Every religion has commandments, sometimes called tenets. Wicca is no exception. Find out the seven tenets of Wicca and how to apply them to your own spiritual practices.
It seems as if there are literally thousands of traditions and religions that teach how to attune your body and energy to spirituality, and each of them has their own set of guidelines. There are the Ten Commandments and the Laws of Noah as well as the golden key of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” that Christians and some Jewish people and commandments such as “ Speak kindly” from the Koran. Buddhists and some Hindus practice commandments designed to ensure they cause no harm to any living creature. Then there is something called The Rule of Three Wiccans are famous for, but they have another set of seven guidelines, or tenets they follow. Find out what these tenets are, who created them, and how to make them work for you.
When a lot of people think of Wicca, they think of spells, glimmering candles, dazzling crystals, and sensuously aromatic essential oils. They think of women bedecked in rich burgundies and golds, velvety blacks, and long flowing dresses with laced up bodices who are in tune with the seasons and who walk with the confidence of a goddess. A Wiccan may or may not be that glamorous, and plenty of Wiccans are not even women. Wicca is about a lot more than magic and beauty, and while being connected harmoniously with the earth and the universe in general is a big part of it, leading a purposeful life while following spiritual guidelines to make Wiccans the best versions of themselves they can be is a big part of it as well.
There is something called the Rule of Three some follow, and the Wiccan Rede also ascribes conduct, but not every Wiccan follows either of these. Some follow Seven Tenets ascribed by an elder witch named Sybil Leek who left behind illustrious writings before her passing into the spirit realm. The Seven Tenets she listed are trust, tolerance, balance, harmony, humility, learning/Knowledge, and reincarnation. What is a tenet to begin with and what are the Rule of Three and Wiccan Rede teachings? Who was this Sybil Leek, what do her Seven Tenets all mean, and how can we apply those to our own lives? Read on to find out!
What is a Tenet?
A tenet is defined by Merriam- Webster online as “A principle, belief, or doctrine generally held to be trueespecially: one held in common by members of an organization, movement, or profession.” So basically, a tenet is a philosophy that guides behaviors and things some people use to shape the way they live their lives. The central tenets of a religion will guide adherents and the belief is these will not only guide them into the afterlife they want, but these will help them to live the type of lives they want to which is filled with right thought, right intent, and right action. Three different concepts to guide Wiccan tenets are the Seven Tenets, of course, but also The Rule or Law of Three, and The Wiccan Rede.
The Wiccan Rede
First composed by Gerald Gardner, just before his death, this was later edited by Doreen Valiente. There are longer and shorter versions of this, but the Rede itself is meant to guide Wiccans in how to live by their faith. The word “rede” comes from Middle English and means “counsel” or “advice”. It is believed the Rede was developed out of his Old Laws, which can be found here:Gardnerian Book of Shadows: The Old Laws (sacred-texts.com) and he focused them into separate sentences of intent into his Rede. In 1964, Doreen Valiente introduced her own version of it, and soon, Lady Gwen Thompson introduced her own version and called it The Long Rede, which is as follows:
“ Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.
For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.
Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name, let love and light be our guides again.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane, and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.
When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.
Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.
Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.
Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's insight.
Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.
Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.
Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.
Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.
Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.
As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.
When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.
Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.
In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached its height time for Oak and Holly to fight.
Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.
Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.
These Eight words the Rede fulfill: An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will.”
Within this poem are teachings of how to celebrate the high days, or Sabbats, and also what types of woods are good for what types of magic. More than these things is the statement “ An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will.” The teaching is, do what you want as long as it causes no harm, but therein lies a dilemma for Wiccans. For example, eating meat and other animal products causes harm because it kills animals, but modern fruit and vegetable farming creates pollution that is bad for the earth, and both cause harm. Heirloom farming done by hand does not use all the chemical pesticides modern farming does, but vehicles to ship the crops to supermarkets causes pollution by burning fossil fuels. Then there is the ugly truth that a lot of farm workers are underpaid, which causes harm, so what harmless course of action can be taken here when eating in general causes some form of harm or another regardless of what you eat?
