The talisman of hierarchy is a concept that highlights the importance of maintaining a structured and organized society. This talisman represents the idea that a well-defined hierarchy is necessary for a functioning society. In many social and organizational contexts, a hierarchy is established to ensure clear lines of authority and responsibility. This hierarchy allows for the division and delegation of tasks, ensuring that work is effectively distributed and completed. The talisman of hierarchy emphasizes the idea that without a clear hierarchy, chaos and confusion can ensue. It recognizes that a well-structured hierarchy provides order and stability in various aspects of life, including government, workplaces, and even social relationships.
It recognizes that a well-structured hierarchy provides order and stability in various aspects of life, including government, workplaces, and even social relationships. Within a hierarchy, individuals have designated roles and positions, each with their own set of responsibilities. This system allows for the efficient allocation of resources and the coordination of efforts towards achieving common goals.
The Threefold Law
I have discussed the Threefold Law in several previous articles but it’s never had its own post before. Most people get the wrong idea about the Threefold Law. It does not actually say that you get back threefold what you send out.
The so-called law of threefold return is actually a misinterpretation of Wiccan liturgy. It is not saying that there’s some cosmic law that means that what you send out will return threefold. The rule is actually telling witches to return good threefold when we receive good.
There’s an excellent article by Patti Wiginton on this topic at Learn Religions. As she points out, there are many versions and understandings of the Rule of Three.
The earliest of these (and the only one that I recognize) was written by Gerald Gardner; as Ms Wiginton writes:
An early incarnation of the Rule of Three appeared in Gerald Gardner’s novel, High Magic’s Aid, in the form of “Mark well, when thou receivest good, so equally art [thou] bound to return good threefold.”
There’s nothing in there about cosmic laws of karma bouncing back three times what you sent out.
It is true that whatever you cultivate in your life will generate more of the same around you: if you send out love and compassion and smile at people, you generally get the same response back; and if you send out negativity, you will get negativity in response.
I like the other suggestion offered by Ms Wiginton:
One of the most sensible interpretations of the Rule of Three is one that states, quite simply, that your actions affect you on three separate levels: physical, emotional, and spiritual. This means that before you act, you need to consider how your deeds will impact your body, your mind and your soul.
This is a genuinely useful understanding of the concept of threefold return, and might prevent people from using any form of magic lightly or without thinking about the consequences.
It appears that the source of the notion that whatever you send out will come back to you threefold was Monique Wilson, and this was popularised by Ray Buckland. That would explain why this understanding of the Rule of Three is very popular, or at least widespread, in North America.
The Threefold Law as an actual “law”, was an interpretation of Wiccan ideas and ritual, made by noted witch Monique Wilson (1923-1982) and further popularized by Raymond Buckland, in his books on Wicca. Prior to this innovation by Wilson and its subsequent inclusion in publications, Wiccan ideas of reciprocal ethics were far less defined and more often interpreted as a kind of general karma.
There is also no mention of the threefold law or the rule of three in the Ardanes (which are widely regarded as having been composed by Gardner in 1957 after a dispute with the rest of the coven, and therefore many people regard them as suspect, including me).
The actual threefold law tells us, “Mark well, when thou receivest good, so equally art [thou] bound to return good threefold.”
Further Reading
If you enjoyed this post, you might like my books.
I like the other suggestion offered by Ms Wiginton:
However, the talisman of hierarchy also acknowledges the importance of balance and fairness within a hierarchical structure. It encourages the recognition of individual worth and the need for equitable treatment within the hierarchy. While some may argue that a hierarchy leads to power imbalances and oppression, the talisman of hierarchy suggests that a well-designed and inclusive hierarchy can actually promote fairness and accountability. It argues that when individuals understand their place within the hierarchy and are provided with opportunities for growth and advancement, they are more likely to feel motivated and fulfilled. In summary, the talisman of hierarchy represents the notion that a structured hierarchy is fundamental for a functional society. It acknowledges the benefits of a clear division of roles and responsibilities while also advocating for fairness and balance within the hierarchy. Upholding the talisman of hierarchy ensures that power is distributed effectively and that individuals have opportunities for growth and fulfillment within the established hierarchical structure..
Reviews for "The Role of a Hierarchy Talisman in Personal and Professional Growth"
1. Kate - 2/5 stars
I was really disappointed with "Talisman of Hierarchy". The plot felt disjointed and confusing, and the characters were all one-dimensional. I found it hard to connect with any of them, and it made it difficult to care about what was happening in the story. Additionally, the writing style was quite dull and lacked depth. Overall, I didn't enjoy this book and wouldn't recommend it.
2. John - 1/5 stars
I couldn't even finish "Talisman of Hierarchy" - that's how much I disliked it. The story dragged on for what felt like forever with no clear direction. The pacing was slow, and the plot was uninteresting. The characters were shallow and lacked any real development. The dialogue was awkward and forced, making it hard to immerse myself in the story. It's safe to say that I won't be picking up any other books by this author.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars
I had high hopes for "Talisman of Hierarchy", but it fell flat for me. The world-building was confusing and hard to understand, with little explanation given. The narrative jumped around a lot, making it hard to follow. The magic system, which should have been interesting, was poorly explained and inconsistent. It had the potential to be a great book, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. I was left feeling disappointed and frustrated.