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Wiccan Rede

"Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill. And you harm none, do what you will."

This is what is known as the Wiccan Rede. The word rede means "to give counsel or advice." Some Wiccan groups believe the Rede has been passed from generation to generation for hundreds of years. However, the Rede does not appear in any of the old literature or teachings before the 1940's or 1*950's, and is very likely an invention of Gerald Gardner. This is a fine sounding ethic, one of great spiritual Value, and one that Witches live by most of the time. Witches firmly believe in "live and let live" and the sacredness of all life. Interpertation of the Rede includes not harming oneself or animals, as well as other people.

The well-known Witch Sybil Leek advised that a codicil should be attached to the Rede; "Evil allowed to exist harms everyone," with which others do agree. It is a Witch's deastiny and duty to fight against evil, not to pretend that it does not exist or will go away if you ignore it. This concept can confuse some apprentices who believe that to confront evil is "black" magic.

Apprentices in the Craft frequently proclaim that they will do only "white" magic. Many will change their minds later--not change their minds and do "black" magic, but move inot the narrow realm between these two extremes, the realm of "gray" magic. A gray Witch is the most powerful of all Witches. Nothing in life is cut and dried, but alwaysa mixture of things. To meet daily needs, the Witch must do what needs to be done in the least offensive manner, but certainly never turn away from evil as if it does not exist. Never comprimise with evil.

To only believe in either white and black magic limits the exploration of truth and knowledge, becauseby their very natures white and black magic are extremes. There is little, if any, room in extreme too see truth as the multiplicity it is. Gray magic gives the Witch the opportunity to look at all sides of any given situation and take necessary action withthe least harm to all involved, particularly the Witch doing the spellwork, who works for the good of all, whether for Witches or not.

White magic is similar to a simple form of poetry and prayer to the Goddess and the God. Many Wiccans who fear to go beyond white magic also refuse to believe they should do anything to stop evil people, energies, or entities. the Goddess demands responsiblity and action. Therefore, a Witch who only does white magic is living with blinders on.

Black magic deals entirely with evil negative energies or deoms, and unethical actions to gain results, usually personal power