To Thine Own Self Be True

I was looking through my old blog deciding on what posts to keep and what to discard. I came across this quote:

"True witchcraft is a craft that involves creating magic, using cunning, bending rules, learning from the past, seizing the present and forging the future, sometimes it even involves meddling in the affairs of other people's lives. ‘Do what thy will, harm none’ is a JOKE, for it is contrary to the laws of nature itself. Bottom line here, 'know thyself, to thine own self be true'.” 
                                                                             - Shawn Poirier (1967-2007)

My thoughts:

Who defines what is true witchcraft and what is false witchcraft? Is there a book somewhere that has a clear definition on the topic because honestly, I have yet to come across it. Should we really be judging others within the pagan community instead of 

being more concerned with our own behavior and intentions? Witchcraft does involve creating magick but I don't see why it needs to involve rule bending. A witch must know her/his intention and motivation before a spell is cast; she/he must have knowledge about her/his own craft, be able to apply that knowledge and wisdom to the magick at hand. I don't see any reason to "meddle in the affairs of others" but if that is done then the witch must be willing to accept the consequences of his/her actions. That very principal is one of our major responsibilities as a witch.

I follow the guidance or suggestion of The Rede - “An it harm none, do as you will.” I don’t view The Rede as a joke nor do I view it as contrary to the laws of nature. I perceive The Rede as a concept that encourages me to use my intellect not just my primal instincts. It guides me to consider my words (which hold power) and actions. If my actions and words harm none then I should do as I will however The Rede doesn’t suggest what I should do if those actions or words might cause harm - this is left up to me and my own personal ethics and morals. The Rede is merely guidance for me. It is not a law. It is not a Commandment. We all should know ourselves and be true to whom we are however, that does not mean that in doing so we should disregard our actions and words and the consequences they have on other human beings. We should treat each other with respect because we are all sacred beings connected to one another through The Divine.