Ethics
Learning the ethics of Wicca is, in my opinion, the most important thing you will learn. Without a firm understanding of the ethics of Witchcraft you will most likely blunder into dangerous situations, both for yourself and others, when using magick especially.The basis of our system of ethics comes from the “Wiccan Rede” and the “Law of Return”, which is also known as the “Law of Three” or the “Threefold Law”.
The Law of Return
Ever Mind The Rule Of Three
Three Times Your Acts Return To Thee
This Lesson Well, Thou Must Learn
Thou Only Gets What Thee Dost Earn!
The last eight words of the Wiccan Rede are:
"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"
In some ways these two laws state the same thing, for every one of our actions and inactions there will be a karmic return. So, sending out harmful or negative energy will only get us the same thing in return, magnified. While sending out helpful or positive energy will return the same to us threefold. Pretty simple when you look at this way, do good - get good, do bad - get bad. You don’t have to be Einstein to figure which one most people want to return to them.
In actuality it is and it isn’t simple. Our laws cover EVERY action and inaction. If we cast to aid someone that should get us good karma in return. But, what if you don’t have the person’s permission to cast on or for them? Many within Wicca will tell you that you absolutely MUST have a persons permission before you cast on or for them. I won’t tell you that. The decision to cast without a persons permission is a personal decision. For me, I will not cast without a persons express permission to do so.
If you do decide to cast without permission, I will tell you to be VERY certain that you will cause NO harm! If someone comes to you with a friend that is ill and they want you to cast a healing for them, I will not tell you that you must have that individuals permission. What I will tell you is that you must be very careful and don’t make any instant decision. Think about it. Look at it from every angle and viewpoint you can think of. And if you feel it is the right thing to do after this thought and reflection, then it is still a good idea to do divination to make sure.
The divination you do can be as simple as drawing a single tarot card or rune stone. (Personally, I use a pendulum with a simple yes or no marked on a piece of paper.)
If you draw or divine a positive answer…then cast. Just remember that there will be a return of this energy to you. And since you do not have the individual's permission this is a manipulation. So, do NOT expect to get only good Karma in return!
These laws also govern our lives, our every breath. And, yes, you will mess up! We are only human and the Goddess and God know that. They created us and expect us to mess up. They also expect us to learn from our mistakes and to do our best not to repeat them. But, most of us will. Just do your very best to live by the Rede and the Law of Return. That is all the Goddess and God ask.
