The Rede
(Version One)
Bide within the Law you must
in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live,
fairly take and fairly give.
For tread the Circle thrice about
to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time,
let the spell be said in rhyme.
Light of eye and soft of touch,
speak you 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 when the moon doth wane,
and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.
When the Lady's moon is new,
kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak
then your heart's desire seek.
Heed the North winds 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 you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West,
all hearts will find peace and rest.
Nine woods in the Cauldron go,
burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes
to represent what the Lady knows.
Oak in the forest towers with might
in the fire it brings the God's insight.
Rowan is a tree of power
causing life and magick to flower.
Willows at the waterside stand
ready to help 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 grow upon the vine
giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen
to represent immortality seen.
Elder is the Lady's tree
burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark
in the light and in the dark.
As the old year starts to wane
the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolg shows
watch for flowers through the snows.
When the wheel begins to turn
soon the Beltaine fires will burn
As the wheel turns to Lammas night
power is brought to magick rite.
Four times the Minor Sabbats fall
use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule
light the log the Horned One rules.
In the spring, when night equals day
time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height
time for Oak and Holly to fight.
Harvesting comes to one and all
when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree
By the Lady blessed you'll be.
Where the rippling waters go
cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need,
harken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend
or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part
bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Three-fold Laws you should
three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow
wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love this you must do
unless your love is false to you.
Eight words the Rede fulfill:
"And ye harm none, do what ye will".
~Author Unknown