56%
Confidence
Belief overview
Wiccan Rede
The most famous ethical maxim advises acting without causing harm.
2
Supportive
0
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: The Wiccan Rede is a famous ethical formulation, often summarized by the idea of doing what one wishes as long as it causes no harm.
How the tradition understands it: It functions as a guiding principle of responsibility, discernment, and self-control, not as unrestricted authorization for any desire.
Textual basis and context: It became very well known in introductory materials and in popular Wiccan culture.
Debates and variations: There is debate about its textual origin, its actual normative weight in different lineages, and the exact meaning of harm in complex situations.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
Scott Cunningham, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
A highly influential manual for solitary and eclectic practice.
Reference: Scott Cunningham, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner.
Content: The book presents home practice, accessible theology, the Wheel of the Year, magic, and ethics in an introductory format.
Use in debate: It is decisive for understanding modern eclectic Wicca.
Traditional Wiccan Rede
A classic ethical formulation associated with the modern tradition.
Reference: Traditional formulations of the Wiccan Rede.
Content: This well-known ethical maxim guides responsible action and seeks to avoid unjustified harm.
Use in debate: It is the main popular reference for Wiccan ethics.