Wiccan Rede
An it harm none, do what ye will is the Wiccan Rede, a saying of the Wiccan religion. (Rede is an archaic word meaning, among other things, "saying" and "advice." It is cognate with German Rede.)There are a number of variations of this saying, the above being the most popular. Other versions include:
- And it harm none, do as thou wilt
- Do what you will, so long as it harms none
- An it harm none, do what thou will
- That it harm none, do as thou wilt
The Rede is seen by both Wiccans and outside observers as very similar to the Golden Rule, a belief that is found in nearly every religion. It should be noted that, while the Golden Rule forbids harm subjectively, the Wiccan Rede forbids harm absolutely. The concept of ethical reciprocity is not explicity stated, but most Wiccans interpret the Rede to imply the Golden Rule in the belief that the spirit of the Rede is not just to do no harm, but to actively do good for one's fellow humans as well as oneself.
In addition to the concept of ethical reciprocity expressed by most versions of the Golden Rule, however, the Rede also expressly rejects the concept of sin outside of harm to oneself or to another.
The rejection of specific exhortations and prohibitions of conduct such as those given in the Ten Commandments in Christianity makes its character somewhat different. The Rede is only a guideline which the individual must interpret to fit each particular situation.
Compare with: Thelema