Fine-Tuning an Unethical Spell
As mentioned earlier, there will be times when you choose the “less wrong” action. Reality doesn’t exist in black and white terms. Everything is painted in shades of gray. In addition, the concept of working a spell to change someone else’s situation without their knowledge and consent is perceived as being unethical in itself in the spellcasting community. However, you’ve already established that doing nothing is unethical. Which unethical action do you choose? Remember too that sometimes the correct way to deal with a situation is to do nothing at all, as you may not have all the facts, and your interference may further degenerate the issue. When you cast spells for or upon yourself, this question of ethics rarely comes up.
When you decide to use spellwork to deal with a situation beyond your immediate control, however, the question of ethics immediately arises. In spellcrafting workshops, I often ask students if they would cast a spell to limit someone else’s freedom. They are usually horrified, and protest that they would never do such a thing. Then I suggest a situation such as a serial rapist on the loose in their neighborhood. Would they not do a spell to limit the rapist’s freedom by being caught by the police? Some students say that they would do spells to protect the neighborhood. Wouldn’t it be easier to arrest one individual than attempt to protect thousands? And doesn’t that arrest accomplish the same goal: ensuring the safety of the neighborhood? Sometimes, spellwork for the needs of the many outweighs preserving the needs or rights of the few.
This, however, is a decision only you can make, and only you can draw the line separating ethical from unethical spellcasting. If you decide to act, then commit yourself completely to your decision. Don’t halve your efforts just to cover your bases. If you’re going to do it, do it, and accept the responsibility.
Power Spellcraft For Life: The Art Of Crafting And Casting For Positive Change
Arin Murphy-Hiscock
Witches Of The Craft® 