The Wiccan Rede
Modified from it's original version by: Doreen Valiente
Bide these Wiccan laws ye must,
with perfect love and perfect trust
Live ye must and let to live,
fairly take and fairly give.
Cast the circle thrice about,
to keep the evil spirits out.
To bind the magick every time,
let the spell be spoke in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch,
speak ye little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light be our guides again.
Deosil go by the waxing Moon,
chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go by the waning Moon,
chanting out the baneful rune.
When the Lady's moon is new,
kiss the hands 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 blows from the East,
expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind comes from the south,
love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the West wind blow o'er thee,
departed spirits restless be.
Nine woods in the cauldron go,
burn them fast and burn them slow
Birch into the fire goes,
in sign of what the Lady knows.
Oak in the forest towers with might,
In the fire brings the Gods in sight.
Rowan is a tree of power,
causing life and magic to flower.
Willows which by water stand
ease us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify,
and to draw Faerie to your eye.
Hazel, the tree of wisdom and learning,
adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of apple tree,
that brings us fruits of fertility.
Grapes which grow upon the vine,
give to us both joy and wine.
Fir tree bough are evergreen
immortal life in them is seen.
Elder by thy Lady's tree
burn it not, or cursed ye'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark,
twice in light and twice in dark.
In death the spark of life is born,
at Samhain when the veil is torn.
When the time for Imbolc shows,
watch for flowers through the snows.
When the Wheel begins to turn,
soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lugh's night,
power is brought to magic rite.
Four times the Minor Sabbats fall,
use the Sun to mark them all.
When the Wheel has turned to Yule,
light the log, and let Pan rule.
In the Spring, night equals day,
time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached its height,
time for Oak and Holly to fight.
Harvesting comes home for all
when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Learn every flower, bush, and tree;
by the Lady, blessed be.
Where the rippling waters go,
cast the stone and truth you'll know.
When ye have and hold a need,
harken not to others' greed.
With a fool no seasons 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 thou must ever be,
lest thy love prove false to thee.
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill,
An' it harm none, do what thou will.
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