How do you define ethics?
It is a set of morals that governs an individual's behavior.
How do we define morals?
A moral is what is ‘right’ or standards on what is believed to be right concerning beliefs--often a societal pull.
Does this make morals and ethics a subjective topic? While, the two do not mean the same thing, as one is more of an individual belief--the other, a social norm. Still, it stands to pose the question, how subjective are these topics? I suppose this all depends on the topic at hand. In this case, the topic is witchcraft.
Like any other human being, witches come in all shapes of thinking and opinion. I am not talking about the differences between the types of witches. Instead, I am speaking about what we perceive to be good or bad magick. I am here to say I am not a gatekeeper of magick. Every witch practices their craft in their own form. I am not the rule maker of witchcraft. I am only inviting you to read my views on the topic. You do not have to agree with me. I say this disclaimer so that upon reading my opinion on the topic of good versus bad, I don’t want you to think I am judging anyone, saying that this is how it must be, or that anyone is ‘bad’ for doing a certain type of magick. In other words, when you read something and go, “I don’t believe that nonsense!” That is OK!
Now that that is covered, do I believe the ethics and morals of witchcraft are subjective? In some ways. I personally would think a spell that could physically harm someone would be a bad thing to do, however, who knows the reason behind why someone would do such a thing. Perhaps, the person they are harming is someone who caused harm to another. Who am I to say this is wrong for them to do? Hell, as a mother, I know I have some notion that should anything happen to my kids, if magick will help, it makes sense for me to allow some “bad” magick to be done. Just like I think that to be in good reasoning, another witch out there might see that to be bad--no excuse. Hence, subjective.
Is everything subjectively good or bad? No. First and foremost, when I bring up cultural magick as being subjectively good or bad, I do not mean the cultural magick itself as being bad. However, I am speaking solely of the individuals who practice culturally closed-practices that are not part of said culturally closed-practice. It is not for outside individuals to practice. Sometimes you need to be invited to even practice. When it comes to my personal beliefs, I do not find this to be subjective; I believe this to be ethically wrong for someone [on the outside] to practice in closed spaces. Not to mention, the deities among those closed-practices, will let you know how unwelcomed you are. With that said, may the odds ever be in your favor!
I'd like to add that I am not part of any closed practices. I have done my research and opened my ears to other people who are. I am hoping this blog post, and others like it, isn't seen as a means to speak over anyone who is part of closed-practices and other cultural magick. Instead, I am hoping to use the privilege that I possess as a white cis-woman, to educate the uneducated.
Lastly, I do not mention the ethics of magick to shame anyone or make someone feel bad. Understand that this meant more so for education than anything else. Should you read something that I have perceived to be ethically wrong, and you have done your own research--deciding that it is well worth any risks that may come, to practice this way, that is your right to do so. In the end, I hope that you take away some form of knowledge and education, even if it comes with disagreement. In addition, I hope to offer useful substitutions to the things you want to do without unethically stepping on any toes in future blog posts.
Comentarios