The Law of Three is a fundamental concept in Paganism that is often associated with the Wiccan tradition. It states that any energy or action put out into the universe will be returned to the sender threefold. This law is often seen as a guiding principle for ethical behavior and manifestation in Pagan belief systems. The Law of Three is based on the concept of cause and effect, suggesting that whatever energy or intention we put into the world will have consequences that are three times as powerful. It emphasizes the importance of responsibility in our actions and reminds us that we are accountable for the energy we put out into the universe. Some interpret the Law of Three as a form of karma or cosmic balance, where positive actions will result in positive outcomes and negative actions will result in negative consequences.
It’s important to note that there are many Pagan traditions that do not adhere to this guideline at all.
That means for the Threefold Law to really be a law, every single person who does bad things would always be punished, and all the good people in the world would have nothing but success and happiness and that doesn t just mean in magical terms, but in all non-magical ones as well. You may find that Wicca is a wonderful religion full of insight and mystery and if you re lucky enough to find someone who is properly trained and qualified to teach you, one day you may come to love it as much as I do I notice that you seem to be under some type of delusion about some three-fold law.
Some interpret the Law of Three as a form of karma or cosmic balance, where positive actions will result in positive outcomes and negative actions will result in negative consequences. This reinforces the belief in personal accountability and recognizing the interconnectedness of all things. While the Law of Three is often associated with Wicca, it is important to note that it is not exclusive to this tradition.
The Rule of Three
Many new Wiccans and Pagans are initiated with the cautionary words from their elders, “Ever mind the Rule of Three!” This warning is explained to mean that no matter what you do magically, there’s a giant Cosmic Force that will make sure your deeds are revisited upon you threefold. It’s universally guaranteed, some Pagans claim, which is why you better not EVER perform any harmful magic… or at least, that’s what they tell you.
However, this is one of the most highly contested theories in modern Paganism. Is the Rule of Three real, or is it just something made up by experienced Wiccans to scare the “newbies” into submission?
There are several different schools of thought on the Rule of Three. Some Wiccans and Pagans will tell you in no uncertain terms that it’s bunk, and that the Threefold Law is not a law at all, but just a guideline used to keep people on the straight and narrow. Other groups swear by it.
Background and Origins of the Threefold Law
The Rule of Three, also called the Law of Threefold Return, is a caveat given to newly initiated witches in some magical traditions, primarily NeoWiccan ones. The purpose is a cautionary one. It keeps people who have just discovered Wicca from thinking they have Magical Super Powers. It also, if heeded, keeps folks from performing negative magic without putting some serious thought into the consequences.
An early incarnation of the Rule of Three appeared in Gerald Gardner’s novel, High Magic’s Aid, in the form of “Mark well, when thou receivest good, so equally art bound to return good threefold.” It later appeared as a poem published in a magazine back in 1975. Later this evolved into the notion among new witches that there is a spiritual law in effect that everything you do comes back to you. In theory, it’s not a bad concept — after all, if you surround yourself with good things, good things should come back to you. Filling your life with negativity will often bring similar unpleasantness into your life. However, does this really mean there’s a karmic law in effect? And why the number three — why not ten or five or 42?
It’s important to note that there are many Pagan traditions that do not adhere to this guideline at all.
Objections to the Law of Three
For a law to truly be a law, it must be universal — which means it needs to apply to everyone, all the time, in every situation. That means for the Threefold Law to really be a law, every single person who does bad things would always be punished, and all the good people in the world would have nothing but success and happiness — and that doesn’t just mean in magical terms, but in all non-magical ones as well. We all can see that this is not necessarily the case. In fact, under this logic, every jerk who cuts you off in traffic would have nasty car-related retribution coming his way three times a day, but that just doesn’t happen.
Not only that, there are countless numbers of Pagans who freely admit to having performed harmful or manipulative magic, and never having anything bad coming back upon them as a result. In some magical traditions, hexing and cursing is considered as routine as healing and protecting — and yet members of those traditions don’t seem to receive negativity back upon them every single time.
According to Wiccan author Gerina Dunwich, if you look at the Law of Three from a scientific perspective it is not a law at all, because it is inconsistent with the laws of physics.
Why the Law of Three is Practical
No one likes the idea of Pagans and Wiccans running around flinging curses and hexes willy-nilly, so the Law of Three is actually quite effective in making people stop and think before they act. Quite simply, it’s the concept of cause and effect. When crafting a spell, any competent Wiccan or Pagan is going to stop and think about the end results of the working. If the possible ramifications of one’s actions will likely be negative, that may make us stop to say, “Hey, maybe I better rethink this a bit.”
Although the Law of Three sounds prohibitive, many Wiccans see it instead as a useful standard to live by. It allows one to set boundaries for oneself by saying, “Am I prepared to accept the consequences — be they good or bad — for my deeds, both magical and mundane?”
Other Interpretations
In some traditions of Wicca, coven members initiated into upper degree levels may use the Law of Threefold Return as a way of giving back that which they receive — in other words, what other people do to you, you are permitted to return threefold, whether it’s good or bad.
Ultimately, whether you accept the Law of Three as a cosmic morality injunction or simply a part of life’s little instruction manual, it is up to you to govern your own behaviors, both mundane and magical. Accept personal responsibility, and always think before you act.
Suggested Reading
- Back to Basics of Wicca and Paganism
- The Wiccan Rede
- Magical Ethics
Be Sure to Read
- Do Paganism and Wicca Have Rules?
- Myths and Misconceptions – The Truth About Wicca and Paganism
- How Do Pagans Know What’s Right or Wrong?
The concept can be found in various forms and interpretations across different Pagan belief systems. However, the underlying principle remains the same - the energy we put out into the world will come back to us in some form or another. By adhering to the Law of Three, Pagans strive to create harmony and balance in their lives and in the world around them. They seek to manifest positive intentions and actions, knowing that they will be returned threefold. This belief in the power of intention and energy underscores the importance of ethical behavior and mindfulness in Paganism. In conclusion, the Law of Three is a guiding principle in Paganism that advocates for accountability and responsibility in our actions. By understanding the interconnectedness of all things and recognizing the power of intention, followers of this belief system strive to create positive energy that will be returned to them threefold. The Law of Three is a reminder of the importance of ethical behavior and the consequences of our actions in the world..
Reviews for "The Law of Threefold Return: Understanding Reciprocity in Pagan Relationships"
1. John - 2/5 stars
I found "Law of three in paganism" to be quite disappointing. The author's take on the Law of Three seemed superficial and lacked depth. It felt like they were simply regurgitating information found on the internet without offering any unique insights or personal experiences. The book also lacked a clear structure, making it difficult to follow and understand the concepts being discussed. Overall, I was not impressed with this book and would not recommend it to others interested in exploring Paganism.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars
I have to say, "Law of three in paganism" left me highly dissatisfied. The author's explanations were overly simplistic and lacked any real substance. The book felt like a quick cash grab, rather than a genuine attempt to explore and delve into the Law of Three. I was hoping for a more in-depth analysis and exploration of how this principle is applied in Paganism, but it fell short of my expectations. Save your money and look for other resources if you truly want to understand the Law of Three in Paganism.
3. Mark - 2/5 stars
"Law of three in paganism" failed to deliver on its promise. The author's writing style was dry and monotonous, making it difficult to engage with the material. Additionally, the book lacked a cohesive structure, jumping from one unrelated topic to another without proper transitions. It felt like a jumble of information thrown together without any real thought or consideration for the reader's experience. I was left feeling confused and disappointed by this book. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a comprehensive exploration of the Law of Three in Paganism.