Wiccan Ethics
Based on a lecture given by George Marvil on October 11, 2001
Ethics are usually canons of conduct for an organization. They tend to be organized and group centered. Morals are usually an individuals code of conduct. They tend to be more disorganized and are centered on personal beliefs.
Within the different pagan religions there have been a few attempts to create a code of ethics. The Wiccan traditions of Paganism tend to draw from certain documents, namely: the Wiccan Rede,the Old Laws (or Craft Laws), and the Tennents of Faith. (That's not to say these are the only forms of pagan ethics or the ones universally followed -- only that these are the most commonly followed ones within Wicca)
The Old Laws
This group of laws was put together around the founding of Gardnerianism/Alexandrianism, centuries ago in the 1950's. They were first described by Gerald Gardner. They are kind of screwy and hard to follow, but it was commented that they make a good drinking game.
The Tenets of Faith
These six basic ideals were put together by Sybil Leek -- one of the first public witchcraft writers, who "got them from her grandmother as part of a centuries old tradition."
Balance, Harmony, Humility, Trust, Tolerance, and Learning.
(Note: in Bluestar Wicca there is an additional Tenet, Reincarnation).
The Wiccan Rede
The Rede was originally published by Lady Gwen Thompson as "given to her by her grandmother" and therefore part of a centuries old tradition. It has been described as "a really bad poem" on more than one occasion. The Rede comes in two different forms, the Older Rede and the Common Rede.
The Common Rede
1. Bide the Wiccan Laws we must, in perfect love and perfect trust.
2. Live and let live, fairly take and fairly give.
3. Cast the Circle thrice about, to keep the evil spirits out.
4. To bind the spell every time, let the spell be spake in rhyme.
5. Soft of eye and light of touch, speak little, listen much.
6. Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the Witches' Rune.
7. Widdershins go by the waning moon, chanting out the baneful rune.
8. When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to her, times two.
9. When the moon rides at her peak, then your heart's desire seek.
10. Heed the North wind's mighty gale, lock the door and drop the sail.
11. When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss thee on the mouth.
12. When the wind blows from the West, departed souls will have no rest.
13. When the wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
14. Nine woods in the cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
15. Elder be the Lady's tree, burn it not or cursed you'll be.
16. When the Wheel begins to turn, let the Beltane fires burn.
17. When the Wheel has turned to Yule, light the log and the Horned One rules.
18. Heed ye Flower, Bush and Tree, by the Lady, blessed be.
19. Where the rippling waters go, cast a stone and truth you'll know.
20. When ye have a true need, hearken not to others' greed.
21. With a fool no season spend, lest ye be counted as his friend.
22. Merry meet and merry part, bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
23. Mind the Threefold Law you should, three times bad and three times good.
24. When misfortune is enow, wear the blue star on thy brow.
25. True in Love ever be, lest thy lover's false to thee.
26. Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill: An ye harm none, do what ye will.
Notes on the Rede
Line 18: Reverance for nature.
Line 20: Greed is not a good thing. Its not necessary to have to be the person with the most of everything. You don't have to outdo your peers.
Line 21: You'll be judged by the company you keep. Use common sense.
Line 23: "Three-Fold Law (Three Thingamajig Rule)" You reap what you sow. Gods/Cosmos will get you for your wrongful actions.
Line 24: The "Bluestar" refers to the Pentacle, which represents the Wiccan faith. Don't lose faith in times of stress or misfortune.
Line 25: Don't be deceitful. Always act upon your true feelings. Don't be false to your lover, family, and friends. This is similar to the Three-Fold Law, although more specific.
Line 26: An overused summary of the entire Rede. Basically, says use good judgement and common sense.
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