Image: Stacey Shipp
“So far, about morals, I know only that what is moral is what you feel good after and what is immoral is what you feel bad after.”
Ernest Hemingway
I am going to take this time to write about a topic that I think is long overdue. This opinion piece may cause you to feel some type of way.
Meaning, it will conjure emotions and provoke thought.
Topic is: Morals, Ethics (what they are and how they are different), Magickal attacks and how they all effect each other.
I am a Luciferian Witch, devotee of La Santisima Muerte and a Shaivite Hindu who incorporates many aspects of different traditions into my Magickal workings and personal Philosophy.
I am not part of a group, coven, sect, or any other social organization.
I do not adhere to “do no harm” as I believe those who cannot curse, cannot cure; you cannot do one without efficiently being able to practice the other.
I know many of you have just scoffed at such a concept, but it’s true.
When you are being attacked by a Spirit, fellow Witch, or an onslaught of negativity from wherever or whatever, you let me know how well that “do no harm” works for you.
I am not trying to mock another path but there are times when Wiccans become the Christians of Witchcraft and either judge us (ie. those who will hex, curse, defend themselves) or condemn our personal decisions, as if they are the morality police. (Yes, I know, not all Wiccans).
It’s really, really common. Like I said, not trying to mock paths, just calling it how I see it.
And, to be fair, I know some fiercely badass Wiccans.
A Witch is free to do what they see fit without being judged by others for it.
However, this is where it becomes blurred.
It seems that some people have lost all sense of ethical thinking, and have absolutely no moral compass.
So, on one side we have people (not necessarily just Wiccans) finger pointing for our decisions to do harm if the need arises; on the other side we have people who are hex-happy and have absolutely no sense of right and wrong, good or bad (no matter how subjective they may be).
It’s like we are suddenly defending ourselves from every direction.
Now, let’s talk about morals and ethics and how they are different.
Morals: “The rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group or culture”.
Ethics: “Principles or habits with respect to right or wrong conduct. While morals also prescribe dos and don’ts, morality is ultimately a personal compass of right and wrong”.
Get it?
Ethics are based upon an external source and/or influence; be it society, peers, or just your general environment (nature/nurture type thing).
Morals are your personal compass; how YOU, as an individual, view right and wrong, good and bad (or evil– interchangeable in this context).
As a walker of the Left Hand Path, I am all for the individual, but I am not for the individual who is a douchebag playing with Magick, attacking fellow Witches all because they have Ego and are oozing with jealousy; the weak always feel the need to prey on the strong, which is the dumbest logic ever.
Newsflash: there will ALWAYS be a stronger Witch out there.
Deal with it, accept it and move the fuck on.
After talking to a few fellow Witches, I found out that “Witch wars” are actually really common. I was shocked and horrified.
I have experienced this firsthand when some Witches had the nerve to come after me.
I am not suggesting that we all begin to think the same way, but I do believe there needs to be a baseline established of what is and is not acceptable conduct for a Witch.
Rules of engagement, maybe?
Something.
I look out at our community and the behavior I see sometimes is absolutely disgusting.
Whether you believe in do no harm, or will fuck someone up with a hex, just because you CAN do Magick doesn’t always mean you should.
Unless someone has attacked you first, unless you are under direct threat, there is NO need to send Daemons, bind Spirits, or attempt to hex another Witch (basic examples).
Drop the egos, and jealousy; that is usually where Magickal attacks stem from, anyways.
Rarely are these wars actually warranted, or have any merit whatsoever but the aftermath is tangible and tragic.
Is it really worth it? Are those few minutes, hours, possibly days draining another Witch of their energy really worth the wrath that will be unleashed when they come back to full power?
Just because a Witch has no coven doesn’t mean that Witch has no backup.
Like attracts like: Strong Witches attract other Strong Witches, unfortunately we also attract parasites.
It is a fine art to decipher the two.
For me, I know a strong Witch because I will not like them when we first meet; if I click immediately I know something is wrong.
I have always been proven right with this theory, not suggesting it works for everyone.
When we attack our Sisters and Brothers it is like spitting on the Craft itself, on our Ancestors and all they fought and died for.
Again, I am not saying we need to be all peace and love, blessed be, and full of light, but goddammit stop attacking each other without reason.
When you become power hungry in the Craft, that power will consume you and it’ll be your downfall.
As I mentioned above, there will ALWAYS be a Witch stronger than you.
Stop poking your wands where they don’t belong or you might poke a Beast you cannot put back to sleep.
Resources:
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Ethics_vs_Morals
Good morning,
This topic is one that really makes have to takes deep breathe before I respond to people and why I no longer use social media. I am still relatively new in my journey so I might lack the knowledge as some but my dedication and thirst for knowledge is equal to no other.
I believe the difference between ones behavior is based on whose path was chosen for the and choose the path. I believe my journey was predetermined and was just waiting for my time to understand and be mentally focused to walk my path. This has provided me with the knowledge that this is not a game or something simply to use as a tool for revenge.
So many , especially on social media, have no idea or understanding they are doing and the they can do to themselves. This is why I am a solitary practioner and only share thoughts and ideas with those whom also have the same understanding and search for knowledge.
I hope more people will learn from your posts and I truly appreciate all you do for those who walk our path.
Have a great weekend ð
Reblogged this on hocuspocus13 and commented:
jinxx♠xoxo
Great Blog. I am not a practitioner of Witch Craft but I am an open-minded person who is interested in discovering how people of all walks of life can open better lines of communication. I am interested in how we can all thrive as individuals and as small and large communities, of whatever stripe. I am philosophical and raised a Catholic but I am on a path of spiritual growth that seeks to break down all arbitrary and destructive walls between those who seek “the light”, whether that light is only intellectual/philosophical or if it is also spiritual/Theological, or what have you.
