PAGAN ETHICS & INTEGRITY

Veritas, Goddess of Truth

As I spoke to another Pagan this morning, and HPS it brought to mind various situations I have been in my life, all hinging upon things like integrity and ethics.

I believe, that Pagans as a whole, especially those forming groups or covens, need to focus more on ethics and integrity rather than just what direction to face during a ritual or which cloak to wear. We are GREAT at imaginative things like that, but many groups and even individuals skip or simply neglect the inner workings. Is it because they don't have the glamor associated with public rituals or spells? Not as “cool” to talk about?

Most teaching books do speak of this part of our path, except of course the many “Insta-Witch” books, just add an specially made Witches tools, robes and this handy already written spell and POOF! You are a Witch!!! sigh.... those make me so sad...

It should be the first step in any Witch's path, looking within, honestly looking at self, seeing one's faults, not to belittle one's self, but to accept the things we can't change, and work on those we can, such as integrity and ethics.

And they should be stressed and taught in covens and groups. A Witch should be able to rely on their sister/brother Witch not to gossip, not to use embarrassing or personal information against them.

So perhaps a Witch's code of ethics would say something like this:

Thou shalt not carry tales of thy sister/brother Witch to others.

Thou shalt not steal (physical items (mates, tools, books, etc) or mental items ie: poems, rituals, etc, & give credit where credit is due)

Thou shalt lie. (prevaricate, stretch or twist the truth to gain personal gratification or harm another.)

Thou SHALT have pride in one's self! Be proud of who and what you are, and let no one belittle you for ANY reason! Congratulate yourself on every positive step you make, and every good thing that you are blessed with. Be your own cheer squad, and your sisters/brothers should join in.

Thou shalt love and care for Mother Earth and Her creatures in all ways possible.

Thou shalt lift up, support, give aide to others, sister/brother Witches and any others who are unknown children of the Goddess. Just because it is the right thing to do. 

Thou shalt honor thy word. If you say you are going to do something or be somewhere at a specific time, DO IT. Don't laugh off being lazy and late and call it “Pagan Standard Time”, there is NO such thing. (added October 26, 2010)

And perhaps that is the last one?

Thou shalt do what is helpful and honest, simply because it is helpful and honest!

How do you feel we could better ourselves?