| Ethics |
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| The Rede "An it harm none, do what you will" This little phrase is what many Pagans today feel is the foundation of their religion. The "Rede" is their moral guide. We do not adhere to dogma or any set of divine rules. We are much to diverse in our thinking and beliefs to be chained down by a single set of laws. But the one thing most of os seem to agree on is this basic code of personal conduct. "An it harm none, do what you will" can be interpreted in many different ways. But the basic gist is that you as a human are free to do WHATEVER you want! AS LONG AS it does not interfere with the freewill of another. Now some pople will include this to mean that they are not premitted to hurt anything even themselves. But then the question arises about tatoos and body-piercings. Is that hurting oneself? What about drugs? Can you kill a spider in your home? Some say yes and others say no. It is amazing the amount of debate over this simple guideline. "Bide the Witches Law you must, In perfect love and perfect trust. Eight words the Rede fulfill: An it harm none, do what you will. Least in self defence it be, Even mind the Rule of Three. Follow this with mind and heart, Merry ye meet and merry ye part!" In this slightly longer version of the Rede we see an opening in the "harm none" issue which is the premission to harm another only in self defence (in the United States it is legal to harm or even kill another human in the defence of a child). Also, here we see a mention to Karma. The "Rule of Three" refers to - what goes around comes around or the Golden Rule. Almost all cultures or religions have something close to this. The thing with Pagans is that we do not like to any farther than this. These simple guidelines seem to be more than enough for most Pagans today. And it is the one thing that most of us can agree on. One last word on Ethics... What ever you do, YOU did it. Take 100% responcibility for your own actions. This is a defining characteristic of a Pagan and confident human. Second... Never ever out a friend. If someone is exploring Paganism please keep their secret until they are ready to share. There is nothing worse than the betrayal of a friend. |