The Threefold Law
The other "Law" of Witchcraft is the "THREE-FOLD LAW OF RETURN". Basically, this is the natural law of "cause and effect". The Goddess charges us to exercise great care in all that we, as Witches, do and say and even think. The Threefold Law takes the notion that "what we reap, we will sow", a few steps further... in fact, THREE steps further. For what we do "for good or for ill, shall be returned to us threefold." In light of this fact, Witches are loath to cause any harm, lest it be returned to them in spades!
When we come to really understand the
Three-Fold Law and
it's ramifications, we can see that although on the surface, it acts like
a prohibition, it also serves as a source of blessing. Witches seek to
heal and to help all of Life, and when we are working for "the good of
all", it is natural that the "good" will come to us also. But it falls on
us multiplied and empowered. Three-fold is quite an increase no matter
what mathematical method you use!
The word "just" is defined
as"
that which is merited or deserved." With that definition in mind, you can
see why Witches believe in the exercise of "justice" over
"revenge". We
are assured that what is merited by a persons actions will come to pass.
We need only to ask the God and Goddess for "justice to be
done". Since
this is in line with natural laws and the promises of the Ancient Ones, we
can rest in the knowledge that we are asking in a correct manner for the
situation to be taken care of. Then we can release it to them to handle
and go about our business.
"Revenge" on the other hand, is defined
as "an urge to get even" (we've all been there!) or "to inflict harm in
reaction to an insult" (we cannot go THERE! see: Witches Rede) It is difficult
sometimes,
especially when our loved ones have been hurt, to follow the principles
outlined here...VERY difficult. Never the less, that is what we are
instructed to do. It is a matter of trust...trust that the God and the
Goddess will take care of it...trust that the Universal Laws apply to
everyone equally...trust in the Three-Fold Law...and trust in yourself as
a Witch, strong in your beliefs. We all go through deep soul searching
when confronted with this issue. How we decide to respond tells us a lot
about ourselves, what we give lip service to and what we really believe.
It can be a valuable lesson that can change our life.
"The Great
Mother and Father would not have their children suffer the indignities of
oppressors for their sake, for what is within the hearts of Their children
is dear and true to Them. The Ancient and Mighty Ones shall cause the
balance to be made for those who desecrate the worship of the Lord and
Lady, Their Temples, or their Creations" *
* quote from the
"New
Wiccan Book of the Law" by Lady Galadriel 1992
Excert taken from
