A Wiccan Bible - Exploring the Mysteries of the Craft from Birth to Summerland

Liber ab Tres I (Book of Three—Part I)^55

Three is the Number of Humanity

The Number of Humanity

In the Book of Genesis, we saw three orders of life. This is not a new concept. In

Brazil we see the description of the three orders of life reflected in the gods Jacy,

Guaracy, and Peruda. Jacy is said to have created all the plants of the Earth, giving

them body as he did. Guaracy created all the animals of the Earth, giving them both

body and soul as he did. Peruda created human consciousness and was particularly

involved in human procreation and love. In fact, the three orders of life are a central

concept in many Pagan cultures, most notably in the Norse. This is the Rule of Three:

All that one does will affect the mind, body, and soul; that these three aspects

of humanity are inseparable; that causing harm to one will surely harm the

other two and that causing benefit to one will surely cause benefit to the other

two. In abstract we also see this in the Greek Three Graces and The Horae.

Norse Creators of Humanity—Male—North Europe

After the great flood, Odin created the bodies of the first humans by carving them from

two trees (plants). Embla, carved from the elm, became the first woman. Ask, carved

from the ash, became the first man. But it took other gods to finish the task: Lodehur to

give warmth and coloring (like that of animals) and then Hoeni to give them reason.

Name Gift Given Order of Life Association

Odin Gave breath First order (plants) Body

Lodehur Gave warmth and coloring Second order (animals) Soul

Hoeni Gave reason Third order (humanity) Mind

The Three Graces—Female—Mediterranean

Also known as the Three Charities. Three Greek goddesses who bestow beauty, charm,

and merriment. With the rest of the Muses, they are the source of all inspiration.

Mind

The Third Order

Body

The First Order

Soul

The Second Order

i WB Chap 02.p65 55 7/11/2003, 5:49 PM