| Most followers of the different religions in the world | | | | only to people but also to the environment and all of |
| follow written rules and vast amounts of written | | | | nature. |
| texts in their holy books and scriptures. Not so the | | | | It urges a gentle approach to life, allowing you to |
| Witch. | | | | really listen to others rather than talk constantly. It |
| Many Wiccans and Pagans have had their ancient | | | | warns of being aware of your actions and what |
| traditions, rites, rituals and rules passed down merely | | | | effects and consequences they have on others just |
| by word of mouth, because of the need for secrecy. | | | | as ripples caused by a single small stone falling into |
| No written evidence of the practice of the ancient | | | | water spread far and wide. And do not envy others |
| ways was dared, because of the persecution and | | | | who appear to have more than you have yourself, |
| executions metered out at the Witch Hunts known | | | | give thanks for what you do have. |
| as the "Burning Times". | | | | In regard to the company you keep, the Wiccan |
| Today however, with generally more tolerance of | | | | Rede reminds us that people will judge you as foolish |
| alternative lifestyles and religious worship, and the | | | | if you allow yourself to be surrounded by fools and |
| abolition of antiquated laws, Witches can come | | | | their foolish ways. It goes on to advise you to be a |
| forward and share with each other the delight of | | | | good friend to those you hold dear, and take |
| their religion. | | | | pleasure in their company, as they will in yours. And in |
| The Wiccan Rede is a joyous short piece of text | | | | affairs of the heart the Wiccan Rede has very wise |
| that succinctly and poetically outlines the laws or rules | | | | words indeed. It urges you to be true, loyal and |
| that Witches should live by. Just twenty-six lines in | | | | faithful in love, but be nobody's fool. If your lover is |
| total, with each line containing a rhymed couplet, the | | | | unfaithful, disloyal or harms you, then you must leave |
| Wiccan Rede is a guideline to living a healthy, happy | | | | them. |
| and fulfilling life without harming others. | | | | With other advice concerning the Elements, Sabbats |
| Outlining how to respect nature, the earth, oneself | | | | (seasonal festivals), Esbats (full moons) and the ways |
| and others, the full Wiccan Rede is easy to | | | | to Spell cast, worship and observe religious rituals, the |
| understand and needs little knowledge of the | | | | Wiccan Rede ends with these words; |
| complexities of ritual and rites. | | | | "Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfil: An It Harme |
| Simply interpreted, the Wiccan Rede explains that we | | | | None, Do As Ye Will." |
| should strive to live by the Rede with an attitude of | | | | These eight little words neatly sum it all up - if it |
| love and trust. It advises to treat others, as you'd | | | | harms no one and nothing, including yourself, feel free |
| wish to be treated yourself, and to give respect not | | | | to do as you want. |