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Bookviews Book Reviews |
The Wiccan
Rede:
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Mr.
Ventimiglia takes the Wiccan Rede Couplet (the twenty-six line poem which
explores the Wiccan Rede) and lays out his ideas of what he believes this poem
represents in the Wiccan Community. The origins
of this couplet are questioned by many groups and individuals. The first appearance in print of this poem is
in Green Egg magazine back in 1975 (Vol 3, #69) called Rede Of The
Wiccae. None of this is mentioned in this book. What is mentioned is that the origins of this
Couplet are in question by many groups and this is probably the most accurate
statement in this book. The opening lines of
this book probably say more about the authors motivation than anything else the
author writes, “The reason why I wrote The Wiccan Rede is simple: There has never been a book written or
published solely concentrating on its deep and meaningful teachings, and so I
felt that there was a definite need.”
Be mindful that the
author interprets the material by his own ideas of what the Rede means. While he does explore the couplet, he also
inserts his own ideas on his personal spiritual path. A section on why you should be on a natural
diet: “In keeping with the
thought that all life is sacred and divine, I would like to touch on the
benefits of a natural diet that exemplifies the principles of the Wiccan Rede
and its deep philosophical teachings.”
He goes on to suggest: “Where protein is concerned, milk is a complete
food. Therefore, a diet containing milk
and dairy products, fresh fruits, leafy vegetables and whole grains is the ideal
diet for all of humanity.” He goes on….
“The sixth and seventh
couplets of the Wiccan Rede teach: “Deosil go by waxing moon, chanting out the
Seax-Wiccan Runes. Widdershins go by
waning moon, chanting out thy baneful tune.”
This lesson is perhaps the most complex of all the Wiccan Rede’s
teachings, for within it are contained the secrets of the directions and
activities of celestial bodies, runology and curses.” Really… Coming to “Of Morals and Ethics” he states
“In today’s world, especially in Mr. Ventimiglia’s bio states “He has
intensively studied most of the world’s major religious traditions, as well as
many pagan and shamanistic traditions.
He was ordained by the Reviewed by Boudica |