Not everybody worries so deeply about things and seeks to cause no harm by striving to be as kind as possible at all times. This can be something as simple as keeping unsolicited advice to ourselves and not offering uncharitable opinions that would hurt somebody’s feelings. It can also take the form of speaking up when an injustice is happening, to help prevent more harm from going on, and it can be something as simple as buying as much from local places of business instead of large businesses. The wonderful thing about the “harm none” emphasis of Wicca is that each individual interprets that for themselves and lives by what they personally feel is right.
The Rule of Three
Contained within the Wiccan Rede is The Rule or Law of Three and that basically says that the universe gives us consequences for all that we do, and the consequences are three times as powerful as what we do. The line states “ Mind the Three-fold Laws you should, three times bad and three times good.” So, the belief is that if we do a terrible thing, things three times as bad will befall us. The belief also is that if we do something good, we will have triple fold blessings come to us. The problem comes in when we consider why we choose our actions. Do we do what we feel is a good thing only to reap the benefits of rewards, or do we do what we feel is right for the greater good? Also, how do the rewards come? Do they come in the form of blessings just for the individual who did the right thing, or are the rewards shared by everybody because good things create a better world that we all benefit from?
Not everybody bases their actions on how they believe they will return as consequences for just themselves, however. Some people believe their actions create who they are as people, and they don’t want to turn themselves into people who are part of the problems in the world. Some people see the consequences they get from what they do as making them either people they can be proud of, or people they would be ashamed of, and they want to be their best selves, healing their own broken parts, and growing as people daily. A very fine lady had another code of conduct for those who walk a magical path, and her name was Sybil Leek. read about Angel Number 333 here: What is the Meaning of the 333 Angel Number?
Dame Sybil Leek
Born in Staffordshire England in 1917, Leek was an antiques dealer, writer, television personality, astrologer, witch, and psychic. In her early days, she attracted quite a bit of attention for her psychic and magical practices, and the attention she drew from curious townsfolk annoyed her greatly. Upon moving to America, she practiced as an astrologer and was invited to do radio and television programs about magic, the occult, astrology, and psychic phenomenon. She may have become well-known for her media appearances, but she left behind multiple publications, which influenced the occult and magical communities greatly. In this video, about nine minutes and twenty seven seconds into the program, Leek enters the stage and is personally interviewed until about sixteen minutes into the video. Here is the video of her speaking you can watch:(4) Kreskin meets Witch Dame Sybil Leek - YouTube
In her book, The Complete Art of Witchcraft: Penetrating the Mystery Behind Magic Powers, she is described as “The real-life soul sister of Samantha Stevens, TV’s warm-hearted witch in the popular program, “Bewitched.” Rather than cast spells and destroy her enemies, put curses on inefficient hotel help, or turn photographers into toads, Dame Sybil prefers to use her time and talents convincing a sensation-seeking public that some witches don’t use their powers to practice the demonic arts…Instead, they seek to aid human beings.“ In this publication, Leek gives instruction on some magical practices. One of the things she discusses is the Seven Tenets she recommends. You can buy Dame Leek’s book here: The Complete art of Witchcraft - Penetrating the mystery Behind Magic Powers: Leek, Sybil: Amazon.com: Books
The Seven Tenets
Spread out between multiple chapters, the seven principles or tenets Leek says witches live by are the Tenets of trust, tolerance, balance, harmony, humility, learning or knowledge, and the final tenet is reincarnation.
Trust
Trust is a tricky thing. Knowing who you can trust with what things can be confusing, but there is something to keep in mind. That is, everybody can be trusted with something or another at some time. For example, if your neighbor has demonstrated they hate cats, you can trust that they are not a good choice for somebody to take care of your cat when you go on vacation. On the other hand, your teenager may have demonstrated over time they can be trusted to drive safely, so you feel okay with buying them their own car.
