The rule of three (also threefold law or law of return) is a common tenet in Wicca. It states that both the good and the evil that one creates in the world will be returned threefold (in joy or suffering). It is therefore seen as a pragmatic reason for ethical behaviour and compliance with the Wiccan Rede. In other religions, it is comparable to karma and the golden rule.

The rule of three was first described in print in an article by Raymond Buckland (see timeline for law of return concepts), and does not appear in the traditional Book of Shadows. Some Wiccans do not hold it as a tenet, and feel that it is a modern innovation based on Christian morality.

One example of how the rule may be stated is as follows:

Ever mind the Rule of Three

Three times what thou givest returns to thee

This lesson well, thou must learn

Thee only gets what thou dost earn!

The poem, Rede of the Wiccae, was written by Lady Gwen Thompson, and is not part of traditional Wiccan prose.

See also

• Wiccan Rede

External links

• The Law of Three
• The Three-Fold Law

Wicca | Religious ethics

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