Followers of Wicca. Wiccans. do you follow the harm none rule strictly?

Question

Is there ever a time when you will cast a spell without that person's knowledge?

Is there ever a time you would cast a harmful spell?

Answer 1

Absolutely not! Never! No matter what! I do not believe in interferring with another's Karmic path, even if they are loved ones.
Nice question
Blessed Be

Answer 2

The harm none "rule" is misquoted- it is never fully used, and as such, it is impossible to follow. To say harm none is not something a human being can do- every action and INaction causes harm to something somewhere. The full quote is: "An' it harm none, do what ye will, but if it harm, then do what thou must." So often overlooked, and abused. No, most witches I know don't bother with this. Some even hold by Stregan beliefs in which cursing is a very powerful form of magic. Witches call on gods, animals, spirits - and some of us don't bother with calling on anything at all; we learn early on how to channel energy from the earth through us and use that energy. Much more efficent than using your own, because it all goes back into the earth and is recycles and reused anyway.

Answer 3

The harm none rule doesn't require the subject to have knowledge of your actions - it'd be like saying a prayer for someone to get well - you don't call them first for permission. I personally never cast a spell that was harmful (in fact, I left my spells wide open for interpretation so I wasn't demanding something that might have ended up harmful - or at least not in the best interest - to the parties involved.

Answer 4

I sometimes do some healing work without the knowledge of the person on the receiving end.

As for, 'do no harm', it's an entirely different matter. Energy work is tricky business. I think there's always a chance of energy getting loose through a hole we left in our care.

I've seen it said, intent is everything.

My own perception is that intent has little, or nothing to do with it. Results are everything.

And when the results slip through our best efforts and do the unexpected, we'd be well advised to expect what will come back.

Edit:

I've given a similar answer in a lot more detail in the question link below, in the unlikely event anyone's interested.

Answer 5

I interpret the Rede a little bit more broadly than simply "harm none". There are times when harm MUST be done in order to prevent greater or ongoing harm from occurring.

For example, I have cast binding spells without the knowledge of the persons they were cast against in cases of stalking, physical abuse, poisioning of pets, etc. However, in those cases I asked for the person to stop their harmful actions and to come to a place of greater wisdom and/or get the help they needed to realize that those actions are destructive and that they can change. I would NOT cast a spell asking for other, more direct forms of harm to come to that person.

Hope this answers your question. :-)

Answer 6

The only way I take aggressive action of any kind is when I or a loved one is in danger. Otherwise I strictly practice the harm none. I refuse to give up the right to defend myself or my family.

Answer 7

I'm not wiccan, but am a pagan (druid) and I would never knowingly harm anyone. I have, on occassion, sent healing to someone without first asking if its ok when this has not been possible (asking that is)

Answer 8

yes I follow it strictly and would never ever cast a harmful spell ......... that brings us back again to the first rule of magik......... "and it harms none"... enough

Answer 9

I most certainly do follow it strictly. There is more to the eight words than just what the eight words say.

Answer 10

of course, If I ever did violate it I would get my friends to bless my soul one million times!!!