When you come to a point in life when you feel you have over trusted, and you say, “How do I learn to trust again?” the answer may lie within you. You might never feel able to trust a certain individual again, but you know you can trust some other people. A saying goes, “When somebody shows what they are like, believe them.” In this way, you know what you can and cannot trust people with. One thing to keep in mind is that people can surprise you and do something after years of knowing them that you never would have expected. Pay attention to what people demonstrate they can be trusted with and react accordingly. Taurus is a Sign you can trust and you can read more here: Taurus Zodiac Traits and Love Compatibility
Tolerance
As religious people, being tolerant is extremely important, but keep in mind that tolerance is not the exact same thing as acceptance. Tolerance can simply be putting up with someone because you don’t have any other choice. Tolerance can also be respecting other people’s rights to live as they feel is right even if their way differs from yours, and not trying to convert them to your way of being, but it does not mean you understand them or agree with things they do. Remember, also, to be tolerant of yourself for imperfections and mistakes.
Being tolerant of life in general is crucial, and that may take the form of simply being patient when things change. Tolerance of people who are not as advanced spiritually as we are is also important, and tolerance of people who are struggling with their own ignorance can help you to explain things to them, and teach them so that they, too, can grow. When you are tolerant, people love your positive energy. Sending positive energy to someone by communicating tolerance can result in them sending positive energy your way as well!
Balance
Leading a balanced life is extremely important in Leek’s eyes, and she explains that to balanced life means there is not excess or lack of the things necessary. She writes “ Members of witchcraft are not predisposed to excess in anything, whether it is sexual activity, overeating, or overdrinking. And most witches are healthy because they understand the needs of their own body…We do not impose restrictions about food and drink because we believe if a person at one time reaches a saturation point with sex, eating, and drinking, he will begin to regulate his life, helped by the orderly mental disciplines of the religion itself.”
The key to living a balanced life is to do things in the correct amounts like work enough but still get enough rest and leisure time. Regulating your responses, too, is a big part of being balanced, because if you don’t stand up for yourself when somebody attacks you, it won’t be good, but if you attack them right back instead of taking away their ability to hurt you, it might be going overboard. Being able to trust and control comes with knowing your own needs and being your own angel of balance of sorts. You might ask for goddess guidance on learning how to balance everything, but the truth is, all you need to do is pay attention to your own body, heart, and soul, and it will tell you how much of each thing is enough, how much is not enough, and how much is too much. Ensuring you balance everything helps you to live your best life and enjoy things to the fullest. Libras prefer a balanced life and you can read about them here: Libra Traits and Love Compatibility
Harmony
One of the easiest ways of creating peace is by learning how to harmonize. As humans, we naturally seek to control our own lives, but sometimes going along with somebody else’s ideas works best. While we don’t necessarily seek to assimilate or be untrue to ourselves, cooperation for the sake of the greater good is a gift we give to one another, and sometimes harmonizing is not fun, but it is worth it.
Beyond human relations, being in harmony with creation means being in tune with the seasons and living as a member of creation rather than trying to dominate it. That might mean giving up some of the things modern society gives us like disposable water bottles, foam and plastic items that will not biodegrade, and thus pollute, and making sure to use nontoxic lawn and garden products to avoid contaminating the earth. If you harmonize with the world around you, it will start sending you positive energy, and you will radiate your unity with the All.
Humility
This is one Tenet that has to be balanced with pride. If you have no pride whatsoever, your lack of confidence will hold you back from succeeding. You won’t understand what your strengths are, and you won’t have the courage to try new things. Too much pride, on the other hand, means you will be arrogant, and you might become cruel enough to look down on other people.
