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The 'text-book' wiccan will live his/her life by a set of rules laid down in The Wiccan Rede, which is claimed to have been written by Lady Gwen Thompson in the 1930's, although there is some controversy that it was actually handed down to her by her grandmother.

      Anyhooo.... these basic principles are the wiccan rule-book.  Most people know it simply as "An ye harm none, do what ye will".  However, there follows the FULL version - Enjoy!

The Wiccan Rede

Artist: Jonathon Earl Bowser

• If no one is harmed by your action (either physically, emotionally, or spiritually), then do as you Will in life in accordance with your Higher Self.  Seek your identity and your purpose.

• When someone does something good for you, then repay the kindness by doing something good for another person, so that the seed that was planted will bear fruit.

• Keep your word and your oaths, when you give them.

• Do not kill anything, except when food or protection are required.

• Acknowledge and give due reverence to your gods, observing all of the sacred times and festivals.

• Belittle no one's beliefs, but simply offer what it is you believe to be true.

• Strive to live in peace with those who differ with you.

• Strive to be aware of those around you and seek compassion within yourself.

• Be true to your own understanding and strive to turn away from what is opposed within you.

• Help others according to their need and according to your ability to give of yourself.

• Respect Nature and strive to live in harmony with Her.

{For a definitive guide to The Wiccan Rede look HERE (off-site)}

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Another Rede that some Witch holds in high esteem is:

Norse Rede of Honor

(From the book "The Rites of Odin" by Ed Fitch)

1. In all that you do, consider its benefit or harm upon yourself, your children and your people.
2. All that which you do will return to you, sooner or later, for good or for ill. Thus strive always to do good to others, or at least strive always to be just.
3. Be honest with yourself, and with others. "This above all; to thine own self be true."
4. Humankind, and especially your own family and folk, has the spark of divinity within it. Protect and nurture that spark.
5. Give your word sparingly, and adhere to it like iron.
6. In the world, your first trust and responsibility should be to your own people. Yet, be kind and proper to others whenever possible.
7. What you have, HOLD!
8. Pass on to others only those words which you have personally verified.
9. Be honest with others, and let them know that you expect honesty in return, always.
10. The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one's head is a virtue.
11. Know which battles should be fought, and which battles should be avoided. Also, know when to break off a conflict. There are times when the minions of chaos are simply too strong or when fate is absolutely unavoidable.
12. When you gain power, use it carefully and use it well.
13. Courage and honor endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust.
14. Pledge friendship and your services to those who are worthy. Strengthen others of your people and they will strengthen you.
15. Love and care for your family always, and have the fierceness of a wolf in their protection.
16. Honor yourself, have pride in yourself, do your best and forgive yourself when you must.
17. Try always to be above reproach in the eyes of the world.
18. Those of our people should always endure to settle any differences among themselves quietly and peaceably.
19. The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom.
20. Have pride in yourself, your family and your folk. They are your promise for the future.
21. Do not neglect your mate and children.
22. Every one of our people should work according to the best that s/he can do, no matter how small or how great. We are all in this world together, thus we must always help each other along.
23. One advances individually and collectively only by living in harmony with the natural order of the world.
24. The seeking of wisdom is a high virtue. Love of truth, honor, courage and loyalty are the hallmarks of the noble soul.
25. Be prepared for whatever the future brings.
26. Life with all its joys, struggles and ambiguities is to be embraced and lived to the fullest!

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The Wiccan Law

• We are of the Old Ways, among those who walk with the Goddess and God and receive Their love.

• Keep the Sabbats and Esbats to the best of your abilities, for to do otherwise is to lessen your connection with the Goddess and God.

• Harm none.  This, the oldest law, is not open to interpretation or change.

• Shed not blood in ritual, the Goddess and God need not blood to be duly worshipped.

• Those of our ways are kind to all creatures, for hurtful thoughts are quiet draining and aren't worth the loss of energy.

• Misery is self-creating, so, too, is joy, so create joy and disdain misery and unhappiness.  And this is within your power.  So harm not.

• Teach only what you know, to the best of your ability, to those students who you choose, but teach not to those who would use your instructions for destruction or control.  Also, teach not to boost pride, forever remember: She who teaches out of love shall be enfolded in the arms of the Goddess and God.

• Ever remember that if you would be of our way, keep the law close to your heart, for it is the nature of the Wicca to keep the Law.

• If ever the need arises, any law may be changed or discarded, and new laws written to replace them, so long as the new laws don't break the oldest law of all.  Harm None.

Blessings of the Goddess and God on us all.

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The Witches Rede of Chivalry

      Insofar as the Craft of the Wise is the most ancient and most honourable creed of humankind, it behoves all who are Witches to act in ways that give respect to the Old Gods, to their sisters and brothers of the Craft, and to themselves. Therefore, be it noted that: 

1.  Chivalry is a high code of honour, which is of most ancient Pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow the Old Ways. 

2.  It must be kenned that thoughts and intent put forth on this middle-Earth will wax strong in other worlds beyond, and return...bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus one should exercise discipline, for "as ye do plant, so shall ye harvest."

3.  It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead.

4.  "This above all...to thine own self be true..."

5.  A Witch's word must have the validity of a signed and witness oath. Thus, give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.

6.  Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known.

7.  Pass not unverified words about another, for heresay is, in a large part, a thing of falsehoods.

8.  Be thou honest with others, and have them known that honesty is likewise expected of them.

9.  The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one's head is a virtue.

10. Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm.

11. Diverse covens may well have diverse news on love between members and with others. When a coven, clan or grove is visited or joined, one should discern quietly their practices, and abide thereby.

12. Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humour are much to be admired.

13. As a Witch, thou hast power, and thy powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore exercise discretion in the use thereof.

14. Courage and honour endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust.

15. Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen others of the Brethren and they shall strengthen thee.

16. Thou shall not reveal secrets of another Witch or another coven. Others have laboured long and hard for them and cherish them as treasures.

17. Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways, those who are once-born must see nothing, and must hear nothing.

18. Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world.

19. The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and within reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom.

20. Have pride in thyself, and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the Lady has said, "How can thou honour another unless thou give honour to thyself first?"

21. Those who seek the mysteries should consider themselves as select of the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humans to the highest of thrones and beyond the very stars. 

More Laws of Witchcraft