Wiccans, how seriously do you take the 'harm none' rule?

Question

prairie crow, yarn wh0re, and tawaen it's going to be hard to choose in between you three! You both explained everything really well and I agree. I try to mostly follow the rede, but even above that, I try to do the right thing. Sometimes even if the right thing isn't following the rede, you should still do it. I also agree that if someone is harming you with mental or physical abuse or if you are being mugged or kidnapped or whatever, that you should do whatever you can to get away from the person- whether they get seriously harmed or not. They were the ones who attacked YOU, not vise versa. Thanks for everyone's interesting theories, BTW. ;)

Answer 1

As a Pagan, not a Wiccan, I don't consider that to be one of the really important considerations in my life.

As far as I'm concerned, sometimes it's worth the consequences to do something that I know is harmful. "Harm none" is impossible to really follow to the letter. You're always doing something which will end up causing someone to be harmed. You can choose to do as little harm as possible, but even then, you will end up with unforseen problems and not enough information to make the "best" choice.

So really, I think the important rule is to "Do about as good as you can, given the information and circumstances." And make priorities, even if they aren't always what's best for everyone. Let other people be responsible for themselves, and keep your eye on what YOU need to be doing.

Answer 2

Well technically the Rede says "An it harm none, do as thou will", which is quite different from the simple commandment to not hurt anything. What the full Rede means is that as long as you don't hurt anything, you can do what you want (it's a subtle difference but an important one). But you must tread caution when you DO harm something, because it could just come back to you threefold (as stated in the Law of Three).

Answer 3

I interpret the Rede a little bit more broadly than simply "harm none" (a rede, by the way, is not a rule -- it is more of a suggestion). 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.

Also, look at the simple matter of physical survival. It is impossible to "harm none" -- in order for me to live, other things must die. In order for me to get the job that will feed my family, other applicants have to be rejected. Common sense tells me that "harm none" simply won't work as a hard-and-fast principle.

Answer 4

that is like asking a christian how seriously they take forgiveness. they know they sin and know they will be forgiven for sinning, and it is a cycle.

honestly, the Rede is the ideal - i will be the very first to admit that i do not always fulfill the Rede in my day to day life.

in ritual, however, the Rede is more powerful. if my intentions in ritual are to bring harm to another, then i am not following the Rede. ritually, i always make sure the things i do are as close to the Rede as possible.

if i do a ritual to help in my search to find a job, i know that someone else may be harmed if they do not get the job i do. i try to word my ritual to bring the greatest good to myself, my family, and my community. i simply ask for a job - not a specific job with a specific company - not putting a spell on a specific job. to me, that isn't wise.

Answer 5

I'm not Wiccan just an energy person, Whatever you do does return to you however. There is a risk of an Elemental clinging to you unless you are able to inactivate it.

Answer 6

Most take it seriously as in do not maliciously harm someone. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made ie herbs, etc. As long as you are respectful of said "harm" then its usually accepted.
But I'm not Wiccan so don't qoute me lol

Answer 7

Some do, some don't. Some deliberately set out to attack the competition and some find they have lost control over what they are dealing with. For more info. read 'From Witchcraft to Christ' by Doreen Irvine.

Answer 8

Good ones took it to their grave during the witch hunts

Answer 9

wat the ?????