and a commitment to positive action.