Ethics and Spells

[AlyssaImagine]

Alright, so I`ve been wondering. Is it right to cast spells to help your own life and situation? I wouldn`t yet, as I`m too new and unsure, but my situation in life isn`t the best and I thought one day something might help.

Is it right to help yourself? I know many do, but should we use it to help others instead and simply protect ourselves? I know this might sound silly, but is helping our situation with magick better, or simply seeing where life leads you. To help others instead.

Forgive me, I`m very new and I wanted your opinions on this matter. If it makes any sort of since.

[Greek_Male_Witch]

I was like you when I first got into Witchcraft, I was so affected by tv shows like "Charmed",and I thought that if I cast any spell to give myself an advance somewhere, then it would be "personal gain", the truth is that you can change your life anyway you can with spells, as long as you don't harm someone else to achieve that. Thats the truth, also in Love spells, you can cast spells to attract love in general, if you try to attract a specific person, it won't work, or it will work in ways you don't like, never try to force love toward someone...no matter if you think he is your other half. I hope I helped! Blessed Be!

[Aniu]

Helping yourself is just fine. As long as no one gets harmed, go ahead and help yourself

[Firebird]

Yep, ...for the betterment of the self, however if you do not get instant results, then perhaps a path yet traveled must be explored.
Do not forget to follow up spells in the mundane world. If you need a job, cast your spell, but hit the pavement as well and fill out applications.
I personally, do not believe in working some one else's will, unless you have their direct permission...so, if a spell involves another, then they better know about it. Blessings, F.F.

[Kendrom]

Is it right to help yourself? I know many do, but should we use it to help others instead and simply protect ourselves? I know this might sound silly, but is helping our situation with magick better, or simply seeing where life leads you. To help others instead.

Let's say you are waiting for a bus, in the rain. Is it okay for you to step under cover to get out of the rain while you wait? Perfectly fine. You are making your life better, and protecting yourself.

Firefighters used to have the mentality of giving their lives to save another. Very noble. Modern firefighters realize that they can save more lives if they remain alive themselves. Yes, protect yourself. You can not use magick to better your life, or anyone else's if you are not at your best.

Using magick to find a job is fine. But it is, as it always is, your intent, that makes, or breaks a spell. Something like: "God on high, Goddess on higher. Bring me a 3 figure job, that is my desire" may not have the intended results. Using the energy to make the job come to you would be an unrealistic, and selfish act. But to ask the Goddess and God to guide you, and help you find the job that you are meant to have, now that is different. You are still pounding the bricks, filling out applications, talking with prospective employers. All you are doing is using the energy to guide you to, and help you see, the right job.

While helping others with magick would be the ideal way. Helping yourself is much like eating when you are hungry, sleeping when you are tired, bathing when you are dirty. Each of these ways helps yourself.

Also, in helping others... stop and think if this "help" is really that. Sometimes, what we think of as help, is not really helping the other person. For example: An old man falls ill. The doctors say it won't be long before he dies. One is tempted to use magick to help him recover. And, yes, it is a good thought. But what if the old man has completed his journey in this life, and is ready to pass on to the next? Would using magick to "save him" really be the best for him? But this can be a whole 'nuther topic all by itself.

But the bottom line is ethics. And that is your question. Is it ethical? The answer is in your heart. Do you use magick to fill your needs, or to fill you bank account? Do you use magick to help someone else, or do you use it to turn them into someone that you like better?

And by the way, thank you for this post. You have helped me realize what I must do for someone else. In this way, you have already helped someone else.

Blessed be.

[AlyssaImagine]

I'm so sorry I'm so late with this, I've just gotten a working internet again, and have rediscovered the world of writing and roleplay, and that is always a big part of me. I haven't been able to really write with other people in so long. XD

Anyway, I thank you all for your answers. It's just difficult for me, I guess to think like that? I've just always figured it's better to help others, you know? But you all have a good point.

You have a very, very good point there, Kendrom. You can't help people, if you can't help yourself first. I guess that's something very important to remember. <3

[Stormswift]

If spells were only to help others few would be doing it. I use magic strictly for myself and my famiiy: personal gain and protection. Since I am in a " broomstick closet" I cannot use magic for anyone else any way.