ETHICS AND PAGANISM
Wicca has no single leader. It has no single body of dogma. It has no
'ultimate athority' that tells people what to believe. If you can hold to a
code of ethics that in some ways is more demanding than most (because it -
requires- you to make decisions for yourself much of the time!) and can live
life with joy and gladness, then read on.
Many people today are getting interested in Magick. Books proliferate the
market (whereas a few years ago, they were very difficult to come by).
One of the main things to remember when attempting to learn how to practice
To some, -any- manipulation or changing of the natural order is unethical.
I am really surprised by the number of people who are professing to be
Don't be fooled into thinking that you're free to do whatever you want.....
However, if you fall into the "I can do what I want" trap, you will continue
For the Self,
Learn.
Knowledge is the basis of all that is. Take in all knowledge, from
Meditate. Go into the Inner Self. Knowledge extends beyond what is read
Love. Love all those around. Friends, enemies, Mother Earth and all that
For others,
Teach.
Teaching will raise the level of understanding of the world. Even
Heal. Use the technique that will be of the most benefit without
Walk the Path
Harm None. More than not squishing ants. Be mindful of power both learned
Be the Example.
Walk the path with love and trust, impart only the
SO WHAT ETHICS ARE EXPECTED OF YOU?
The following are guidelines to help you decide what teacher to study under,
1: QUESTION EVERYTHING!
A: Not everything you read in a book is true. Look at the bibliography
B: Not everything you hear from your teacher is true. Ask for sources,
2: AN YE HARM NONE, DO WHAT YOU WILL.
This can be reworded like this: "If there is absolutely no harm done
3: SELF-INITIATION IS PERFECTLY VALID.
You do NOT need to be initiated by anyone to make your Path a valid
4: A SOLITARY WICCAN IS STILL A WICCAN!
You do NOT have to belong to a Coven, Circle or any group to be a
5: SEX IS NOT A REQUIREMENT.
If your teacher says that sexual intercourse with him or her is a
6: READ! READ! READ!
Read EVERYTHING you can lay your hands on about Craft and Magick.
If your teacher forbids the reading of any books, look VERY
7: THERE IS NO "ONE TRUE TRADITION" OF WICCA.
"If it works, it's real." This applies to ritual, names of the
8: CHRISTIANITY, JUDAISM, ISLAM, AND MANY OTHER BELIEF SYSTEMS
We should not denigrate these beliefs simply because of the
Respect those Christian denominations that honor the Lady too!
9: ANY ACTION THAT IS ILLEGAL BY SECULAR LAW
This one is self-explanatory, folks, and does NOT cover such laws
10: MANY TRADITIONS, ONE GODDESS
There are many, many forms of Wicca. Some of these may not be right
Magick is to keep an "ethical" viewpoint in mind. Remember that Magick is
manipulation. Through Magick, one can manipulate his or her environment, and
the people that are in that environment. It's important to remember that
manipulation of another's Will (i.e. attempting to control them, etc.) is
considered "unethical" by Wiccan standards
(as well as by many other Pagan traditions).
person in some way (by either making them do something that will cause a
hurt, or by causing something else to hurt them). This can be an emotional
hurt, as well as a physical one.
Can you really say that your area needs more rain, and thus perhaps take it
from another......? Think long and hard about -any- magickal working -before-
you do it, for it -always- has consequences.
Wiccans, and who have adopted the "anything goes" attitude, feeling they can
hex and heal at Will. Anyone who understands the Three Fold Law, or Law of
Karma, realizes that everything will eventually come back on the originator
(and most times, intensified...i.e. Threefold, or even stronger). A person
who is aware of this Law, and yet still practices hex or hurtful Magick
against another is like a person who is cutting off their arm, to spite
themself. It makes no sense!! Yet, I have had communication with a lot of
people who think that by "accepting the consequences" of their actions after
doing this type of Magick, is "accepting responsiblity." However, I would
like to point out that REAL responsiblity is demonstrated by NOT practicing
that type of Magick at all!!
nothing is FREE. You eventually pay for it, one way or another. True
freedom comes from knowing that you really don't have complete "freedom."
There are rules and regulations that need to be followed (just reference our
legal system for an allegory.....we are one of the "freest" countries in the
world, and yet we have tons of laws that keep us from doing many things.. so,
we don't have complete freedom). Our freedom comes from following the rules,
and abiding by them. If this is done, eventually, spiritual evolution will
follow, releasing you from the incarnation cycle, and LIBERATING you from the
physical plane, to begin development on the next.
to be your own worst enemy, causing yourself much pain and suffering for many
lifetimes to come.....and, you will only have yourself to blame for it!
any source. Armed in this way, wisdom will be your guide.
and learned and far into your Self. For only from our selves is there true wisdom.
she holds. But first love yourself.
though you may have a small number of students, each one student and every bit
of knowledge passed on will be of benefit. Teach carefully. Know what is being
taught and to whom. Teach students what they can learn, as far as they can go.
Only the student can know where the knowledge will take him.
overdoing. If what is needed is talk, then talk. If what is needed is direct
use of energy, then use the energy without hesitation.
and intuited as well as knowledge imparted. Think about the consequences before
taking action.
knowledge that will benefit and use your talents for the good, the path will
become evident.
what coven to affilliate with (if any), and in general to give you an idea of
what behaviours are pretty much accepted within the Wiccan community.
and check it for yourself...sometimes the author is blowing smoke!
then check those sources. Check the sources' sources. GET THE FACTS.
by your actions or inactions insofar as you and those you are close
to or Working with can possibly imagine, then go ahead and do or not
do it. If there is ANY chance of harm being done by your actions or
inaction, DON'T. This is called the "Wiccan Rede," and is the core of
our ethical system. It applies to your daily life just as much as
to any magickal work.
THINK VERY CAREFULLY ABOUT THIS!
one.....but admit to the fact that you are self-initiated, and don't
make up an impressive 'genealogy,' for you will only be fooling
yourself. If you are self-initiated, be PROUD of it. You are just as
'initiated' as the person who can trace their line back (supposedly)
to the Burning Times or to Gerald Gardner.
Wiccan, though it is a good idea to meet with and network with
others, both for the fellowship, and to learn more.
requirement for initiation, teaching, or degree advancement, and this
is not something you and any Significant Other can accept, and if you
and your SO cannot accept this and your teacher does not agree, go
find another teacher. No reputable Wiccan will fault you for this action.
Read both pro and con about it. Think about what you have read.
carefully at their motives for doing so, and start getting VERY
suspicious. They are obviously afraid of something.
Deity(s), the clothing that you wear (or don't wear), or whatever. If
it works for you, it's real. If it doesn't work, then it's not real.
It's as simple as that!
ARE VALID PATHS.
perversions of their otherwise good and useful teachings by people
who had/have a political/religious/social axe to grind. We can learn
much from the Bible, the Torah, and the Koran. Their ethical and
moral systems have been proven to work.
IS ILLEGAL WITHIN CRAFT.
as might forbid co-habitation, multiple SO's, or gays....but such
things as will HARM another, or bring the Craft into disrepute. Such
things as drugs, sexual relations with minors, animal sacrifice,
vandalism, being a public nuisance, and the like are RIGHT OUT.
for you. Keep looking until you find one that is. Don't be afraid to
say "NO!" if you feel something is being asked of you that you
cannot accept. Don't be afraid to walk OUT of a group if you don't
like what's going on.
THINK FOR YOURSELF!
