Avalonia : Wiccan Tradition - The Wiccan Rede and Ethics

An Introduction

AN IT HARM NONE - DO AS YE WILL

Excerp from Wicca: Circle of Fire by Sorita d'Este and David Rankine.
(second edition, 2008)

Wicca has a simple ethical code which is expressed in the eight words "An it harm none, do as ye will". This phrase is called the 'Wiccan Rede', and it was first used publically by Doreen Valiente in 1964. This phrase most probably derives from Aleister Crowley's famous axiom "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. Love is the Law, Love under Will." Crowley himself drew his inspiration from St Augustine's phrase "Love, and do what thou wilt", and Francois Rabelais' novel Gargantua (1534).

Rede is said to be an old word for 'council' or 'advice', which is exactly what the Wiccan Rede is - it is a philosophical statement which has many possible applications and interpretations.

The Wiccan Rede provides you with a personal guideline which you can use whenever you need to make an important decision. Not just decisions in regard to magickal workings, but also in your every day life. The Wiccan Rede places the emphasis on personal responsibility for all your actions. It says "hold on a minute, do you need to do that? How will your actions affect you? Are you sure you want to go ahead?"

The Wiccan Rede helps you to think about cause and effect, which is an essential part of magickal work. It is up to you to decide whether or not you should proceed. Some people find that the meaning of the words change for them as they gain in experience. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that hurt and harm are not quite the same thing. If you follow the Wiccan Rede you should strive towards always giving careful consideration to all your actions.