Pagans/ Wiccans?

Question

How many of you follow the rede? As in, "If dost harm none, do what thou whilt." As a Celtic Pagan myself I was wondering how many others follow this. I personally don't although I will defend any Pagan/ Wiccan that does. I have no problem visiting violence on those that would do us harm.

Wheeza

I am surprised at thou and thy assumption that I practice magic. I do not, however I was stating as a CELT that I have no problem defending mine and those like me with violence if need be.

Answer 1

I do try to follow it.

On the other hand, I have a calling as a warrior, and sometimes I have to ask myself what is a greater "harm."

There is a saying that "All it takes for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing." I will not sit back and allow evil to prosper. Sometimes, that means harming someone. On the other hand, I also believe that sometimes the universe balances itself through us. Sometimes, we BECOME the balance.

It's not an easy decision, and should NEVER be taken lightly. Those kinds of decisions SHOULD make you question yourself, your motives, and, yes, your faith. Depending on the gravity of the situation, that sort of self-examination may cause you some sleepless nights. But hey--no one ever said being a sane, honorable human being was comfortable.

Answer 2

The rede isn't a law and, thus, cannot be "followed." The statement is permissive. It says we can freely do anything that causes no harm. Yes, I do believe in that and do not trouble people when they do harmless things.

I also recognise what I think is implied here in that thought needs to be put into anyhting that will cause harm, and I go with what is the least harm to innocents i.e. I will certainly defend someone, but I don't feel that is out of line with the Rede at all.

Answer 3

I'm not Wiccan so I don't follow the Rede BUT most trads have a version of it. Whether that be karma or wyrd or the rede or law of return. Part of Paganism, a BIG part, is taking complete responsibility for our actions, good and bad. The Gods don't make us do anything or stop us. Therefor whatever comes from our actions are ours and ours alone.

Answer 4

I'm not Wiccan (I have not been trained in, nor initiated into, a Wiccan Tradition) and so I have taken no oaths about the Rede.

I think I understand it pretty well, and it really does NOT mean simply "Do no harm".

As for my own ethics, I follow the Rede *as it actually is* even though I am not bound to it.

Answer 5

I'm not Wiccan, so do not consider myself Rede-bound per se, however do consider it a matter of personal code to try to be the best person I can be and do my very best to harm none - no-one has ever been able to *never* hurt anyone, not even Jesus according to legend if you believe in him......he managed to hurt a few feelings and tenner says he gave a coin-changer a splinter or two ;) That must have been painful! Still, the best we can do is to acknowledge that there is duality within all of us - a light and a dark side - everyone of every belief system has this capacity for great good/love and evil/hate - acknowledging these and trying to make informed choices is, I believe, the best anyone can do regardless of chosen Path. I've owned/moderated elists for around 7 years now (give or take) and have come across ALL kinds - from the sneaky, nice-to-your-face-twisted-personality-behind-the-scenes types to the ones who are genuinely kind and exactly in person as they are online to the ones who call anyone who doesn't believe as they do "fluffy" *shrugs* ultimately what it comes down to is choice - we have the right to protect our ourselves and ours, however there are also times when our vision has been clouded - by the words or deeds of others or by our own inability to see beyond prejudices. So we choose and hope we choose right each time. It's the best we can do. I do know a few who follow the Rede religiously (ehrm, yep, pardon the pun) and to them it is a choice as well - to perhaps keep themselves from doing what they know themselves capable of if push came to shove. Who's to say but those in their shoes? I'm interested to see what responses you get!

Answer 6

As a Wiccan, I do. The Wiccan Rede really applies only to Wiccans -- while other Pagans may feel free to adopt it, they are by no means required to adhere to it.

However, to say that the Rede simply means "harm none" is far oversimplifying it. What the Rede suggests is that any action that minimizes harm is an acceptable action. It does NOT state that we are not allowed to cause harm. In fact, there are situations where causing harm is necessary in order to maintain life or in self-defense, or to prevent greater harm from occurring.

Answer 7

The Rede is Wiccan, though much more than 6 or 8 words. Almost all religions have the same philosophy or law in their sacred laws. Most appear to ignore them because such doings are not profitable in money or converts.

Lore

Answer 8

Wicca is a extremely new faith. It grew to become into created in the 1950's. It grew to become into based, partly, on historical Pagan ideals. Paganism is a great umbrella term for many faiths. in actuality any faith different than Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are seen Pagan. Hinduism, which could be seen Pagan, is reportedly the oldest faith. Paganism as i think of you mean it (which includes Druidism and different such religions) is extremely older than Christianity. Many Christian trip trips, rituals, or maybe Saints are "borrowed" from the Pagan religions. Christmas working example. comparable with Easter. Even the trinity. they're all "borrowed" from Pagan ideals. Saint Brigid grew to become into at one time a Goddess. She grew to become into lifted section and parcel from Pagan ideals and transplanted into Christian Sainthood. The Celts surpassed their religious ideals down by employing observe of mouth, they did not have a written history early on. yet that doesn't negate the actuality that it predates Christianity by employing extremely it sluggish. as a be counted of actuality, the Romans forcefully switched over the Pagan plenty throughout Europe ("borrowing" their rituals, trip trips and Goddess/Gods to make the conversion extra handy to take). So needless to say, the Pagans have been there first.

Answer 9

As a witch I do the best I can to follow the rede. But I would like to add that it is very much akin to The Golden Rule "Do unto others as you would have done to you". There is no place for retribution but there is a place for defending ones self or loved ones.
BB
)O(

Answer 10

I don't follow the rede exactly, more often my own blessing: May you receive that which your wish for others. That applies to me too.

I think this is okay:

Weapons are the tools of fear;
a decent man will avoid them
except in the direst necessity
and, if compelled, will use them
only with the utmost restraint.
Peace is his highest value.
If the peace has been shattered,
how can he be content?
His enemies are not demons,
but human beings like himself.
He doesn't wish them personal harm.
Nor does he rejoice in victory.
How could he rejoice in victory
and delight in the slaughter of men?

He enters a battle gravely,
with sorrow and with great compassion,
as if he were attending a funeral.
--Tao Te Ching