As
above, so below. Balance in all things is what a Wicca strives for. Along
with the powers and skills of Witchcraft, there is a personal responsibility
to keep one's actions for the good of all and pure in intent.
Being
a Witch also means being socially and magickally responsible. As
above, so below, means that whatever magickal energies have been worked
with, equal effort in the physical world must be applied. For example, a Witch
seeking employment would not sit around the house all day burning money incense
and waiting, instead he or she would be out actively looking for a job as well
as doing the rituals and spells to draw a job towards them.
Free Will is another important element that Witches don't abuse. Before doing
any spellwork for or on a person, that person must grant permission for the
magick to be worked. This means that Witches can't "make" anyone do anything,
such as fall in love, leave their spouse, or harm someone, because that would
be interfering with the person's free will.
The Threefold Law, also prevents Wicca from working irresponsibly with their
powers and abilities, and they understand and accept that whatever they send
out will return to them. Wiccans do not practice negative magic. They do not
go around "hexing" or cursing people, breaking up homes, and harming people
through their rituals. This does not mean that Wiccans never get angry, but
they would never fling curses or hexes at people in their anger.
Most Wicca strive to act, not react.
Social Responsibility comes in the form of community projects, such as collecting
clothes and blankets for the children or the elderly, cleaning up a polluted
section of a river or stream, organize toy drives or make donations to libraries
or charities. Many Wicca do not belong to covens, and may find that arranging
or organizing such a large event alone is too time consuming. They may support
their community and make their offering to the Earth in ways like donating plants
to their botanical garden,
dropping off their old clothes at a charity shop, or planting trees in their
gardens or in some remote place.There are many ways that Witches work to support
their communities.
Some covens hold public rituals and faires, including talks and workshops to
enlighten and educate the public about the truth of Wicca and Paganism.
Craft folk see the Earth as the source and shelter of life, and humankind as
one part of the web of life that covers her. They feel a sacred obligation to
protect the Earth as the Mother of life, and to share Her resources with other
life forms as we would with sisters and brothers.