The key to being humble is understanding that you are just like everybody else- imperfect, and you need to always be growing and evolving as a person. You should also understand that despite your accomplishments, nobody is self-made in that we all had help to learn how to accomplish things, and none of us are so great, we can’t stand to improve. Being humble allows for you to be proud of who you are, and all you have done, but to still understand that despite greatness, we are all human, and we are not superior. On the contrary, the greatest people are the ones who understand they can always do better and are always capable of making mistakes. Humility doesn’t come naturally to Leos and you can read about that royal Sign here: Leo Traits and Love Compatibility
Learning/Knowledge
To be a lifelong learner is a goal of those who walk a magical path. Whether your goal is to learn horoscopes, to learn numerology, or to learn anything else, learning something new on an ongoing basis is extremely important. Some people believe we bring skills, memories, and talents with us with all of our reincarnations, but we can still never know all the wonderful things there are in this world to know, no matter how many lives we have lived.
The human mind thrives when it has new things to study and process, and learning new skills and techniques helps keep us stimulated and sharp. Even if you learn new skills for your career field and nothing else for a period of time, you are still continuing to learn. A mistake some people make is to become tired of learning once they get out of school, thinking of it as hard work they would rather not bother with, and they begin to stagnante mentally, repeating the same patterns over and over. Even if you sample a new food or watch a documentary about animals you know nothing about, it is still learning, and it is necessary to help us keep our minds thriving.
Reincarnation
The final tenet is the meaning of Reincarnation. What is the meaning of reincarnation in general and what does reincarnation mean to our spiritual paths? As for being the final tenet, why reincarnation? Reincarnation means the belief that the soul leaves the body after death and instead of simply going to an eternal afterlife, it moves into another body and is reborn again. Some believe the cycle of death and rebirth is endless, and others believe that we can transcend reincarnation to remain a spirit forever if we will it.
Belief in reincarnation for Wiccans means the belief the spirit goes to a place called The Summerlands upon death where it stays until it decides it is ready to move into another life. Some people believe we are reborn with a fate based on actions from a past life, and others believe it is random, and our deeds do not create future events in any way. Reincarnation is the final tenet because physical death is the last thing we experience in our current life before moving on to another life.
How To Make the Seven Tenets Work for You
You don’t have to be Wiccan or belong to any tradition or religion to use these Seven Tenets to grow from your heart. There are so many guidelines for living a spiritual life out there to choose from, even if you don’t want to focus on just these seven things. The mystic spirituality from the Seven Tenets can teach how to keep your chakras balanced, how to control your emotions and energy, how to be humble and tolerant, when to know to trust or be cautious, how to harmonize with others and the Universe, how to learn and grow, and what reincarnation means to you.
The best way to apply these Seven Tenets is to do your own meditation on each of them, deciding what they mean to you, and brainstorm ways to incorporate them. For example, in regard to leading a balanced life, if you are always tired, take a close look at your lifestyle. Are you sleeping enough, or are you burning the midnight oil overtime, exhausting yourself at work? Are you depriving yourself of things you enjoy because you feel it is more important to be disciplined than happy? Rest, work less, and go easy on yourself. You want just enough work that you feel fulfilled but enough rest, so you are your best. Allow yourself some slack and indulgence, but enough self-discipline that you don’t make yourself sick!
Whether you practice these Seven Tenets religiously, or just think on them a bit, the wisdom of Dame Sybil Leek is undeniable. You can lead a balanced life no matter who you are, and you can be tolerant of other people regardless of religious beliefs. Following these tenets is just one way to learn how to know past lives and how to harmonize with the rest of creation. May your practices enhance your spiritual healing, aid you in sending positive energy and receiving it, and may you continue to grow in your psychic destiny. So Be It.
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About the Author: Lady Saoirse has studied magic and lore for most of her life but started walking her own Magical Path after being spiritually reborn in the desert. Today she is a High Priestess for The Temple of the Goddess, she is a psychic advisor and spiritual counselor, she shares her gifts as a Psychic and Content Writer for SpiritualBlossom, has written for Mysticsense, and she writes for PaganPages.Org emag and Green Egg Magazine.
