Magical Ethics
I will write down a more detailed description below, but here is a quick checklist whenever you do magic:
Never work to influence any other person’s will or freedom of choice
Never work to cause harm to others
Never work for ego or unreasonable financial gain
When working on a magical level we must understand the possibility that any change we attempt to make by the way of the magical arts may be returned to us. In some Craft traditions, and particularly Wicca, it is believed that you receive three time whatever you send out – the ‘Threefold Law of Return’. The true origin of the Threefold La is sketchy, and something that only you can decided whether to follow. However, it isn’t a bad rule of thumb to keep in mind that whatever we send out we are going to get back, and quite possibly more generously than we offered it. Whether what you get back is positive or negative is then, ultimately up to you. We create our own path, and we reap the consequences of our actions.
So, if we choose to believe in the power of cause and affect, then that means we must take responsibility for our own actions – both magically and non-magically – within our day to day lives. So then, when working with magic and ritual, it is our responsibility to ensure that we do not cause accidental harm towards ourselves or anyone else. Take spells seriously! They are not completely harmless and you could cause disastrous consequences if you do not take them seriously! So, how do we do this? Keep reading below:
When we decide to do a spell, we must first think about HOW the spell will reach the end goal. For instance, consider that you have done a spell for prosperity, so that you can get out of debt. If you don’t specify HOW that money is going to get to us, it is statistically more likely that the money will come to you through the death of a family member rather than buying a winning lottery ticket. Magic is like electricity in a way; if you do not give it a specific way to travel then it will find the quickest route itself, which usually ended up with someone being shocked. So, give your magic a safe route and give it specifics so it will work without hurting you or anyone else.
A good idea would be to use a good circle casting if that is what the spell requires. I have a separate page that will describe this in more detail. Also, it is a good idea to use affirmations at the end of your spell. A popular one is ‘for the good of all’, though there are others out there. It is called a ‘fail-safe’.
Source:
“Craft of the Wise” by Vikki Bramshaw On the Website, The Pagan Journey
Witches Of The Craft® 