Whether you are interested in the Wicca religion or are new to the modern Pagan religion, chances are that you have come across the Wiccan Rede. When we talk about the laws of Wicca, the Wiccan Rede holds priority. It is impossible to ignore it. Most magical practitioners today use it. It is important to note that the Wiccan Rede serves as a guideline. Today’s Pagans have no ethical standards or universal rules to adhere to.
The earliest version of the Wiccan Rede was popularized by Doreen Valiente during the early 60s. Then, Lady Gwen Thomspon published a new version of the Rede in the 70s in a Pagan magazine called “The Green Egg.” She credited Adriana Porter, her grandmother, for the work. Aleister Crowley also produced a similar guideline wherein he advised readers to love without any limitations. He has admitted to being influenced by Homilies on the First Epistle of St. John, a much older text of St. Augustine. Lady Gwen Thompson’s version is prevalent today among Wiccans. It would be unreasonable for you to assume that every Pagan follows the Wiccan Rede. Besides, not every Pagan is a Wiccan. There is significant room for interpretation.
Never Causing Harm
When you read the Wiccan Rede, you will come to the conclusion that one should never cause any harm. The fact is that death is considered a part of life in the religion. Eating a steak, killing a cow and eating it, munching on a celery stick, or any other moral dilemma is just a small issue compared to what goes on in the world. No matter what choice you make, you are constantly faced with the challenge of not harming someone.
If you read Lady Gwen Thompson’s Wiccan Rede, you will notice that parts of it are pretty old. Wiccan authors Theitic and Robert Mathiesen have dissected each line of the Rede and have made startling conclusions. Most rhymed couplets can be found in other places, especially in 19th-century folklore. Archaic language is also widely used in the Rede, wherein old English grammar rules are followed. It only cares to show that Lady Gwen Thompson’s Wiccan Rede had two authors, herself and her grandmother.
Importance of the Wiccan Rede
Any Wiccan starting out can turn to the Wiccan Rede as a guideline. With so much information available today, finding the information you are looking for can be challenging. Hence, it makes perfect sense to read the Wiccan Rede. It holds the answers that you seek. You will be blown away by its emphasis on love and not harming anyone. As a Wiccan, you are responsible for spreading love and nothing else. Hence, you need to read the Wiccan Rede to ensure that you are on the right path. There is no reason for you not to want to uphold the values that Wiccans have followed for a long time now. You will find the teachings to be beneficial.
