The Wiccan Rede can be expressed in just eight words: “An it Harm None, do as ye will.”
This is the fundamental principle of the Wiccan faith, guiding us to pursue our desires provided that no harm comes to others.
The term “none” encompasses the self, other people, animals, and plants. It essentially refers to all creations of the Mother Goddess.
Similar variations of this Moral Law exist in various religions. It closely resembles the Golden Rule: “do not do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you,” but it is absolute.
The essence of the Rede is not merely avoiding harm but also actively promoting goodness for both oneself and one’s fellow beings.
Many outsiders misinterpret it as a license to indulge in whatever one wants without considering the repercussions, which is INCORRECT.
The Wiccan Rede is deeply rooted in compassion, empathy, and reverence for oneself, for others, as well as for the Goddess and the God. It steers and channels our energies for the benefit of all creations.
Everything is interconnected; we share a bond with the Universe, the Earth, and the Stars. Our actions influence everything around us. We are acutely aware of this, taking full responsibility for what we do.
To align with the laws is to embrace wisdom; to oppose them is to invite chaos. With this understanding, we acknowledge our accountability for our actions.
Each spell that Witches perform aims for a positive outcome and is crafted with deep consideration. They should always conclude with the phrase: “for the good of all and the harm of none.” By doing so, we spare ourselves and others from unnecessary difficulties.
The Wiccan Rede Mug from The Moonlight Shop
The most beneficial spells that a witch can cast are those for themselves. For instance, the most effective love spells are those aimed at boosting self-esteem, attracting love, and sparking passion. Spells that try to control others’ actions without regard for their free will are not advisable and may lead to negative outcomes.
Another example includes casting spells against someone who has caused us pain. We cannot invoke a spell to harm or weaken another person, but we can create a protective barrier around ourselves. This way, we deflect negativity without causing injury. We neutralize harmful energies and return them to the Universe.
Like everyone else, we possess free will. We adhere to the Wiccan Rede not out of fear of punishment, but because it reflects what is right. We choose to act according to how we should behave, rather than how we have to behave.
We are knowledgeable, strong, and empowered individuals, practicing the Wiccan Rede to the fullest extent!
Blessed be to all our siblings! 🙂
while Wicca is a fairly diverse religion, where no one sect or tradition is viewed by its members as the “true” form of it(unlike christianity for example), the Wiccan rede and the rule of three are the only beliefs that are central to calling your practise of magick ‘Wicca’. which is why I view covens that encourage or allow hexing, curses, and/or discrimination as non-wiccan magick covens(some dianic covens for example).
tl;dr: if your Wicca involves any harm, or if you plan to become Wiccan to ‘take vengeance’ via magick, then you’re not wiccan, you are simply a magic practitioner/pagan worshipper.