This week on #WiccanChat, we delved into how ethics plays a major role in how we utilize our magick! Our Sisters and Brothers of The Craft answered questions about how their choices affect others, the influence of karma, and more on Twitter as part of Plentiful Earth’s Wiccan Chat! This was our fourth Twitter chat, and we look forward to seeing our Pagan Twitter community grow!

Read our magickal recap below, and feel like you were part of the magick! Follow us on Twitter, and be sure to join us on Twitter every Wednesday at 11am Central time! We cover a new Wiccan topic every week!

12pm ET

11am CT

9am PT

Icebreaker/Circle Caster: What is dabbling? Is it okay to do it? If you chose to dabble, is it okay to pass what you discover along that along as knowledge and wisdom?

Answers from the Wiccan Community: 

• “Oooh well that’s a sticky subject! Don’t “they” say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing? Extra true in magic!” @NorthwestWitch
• ” Dabbling is a big no-no, but I suspect ppl say that to downplay their real level of involvement. You either do or you don’t. You need to respect the ocean no matter how often you go in. Whether one does a little craft or a lot, what matters is respect for it.” @madrabanrion
• “A man who has read 1k books is an interesting convo partner, a man who has read 1 is a dangerous man.” Applicable I think.” @baubleyagashut
• “I think we all start out dabbling. It’s how you get your feet wet & decide if this is for you. Sometimes stupid shit happens” @wickedwitch1987

Q1: What does “An it harm none” mean to you? How do you apply and/or bend this rule?

Answers from the Wiccan Community: 

• “I take this as a baseline: if you can’t do something good at LEAST don’t hurt anyone. Including yourself.” @NorthwestWitch
• “We take it to mean without malice. One can deflect evil/seek justice w/o malice, tho its easy for ethical waters to grow cloudy“ @baubleyagashut
• “…before I choose to take an action.  For me stepping on or impeding someone else is cursing not creating.  Do i want the smut for it?“ @Elisasspot
• “harm is subjective. I think eating animals is harmful but others don’t. I don’t follow this rule.“ @wickedwitch1987
• “ I would think it means,”Harming others with ill intent.” Defensive and reflective practices are okay. I mean Self Defense, especially. Not being defensive just to be annoying. If your back is against the wall, go for it.“@BreakdownGraphx
  

See all answers here!

Q2: Where did you build the foundation of your current ethics in your magickal work?

Answers from the Wiccan Community: 

• “The foundation of my current ethics in my magickal work stem from what time travelers from the future would correct me on.” @8019346
• “From lots of reading and experience. I do what works for me and I take responsibility for my actions but I won’t judge others for theirs“ @wickedwitch1987
• “My magical ethics are my personal values and ethics. They all have to do with how my actions impact the world around me. “ @NorthwestWitch
• “I went through a lot to form my standards and ethics. I had no real role models growing up but I knew what I didn’t want to be and Iactive strived to become the person I wanted to become. That carried over as I began studying the craft and began to forge my own path.”@UmbreonKitsune

See all answers here!

Q3: When we think of ethics in Witchcraft, free will comes to mind. Does healing a sick friend without permission break the rules of free will? Is it ethically allowed?

Answers from the Wiccan Community: 

• “Yes IMO it does. You have no idea if that person wants healing or not. They could be sick for years & be ready to pass.“ @wickedwitch1987
• “I rarely do ANYTHING magickal wo asking for permission, IF POSSIBLE. Even a card reading. But sometimes, it can’t be helped.“ @madrabanrion
• “I say yes. Exception: when my children were very young. But once they started having opinions I asked their permission.“ @NorthwestWitch
• “I think simple & applies to all spiritual interventions: If you know the person would protest, do NOT disrespect their wishes.“ @baubleyagashut
• “Healing is something I’ve always waited for people to ask me for. Which they tend to. Healing is sacred art stuff.” @BreakdownGraphx

See all answers here!

Q4: You find yourself in mundane danger. you have tried all physical means of safety and protection, do you feel justified in hexing or banishing?

Answers from the Wiccan Community: 

• “I feel like self defense is acceptable. Then again, I find hexing rarely acts fast enough in cases of physical danger.“ @NorthwestWitch
• “Heck yes I do. Hexing/banishing is a tool for experienced witches who know what they are doing & accept the responsibility. It’s not something to do whenever you’re pissed someone stole your parking spot but if you or a loved one are being physically harmed. Then I feel it’s justified.“ @wickedwitch1987
• “No, I save my magicakl energy for another day. I put on my big girl pants & deal with it.“ @madrabanrion

See all answers here!

Q5: If “Black Magick” is used on you, are you allowed to send it back or should you let Karma handle it?

Answers from the Wiccan Community: 

• “IMO I’ll first try to dispel it. If that doesn’t work and is still causing problems. Then yes I’ll send it back.” @Wicca_BluMoon
• “Again, depends on the degree. May be easy enough to just swat it away. But if it’s serious mojo, the sender need to strap herself in.“ @madrabanrion
• “First off I hate the term “black Magick” but yes if negative energy is sent my way I return to sender. Also not really a big believer in Karma, I have never found that it has proven itself to me.“ @wickedwitch1987
• “I usually shield or neutralize it. But if it continues I send it back to give them a dose of themselves.” @UmbreonKitsune

See all answers here!

Q6: Do you believe personal gain is acceptable in Wicca?

Answers from the Wiccan Community: 

• “If personal gain includes nourishment, shelter, love, personal success etc – yes. Manipulating others out of $$$? No.” @baubleyagashut
• “Also not wiccan BUT think magic to care for yr needs & desires is fine if it doesn’t coerce or damage others for yr benefit Example: Spell to attract love? Fine. Spell to make a specific person fall in love with you? That’s nasty. “ @NorthwestWitch
• “Not Wiccan here but as a witch yes I absolutely do. Everything we do in life it to better & enrich our circumstances. You can’t help others if your own well is dry. You need to take care of yourself and your needs.“@wickedwitch1987
• “yes I do. You are able to give more if your own needs are met. That said it should not impose or take away from anyone else. If it does then it’s probably not meant for you anyways and will typically cause more problems.”@UmbreonKitsune

See all answers here!

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us! If you missed it, we look forward to seeing you next Wednesday!

Have any comments or answers to these questions? Leave a comment below!