A short essay on Pagan ethics and the act of casting spells.

"An ye harm none, do what ye will". This simple but elegant statement should stand alone without a lot of explanation. It is the Golden Rule of Pagans. But like the Golden Rule it is not that easy to abide by.

"An ye harm none...". This includes a prohibition of harming yourself. It includes a prohibition of casting spells that alter the natural cycle of the Earth, of casting a spell to obtain someone else's job, or lover or property.

I have become aware recently of two incidents which illustrate this rule. A woman's father was extremely ill and was in a nursing home. This was very difficult for the family as he had always been a vibrant and strong personality. Without asking and without being asked, this woman visualized her fathers death so that he would no longer be in this debilitating state. BUT...she did not have the right to do so. He may very well have fought to stay alive to enjoy his time left with his family, to resolve issues that still plagued him. She denied time to him. She denied any resolution to those things that may have been important to him.

In another instance a woman cast a spell so that her son's little league team would beat the other side. Innocent fun? Maybe. But she also denied the kids the right to win or lose based on their own merits and abilities.

Spell craft is not a game. It is not to be treated as such or always viewed as ethical. While we may yearn to help people in need we should not go beyond the normal to twist events which will alter the outcome of the future.

What we may define as "doing good" may, in fact be the opposite. We cannot know the consequences of our actions without all the information at hand. If the woman's father had told her that he wished to die, that he was satisfied with his life and he asked her help to do so--to pass on in a normal way--then it may have been appropriate action to take.

We do not have the power of life and death because we are Wiccan. We must observe the higher laws and principles given by the Goddess and the God.

Lately there have been many books published on the use of spells. I call these books "spell fluff". They are superficial and they distort the purpose of Wicca. It is important that we educate people about what we really are and what we are about--not add to the perception that we are self-serving and irresponsible.

There is no harm in casting spells to help ourselves or others. But they should not be specific. If we are lonely and want a mate we should ask for one and define the attributes we are seeking--but we should not manipulate people by casting a spell on a particular person. That removes the free will option that people have a right to. Generalities should be used. If we would like our neighbors job we don't ask for his job but for one like it. We should not seek things at the expense of another.

For some reason I have always been unsuccessful in obtaining material things for myself through spells. I believe it is due to a belief I have that I should not use it for myself. Ritual and spell work should be reserved for higher issue--the survival of species, for protecting cultures,people and the Earth. Because of that feeling I will probably never succeed in getting that new car because it really isn't all that important.

"...do what ye will". This is to be done with common sense. While it may not harm anyone, to have children at a ritual and to permit people to go skyclad may not be appropriate. We should examine a little more closely the intent of our actions and who are present.

Pagan ethics have long been debated in the Pagan community. This is as it should be as there are always two sides to every issue. However, we must act according to the laws of nature and realise that for every cause (ie., "spell") there will be an effect--perhaps one that we do not anticipate. As the old adage states, "be careful for what you wish, for you might receive it".