KARMA , THE THREE FOLD LAW , and EthicsThis is a second in a series of lectures that I am preparing that deal with the religious aspects of Wicca. Too many times does a new student, or even one who has been in the "Craft of the Wise" for years, over looks or is not taught nearly enough of. Too many times does the student want to rush into the magickal aspects of Wicca with- out learning enough of the religious aspects, and history, or the consequences behind it. If I can figure out how to put these lectures into a course format, I will offer them as such at a later time. The ideas below are taken from several sources, some of which are directly quoted.
You have often heard the phrases; "As you sew, so shall ye reap". "What goes around, comes around"."Whatever you send out returns three times". These are all sayings very familiar to us all,and all of them examples of a cause and effect, action and reaction universe. Of course many of the religious systems try to furnish us with some sort of "escape clause" that will allow man to either alleviate suffering for past misdeeds, or to escape responsibility totally. Let us take a little closer look at these three ideas and ther inter-relationship.
It seems that, on one level, we do live in a mechanistic universe, one pretty much ruled by cause-and-efect. Every action "produces an equal and opposite reaction". As Newton stated an in his universal theory,"an object in motion tends to stay in motion until acted upon by an outside force."
The principle of Karma basically says that any negative or positive action or thought remains that way, until it expends its energy by acting upon the originator. Of course this also makes implicit the idea that thoughts or mental energy have a reality of their own, one that interacts with the physical universe. If this idea is accepted, it then implies the existence of at least one more "world" or order of the universe, one with a non physical "reality", and one where the basic fundamental rules of physics (as we know them) may not truly apply.
The magician (Wiccan Practitioner)can be described as one who "walks between" these two worlds. "Walking between two worlds" implies that an individal is connected with both and can move between them at will. The purpose of magic is to manipulate one world for the benefit of the other, i.e. to manipulate the unseen world for the express purpose of influencing events in the physical. As long as it "Harm None" remember!! Unfortunately there does not seem to be a "free ride" anywhere in the universe, and when an individual acquires the power to do this, they also aquire a great deal of responsibility! By accepting the power to exert "leverage" in the unseen world, an individual seems to also accept a multiplied succeptibility to influences initiated in that world. This is why negative workings are so dangerous! This may also be the reasoning behind the "law of three fold return", or more commonly known as the "Three Fold Law."
The Three Fold Law basic concept is that, if you do good, then goodness will be returned to you times three, and if you do bad, then you will have three times the bad returned to you. This does not mean that if you break someone's arm that you will have your arm broken three times. What it means is that you will have three times the bad returned, either all at once or over a period of time.
How can any individual ever hope to "pay off" the debts for all of the "bad" things they have done not only in this lifetime, but in many others? Must we "pay off" all past transgressions on a one for one basis? Is there no escape clause in this "contract" we seem to have for living in the universe?
This "escape clause" is called Grace by the Christians and by other names in other systems, but it does exist in all. Basically, the idea is this: "Once a lesson is completely learned and one grows beyond a need for this lesson, it need not be repeated, even if the 'books' are not balanced". This is the "Enlightenment" sought by the Buddhist that allows the "breaking" of the wheel. This is also the core principle behind the idea of "Divine" forgiveness.
ETHICS AND PAGANISM
Wicca has no single leader. It has no single body of dogma. It has no 'ultimate athority' that tells people what to believe. You need to hold a code of ethics that in some ways is more demanding than most (because it -requires- you to make decisions for yourself much of the time!) and can live life with joy and gladness.
Many people today are getting interested in Magick. Books proliferate the market (whereas a few years ago, they were very difficult to come by).
One of the main things to remember when attempting to learn how to practice Magick is to keep an "ethical" viewpoint in mind. Remember that Magick is manipulation. Through Magick, one can manipulate his or her environment, and the people that are in that environment. It's important to remember that manipulation of another's Will (i.e. attempting to control them, etc.) is considered "unethical" by Wiccan standards (as well as by many other Pagan traditions).
Another thing that would be considered "unethical" is hexing. A hex is a baneful or malicious Magickal working with the intent of hurting another person in some way (by either making them do something that will cause a hurt, or by causing something else to hurt them). This includes an emotional hurt, as well as a physical one.
To some, -any- manipulation or changing of the natural order is unethical. Can you really say that your area needs more rain, and thus perhaps take it from another? Think long and hard about -any- magickal working -before-you do it, for it -always- has consequences.
I am really surprised by the number of people who are professing to be Wiccans, and who have adopted the "anything goes" attitude, feeling they can hex and heal at Will. Anyone who understands the Three Fold Law, or Law of Karma, realizes that everything will eventually come back on the originator (and most times, intensified...i.e. Threefold, or even stronger). A person who is aware of this Law, and yet still practices hex or hurtful Magick against another is like a person who is cutting off their arm, to spite themself. It makes no sense!! Yet, I have had communication with a lot of people who think that by "accepting the consequences" of their actions after doing this type of Magick, is "accepting responsiblity." However, I would like to point out that REAL responsiblity is demonstrated by NOT practicing that type of Magick at all!!
