Post by Ebony on May 9, 2006 1:51:52 GMT 1
Excerpts from:
“New England Covens of Traditionalist Witches” by Rhiannon and Tuan Cu Mhara
Gwen Thompson is known as having the greatest impact on modern day Wicca, and is the source of the Wiccan Rede. Most Witches are familiar with the Rede, yet its origin is often shrouded in confusion. The Wiccan Rede first appeared in print in 1975 in Green Egg magazine, in an article by Gwen Thompson titled “Wiccan-Pagan Potpourri.” She attributed her Tradition’s version of the Rede to her paternal grandmother, Adriana Porter, “who was well into her 90’s when she crossed over into the Summerlands in 1946.”
The simplistic nature of the Rede is due to the fact that many of the old ones were ordinary country people who received little or no formal education or were very simple in their ways. This included their rituals, practices, and wording. They were not taught to strive for perfection, but for wisdom. Because of the level of persecution at the time, they were unable to openly express themselves, so they resorted to symbolism in ritual, legend, and drawings, and preserved their sacred heritage in the most comprehensive manner.
Our gods were regarded as symbolic of the forces in nature, and strived to work in harmony with them. They believed we should never do anything to work against nature in any way, and that whatever we do, for good or evil, must return to us threefold. Obviously this is known as the Rule of Three. In this regard, the forces of nature and the universe may be used for good or evil, but it is purely up to the individual who must consider the issue and accept the consequences of their actions.
Since we are aware that all is returned threefold, the Tradition teaches not to cause any harm, unless it is in self-defense, which is entirely permissible according to the universal law of self-preservation. This Tradition is very concerned with maintaining the harmony of the environment and seeks to preserve the beauty of the Earth and the life of all its creatures. Likewise, the members of this Tradition strive for balance within the order and to be one with all things.
Which Witch is Which?
Compiled by Patricia Telesco
“New England Covens of Traditionalist Witches” by Rhiannon and Tuan Cu Mhara
Gwen Thompson is known as having the greatest impact on modern day Wicca, and is the source of the Wiccan Rede. Most Witches are familiar with the Rede, yet its origin is often shrouded in confusion. The Wiccan Rede first appeared in print in 1975 in Green Egg magazine, in an article by Gwen Thompson titled “Wiccan-Pagan Potpourri.” She attributed her Tradition’s version of the Rede to her paternal grandmother, Adriana Porter, “who was well into her 90’s when she crossed over into the Summerlands in 1946.”
The simplistic nature of the Rede is due to the fact that many of the old ones were ordinary country people who received little or no formal education or were very simple in their ways. This included their rituals, practices, and wording. They were not taught to strive for perfection, but for wisdom. Because of the level of persecution at the time, they were unable to openly express themselves, so they resorted to symbolism in ritual, legend, and drawings, and preserved their sacred heritage in the most comprehensive manner.
Our gods were regarded as symbolic of the forces in nature, and strived to work in harmony with them. They believed we should never do anything to work against nature in any way, and that whatever we do, for good or evil, must return to us threefold. Obviously this is known as the Rule of Three. In this regard, the forces of nature and the universe may be used for good or evil, but it is purely up to the individual who must consider the issue and accept the consequences of their actions.
Since we are aware that all is returned threefold, the Tradition teaches not to cause any harm, unless it is in self-defense, which is entirely permissible according to the universal law of self-preservation. This Tradition is very concerned with maintaining the harmony of the environment and seeks to preserve the beauty of the Earth and the life of all its creatures. Likewise, the members of this Tradition strive for balance within the order and to be one with all things.
Which Witch is Which?
Compiled by Patricia Telesco
