The Wiccan law of three, also known as the Threefold Law or the Rule of Three, is a moral principle that is followed by many Wiccans. It states that whatever energy or intention a person puts out into the universe, whether positive or negative, will be returned to them threefold. This means that if a person sends out positive energy or performs a good deed, they will receive three times as much positive energy or good deeds in return. Similarly, if a person sends out negative energy or performs a harmful act, they will experience three times as much negative energy or harm. The main idea behind the Wiccan law of three is the concept of karma, or the idea that what goes around comes around. It is believed that every action has consequences, and the law of three serves as a reminder to take responsibility for one's actions.
Also known as “the Rule of Three,” the Threefold Law is part of many, but not all Wiccan traditions. It states that every magical act sent out into the Universe—whether positive or negative—will be returned to the Witch three times. This is somewhat akin to the concept of karma found in some Eastern religions, but with a Western twist, as it applies a specific equation (“three times”) to the return of the energy sent out by the practitioner.
The Rule of Three has been compared by Karl Lembke to other ethics of reciprocity, such as the concept of karma in Dharmic religions and the Golden Rule. Some people 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.
It is believed that every action has consequences, and the law of three serves as a reminder to take responsibility for one's actions. It encourages Wiccans to think carefully about the energy they put out into the world, as it will ultimately come back to them. By focusing on positive intentions and actions, Wiccans hope to create a more harmonious and balanced world.
About: Rule of Three (Wicca)
The Rule of Three (also Three-fold Law or Law of Return) is a religious tenet held by some Wiccans, Neo-Pagans and occultists. It states that whatever energy a person puts out into the world, be it positive or negative, will be returned to that person three times. Some subscribe to a variant of this law in which return is not necessarily threefold. The Rule of Three has been compared by Karl Lembke to other ethics of reciprocity, such as the concept of karma in Dharmic religions and the Golden Rule.
- The Rule of Three (also Three-fold Law or Law of Return) is a religious tenet held by some Wiccans, Neo-Pagans and occultists. It states that whatever energy a person puts out into the world, be it positive or negative, will be returned to that person three times. Some subscribe to a variant of this law in which return is not necessarily threefold. The Rule of Three is sometimes described as karma by Wiccans; however, this is not strictly accurate. Both concepts describe the process of cause and effect and often encourage the individual to act in an upright way. In Hindu Vedanta literature, there is a comparable idea of threefold Karma referred to as Sanchita (accumulated works), Kriyamana, Agami, or Vartamana (current works), and Prarabdha (fructifying works), which are associated with past, present and future respectively. According to some traditions, the rule of three is not literal but symbolizes that our energy returns our way as many times as needed for us to learn the lesson associated with it. According to occult author/researcher John Coughlin, the Law posits "a literal reward or punishment tied to one's actions, particularly when it comes to working magic". The law is not a universal article of faith among Wiccans, and "there are many Wiccans, experienced and new alike, who view the Law of Return as an over-elaboration on the Wiccan Rede." Some Wiccans believe that it is a modern innovation based on Christian morality. The Rule of Three has been compared by Karl Lembke to other ethics of reciprocity, such as the concept of karma in Dharmic religions and the Golden Rule. The Rule of Three has a possible prototype in a piece of Wiccan liturgy which first appeared in print in Gerald Gardner's 1949 novel : "Thou hast obeyed the Law. But mark well, when thou receivest good, so equally art bound to return good threefold." (For this is the joke in witchcraft, the witch knows, though the initiate does not, that she will get three times what she gave, so she does not strike hard.) However, The Threefold Law as an actual "law", was an interpretation of Wiccan ideas and ritual, first publicised by noted witch Raymond Buckland, in his books on Wicca. Prior to this, Wiccan ideas of reciprocal ethics were far less defined and more often interpreted as a kind of general karma. Raymond Buckland made a reference to an ethical threefold law in a 1968 article for Beyond magazine. The Rule of Three later features within a poem of 26 couplets titled "Rede of the Wiccae", published by Lady Gwen Thompson in 1975 in Green Egg vol. 8, no. 69 and attributed to her grandmother Adriana Porter. The threefold rule is referenced often by the Wiccans of the Clan Mackenzie in the S.M. Stirling Emberverse novels. This rule was described by the Dutch metal band Nemesea, in the song "Threefold Law", from the album Mana. (en)
- Nella religione Wicca, la Legge del tre è un principio adottato da alcuni aderenti della religione stessa. Questa legge compare per la prima volta in una delle pubblicazioni di Gerald Gardner e lui stesso affermò di averla letta nel libro delle ombre così come ne era entrato in possesso attraverso la congrega della New Forest. È una legge riservata alle streghe e agli stregoni e alle loro operazioni magiche, un monito che vuole significare che ciò che mandi nel bene e nel male ritornerà triplicato. Secondo questa legge ogni cosa che facciamo ci torna indietro tre volte nel bene e tre volte nel male. Se si fa del bene si riceverà tre volte il bene, se fai del male si riceverà tre volte il male. Non bisogna però fare del bene nell'attesa della ricompensa. Può quindi esser visto come una motivazione pragmatica per seguire un comportamento etico. In tutta la tradizione esoterica non si fa mai menzione di questa legge. Probabilmente, come afferma Doreen Valiente che conobbe Gardner di persona, questa fu un'invenzione dello stesso Gardner a cui molte streghe aderirono. La legge fu uno dei motivi di dissidio con la Valiente che le fecero abbandonare la congrega di Gardner. Non sembrano esserci ragioni tradizionali che testimonino l'esistenza di una legge del tre come formulata da Gardner, ed è anche d'obbligo chiedersi perché ciò che fai deve tornare tre