Wiccan Ethics
Once upon a time I assumed everyone was like me, considered magic sacred and would never use it in negative ways. Then I launched a web site and the e-mail came pouring in. Along with all the wonderful letters came some that horrified me, letters from people who use magic to intentionally hurt others. They sent death spells, revenge spells, cancer spells, car crash spells, bankruptcy spells and worse, under the assumption I shared their enjoyment of such things. I heard from Satanists who kill animals in twisted rites, from lovesick people who wanted spells to kill rivals or break up marriages, from people who sought power over the lives or minds of others, from chaos magicians who derange functional systems just for the hell of it, and from very angry people looking for all sorts of spells to lash out with.
It shocked me to discover how many advocates and practitioners there are of this kind of magic. I made it my policy to refuse to answer them. Finally I put a notice on my web site telling people who use black magic not to bother writing to me, and added this to my FAQ page:
Q: Why won't you answer us if we're into black magic/Satanism?Biding the Rede is the only thing you have to do to be Wiccan. Do no harm. That is the essence of the Wiccan faith, our one Law. No one imposes this on us. A Wiccan is a witch who chooses of his or her own free will to be bound by this Law. We see life as magical and magic as sacred, so Wiccans are white witches who do not hex or harm.
A: You have chosen the left-hand path, which is contrary to our Law. You are free to do so, as I am free to ignore you. Life is too short, too precious, to waste on negativity. Consider that your urgent need to contact witches might be a message from the Universe: you're on the wrong road!
To assume that white magic is less powerful then black magic would be to mistake kindness for weakness. Certainly we defend ourselves but we generally do so by deflecting attacks rather than attacking, as you will see in the Protection chapter of this book.
ěThis knowledge
I have taught
is more arcane than any mystery-
consider it completely,
then act as you choose.
Listen to my profound words,
the deepest mystery of all,
for you are precious to me
and I tell you for your good.î
- The Bhagavad-Gita
