The word rede comes to us from Old English rād; this is the base of the old English word rǣdan, which had such meanings as “to discern, to advise, to explain, to interpret, to read.” Thus the best single word to describe the meaning of the word rede would be to “counsel”. It is from this ancient word that our modern word read derives, because he who reads letters of runes gains “counsel” or “knowledge” from them and their message.
Below is our Rede of Honour, which is based on the interpretation of the Old Norse Eddic Poem entitled “the Havamal”, the sayings of Har. Har is one of Odin’s numerous names and means “the High One”. While the twelve points that make up the REDE of HONOUR are not exhaustive, they represent the basic values which HAR, the High One has handed down to us, his people to live by.
We know from this and other ancient sources that these values were universally held by the Indo-Europeans the direct ancestors of the Germanic and Celtic peoples, among others, and thus did our own ancestors. By following this REDE in our every day lives and gaining counsel from it, we will be heading the wisdom of our ancient ancestral Gods, living as our forefathers from the distant past lived and intended us, their descendants, to live also.
1) Be solely responsible for your own actions regardless of the situation, state of mind, or the reason / cause.
2) Courage, Honour, Truth, Loyalty, Trust, Family and Friendship are to be valued over any amount of money or material items. NO price can possibly be placed upon such precious things as these. Give your undying loyalty to those friends who can be trusted, returning to them all that they give you: But neither trust nor befriend the foes of your friends.
3) Show courage in times of danger or sorrow, fight always for what you believe in, be bold in battle and sparing in words, never flinch in the face of your foes, be forever wary and prepared to act.
4) Conduct yourself honourably at all times, strive to always do good deeds, and never evil ones: but if a wrong is done to you, deal out punishment to the guilty without hesitation.
5) Keep your word always, do not make false promises, and never give away an entrusted secret: thus are an honourable name and trusted reputation earned.
6) Avoid idle conversation, foolish words, and bragging. for such things are things of no gain. Hold your tongue and strive for knowledge and wisdom always.
7) Be hospitable to guests, but also expel those who break the frith. Be kind and generous to all you meet, especially to those less fortunate than yourself, but be not overly generous: never be selfish or greedy.
8) Show respect and fairness to all you meet, be tolerant of their shortcomings, and do not mock even the lowliest of your folk: thus may strife, the pursuit of fools be avoided.
9) When there is work to be done, fall to it with vigor and purpose, and accomplish it to the best of your abilities: never be lazy or hesitant.
10) Think with wisdom before you act in haste, trust in yourself and your own abilities above all, and to thyself be true: but as you know your strengths, know to your weaknesses, lest they be your downfall.
11) Be forever proud of your self, your abilities, accomplishments, and of your possessions no matter how meager that they be. Never be ashamed of who and what you are.
12) Love your sib and your kin, show them the utmost loyalty and respect, keep the collective welfare of your people in mind always: there is no greater sacrifice than one made for one’s family, tribe or people.