On The Wiccan Rede
Nemenim laedere, reads the summations of many old law-codes. "Harm none". This is the spirit behind all particulars. Adhered to, it commands a mutual respect for rights.
As stated in the Wiccan Rede, "An' ye harm none, do what ye will", this is an excellent guide to conduct. It allows full libertarian freedom within the guidelines of not stepping on the rights of others. Every honorable person ought endeavor to so govern their conduct.
In fact, it has become so fashionable on the web to mock the Rede that that is almost a guideline to its very validity. I would personally be very, very suspicious of someone who had a kneejerk objection to the Rede unless they made very careful, nuanced arguments on their behalf. People who aren't willing even in principle to observe mutual rights are probably not people you want to have in your life.
You have fruits you can bring to the world, that will be of benefit to the world, and the world needs them. But the world also needs for you to bring them in such a way that you do not step on others. Do what you will, if it harms none.
This is so simple, so obvious, so right and true while preserving freedom, I can't really understand anyone who's not a nasty disrespecter of rights having a problem with it.
I'm a heathen, and I think the Rede makes great sense. And centuries upon centuries of professors of jurisprudence agree with me.
As stated in the Wiccan Rede, "An' ye harm none, do what ye will", this is an excellent guide to conduct. It allows full libertarian freedom within the guidelines of not stepping on the rights of others. Every honorable person ought endeavor to so govern their conduct.
In fact, it has become so fashionable on the web to mock the Rede that that is almost a guideline to its very validity. I would personally be very, very suspicious of someone who had a kneejerk objection to the Rede unless they made very careful, nuanced arguments on their behalf. People who aren't willing even in principle to observe mutual rights are probably not people you want to have in your life.
You have fruits you can bring to the world, that will be of benefit to the world, and the world needs them. But the world also needs for you to bring them in such a way that you do not step on others. Do what you will, if it harms none.
This is so simple, so obvious, so right and true while preserving freedom, I can't really understand anyone who's not a nasty disrespecter of rights having a problem with it.
I'm a heathen, and I think the Rede makes great sense. And centuries upon centuries of professors of jurisprudence agree with me.
posted by SiegfriedGoodfellow at 1:20 AM
4 Comments:
An excellent analysis. And a sorely needed note of rationality in the interminable wranglings between Heathens and Wiccans. Thanks!!!
I second that! I recently made a similar point in favour of the Rede in a blog post I wrote about ethics in relation to practices such as Seidr. Good on you for helping to break the all too typical Heathen "ya boo" attitude to all things Wiccan!
For many, the way to boost their ego is to feign superiority to someone else. The heathen sense of superiority to Wiccans is largely unearned.
Hey Lara,
Private message me if you get a chance.
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