If you are going to be a witch, you must observe the law of Karma, or the witch’s rede. Anyone should observe the law of Karma, but for witches, it is even more obligatory. What you send forth comes back to thee – thrice. So be careful what you wish for.
“An it harm none, do what ye will” – is the summary of the Witch’s Rede. It represents witches’ ethical system. It is not a commandment, but a “rede” – coming from Old English and meaning “to counsel” or “to advise.” Yes, you are free to do anything you choose, but you have to be responsible and avoid harm.
You have to revere everything that is. You have to demonstrate your respect for everything you work with – be it elements or deities.
This is the Long Rede, written by Lady Gwen Thompson, who said it was passed down from her grandmother Adelaide Thompson. It was published in Green Egg Magazine in 1975.
The Long Rede
Bide the Wiccan Law ye must,
In perfect love and perfect trust.
Live and let live — fairly take and fairly give.
Cast the Circle thrice about
To keep the evil spirits out.
To bind the spell every time,
Let the spell be spake in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch,
Speak ye little, listen much.
Deosil go by waxing moon,
Chanting out the Witches’ Rune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,
And the Werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.
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 trim 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 o’er thee,
Departed spirits restless be.
Nine woods in the cauldron go,
Burn them fast and burn them slow.
Elder be the Lady’s tree —
Burn it not or cursed ye’ll be.
When the Wheel begins to turn,
Let the Beltane fires burn.
When the Wheel has turned to Yule,
Light the log and let Pan rule.
Heed ye flower, bush, and tree —
By the Lady blessed be.
Where the rippling waters go,
Cast a stone, the truth ye’ll know.
When ye have and hold a need,
Hearken not to others’ greed.
With a fool no season spend,
Lest ye be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part,
Bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Threefold Law ye should —
Three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow,
Wear the blue star on thy brow.
True in love ye must ever be,
Lest thy love be false to thee.
In these Eight Words the Rede fulfill:
An it harm none, do what ye will.
