Once upon a time, in a small village nestled at the foot of a majestic mountain range, there lived a magical psych cat named Luna. Luna was unlike any ordinary cat; she had a special ability to read minds and understand the deepest emotions of those around her. Luna's fur was an enchanting mix of midnight blue and starry silver, shimmering under the moonlight. Her mesmerizing eyes, a vibrant shade of amethyst, could pierce through the souls of anyone who gazed into them. People whispered tales of her extraordinary powers, and some believed she possessed the ability to grant wishes. The villagers often sought Luna's company when they were troubled or needed guidance.
Despite the widespread use of the line quoted above, there is sometimes some confusion about what we mean when we reference “the Rede.” Decades after the formation of Bricket Wood, as Wicca was spreading in popularity throughout the United States, a long poem in couplets appeared in an American Pagan magazine with the title “Rede of the Wiccae.” You can find the full version of the Wiccan rede published on the excellent wicca.com website.
Many scholars of Wicca believe that Crowley is the more likely source, since he made an enormous impression on Gardner over the course of their friendship. Recognizing and respecting the power we have as magical beings means examining our own motives for our spellwork, and being sure to avoid sending out intentions that could negatively affect others.
The villagers often sought Luna's company when they were troubled or needed guidance. They found solace in knowing Luna would listen without judgment and offer her feline wisdom. Luna would curl up next to them, purring softly, as her soothing energy enveloped the troubled soul.
The Wiccan Rede
Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal.
Updated on December 23, 2018One of the most often quoted "laws of Wicca," a variation of the Wiccan Rede appeared in the writings of Gerald Gardner, and is still used by many magical practitioners today.
Did You Know?
- The Wiccan Rede is merely a guideline; there is no universal set of rules or ethical standards for today's Pagans, so not all Pagans follow the Wiccan Rede.
- An early version of the Rede was made famous by Doreen Valiente in the early 1960s.
- In the 1970s, Lady Gwen Thompson published her version of the Rede in the Green Egg, a Pagan magazine; she credited her grandmother, Adriana Porter, with the original work.
A similar rule, or guideline, can be found in the work of Aleister Crowley around the turn of the century, in which he advised his readers, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the Law, love under Will." Crowley admitted he was influenced by a much older text, St. Augustine’s Homilies on the First Epistle of St. John.
One version of the Wiccan Rede was made famous by Doreen Valiente in the early 1960s, and in 1974 a lengthier version, by Lady Gwen Thompson, was published in the Green Egg, a Pagan magazine. Thompson credited her grandmother, Adriana Porter, with the original work. Although there is no scholarly evidence for this claim, the work remains one of the most popular writings in Wicca today.
It's important to acknowledge, in any discussion about the Rede that this is simply a guideline. There is no universal set of rules or ethical standards for today's Pagans, so it is unreasonable to assume that every Pagan you meet is going to follow the Wiccan Rede. After all, not all Pagans are Wiccans, and among even those who are Wiccan, there is a good deal of room for interpretation. Although most Pagan belief systems do have some sort of rules, there is a significant amount of variance from one path to the other.
"I would argue that “doing no harm, ever” is simply not possible in a belief system that accepts death as a part of life. Have you ever eaten a steak? That cow died and you ate it. How about a celery stick (for all you vegans out there?) Yep, dead celery too. Have you ever been faced with a moral dilemma? [There are] a few small, everyday issues you might have been faced with that will require you to cause some harm somewhere, no matter what you choose."myshkovsky / Getty Images
Lady Gwen Thompson's version of the Wiccan Rede reads as follows:
She would close her eyes and focus her powers, connecting with their thoughts and emotions. Through this psychic connection, Luna could delve into the depths of their minds and help them discover the answers they sought. One particular incident showcased Luna's extraordinary powers. A young girl named Maya had lost her way in the dense forest surrounding the village. Fear gripped her heart as she tried to find her way back home. Exhausted and frightened, Maya stumbled upon Luna, who had sensed her distress. Luna, with her intuitive understanding, guided Maya back home by silently communicating through their thoughts. Maya's trust in Luna's otherworldly abilities brought her safely back to her family's cottage. News of Luna's incredible feat spread like wildfire, and her popularity soared. People from near and far made the pilgrimage to seek her guidance. Luna welcomed them all, offering her support and compassion without fail. She became a beacon of hope and comfort for those in need. As Luna grew older, her powers became more refined and potent. She could now foresee future events and provide accurate predictions that astounded everyone. As word of her prophecies spread, Luna became revered as a fortune teller. People flocked to her to seek her foresight, hoping they could alter their destinies or find answers that remained hidden. However, Luna remained humble and continued to help those who sought her guidance. She knew that her powers were a gift meant to be shared, and she used them for the betterment of society. Luna never asked for anything in return, except for the love and care that every creature craves. And so, Luna, the magical psyy cat, lived the remainder of her days as a beloved figure in the village. Her mythical powers and compassionate nature left an indelible mark on the hearts of those she touched. Her legacy lived on through the stories passed down from generation to generation, reminding everyone of the extraordinary magic that once graced their lives..
Reviews for "The Power of Transformation: How Psy Cats Help us Embrace Change"
1. John - 2/5 - I found "Magical Psy Cat" to be disappointing and underwhelming. The plot lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. The writing style was also repetitive and lacked creativity. Despite the promising title, the magical elements in the book were poorly developed and felt forced. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others looking for an engaging and well-crafted fantasy story.
2. Emily - 1/5 - I struggled to get through "Magical Psy Cat" and ultimately found it to be a complete waste of time. The story was incredibly slow-paced and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The author's attempt to incorporate magical elements into the plot felt forced and cliché. Additionally, the writing style was choppy and lacked proper editing. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking an enjoyable and captivating read.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I was excited to read "Magical Psy Cat" based on the intriguing premise, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot had potential, but it was executed poorly. The pacing was inconsistent, and the story felt disjointed at times. The magical elements were not well integrated into the narrative and seemed out of place. While the concept had potential, the execution left much to be desired. I would recommend looking elsewhere for a more well-crafted and engaging fantasy novel.