The Wiccan Rule of Three, also known as the Law of Threefold Return, is a belief and ethical principle followed by many modern Wiccans. It states that whatever energy or action is put out into the world, whether positive or negative, will return to the sender threefold. This concept is often interpreted as a form of karma, where individuals are responsible for the consequences of their actions. The Rule of Three is based on the idea that everything in the universe is connected and that energy flows through all beings and all actions. Wiccans believe that by following this principle, they can create a positive and harmonious life for themselves and those around them. The Rule of Three is often seen as a form of moral guideline for Wiccans, reminding them to act with kindness, compassion, and respect towards others.
While I do think you reap what you sow, I simply cannot get behind the Threefold Law. That is not to say that everyone who follows the Rule of Three is bad, but it is just not something I personally believe in.
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 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 Rule of Three is often seen as a form of moral guideline for Wiccans, reminding them to act with kindness, compassion, and respect towards others. It encourages individuals to consider the potential effects of their actions before engaging in them. This ethical principle promotes the idea of personal responsibility and accountability for one's choices.
Mystic Magic: The Rule of Three
For those that were not aware, I consider myself an eclectic witch. I draw from a number of different paths in order to practice my craft. One thing I do not subscribe to, though, is the Rule of Three.
The Law of the Threefold Return is generally attributed to Wicca. Basically, the Rule of Three decrees that whatever you put into the universe, magically or otherwise, will return to you threefold.
I believe that if you start slinging hexes and curses before you are ready, they might come back to bite you. If you throw something at someone who is well protected, that can also turn on you. I do not believe, though, that if I hex someone, something bad will happen to me threefold.
According to Learn Religions, one of the first instances of the Rule of Three appeared in a book of Gerald Gardner’s, the father of Wicca, where he stated that doing good would return the good to you three times over.
For the most part, it seems to be a rule to keep new Wiccans and witches on the straight and narrow. While not personally true for me, sometimes when people first get into Wicca and witchcraft, and especially in the age of WitchTok, they do not do their research first.
Beginners will jump right into things and think they are indestructible, all-magical forces of nature. I can see how the Rule of Three would help there, as a cautionary tale of throwing magic and intentions into the universe before you have done your research or thought out the consequences. However, there is a flip side to this coin.
I have done research into the so-called Left and Right Hand Paths, or two different approaches you can take on your magical journey. Firstly, the use of Left and Right Hand are biased terms, much like the use of white and black magic, but we can go into that in a later article.
Secondly, the main difference between the Left and Right Hand Paths that I could find was that the Right Hand was focused more on nature and community, less on the self. Left Hand focuses more on the self, working towards your own goals, and the rejection of social norms and authority, and is thus generally construed as “bad” or “black magic.”
I have the same problem with the Rule of Three that I do with the distinction between the Paths. To me, it seems more shaming than anything. For the Paths, it shames those who perform magic for themselves, rather than the community or nature as a whole. It shames the people who decide to use hexes in their craft.
The Rule of Three does the same thing. From what I have seen, it is mostly used to shame people who have incorporated hexes and the like into their craft. It does not sit right with me, because the basis of the rule is not correct either. Just because you do something good does not mean you will have good returned to you, and vice versa; the Rule of Three is not a universal law.
While I do think you reap what you sow, I simply cannot get behind the Threefold Law. That is not to say that everyone who follows the Rule of Three is bad, but it is just not something I personally believe in.
In practical terms, the Rule of Three encourages Wiccans to focus on positive actions and intentions. It urges individuals to strive for balance and harmony, as any negative energy sent out into the world will eventually return to the sender with triple the force. This belief serves as a deterrent for harmful or malicious behavior, as individuals are aware that they will bear the consequences of their actions. However, it is important to note that the Rule of Three is not a law of punishment but rather a law of cause and effect. It is a reminder to Wiccans that their actions have repercussions and that they should strive for positive and ethical behavior. Some Wiccans interpret the Rule of Three more metaphorically, understanding it as a reminder to always strive for personal growth and spiritual development. Overall, the Wiccan Rule of Three is a guiding principle that encourages Wiccans to consider the consequences of their actions and to promote positivity in their lives. It serves as a moral compass and reminds individuals of their responsibility to maintain balance and harmony in both their actions and relationships with others..
Reviews for "The Wiccan Rule of Three and the Law of Return in Witchcraft"
1. Mark - 2 stars - I found the concept of the Wiccan rule of three to be quite restrictive and limiting. It feels like a moral code that leaves no room for mistakes or exploration. I believe that we should be able to learn from our mistakes and make our own choices without the fear of immediate consequences. The rule of three just seems to be too rigid and unforgiving for my taste.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - While I appreciate the idea behind the Wiccan rule of three and its emphasis on karma, I find it to be somewhat unrealistic. Life is not always black and white, and there are many factors beyond our control that can influence the outcomes of our actions. The rule of three simplifies a complex reality and doesn't take into account the complexity of human nature. I believe that we should strive to do good and avoid harm, but expecting an automatic and immediate response from the universe seems a bit far-fetched.
3. Chloe - 1 star - The Wiccan rule of three feels like a way to control and manipulate people's behavior through fear. It creates a sense of constant vigilance and guilt for any minor mistake or transgression. I believe that moral accountability should be based on personal growth and reflection, not on the fear of immediate and equal consequences. The rule of three undermines individual agency and promotes a narrow-minded approach to ethics.