Into The Green: Ethical Concerns

All religions include a set of expectations -- things to do and avoid doing. Most also include a set of benefits which followers receive for adhering to these guidelines. Religions explain, often through myth and legend, which qualities are valued and which are condemned. In selecting a tradition, take great care to find one whose ethics and expectations closely match your own personality or ideals. You may set yourself a goal of significant improvement, but don't get involved with a system whose values and ethics conflict with your own. Any deities you worship should exhibit what you consider exemplary behavior, so that you may look up to them as role models. There is nothing worse than entering a crisis with your personal instincts and your religious obligations at odds!

Some systems allow actions which other systems prohibit. In general, the more stringent and positive the code of ethics, the less likely you are to create a disaster while following it. Systems which allow more aggressive acts typically demand much more in the way of knowledge and responsibility from practitioners. Thus, many Pagans prefer to follow the "harm none" rule.

Explore different traditions to see what you think of their ethics. Many Pagans find certain actions attributed to Jehovah quite objectionable. Others feel the same way towards the Greek and Roman deities. Some consider the Norse pantheon too bloodthirsty. To some extent, one must take these deities on their own grounds, but objective standards also apply.

A simple and safe set of Pagan ethics, assembled from a variety of systems, might go something like this: Study widely. Think before you act. Respect the free will of others. Work magic only for the good of all; this often calls for rephrasing a negative working (such as a banishment) into a positive one (such as creating an enticement far away to draw someone out of your sphere). Work only with a clear head and open heart, never when tired or intoxicated. Practice love and other positive emotions.

Discussions about ethics tend to center around magic and spellcasting. However, many other important ethical considerations arise in the Pagan community. Most traditions describe ideal family relationships, for example, and acceptable ways of doing business. They cover the giving and keeping of one's word, matters of loyalty and honor, responsibilities to the community, respect for animals, requirements for taking care of the Earth, and so forth. These parameters match the environment, needs, and temperament of the culture from which they arise.

Learning to make good decisions is an important part of Paganism. Ethical behavior necessarily includes honoring the different choices of other people. Stand up for your beliefs, but don't try to force them on anyone else. Worship skyclad (naked) if you wish, but respect other people's nudity taboos in mixed company. Always remember that you may be the only Pagan someone knows; your conduct may represent the entire community in someone's eyes.