The Threefold Law, or the Rule of Three, is one of the many Wiccan traditions similar to the idea of karma. In short, the law states that any magical act returns to the practitioner three times, regardless of intention. Unlike karma in Eastern religions, the law applies to specific situations and centers around the returned energy to the practitioner. Mainly, the purpose of the Threefold Law is to teach discipline to new members so they won’t be reckless with its magical traditions. Moreover, the idea behind karmic consequences may hinder people from engaging in negative magic entirely.
The Origins of Threefold Law
Popular belief surrounding the Threefold Law is that this returned energy happens in three separate instances. For instance, a practitioner may end up experiencing good or bad luck in three different situations depending on the type of spells they use on someone else. On the other hand, some people believe that the law isn’t about the quantity of consequences but their impact instead. In other words, the returned energy is three times more powerful than the practitioner’s original intentions.
Although the law’s origin is mostly unknown, it has ties to English Wiccan Gerold Gardner and his novel, High Magic Aid. Likewise, the law is referred to in the Wiccan Rede, a long poem that contains advice and adages for spiritual beliefs and other magical traditions. Regardless of its popularity among practitioners, many Pagan traditions don’t include the law. Despite discussing the law in his fictional works, Gardner never included it in his teachings. It wouldn’t be until Raymond Buckland and other witches that the law would be introduced to the mainstream public.
Other “Cause and Effect” Laws
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Surprisingly, some Wiccan practitioners know nothing about the Threefold Law. However, those who’ve heard about the law may share conflicting beliefs regarding the rule of three. For instance, some may question the law’s concept of karmic consequences, while others question the number three’s involvement altogether.
Likewise, practitioners may view the Threefold Law in two different ways. While practitioners take the law literally and seriously, others follow it passively or outright dismiss it. For those who don’t follow the Threefold Law, concepts such as the Law of Return or the Law of Cause and Effect also explain karmic consequences without involving magic and witchcraft.
Criticisms Surrounding the Rule of Three
While there are people who believe in karma, others do not. Arguments against the Threefold Law mostly center around the concept of ‘laws’. For a law to be effective, it must be consistent, and unfortunately, that’s where the Threefold Law fails. Although it pushes karmic consequences, not all bad people or those with bad intentions are punished for their choices.
Furthermore, there are even various Pagans who have admitted to engaging in manipulative and harmful magic without consequence. What’s more? Bad and hexing magic is practiced just as much as good and healing magic. From a scientific perspective, the Rule doesn’t remain true with the laws of physics.
Various Interpretations of Threefold Law
Despite its criticisms, however, the Threefold Law may be effective in keeping people from engaging in bad magic. As a law of cause and effect, practitioners must think about their decisions before making them. Many Wiccans and other Pagans find the Threefold Law necessary as it allows practitioners to set boundaries for themselves.
Additionally, various interpretations of the Threefold Law maintain its original motives to prevent irresponsible behavior. For instance, some believe that the law affects people on three different levels, including physically, spiritually, and emotionally. In other words, people’s actions can lead to consequences that impact their body, mind, and soul.
Other interpretations of the law center around the afterlife. This means that your actions in this lifetime will have consequences times three in the next life, whether good or bad. Practitioners who believe in reincarnation may connect more with the Threefold Law. Lastly, some Wiccan traditions believe that the law allows practitioners to return to others who do things to them, regardless if they have good or bad intentions.
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