Paganism/Wicca and BDSM Ethics

I just read an interesting article over at Eden Cafe about the Wiccan Rede and BDSM. It’s always seemed blatantly obvious that BDSM falls well within the scope of “An it harm none, do what thou will,” so I was a little taken aback that there would even be a question. Maybe that’s just because I’ve known more than my fair share of freaky Wiccans. It seems, however, that Wicca is officially a part of Big Religion for at least some number of the faithful.

Now this is a spot of contention for some of the non-kink friendly Wiccans I know. They do not believe that you can abide by this notion and practice BDSM.

I think any Wiccan who believes BDSM violates the rede because of their personal definition of “harm” is falling into the same destructive mindset as Christians who vilify homosexuals because of their bible. And, frankly, I expect more from Wiccans. I remember a time not so long ago when Wicca was about shrugging off the oppressive bullshit so ingrained in Big Religion. This is one of the unfortunate side effects of a “belief system” becoming a “religion” in the first place.

Once it’s a religion some people are going to start rules-lawyering instead of focusing on the spirit of the rules, and at that point you immediately start burying yourself in your own bullshit. It’s not about the words, it’s about the intent.

The elegant simplicity of the Wiccan Rede should prevent it from being misinterpreted. It genuinely saddens me to see the central tenet of the most sexually accepting religion in the modern world turned into a tool of sexual discrimination by any number of people. I suppose it was only a matter of time.

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  1. J.V ~ I cannot agree with your more. I have been walking the path for over 30 years and have been a High Priestess for 7 of the last. If someone in any of the 5 covens that I practice with were to ask about BDSM or my thoughts, I would ask if both or all participants are in agreement as to what is considered safe. To be honest, we do not discuss our sexual behaviors in this much detail. Yes, we are sexually free and tollerant to the point of being unconcerned about what and how others are sexually pleasuring themselves or others. Harm None also means, if it does not directly involve you do not become involved or you are harming your self. Gossip, presumptions and unclear judgements are harmful to the self and others.
    Blessings
    Bianca

  2. Wow, I never thought I’d see something like that from wiccans. All the wiccans I’ve ever met were all at least a little kinky. The first time I ever heard of play with candle wax was from a couple of wiccans.

  3. Hey, Author of the Eden article here, I was glad to see that it’s actually getting read! 🙂

    I agree, I expect more out of the wiccans I know as well. It’s part of why I don’t call myself a wiccan, and just an eclectic pagan. I find it kind of scary that even the wiccans are becoming a bit uppity about sex and sexuality.

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