*Wiccan Ethics*
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"An it harm none, do what ye will" is considered the main tenant of Wicca. It is similar to the Golden Rule, in that it mandates that you can do whatever you want, but only if you do not harm anything, anyone or yourself in the process. This belief constantly reminds us that there are many consequences to our actions and we must consider all possible outcomes before acting. The Wiccan Rede thereby binds Wiccans to do the right thing, for if we don't, then the Law of Three applies: "Whatever you do will return to you threefold".
The Belief in Light & Dark
Most Wiccans acknowledge that there is "light" and "dark" to the universe. This polarity (light vs. dark) is part of the natural order of things and is not necessarily "evil" or "bad". What is considered 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 events that might be harmful. As an example, death is "dark" but it is part of the natural process of life and is not feared by Wiccans, but natural and accepted.
Evil
Evil is different from "dark" when it is used to describe human actions. When a person commits a certain action for personal gain, or to serve a personal end, it is considered "evil". If a volcano 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 set out 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 balance of all human functions. This outlook is perfectly expressed in the Charge of the 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 love and 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 that compassion must be partnered with power, humility with honor, and reverence with mirth. Love of life in all its forms, is the basic ethic of the Nature Religions. We are bound to honor and respect all living things and to serve the Life Force.
We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon, and the seasonal Quarters, and Cross Quarters.
We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment of life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.
We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary, it is sometimes called "supernatural," but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.
We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity - as masculine and feminine - and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and the feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.
We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconsciousness, Inner Planes, etc. - and we see in the inter-action of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena, and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.
We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.
We see religion, magick and wisdom in 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 not make a witch - but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that makes life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with nature.
We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe we know and our personal role within it.
We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
