Silver MoonFairie's Haven

Wiccan Ethics & the Wiccan Rede

Wiccans have ethics which are different in nature than most "one-god" religions, which hand out a list of "do's and don'ts". We have a single extremely powerful ethical principal which Initiates are responsible for applying in specific situations according to their best judgment. That principle is called the Wiccan Rede (Old-English for rule) and reads:

"An (if) it harm none, do as ye Will"

Based on the earlier mention of "True Will", you will understand that the Rede is far more complex than it sounds, and is quite different than saying "Do whatever you want as long as nobody is hurt". Finding out your Will is difficult sometimes, and figuring out what is harmful, rather than just painful or unpleasant is not much easier.

The Wiccan Rede

Bide ye wiccan laws you must, in perfect love and perfect trust.
Live ye must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.

Form the circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind your spell will every time, let the spell be spoke in rhyme.

Soft of eye and light of touch, speak ye little, listen much.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out ye baleful tune.

When ye Lady's moon is new, kiss your hand to her times two.
When ye moon rides at her peak, then your heart's desire seek.

Heed the north winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the wind comes from the south, love will kiss thee on the mouth.

When the wind blows from the east, expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind blows from the west, Bardic words be at their best!

Nine woods in the cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Elder be ye Lady's tree, burn it not or cursed ye'll be.

When the wheel begins to turn, soon ye Beltane fires will burn.
When the wheel hath turned a Yule, light the log the Horned One rules.

Heed ye flower, bush and tree, by the Lady blessed be.
Where the rippling waters go, cast a stone, the truth ye'll know.

When ye have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend, or be counted as his friend.

Merry meet and merry part, bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind ye threefold law ye should, three times bad and three times good.

When misfortune is enow, wear the star upon thy brow.
True in love ye ever be, lest thy love be false to thee.

Bide ye wiccan laws you must, in perfect love and perfect trust.
These eight words the rede fulfill;

An it harm none, do what ye will

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