The meaning of the ancient word Rede is: advice or counsel given by one person to another, or: to advise (someone) or interpret (a riddle or dream). Rede originates from the Old English rǣd, and is Germanic in origin; also related to the Dutch word, raad, the German word, rat, all with the same or …show more content…
The word moral comes from the mid-14th century Latin word moralis, meaning, proper behavior of a person in society or pertaining to manners. The word moralis was translated by Cicero into the Greek word ethikos from Latin root moris meaning mores, customs, manners, morals.
Now that we understand the meanings of the words ethics and morals, we can better understand the word Rede. Rede is advice or counsel; a guideline, code of ethics, or list of moral standards given to a person or group of people to guide them in whatever stage of life they are in and whatever path they are on.
The term Rede is used in a couple of different Neo-Pagan religions. The Wiccan Rede is the most common example of its use, and is summed up with: “An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will”. These 8 words make the Wiccan Rede seem simple. There is a bit more to it than what it seems. Harm None, includes yourself. A Wiccan should always strive to be their best and to reduce and remove the things that are harmful to themselves and others. Being Wiccan means striving to be the best you can toward yourself and toward others by following the Rede as closely as possible.
There is also an Ásatrú or Norse Rede of Honour, which is a list of 26 rules to live by. This is a long list and is similar to the Wiccan Rede, but covers more about family and laws of the