*Wiccan Ethics*

“An it harm none, do what ye will”is considered the main tenant of Wicca. It is similar to the Golden Rule, inthat it mandates that you can do whatever you want, but only if you do not harmanything, anyone or yourself in the process. This belief constantly reminds usthat there are many consequences to our actions and we must consider allpossible outcomes before acting. The Wiccan Rede thereby binds Wiccans to dothe right thing, for if we don’t, then the Law of Three applies: “Whatever youdo will return to you threefold”.

The Belief in Light & Dark

Most Wiccans acknowledge that thereis “light” and “dark” to the universe. This polarity (light vs. dark) is partof the natural order of things and is not necessarily “evil” or “bad”. What isconsidered to be “light” are those events or processes which are beneficial,such as the birth of a healthy baby. Whereas, things that are “dark” are eventsthat might be harmful. As an example, death is “dark” but it is part of thenatural process of life and is not feared by Wiccans, but natural and accepted.

Evil

Evil is different from “dark” whenit is used to describe human actions. When a person commits a certain actionfor personal gain, or to serve a personal end, it is considered “evil”. If avolcano erupts and destroys a village, this process would be thought of as“dark” but there was no evil or malicious intent on the part of the volcano.However, when an individual commits murder, for instance, this individual setout to harm another person, therefore, their action can be described as “evil”.It is not only the act, but the malicious intent that differentiates “evil”from “dark”

Balance

Wiccan believe in a joyful balanceof all human functions. This outlook is perfectly expressed in the Charge ofthe Goddess, which is an integral part of most of the rituals of all Wiccans,“Let My worship be within the heart that rejoices; for behold, all acts of loveand pleasure are My rituals, and therefore let there be beauty and strength,power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you.”

The Wiccan is always conscious thatcompassion must be partnered with power, humility with honor, and reverencewith mirth. Love of life in all its forms, is the basic ethic of the NatureReligions. We are bound to honor and respect all living things and to serve theLife Force.

We practice rites to attuneourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of theMoon, and the seasonal Quarters, and Cross Quarters.

We recognize that our intelligencegives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live inharmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment of life andconsciousness within an evolutionary concept.

We acknowledge a depth of power fargreater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greaterthan ordinary, it is sometimes called “supernatural,” but we see it as lyingwithin that which is naturally potential to all.

We conceive of the Creative Power inthe universe as manifesting through polarity – as masculine and feminine – andthat this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through theinteraction of the masculine and the feminine. We value neither above theother, knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sex as pleasure, asthe symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies usedin magickal practice and religious worship.

We recognize both outer worlds andinner, or psychological, worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, theCollective Unconsciousness, Inner Planes, etc. – and we see in the inter-actionof these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena, and magickalexercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessaryfor our fulfillment.

We do not recognize anyauthoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who sharetheir greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageouslygiven of themselves in leadership.

We see religion, magick and wisdomin living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it –a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft – The Wiccan Way.

Calling oneself “witch” does notmake a witch – but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles,degrees and initiations. A witch seeks to control the forces within her/himselfthat makes life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm toothers and in harmony with nature.

We believe in the affirmation andfulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development ofconsciousness giving meaning to the Universe we know and our personal rolewithin it.

We believe that we should seekwithin Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

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