Wiccan Rede: Let Love and Trust be our guides again

(This is a continuing discussion line by line of the full Wiccan Rede.  See the first post in February for the full rede and beginning of the discussion.)


Honor the Old Ones in deed and name, let Love and Trust be our guides again.


Honor the Old Ones in deed and name

While this seems like a very easy concept to understand or define, however I thought it might be interesting to look at the word Honor.  Since we as a culture toss it about quite a bit.  Back to Merriam - Webster

Honor:

1 : good name or public esteem : reputation b : a showing of usually merited respect : recognition <pay honor to our founder>

2: privilege <had the honor of joining the captain for dinner>

3: one whose worth brings respect or fame : credit <an honor to the profession>

4: chastity, purity <fought fiercely for her honor and her life — Barton Black>

5 a : a keen sense of ethical conduct : integrity <a man of honor> b : one's word given as a guarantee of performance <on my honor, I will be there>

I love little words, that mean so much !!  So in looking at honor, specifically relating to Diety, the Old Ones. We can understand much of what the rede is trying to say.

1.  Understand that you as a follower of the Old Ones, are a reflection of them.  Always guard your reputation, and your name that it may reflect well upon them!  In other words.  Project a positive image.  Stand by your word.  Follow through with your promises.  Be a good and decent person, that others may hold you in esteem.  For as much as they esteem you, they will also honor those whom you follow.

2. Understand that it is your privilege to be a follower of the Old Ones.  You are not here just because it's a fun thing to do, and you want to freak out your friends and family.  If that is your purpose, you are in the wrong religion.  As you  pay respect, and honor the Old Ones, so will they do likewise to you.  Drawing you close to them, revealing their work to you, as well as those things about yourself you are constantly seeking.

3. Bring credit, respect and fame to the Old Ones through both your word and your actions.  Let them both
reflect solidly on one another. 

4.  That through your actions and words you reflect yourself to be pure of thought and intent.  

5. That you value , yourself, your word, your bonds and hold it and yourself with integrity.  In doing so, so will others hold you, and those you follow.

Honor them in deed and name.  Both by your words and your actions!  Do not simply mumble to the Gods, I honor and venerate you.  Actually do it!  Treat them with respect.  Treat yourself and other with respect as you are all children of the gods!  Do not simply go through the motions.  We all know the christian metaphor of Sunday Morning Saints. ( On Sunday morning everyone sits in the pews, clean, well dressed and pure in thought and deed.  They sing and praise their Gods, then they go home and proceed to do exactly opposite of their religious teachings.)  If you are a follower of the Old Ones, then by all means follow them.  Pay heed to this advice, have a strong moral and ethical code and follow it!  Don't be "that" person who says the right words, yet there is no intent, passion or emotion behind anything you do. Trust me, the Gods, know your heart.  An open heart to them is soon filled.  Walk your walk, with love , honor and yes some pride! 

Let Love and Trust be our guides again.

Remember our discussion on  Perfect Love and  PerfectTrust earlier?

Erich From had addressed love saying the active character of true love involved four basic elements; care responsibility, respect and knowledge.

Put this in perspective with what we have been reading from this entire stanza.

Bide the Ancient Laws ye must, in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.
Live ye well and let to live; fairly take and fairly give.
Soft of eye and light of touch, Speak little: listen much.
Heed ye flower, bush and tree. By the Lady, Blessed Be.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name, let Love and Trust be our guides again.

Wondering if I am the only who sees all of From's elements here?  From all of our discussions thus far, all of the From's elements are literally written in huge letters all over them! 

Trust, as we defined earlier from Merriam- Webster is assured reliance on the character, ability, strength and truth of someone or something. One in which confidence is placed, as well as responsible charge or office, and care or custody.

Again, is that not exactly what we have been talking about , this entire time ? So what the rede is saying, by following this advice, living our lives in accord with nature, the gods, and paying respect to all things from the followers of the earth to our fellow humans.  We will be living in perfect love and perfect trust.  Truthfully, how beautiful is that!! 



Resources:

Merriam- Webster Online Dictionary :http://www.merriam-webster.com
From, Erich, The Art of Loving , circa 1956

(Next Blog: Cast the Circle thrice about!)