Wiccan Rede
from Middle English rede, meaning advice or counsel
A moral guideline for Wiccans stating that actions should cause no harm.
The Wiccan Rede is a key moral system within Wicca and related witchcraft traditions. It is best known as a short couplet advising practitioners to do what they will, provided it harms none. The text evolved from mid-twentieth-century neopagan writings and debates over its origins.
- First recorded by Doreen Valiente in 1964.
- Known as 'An ye harm none, do what ye will.'
- Long Rede published in Earth Religion News, 1974.
- Derived from Middle English word for advice.
- Similar to Mill's harm principle and Golden Rule.
What it is
The Wiccan Rede serves as a central ethical framework for Wicca and certain other witchcraft-based faiths. It functions as a guide for behavior rather than a strict set of commandments. The most famous version consists of eight words: 'An ye harm none, do what ye will.' This phrase encourages personal freedom while emphasizing responsibility for one's actions. Practitioners view it as a way to navigate moral dilemmas by considering the consequences of their deeds on others.
Where it comes from
The short couplet was first recorded in 1964 during a speech by Doreen Valiente. Variants appeared later, such as using 'ye' instead of 'it' or 'wilt' instead of 'will.' A longer twenty-six-line poem, known as the Long Rede, was published in 1974 in Earth Religion News. Lady Gwen Thompson claimed this longer version came from her grandmother, Adriana Porter, but scholars dispute this due to anachronistic language and concepts. Some argue it was compiled by Thompson herself or adapted from earlier sources like John Stuart Mill's harm principle or Aleister Crowley's works.
Wiccan Rede, drawn and placed
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What it is for
The Rede guides Wiccans in making ethical choices. It suggests that individuals should follow their true will without causing harm to others, animals, or plants. Interpretations vary; some see it as implying the Golden Rule, encouraging active good deeds. Others focus on personal responsibility and avoiding negative consequences. Unlike religious laws, it does not define specific harmful acts, leaving judgment to individual conscience and context.
Peoples and places
The Rede is primarily associated with Wiccans and Gardnerians. While many Wiccans use it as a moral compass, some Gardnerian sects prefer the Charge of the Goddess for ethical guidance. The text reflects influences from English folklore and nineteenth-century revivalist language. Debates continue regarding its exact authorship and whether it represents ancient tradition or modern composition. Its widespread circulation has made it a recognizable symbol of neopagan ethics.
At a glance: who, where and when
What people believe
The Rede is viewed as advice rather than divine law. It contrasts with Judeo-Christian commandments by focusing on outcomes rather than prohibitions. Most Wiccans believe it implies reciprocity and doing good for oneself and others. The concept of 'none' is interpreted flexibly, sometimes including only humans, other times extending to all living beings. It encourages aligning one's actions with their highest ideals and true desires.
How scholars and sceptics see it
Scholars analyze the Rede's linguistic features to determine its age. Critics note misuse of archaic terms like 'an'' for 'and,' suggesting a twentieth-century origin. Some researchers argue that while parts may reflect older folklore, the full poem likely emerged between 1964 and 1975. Comparisons are drawn to philosophical ideas like utilitarianism and the Golden Rule. Historians trace its publication history through neopagan magazines and newsletters, highlighting its evolution within the movement.
Compare and confuse
The Rede resembles consequentialist versions of the Golden Rule found in many religions. It shares similarities with the Latin maxim primum non nocere and John Stuart Mill's harm principle. Unlike the Ten Commandments, it lacks specific rules. Some compare it to Aleister Crowley's 'Do what thou wilt' or King Pausole's edicts. These parallels highlight shared themes of personal liberty bounded by non-harm.
Today
The Wiccan Rede remains a widely recognized ethical statement in contemporary Wicca. It appears in various forms across neopagan literature and online resources. Discussions about its interpretation continue among practitioners. Some view it as a flexible guideline, while others seek more structured moral codes. Its presence in modern witchcraft reflects ongoing efforts to define ethical standards within diverse spiritual paths.
Questions people ask about Wiccan Rede
What is the Wiccan Rede?
It is a moral guideline for Wiccans, best known as the couplet 'An ye harm none, do what ye will.' It advises practitioners to act freely while ensuring their actions cause no harm.
Where does the Wiccan Rede come from?
The short version was first recorded by Doreen Valiente in 1964. The longer poem, the Long Rede, was published in 1974, though its origins are debated and possibly linked to Lady Gwen Thompson.
Is the Wiccan Rede a strict law?
No, it is considered advice rather than a commandment. It leaves interpretation of 'harm' to the individual, unlike religious texts with specific prohibitions.
How do Wiccans interpret 'harm none'?
Interpretations vary. Some apply it only to humans, while others include animals and plants. It generally encourages personal responsibility and avoiding negative consequences.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Wiccan Rede", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.
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