I’ve been thinking about joining the Pagan Speak web ring. I was waiting for the new August topics to be posted, but since they seem to be delayed, I thought I’d try one of the July topics. Also, it ties in nicely with an essay I’m working on for my main site, part of which I will reproduce here.

Topic #1 : Hexing vs. Healing (thanks to Syrenichol)
What do you think about hexing vs. healing?
The saying goes, “a witch can’t hex, can’t heal,” but not every witch agrees to this. Wiccans follow a moral code, “an ye harm none, do as ye will,” but what about self-defense and the idea that you’d be harming someone’s will? Do you even follow the rede? If not what are your beliefs? Have you hexed, have you healed?

I don’t agree with the sentiment that a witch who cannot hex, cannot heal, if it is taken literally. Many Wiccans choose not to practice any sort of “harm,” following the spirit of the Rede. They likely still understand the mechanics and ideas behind a “hex,” even without preforming one. These people can still be excellent healers, usually because they are very empathic.

Banishing spells, which are useful for self-defence and healing, can be considered a “hex” in terms of the above statement, in that they can been seen to cause harm to someone’s self-will. But banishments cast to rid the body of a disease are actually positive. In reality, any spell can be twisted, becoming a “hex.” It is the care and concern of the practitioner that makes the difference.

In terms of self-defence, the line between “hex”, or harming, and “heal” are much more blurred. On one hand, by not taking any magical action, you are allowing yourself to be harmed. On the other hand, by casting a binding spell or something similar, you are harming the other person. So, where would I personally draw the line? First, I would take any mundane legal action required. Not doing so is just silly. Then I would tackle the problem magically from my end. By that I mean I would banishes negative energy (or whatever) from myself and cast spells to protect me, rather then cast binding spells on the other person.

I do my best to follow the Rede, and I do my best to cause as little harm as possibly. I’m not perfect. But I have never cast any spell that I would consider a “hex” or negative. I always try to find a positive way to tackle the problem.