With regard to your concerns expressed here, my take away is this. I feel that the best case scenario is that we practice to bring up children with enlightened, enriching moral knowledge/precepts so that, as they grow up and pursue their own individual goals and success (whether it be in financial terms, or spiritual or education, etc.), they will make good decisions. We want all of us to have a good, healthy self-image and a good view point regarding our neighbors. That’s just the basic. Healthy love of self always generates a healthy attitude about your fellow humans. After that, in my opinion, live and let live. But, of course, there are many who do have character flaws or angers and fears that they let get the best of them; some people are vain and selfish and don’t think twice about how their behavior might negatively impact others. They want what they want and fuck you, right? That’s not good, obviously. So, while the practice of Witch Craft is a practice, as I understand it, of increasing individual power, of gaining insights and (I would assume) wisdom/connections regarding the natural world and one’s place in it, we should continue to share a general goal of making the world (and not just ourselves) a better place. We all have an interest in that and it may require holding individuals accountable. The hope is to re-establish balance in a community and in the world, and we should keep the impulse to mete out retribution, out from a place of raw, unrestrained anger, in check. So, vanity, anger, fear, and anything that creates ignorance is to be shunned and diminished. Those things and behaviors that promote love, life, intelligence, understanding, empathy, and a good stewardship of our beautiful (but long-suffering) Mother Earth, should be embraced. After that, again, live and let live!
Blessings to you and all who live for the light!
Michael
P.S. in my use of the word “Light” here, I include anything that brings greater knowledge of self, which includes understanding how “Dark” works in our souls. For me, we should get to a point where that which is “dark” should be understood, accepted and appreciated for making us the “good” people we are. In other words, “the dark” within us should be made to serve a higher purpose — our creativity, our healthy passions, our understanding and empathy, etc — but we should not bow down to it. It should not control us, utterly. We need balance.
Peace.
Reblogged this on ~ Wicked Haven~ Blog.
I totally agree with all that you have wrote about ethics etc, and I believe that you should strike back if under threat of harm I feel that without curse how can you cure, so your words to me are right. Amanda x
I totally agree with your ethics without curse you cant cure, sometimes you have to hex when it comes to your own or loved ones protection, wise words from a wise witch.
A great post. Too often, those on the LHP will confuse the immoral with the amoral. There is a huge difference. To function within society, we simply have to adhere to certain ethical codes of conduct. To act without any regard is the domain of the amoral. Those strong enough to act upon their own moral codes, the immoralists, are skilled upon the LHP. In order to control the herd, one does not dress as the wolf…
Reblogged this on the Road to Asgard and commented:
A great post. The degree of differentiation between ethics and morals also requires an appreciation for the terms good and evil as one is unable to assess what is morally agreeable, or socially accepted as ethics, without an appreciation for what is ‘good’ and conversely that which is ‘evil’. A mere scratch of the surface as to a discourse which will never be resolved other than within the self.
absolutely brilliant blog post!! and I agree entirely…you cannot help but match or better what you are hit with, its the only way to defend yourself..
Thank you for addressing this topic. Being an individual who walks a crooked, twisty, dark path in all of its glory and sorrow, I generally keep a very low profile and so I am lucky to avoid the bullshit and drama in more “mainstream” Wicca.
A thing that folx tend to forget is the other side of the rule of three. Sometimes, we as practitioners get to be an agent of karma. It is demanded of me in my practice to promote balance. And sometimes that demands doing some damage and giving people exactly what they deserve.
Any spiritual practice, from meditation to voodoo requires sacrifice. Sometimes that sacrifice require the shedding of illusion to see that the world is not always light and rainbows. There is a lot of dark and scary out there. Sometimes that sacrifice requires confronting and embracing that darkness because it is half of who we are.
What was interesting in my own work, once I’m was willing to go there and being clear why I was going there, I got a huge power up. And the realization was that I was embracing the whole. By honoring all of it, warts and all, i was able to work in higher levels and from a more intentional, profound place.
I think for me, it boils down to embracing fear. “Black” magick, (and let’s be clear, there is no such thing) can be scary. Offering a sacrifice that hurts is messy. Blood magick is weird, primal and dangerous. Offering a living sacrifice can be horrifying. And yet these practices are a part of every tradition, from every culture since we began.
Be smart, be honest, be willing to really look within to see that ego and vanity aren’t involved and go slow. And strangely enough, if you start in compassion for self and edsowcialoy the part of self is afraid, all will be well.
Thanks for the patience, and may I honor your darkness and send true guidance to all. 😈
I always been really cleared with myself and others about this subject, i dont like it but dont try me, and until now i was able to go without all the curses but as someone who has been under this bullshit of harry potter war, it got really close. People will think that u dont deserve what you have and that’s it, they will Hurt you and look back to see the show. I got tired off it.
I agree with what you say. However, hexing an immoral witch, or a toxic person who is unwittingly hexing you, isn’t always the best course of action in my experience. Defend yourself you must, but sending the crap back to the sender doesn’t solve the problem.
We are all human and capable of anything, given the right circumstances. So judging each other for being right or wrong is not only egotistical but quite possibly hypocritical in the long run. Far better to break up/ dissolve and disarm the hex/curse and send the energy back to the universe. In doing this I find I can instantly break the psychic connection between the aggressive party and myself, thus cutting myself loose of their influence and removing myself from their thought patterns.
Holding grudges and getting involved in tit-for-tat warfare is the surest way to a life of misery. Just be wise. See the aggressor for the sorry soul they are and take the higher road. You never have to sink down to their level unless you actually want to.