Witchvox Article

Author: Kyriea
Posted: October 14th. 2001
Times Viewed: 4,048

When I first found Paganism this was one of the first things I was told. Then out comes a show like "Charmed" where that is at the core of their beliefs and I have to think that if I had powers like that I would use them for personal gain. It would seem a waste to me not to improve my life and that of others just because someone told me I wasn't suppose to. Think of the positive things that could be accomplished with such magick. Granted, magick like that isn't standard for most of us (actually I have yet to meet someone who can do what those women can do but I'm not going to say it's not possible). If it were standard, the way we approach magick would be a bit different I would assume. But since it's not standard, magick for person gain seems like a personal decision to me.

Part of the reason people find Paganism is to help them learn more about themselves and grow into a more aware and balanced person. Magick can help them do that. How does magick help you if you can not use magick for personal gain? I consider that a form of personal gain since it is personal and the person does gain something.

I suppose it also depends on what someone considers personal gain. I consider personal gain anything that you personally gain from an action, be it magickal or not. It does not have to be a negative thing. You can have positive personal gain.

Some things I think are ok to do magick for are patience, tolerance, healing, happiness, balance, harmony, etc. These are good attributes to possess and doing magick to help you gain these in your life is not a bad thing in my mind. Even doing these things for others with or without their permission is not a bad thing as long as you do not do it to control the other person. This is where your ethics and morals come in. And responsibility.

I think responsibility is the most important thing to remember no matter what you are doing. If you are using magick use it responsibly. Is what you are casting for going to hurt, harm or control another person or thing? If so then you are not using magick in a way that is positive. However there are always exceptions to every rule. If someone assaulted someone I knew I would possibly use magick to keep them from doing it to anyone else and possibly also to make sure they came to justice. It may control the person to a degree but I would think it was worth it to keep others safe. That might not fit with some people but it would for me and I would not think it morally wrong. I would also understand that I would be responsible for the magick I cast for that situation and anything that would come back to me as a result.

I know that most Wiccans follow the Rede and that can be a good gauge to go by for the most part, but it can be interpreted so many ways. It really comes down to personal responsibility and your morals and ethics. The thing is each person has a different idea of what is morally and ethically correct so it would be hard for me or anyone else to say what is morally ethical for any one person. Which makes it hard to determine whether magick for personal gain is right or not also. Someone might be one missed paycheck away from living on the street. They may have children and can't afford the time or daycare to work more than one job. They then are told they are being laid off. I see nothing wrong with doing a job or money spell. Or someone finds out that they are very sick and needs a kidney transplant or they will die. I see nothing wrong with casting a spell for healing. If that means that the next person who dies has a perfect type match so a transplant can happen then I see nothing wrong with that. I wouldn't see that as casting a spell for someone's death so another can live. It's all in a person's perspective.

I also see some people in the Pagan community who are too scared to use magick for personal gain. They have been told that to do so is wrong and the Rede forbids it and the 3 fold law forbids it. Touchy subjects for me since I think those particular guidelines are taken way out of context too often. Like anything else they are there as guidelines. They help you understand that what you do has consequences. But they shouldn't be used like the proverbial wooden ruler that will slap you on the wrists should you step out of line. There is no deity in the sky who is just waiting for you to screw up so she can punish you. At least I don't think so. People have the ability to think and reason. If what you are doing is going to help and your intent is not to harm then why not go for it. Cast that confidence spell. Bring more joy to your life. Cast a spell for a better job. Send magickal energy to your friend, family member or the person you read about in the paper for healing. Just don't do it at another's expense. And if you do, realize that you are responsible for your actions and will be held accountable either positively or negatively.

The way I look at it is that magick is energy and there is energy in all we do. It's neither right or wrong, energy just is. It's what we do with it that is perceived as "right" or "wrong". Utilizing energy to improve your life or that of another isn't "wrong". It just is. Should we stop using herbs and their magick just because we use them to gain health? Should we stop praying since we obviously want something when we pray? Even if it's guidance it is still personal gain. Should we stop performing magick for the earth since we gain something personally from a healthy planet? I know these questions sound silly but defining personal gain and then saying you can't or shouldn't use magick for it is just as silly in my book.

I have and will continue to cast spells and use magick for personal gain. I don't do it often and I always double and triple check what I am asking for and how will not harm anyone if at all possible. I have also cast spells to protect myself from others and situations. Most of us have probably used magick to ward and protect our homes and belongings. Again, if you gain the protection and it is for personal things and reasons you just cast for personal gain. See how easy it is to use magick for personal gain? And how hard it would be not to do so? Ever put a magickal shield against negativity? Again, magick for personal gain.

Should we use magick for personal gain? I don't see why not. Should it be tempered with caution and care? Definitely. But I would hesitate to tell anyone what they can or can not do. We each have to decide for ourselves what is worth the cost and then be responsible for the actions taken. And, as always, the best way for us to teach our children and students is to walk the talk.

Blessings love and peace

Kyriea

ABOUT...

Kyriea

Location: Ramsey, Minnesota

Author's Profile: To learn more about Kyriea - Click HERE

Bio: Kyriea is a solitary Pagan who follows a Celtic path. She has been actively living and practicing her Pagan religious path since 1998 but has had many years of off and on again interest and study. Other interests include: sewing Renaissance costumes and clothes for friends and family, writing and publishing poetry related and unrelated to the craft, writing essays for The Witches' Voice, spending time with her daughter, boyfriend, family and friends, and soon-to-be addition of either a daughter or son sometime late November and playing with her 2 cats, Bonnie and Clyde.

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