The Complete Wiccan Rede

There is a long poem or teaching that is sometimes called the Wiccan Rede, but to avoid confusion is more specifically known as the Rede of the Wiccae.

This Rede of the Wiccae is much more detailed than the Wiccan Rede, and deals with various aspects of the Craft, beyond the basic "harm none" . . .

It was published by Gwen Thomson in Green Egg Magazine in 1975, and attributed to her grandmother. Originally specific to her New England Coven of the Traditionalist Witches (NECTW), it has been widely circulated among Wiccans, and there are now many versions of it floating around.

This reflects the tradition of Wiccans to adapt things to their specific needs. This can be a little upsetting to the original authors, yet seems inevitable as Wicca evolves.

And in that tradition, I have compiled here what I consider the best parts of the various forms, along with some modifications and additions of my own. I think of this as the complete version of the Wiccan Rede, a brief guide to the practice of Wicca.

(This has been revised, as of April 2010)

The Rede of the Wiccae

(The Counsel Of The Wise Ones)

Bide the Wiccan Law ye must,
In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust;

Live ye must and let to live,
Fairly take and fairly give.
True in love, ever be,
Lest thy love be false to thee.

With a fool no season spend,
Nor be counted as his friend.
Soft of eye and light of touch,
Speak ye little, listen much.

Ever mind the rule of three,
What ye send out comes back to thee.
This lesson well, thou must learn
Ye only get what ye do earn.

Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill –
An it harm none, do as ye will.

Deosil go by waxing Moon,
Sing and dance the invoking Rune;
Widdershins go by waning Moon,
Chant ye then a freeing tune;

When the Lady's Moon is new,
Kiss thy hand to Her times two;
When the Bow rides in the eve
Turn to what you would achieve;
When the Moon rides at her peak,
Then thy heart's desire seek;
When the Sickle shows Her face
Release the old with proper grace.

Heed the North wind's mighty gale,
Lock the door & trim the sail;
When the wind comes from the South,
Love will kiss thee on the mouth;

When the wind blows from the West,
Hearts will find their peace and rest;
When the wind blows from the East,
Expect the new and set the feast.

Nine woods in the Cauldron go,
Burn them quick and burn them slow;
Grape and fir and apple tree,
And Hawthorn are sacred to Thee,
Willow, hazel, rowan, birch,
And oak will guide your every search;
Elder be the Lady's tree –
Burn it not or cursed ye'll be.

Birchwood in the fire goes
To tell us true what Goddess knows.
Oak trees tower great with might,
Burn the Oak for God's insight.
Rowan is a tree of power
Causing life and magick to flower.
Willows at the waters stand
To help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn burn to purify
And draw the faerie to your eye.
Hazel tree, the wisdom sage,
Lends strength that comes with honoured age.
White the flowers of Apple tree,
The holy gift of fecundity.
Grape grows upon the fruitful vine,
Sacred gifts of joy and wine.
Fir's ever greenness declares life
Succeeds beyond any strife.

Heed ye flower, bush, and tree,
And by the Lady Blessed be.
Where the rippling waters flow
Cast a stone and truth ye'll know;

Four times the Major Sabbats mark
In the light and in the dark:

As the old year dies again
The new begins at dark Samhain.

When flowers blossom through the snow
Fair Brighid casts her seed to sow.
When winter yields to warmth's return Let the Beltane fires burn.
As summer turns to Lammas night
First fruits and Grain Gods reach their height.

Four times the Minor Sabbats fall
Use the Sun to mark them all:

At Yuletide, with feast and mirth
We celebrate the God Child's birth.
Spring Equinox, Eostara's fest,
All newborn creatures will be blessed.
When the Sun has reached its height
Celebrate the greatest Light.
Offer thanks at second reaping;
Mabon poised for winter's keeping.

Cast the circle thrice about,
To keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time,
Let the spell be spake in rhyme.

Follow this with mind & art,
Bright the cheeks and warm the heart,
And merry meet & merry part
And merry meet again!