The Wiccan REDE
- by Carola D'Angelo | RumboMistico
- Published on
An it harm none, do what ye will
The Wiccan Rede is one of the most well-known and respected ethical principles within the Wiccan religion. More than just a phrase or an inspiring poem, it serves as a moral guide that shapes the magical, spiritual, and everyday practice of those who follow this path. Its central message—acting with freedom, but with responsibility—summarizes a profound vision of balance, the consequences of actions, and respect for all forms of life.
The word Rede comes from Middle English and means “advice,” “guidance,” or “counsel.” In this context, it is not presented as a rigid law or a dogmatic commandment, but as a conscious invitation to reflect before acting. The Rede does not impose punishments or external rewards; instead, it directly appeals to the personal ethics and spiritual discernment of each practitioner.
Also read: Wiccan Rules
What is the Wiccan Rede and why is it so important
Within Wicca, the Rede plays a central role as an ethical compass. Unlike other religious traditions with strict moral codes, Wicca is based on individual responsibility. The Rede reminds us that every action—magical or mundane—has an impact, and that true spiritual freedom only exists when it is exercised without causing harm.
The famous verse “An it harm none, do what ye will” should not be interpreted as a license to act without limits, but as a call to evaluate the visible and invisible consequences of every decision. “Harm” is not limited to the physical—it also includes emotional, energetic, and spiritual dimensions, both toward others and toward oneself.
Origin and authorship of the Wiccan Rede
The most widely known version of the Wiccan Rede is often attributed to Lady Gwen Thompson, also known as Lady Gwynne. She was an influential figure in traditional Wicca and the founder of the New England Coven of Traditionalist Witches. Her contribution was key in preserving and spreading teachings that today form part of the ethical core of this religion.
However, as with many spiritual traditions passed down through oral and communal transmission, the Rede is not a single or immutable text. There are multiple versions—some shorter, others more extensive—that circulate among different Wiccan lineages and traditions. This diversity does not diminish its value; on the contrary, it reflects the living, flexible, and evolving nature of Wicca.
The Wiccan Rede as an initiatory poem
In its longer versions, the Rede takes the form of a poem that addresses different aspects of Wiccan practice: respect for the cycles of nature, the conscious use of magic, the importance of intention, and connection with subtle energies. It is not just a text to be read, but a teaching to be internalized over time and through experience.
For many, the Rede acts as an initiatory text: as one deepens in its meaning, it becomes clear that each verse contains layers of wisdom that reveal themselves as the practitioner matures spiritually.
Modern interpretations of the Wiccan Rede
Today, the Wiccan Rede remains fully relevant. Far from being anchored in the past, its message engages with contemporary themes such as personal ethics, consent, energetic responsibility, and the impact of our actions on the environment.
Some traditions interpret the Rede in a stricter way, avoiding any magical practice that may influence another person’s will. Others adopt a more flexible perspective, focusing on intention, context, and balance. In both cases, the common axis is awareness: acting from clarity, not from impulse, fear, or the desire for control.
The Wiccan Rede (Full Poem)
We must follow the Wiccan laws,
in perfect love and perfect trust.
Live and let live, fairly give and fairly receive.Cast the Circle thrice about
to keep all evil spirits out.
To bind the spell every time,
let the spell be spoken in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch;
speak little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light guide you again.Go Deosil with the waxing Moon,
singing a joyful tune.
Go widdershins when the Moon does wane,
and the werewolf howls at the dreaded bane.When the Lady’s Moon is new,
kiss your hand to Her times two.
When the Moon rides at Her peak,
then your heart’s desire seek.
Heed the North wind’s mighty gale,
lock the door and drop the sail.When the wind blows from the East,
expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind comes from the South,
love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West,
all hearts shall find peace and rest.Nine woods in the Cauldron go,
burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch into the fire goes
to represent what the Lady knows.
Oak, the forest’s mighty tree,
brings the God’s wisdom to thee.
Rowan is a tree of power,
causing life and magic to flower.
Willow by the water stands,
ready to help at Summer’s command.
Hawthorn burned to purify
and help you see truth with your own eye.
Hazel, tree of wisdom and lore,
adds its strength to the fire’s core.
White are the blossoms the Apple tree bears,
bringing us fruits of fertility and care.
Grapes that grow upon the Vine
bring us joy and sacred wine.
Fir tree evergreen and tall
represents immortality for all.
Elder is the Lady’s tree—
burn it not, or cursed you’ll be.Four times the Greater Sabbats mark
light and dark throughout the arc.
As the old year starts to wane,
the new begins—Samhain again.
When Imbolc’s time begins to show,
watch flowers rise through frost and snow.
When the Wheel begins to turn,
Beltane fires brightly burn.
Mark Lammas with ritual might,
where magic gains its fullest height.Four times the Lesser Sabbats fall,
the Sun shall mark the times for all.
When Yule arrives and the Wheel has turned,
the log is lit and the Horned One returns.
In spring, when day and night are one,
Ostara greets the rising sun.
When the Sun reaches its highest power,
Oak and Holly battle that hour.
The harvest comes for everyone,
when Autumn Equinox is begun.Heed the flower, bush, and tree,
and the Lady’s blessing shall be.
Where rippling waters softly flow,
cast a stone and truth will show.
When you have a need so true,
do not heed another’s greed in you.
With a fool no season spend,
or counted as their fool you’ll end.
Merry meet and merry part,
bright the cheeks and warm the heart.The Law of Three you must recall,
threefold return comes to all.
When misfortune is on your track,
wear the blue star upon your back.
Be true in love, this you must do,
unless your love is false to you.These eight words the Rede fulfill:
“An it harm none, do what ye will.”(What you do, if it harms none, may be done according to your will.)
✦ SPIRITUAL ✦
✦ LATEST ARTICLES ✦
✦ ADVERTISING ✦