volte e non tredici o sette o cinque volte. Molti wiccan non aderiscono alla legge del tre, anche se questa legge viene definita come una delle leggi fondanti la Wicca. Certo se si nega la legge del tre, non si può non negare che nel momento in cui si attua un procedimento magico un'azione scatena una reazione e bisogna tenerne conto. Ciò che tradizionalmente si tramanda è il colpo di ritorno. La maggior parte delle streghe sapevano che quando si effettua qualcosa contro la volontà di qualcuno, in particolare se si intende nuocere a qualcuno, può accadere che le energie che adoperiamo e i sentimenti che suscitiamo ci si rivoltino contro; questo accade soprattutto se la persona che vogliamo colpire è in grado di respingere il nostro attacco: le forze che abbiamo scatenato ripercorrono il percorso all'indietro e si scaricano su di noi. Inoltre nel tornare a noi esse raccolgono tutte le energie che trovano lungo il cammino, per questo il colpo di ritorno è sempre più potente dell'incantesimo originario, poiché la forza che non si scarica diventa un polo attrattivo per le forze della stessa natura. Per questo tutte le volte che si opera è sempre necessario prestare attenzione e proteggersi dagli eventuali effetti di quello che scateniamo. Questo non è un divieto, ma un avvertimento. La legge del tre è un monito moderno, ma il colpo di ritorno era ed è un evento temutissimo da maghi e streghe, che hanno escogitato di tutto per scongiurarne gli effetti. Ovviamente il colpo di ritorno riguarda soprattutto le energie negative che possono essere scatenate da persone senza scrupolo, tuttavia anche operazioni apparentemente positive possono diventare negative, soprattutto quando cerchiamo di forzare una persona alla nostra volontà, come per esempio costringerla ad amarci se non vuole. Nessuno pone limiti a quello che si può fare, l'importante è considerare sempre con saggezza la natura delle forze con cui ci si misura. (it)
- De Wet van Drie is een ‘wet’ in de wiccareligie. Deze regel stelt: alles wat je doet komt drievoudig terug. Dit lijkt volgens sommige wicca-aanhangers sterk op het oosterse karma, waar iemand ook oogst wat hij/zij zaait. Deze wet waarschuwt ervoor magie niet te gebruiken om iets of iemand te schaden. (nl)
- http://www.witchvox.com/basics/three.html
- http://www.waningmoon.com/ethics/3fl.shtml
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- De Wet van Drie is een ‘wet’ in de wiccareligie. Deze regel stelt: alles wat je doet komt drievoudig terug. Dit lijkt volgens sommige wicca-aanhangers sterk op het oosterse karma, waar iemand ook oogst wat hij/zij zaait. Deze wet waarschuwt ervoor magie niet te gebruiken om iets of iemand te schaden. (nl)
- The Rule of Three (also Three-fold Law or Law of Return) is a religious tenet held by some Wiccans, Neo-Pagans and occultists. It states that whatever energy a person puts out into the world, be it positive or negative, will be returned to that person three times. Some subscribe to a variant of this law in which return is not necessarily threefold. The Rule of Three has been compared by Karl Lembke to other ethics of reciprocity, such as the concept of karma in Dharmic religions and the Golden Rule. (en)
- Nella religione Wicca, la Legge del tre è un principio adottato da alcuni aderenti della religione stessa. Questa legge compare per la prima volta in una delle pubblicazioni di Gerald Gardner e lui stesso affermò di averla letta nel libro delle ombre così come ne era entrato in possesso attraverso la congrega della New Forest. È una legge riservata alle streghe e agli stregoni e alle loro operazioni magiche, un monito che vuole significare che ciò che mandi nel bene e nel male ritornerà triplicato. (it)
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The law of three also emphasizes the importance of personal accountability. It reminds individuals that they have the power to shape their own destiny through their thoughts and actions. It encourages people to be mindful of the energy they attract and to actively work towards creating a positive and balanced life. While the law of three is specific to Wiccan beliefs, similar principles can be found in other spiritual traditions and philosophies. The idea that actions have consequences and that individuals have the power to shape their own destiny is a common thread in many belief systems. In summary, the Wiccan law of three is a moral principle that highlights the idea of karma and personal accountability. It reminds individuals that the energy and intentions they put out into the world will be returned to them threefold. By focusing on positive actions and intentions, Wiccans strive to create a more harmonious and balanced life..
Reviews for "Manifesting Intentions with the Wiccan Law of Three: An In-depth Look"
1. John - 2/5
I found the concept of the Wiccan law of three to be overly simplistic and unrealistic. The idea that whatever energy you send out into the world will come back to you threefold just seems too convenient and contradictory to the complex nature of reality. I believe that actions have consequences, but the notion that they will always come back to you three times as strong feels like wishful thinking rather than a universal law. While I respect the beliefs of Wiccans, I found this aspect of their faith to be unsubstantiated and unsatisfying.
2. Sarah - 1/5
The Wiccan law of three is based on a misguided understanding of karma and energy. The idea that you will receive triple the consequences for your actions is both illogical and dangerous. It promotes a simplistic view of the universe, where everything is neatly balanced and measured. In reality, life is much more complex, and there are often no direct correlations between our actions and their consequences. This belief may give people a false sense of security, thinking that they can do no wrong as long as they follow this law. I find it to be a naïve and ineffective concept that lacks intellectual depth.
3. Mark - 2/5
The Wiccan law of three seems like a way to control and manipulate people's behavior rather than a genuine spiritual principle. By instilling the fear of receiving triple the consequences for their actions, it discourages individuals from questioning the teachings of Wicca and promotes blind obedience. I believe that it is essential for people to have autonomy and critical thinking in their spiritual journey, rather than relying on a simplistic rule that promises easy answers. This law may appeal to those who seek certainty and structure, but it lacks the depth and nuance that I expect from a spiritual belief system.