This is inspired by Frozendarkember due to her request that I write about my own ethics when it comes to magic. So, here it goes.
There is a lot of debate in the magic community what is moral and what is ethical in magic use, and my argument is....it's up to you. If you follow the three fold law, then follow the three fold law and realize that not all other witches use it. This is usually just a Wiccan thing, though others can use it as well. It is not exclusively Wiccan, but Wiccans have it as part of their Rede. A person's code of conduct when it comes to magic is their own and they can vary very greatly. Some witches don't have any sort of code or anything and just go with their gut and I've met a few of them.
My own code is that curses are used as they are needed. If they are not warranted then the universe will let you know. The two main deities that I look to for guidance being the Morrigan and Lir means for me that if they are warranted by my own logic then they are fine. If it was petty reason that shows that the didn't do anything at all then the universe or the Morrigan gets me for it.
Curses is only one side of the ethical coin, however, some people also have ethical disagreements with healing other people. Some believe that the person needs to know what you are doing to them, others believe that it is completely fine to use healing magic on another person if the need demands it. I personally side with those that agree that healing magic should be done if the need demands it. I myself have done a ritual with a few friends for my grandfather, and he gave me permission to pray or send healing thoughts his way. I doubt he thought I'd do a ritual of healing with my friends due to the fact he doesn't know I'm a witch, but I didn't ask I just did.
The bottom line when it comes to Ethics in Magic, in my opinion, is to follow your own ethical code that you do in life and to not do anything that any deity that you work with would get upset over. If you follow the tenants of your deity and your own moral code, screw what everyone else says and just go with it.
But....what do you think about it? Let me know. Reblog this with any comments or questions.
