Liber ab Tres I (Book of Three—Part I)^53
term ‘Rule of Three’ is as popular an expression as ‘the Three Fold Law.’ The only real
difference in the two quotes seems to be that in one we are told to always mind it and in
the other we are told to always mind it unless it is in one’s self defense. The second
quote does not state that in self-defense the Rule of Three does not apply. It simply
says that the exception to always minding it is in matters of self-defense.
I prefer the second quote, not because I received it before the first, but because
without dismissing the Rule of Three, it tells us there are indeed times when one should
not stop and think, times when you should act instinctively, from the soul rather than
the mind or the Spirit (a combination of mind and soul). If one is clearly at risk, a gun is
in one’s face, one simply does not have time to consider the ethical ramifications of
one’s actions. I find the second quote much more empowering to any who might find
themselves in a situation where such quick thinking is necessary. Yes, a Wiccan should
consider the ethics of becoming a soldier, but having made that decision one does not
stop on the field of battle to decide if it is right to return fire. Yes, a Wiccan should
consider the ethics of becoming a police officer, but having made that decision a Wiccan
police officer should not stop (as a fight begins) to decide if it is right to return fire.
Yes, a Wiccan should consider the ethics behind actions in a life-threatening situation,
but this should be conducted prior to the emergence of that life-threatening situation.
So what is that rule of three?The Wiccan Rede
(From my Book of Shadows)
1 Bide the Wiccan laws ye must, in perfect love and perfect trust.
2 Ye must live and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.
3 Throw the circle thrice about, to keep unwelcome spirits out.
4 To bind ye spell every time, let ye spell be spake in rhyme.
5 Soft of eye, light of touch, speak ye little, listen much.
6 Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the Witches Rune.
7 Widdershins go by the waning moon, chanting out a baneful tune.
8 When the Lady’s moon is new, kiss the hand to her, times two.
9 When the moon rides at her peak, then your heart’s desire seek.
10 Heed the North wind’s mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
11 When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss thee on the mouth.
12 When the wind blows from the West, departed souls will have no rest.
13 When the wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
14 Nine woods in the cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
15 But elder be the Lady’s tree, burn it not or cursed you’ll be.
16 When the Wheel begins to turn, let the Beltane fires burn.
17 When the Wheel has turned to Yule, light the log, let the Horned One rule.i WB Chap 02.p65 53 7/11/2003, 5:49 PM