EthicsHaving a coherent system of ethics is a defining characteristic of a witch. Linked to this page is a series of articles and writings which attempt to define the ethical systems of various Witches. Although the Rede's 'An it harm none, do what ye will,' is at the root of all of thesesystems, carrying that ethic to its fullest limit is difficult to maintain in modern society.
In no particular order, this page offers: Four variations of the Rede. Although (to my eye) they differ only in the smallest details, I have put them together for comparative purposes. Several collections of Goals and Rules that I've collected over the years. Karl Lembke's 'Rede of the Wiccae' reminds us that we belong to a religion of responsibility, as does Judy Harrow's "That Old Black Magic: Getting Specific about Magical Ethics." I offer two somewhat scholarly Discourses on the Rede for comparative purposes (Rocky Mountain Coven's and author unknown)as well as Judy Harrow's 'Exegesis of the Rede', a wonderful look at the Rede from a point of view not entirely Wiccan.
Oriah MountainWater's 'It Doesn't Interest Me...' is a thought-provoking piece on what is important in life. For entirely different reasons, so is J. Crowley's 'My Craft Ethics'. Michael Walden's 'Perfect Love...' should get you to stop and think about our password. I have a couple of pages of Laws for your perusal (One Two). I do not recommend any of them in particular, but I offer them to you so you can see what other covens and groups feel were necessary to codify. I'll probably put more up later (I'd like to maybe put JaguarMoon's Laws up here...). I also have a page of 'Beliefs & Customs of Wicca' and another on 'Basic Principles.' Finally, I have included a few other odds 'n' ends: JaguarMoon's expectations, a piece on Open Circle Ethics, and a reminder to Always Question.
Ethical teaching is one of the first lessons in becoming a Witch. Below is my own way of walking within the world.
Ma'at's System of Ethics
1. An it harm none, do what you will.
2. Never speak falsehood.
3. Bear in mind that the act of withholding the truth is always potentially a lie, and a significant moral decision is required each and every time you do so.
4. The decision to withhold truth should never be based on personal needs.
5. The decision to withhold truth must always be based upon the needs of the person from whom the truth is being withheld.
6. The assessment of another's needs is an act of responsibility that is so complex, it can only be executed wisely when one operates with genuine love for the other.
7. This assessment must be undertaken with the knowledge that we tend to underestimate the capacity of another's strength.
8. Trust is earned, not given.
9. Treat others with the dignity and respect with which you desire to be treated in turn.
10. Love yourself before all others.
11. Speak thoughtfully, but openly, and do not worry about what others think -- its your life to live, not theirs.
12. Give back more than you take.
13. Walk upon the earth lightly, honor her as your first ancestor.
14. Value yourself and your services fairly when compensation is involved.
15. When given work to do, do it the best you know how.copyright Lady Ma'at
2001