Don't be fooled into thinking that you're free to do whatever you want..... nothing is FREE. You eventually pay for it, one way or another. True freedom comes from knowing that you really don't have complete "freedom." There are rules and regulations that need to be followed (just reference our legal system for an allegory.....we are one of the "freest" countries in the world, and yet we have tons of laws that keep us from doing many things.. so, we don't have complete freedom). Our freedom comes from following the rules, and abiding by them. If this is done, eventually, spiritual evolution will follow, releasing you from the incarnation cycle, and LIBERATING you from the physical plane, to begin development on the next.
However, if you fall into the "I can do what I want" trap, you will continue to be your own worst enemy, causing yourself much pain and suffering for many lifetimes to come and, you will only have yourself to blame for it!
For the Self,
Learn. Knowledge is the basis of all that is. Take in all knowledge, from any source. Armed in this way, wisdom will be your guide.
Meditate Go into the Inner Self. Knowledge extends beyond what is read and learned and far into your Self. For only from our selves is there true wisdom.
Love Love all those around. Friends, enemies, Mother Earth and all that she holds. But first love yourself.
For Others,
Teach Teaching will raise the level of understanding of the world. Even though you may have a small number of students, each one student and every bit of knowledge passed on will be of benefit. Teach carefully. Know what is being taught and to whom. Teach students what they can learn, as far as they can go. Only the student can know where the knowledge will take him.
Heal Use the technique that will be of the most benefit without overdoing. If what is needed is talk, then talk. If what is needed is direct use of energy, then use the energy without hesitation.
Walk the Path
Harm None. More than not squishing ants. Be mindful of power both learned and intuited as well as knowledge imparted. Think about the consequences before taking action
Be the Example. Walk the path with love and trust, impart only the knowledge that will benefit and use your talents for the good, the path will become evident.
SO WHAT ETHICS ARE EXPECTED OF YOU?
The following are guidelines to help you decide what teacher to study under, what coven to affilliate with (if any), and in general to give you an idea of what behaviours are pretty much accepted within the Wiccan community.
1: QUESTION EVERYTHING!
A: Not everything you read in a book is true. Look at the bibliography and check it for yourself...sometimes the author is blowing smoke!
B: Not everything you hear from your teacher is true. Ask for sources, then check those sources. Check the sources' sources. GET THE FACTS.
2: AN YE HARM NONE, DO WHAT YOU WILL.
This can be reworded like this: "If there is absolutely no harm done by your actions or inactions insofar as you and those you are close to or Working with can possibly imagine, then go ahead and do or not do it. If there is ANY chance of harm being done by your actions or inaction, DON'T. This is called the "Wiccan Rede," and is the core of our ethical system. It applies to your daily life just as much as to any magickal work. THINK VERY CAREFULLY ABOUT THIS!
3: SELF-INITIATION IS PERFECTLY VALID.
You do NOT need to be initiated by anyone to make your Path a valid one.....but admit to the fact that you are self-initiated, and don't make up an impressive 'genealogy,' for you will only be fooling yourself. If you are self-initiated, be PROUD of it. You are just as 'initiated' as the person who can trace their line back (supposedly) to the Burning Times or to Gerald Gardner.
4: A SOLITARY WICCAN IS STILL A WICCAN!
You do NOT have to belong to a Coven, Circle or any group to be a Wiccan, though it is a good idea to meet with and network with others, both for the fellowship, and to learn more.
5: SEX IS NOT A REQUIREMENT.
If your teacher says that sexual intercourse with him or her is a requirement for initiation, teaching, or degree advancement, and this is not something you and any Significant Other can accept, and if you and your SO cannot accept this and your teacher does not agree, go find another teacher. No reputable Wiccan will fault you for this action.
6: READ! READ! READ!
Read EVERYTHING you can lay your hands on about Craft and Magick. Read both pro and con about it. _Think_ about what you have read.
If your teacher forbids the reading of _any_ books, look VERY carefully at their motives for doing so, and start getting VERY suspicious. They are obviously afraid of something.
7: THERE IS NO "ONE TRUE TRADITION" OF WICCA.
"If it works, it's real." This applies to ritual, names of the Deity(s), the clothing that you wear (or don't wear), or whatever. If it works for you, it's real. If it doesn't work, then it's not real. It's as simple as that!
8: CHRISTIANITY, JUDAISM, ISLAM, AND MANY OTHER BELIEF SYSTEMS ARE VALID PATHS.
We should not denigrate these beliefs simply because of the perversions of their otherwise good and useful teachings by people who had/have a political/religious/social axe to grind. We can learn much from the Bible, the Torah, and the Koran. Their ethical and moral systems have been proven to _work_.
Respect those Christian denominations that honor the Lady too!
9: ANY ACTION THAT IS ILLEGAL BY SECULAR LAW IS ILLEGAL WITHIN CRAFT.
This one is self-explanatory, folks, and does NOT cover such laws as might forbid co-habitation, multiple SO's, or gays....but such things as will HARM another, or bring the Craft into disrepute.
Such things as drugs, sexual relations with minors, animal sacrifice, vandalism, being a public nuisance, and the like are RIGHT OUT.
10: MANY TRADITIONS, ONE GOD/GODDESS
There are many, many forms of Wicca. Some of these may not be right for you. Keep looking until you find one that is. Don't be afraid to say "NO!" if you feel something is being asked of you that you cannot accept. Don't be afraid to walk OUT of a group if you don't like what's going on. THINK FOR YOURSELF!
Copyrighted GreWolf ©2001
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