Ethics

Wiccans basically believe in a "live and let live", Non violent philosophy,

and tend to be tolerant of the beliefs and lifestyles of others.

There is a basic gentleness of spirit within most Wiccans

and a striving toward peaceful coexistence with those around them.

Yet there is also a focus on themselves

and their personal needs and Wiccans do not generally "

turn the other cheek" when they are attacked.

Wiccans avoid certain acts not so much because

they believe in some resulting punishment as

they do out of basic sense of right and wrong.

It is wrong to steal, it is wrong to needlessly

take a life, it is wrong to intentionally hurt someone.

The Popular text, The Wiccan Rede best sums up the Wiccan Ethics;

The Rede says: "An as it harm none, do as ye will."

Some Wiccans interpret this to mean that a person can do

anything they wish as long as no one is harmed by it,

and there by that person is free of any karmic debt.

This is not exactly the interpretation of the

Rede within the Mystery Teaching.

To do as one wills to do actually means to find one's purpose and to fulfill it.

This is intended to be for the benefit of the person but not to the detriment

of another person. In the work of the Neophyte to master

his or her physical senses and to pass into non attachment.

Once the student has risen above the desires and needs of the flesh,

then he or she can view the world with detachment and

so discover their true Will or Purpose.

At this stage there is no greed, envy, or jealousy, and

therefore the person can act through knowledge of

his or her own pure will, which then naturally causes no harm

to another because it is not centered on any relationship,

personal prestige or any personal gain within a society.

It is the true will of the divine nature within the person,

acting in accord with its purpose in this Lifetime.

Information from "The Wiccan Mysteries" by Raven Grimassi