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THE ETHICS OF THE WICCAN REDE
Wicca is beyond question a religion by any test one can apply to that terminology and, as in most religions, Wicca has a concept of ethics. That is: a code of behavior or values to dictate our moral or spiritual awareness of right and wrong. For Wiccans, this standard of ethics is embodied in the Wiccan Law, which governs our lives and our actions as witches. We fully understand the Law is not a commandment, nor is it a law in any legal sense. It is a law in the ethical sense, a guideline for our material actions and by which our practice of magick is driven. It is one of those things that defines our persona as a witch, it is our Ethic and it is part and parcel of our lives both in and out of the Craft environment.
The keystone of the Wiccan Law is probably its fourth line, "An ye harm none do as ye will," generally referred to as the Wiccan Rede. In following the Rede, we acknowledge we can take actions or work whatever magick or spell craft we feel necessary or appropriate, but we will never do so in order to cause distress or harm to others. There is, however, a sometimes unspoken caveat to the Rede allowing us to defend ourselves or loved ones. That caveat is, "...except in self defense it be."
But what exactly is meant by "harm", and when can the "self defense" caveat supersede the "harm none" statement? These two questions have been debated seemingly endlessly in many forums but, generally speaking, I believe that "harm" is not confined to actual physical discomfort. It can be broadly defined as any attempt by a witch to manipulate or influence others against their will or without their consent. This would obviously include physical actions as well as spellcraft aimed at causing physical, mental or emotional distress to another; as well as love or attraction spells directed at someone with whom you might wish to become romantically involved.
As a case in point, several months ago one of our coveners came to me as her High Priest with a question regarding her relationship with a male friend. They had become somewhat close and she wished to accelerate the romantic process by working an attraction spell. She was uncertain if this would violate the Rede. We discussed the issue for several minutes before she acknowledged, as long as her male friend would be ignorant of her magickal actions, it would indeed be in conflict with the "without knowledge or consent" spirit of the Rede. She opted not to work the spell, placing her understanding and belief in the Rede above her personal desires.
And what about that caveat of self-defense: when does it violate the Rede's "harm none" philosophy? This question is a tricky one because so much of how one can address it depends on individual circumstances as well as how one defines self-defense. To some, the axiom "the best defense is a good offense" may be a necessary philosophy. In that case, one must rely on one's own situation as well as one's interpretation of the Rede. I can understand there may be situations when defense alone is simply not enough and something more vigorous is necessary. But even in those cases, I would urge restraint since you and you alone are responsible for your actions and that little "gotcha" called the Rule of Three will eventually come into play. You can count on it.
I personally know I am fully capable of erecting some pretty effective defenses in both the material and the magickal worlds. If any attacker happens to impale him or her self on those defenses, then so be it. I did not force them to attack me and whatever harm they received was of their own doing, coming as a result of their own actions. Did I harm them? Yes, probably so. Since that harm came as a result of self-defense, I have no problem in justifying my actions in light of the Rede because of the caveat "...except in self-defense it be." There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking that as a literal interpretation.
Thus, the Wiccan Law gives us our code of ethics and within it lies the Rede, which is at the very core of what it means to be Wiccan. The Rede is our counsel that, in simplified terms, defines our ethical practice of witchcraft: "An ye harm none do as ye will." In the final analysis, it will be up to each and every one of us as individuals how we interpret and apply the Rede in our lives and in our practice of the Craft. We are fully aware each act we take, be it good or bad, is totally our personal responsibility and each one of us is responsible for all the ramifications and consequences of our own actions. We are individually accountable, no one else but us, and we as individuals will reap the rewards of those actions, what ever they may be.
- Gary Cantrell