about Ethics

Pagan, Satanic, or OtherKin morality is subject to the honest dictates on her or his heart. (See 1 Corinthians 11.30 - 32 for similar conditions for Christians.) With enlightenment comes a terrible burden. We weigh our responsibilities with less flexibility. No one scolds a child as severely for dropping and breaking a glass filled with milk as an adolescent would be. We expect an adolescent to be wise enough to control her or his hands and not drop the glass.

Morals are the right things to do. Ethics are society’s arguments for doing the right things. Ethics are the rules, standards, or moral principles adopted by an individual or group to govern conduct. We may expect that following these standards will lead to what is best for human life collectively. Often this term is used in more specialized sense of being the set of standards followed by the members of a profession. A Pagan is morally answerable only to the dictates of her or his own conscience. Traditionally — guided by the absolute love of Nature — Pagans heal, teach, guard, lead, and counsel, just like any other human. Some of us are like “spiritual parents,” caring for our community. The Universe is not safe; though life is wondrous at times, sometimes it just is not fair at all.

Despite what some may say, Alternative Cultures of Faith do have codes of ethics. In fact, I would venture to say that because ethics are among the primary functions of any religion that anyone who has had a few moments of religious thought will also have an ethical code. There are fundamentals for ethics that hold for anyone. Take the ethics of stealing, for example, that is the ethic that stealing is immoral. One may refuse to steal because, “God said so!” The other refuses to steal because it harms the owner, maliciously keeping what the owner has a right to possess. In either case, the presence of a god within the life of the logician is of little real consequence. If a soul encounters an existential crisis that results in a rejection of their god then what has really changed? The first now has no outside authority to appeal to or to be accountable. The other is not likely to change his or her ethics as their authority came from within.

“An it Harm none, do as you will,” [Gerald Gardner]. Sometimes mistakenly called the “Witches Rede,” this code of Ethics is good advice, though has its flaws.

Originally lifted from Rabelais’ World by Sir Francis Dashwood (1708 - 1781ce) where it was posted to the gates of the Abby of Medmenham. It was adapted by Aleister Crowley as his word of aeon. With this ethic, Fay ce que voudras, (Do As Thou Wilt) his original intent was that the soul should do as they thought best, and leave another soul to do the same. The usual Thelemic greetings are “Love is the Whole Law,” which gets the response, “Love under will.” Thelema [Θέλημά], is Greek for will.

The addition of, “an it harm none” is often misinterpreted. If you get the job, that means someone else did not. Not harming someone would be difficult under this circumstance. You got the job, someone else must go on and look elsewhere. If they got the job, then you, and someone else, must look elsewhere. For all you know, that someone else may get a better job (for them) than the one you got.

Witches are human, (really, we are). We are subject to all the emotions and whims of beast and god. Magic is dangerous, even in the hands of a sharpshooter. It does not take long to learn that power can be addictive. The Wiccan Rede serves to school the ignorant away from abusing this new found power.

The flaw arises when the Rede becomes a dogmatic crutch. A Witch is a guardian, defending innocence and guiding the ignorant. If criminals have terrorized a neighborhood — such as a slum-lord — a Witch will often feel compelled to bring the terrorist down. In the face of the Witches Rede, one may want to restrain themselves from acting. By allowing myself to become a victim, I have created two great errors. I am made less human. That is, I become little better than a host to a parasite. Then, I encourage the “victor” to abuse another. As a Witch, I refuse to allow this to happen! If that requires a dynamic and fatal use of Magic … well, that is the decision of the Witch involved.

The way I have discovered is best is what I call Rational non-malfeasance. I will not go out of my way to hurt someone, and sometimes will go out of my way to not hurt someone. Sometimes I recognize that there is a time when we must stand up and impede the progress of malicious evil, and that may result in someone being hurt in some way. I also recognize that I am still human and cannot see all ends and know that every choice will work out to the best).

See The Wiccan Rede Project for more details.

Keep in mind, morals are the right things to do. Ethics are society’s arguments for doing the right things. Ethics are the rules, standards, or moral principles adopted by an individual or group to govern conduct. Satanists do form groups of various flavors and sizes, and for various purposes. These might be for coffee, or greater work such as disaster relief. Satanists are no less human than anyone who is reading this page (provided they were born on this planet, that is). That means that we like to be part of something that is greater than ourselves.

And like any other social group, we have the choice of joining a group, and the group has the choice of letting us join. That means that, should I wish to participate in activities with, say, the First Church of Satan, then I must conform my behavior to what would be suitable within this organization. True, there aren’t a lot of rules among Satanists, and those that do exist are generally the lowest common denominators required for a coherent and happy group.

As individuals, however, we will hold ourselves to an ethic that is often much higher than society in general. Understand of course, that not all Satanists are as old as the hills like John Allee. Some have been at it for a few years such as myself (see the whet behind my ears), and even come into it from other paths (such as myself coming in from Wicca through Paganism). Some of us are still working out issues from our childhood, or even yesterday. Anyone who is genuinely dedicated to the Left-hand path, however, will not be satisfied with yesterday’s wisdom, and will pursue tomorrow’s with the passion of a lover in hot pursuit of a lust interest.

In the final analysis, the Satanist really has no other authority to appeal to for ethics outside their own experience and dedicated, mindful experiences. Fay ce que voudras, (Do As Thou Wilt) may inform some Satanists in their Ethics, it may not. Some may appeal to the Eleven Rules of the Earth, the Marques de Sade, the Legend of Faust. Our choices are informed by the groups we choose to belong to. A member of the Temple of Set can be severely reprimanded for failing to adhere to their ethics. A member of the First Church of Satan may get put on permanent ignore for all eternity; or until some sympathetic cleric such as myself appeals to our better demons and say, “enough is enough, she is sorry already.” In the depths of Hell, however, you stand alone. The next step is yours, alone. So, if you choose to steel, or reach for as many unknown souls being pulled into the ocean by a tsunami as you can get, only you can explain what you are doing and why. John Allee may never even know you consider yourself a member, and your theft might be known by none save yourself. You may even die saving all those lives and be remembered as an anonymous soul who saved a child or so. Only you can die for yourself, so only you can live for yourself. The only thing we can say is, “go away” if we don’t like your behavior.

At best, I might say the ethic is, Pursue Knowledge, Power and Pleasure with every faculty at your disposal. How can you do any less? That is only my opinion, however, and subject to the iggie button as is any other.

☛ I am an ordained minister who happens to be Pagan, OtherKin, or Satanic, or Unaligned with any particular religious philosophy.

☛ It is my expressed intention to help in the self-empowerment of clients and students who seek that help.

☛ I am dedicated to the best rational interest of my Professional Ordination, and of those who recognize it.

Just for today

• I will let go of anger.
• I let go of worry.
• I will honor my blessings, and those who give them freely.
• I will be honest with myself and at my work.
• I will be kind to myself, and to every other soul.

As a Pagan, Satanic, and OtherKin Minister I will ☛

☛ Accept any person who looks to me for counsel.

☛ I will accept any person whatever race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability, national ancestry, sexual orientation, identity, or practice, or economic condition.

☛ Not consider a person’s physical, philosophical, or financial condition as a test of worth.

As a Pagan, Satanic, and OtherKin Minister, I have a responsibility to ☛

☛ Espouse, as far as possible, objectivity and integrity in my profession.

☛ Always, model and cultivate the best character and honor for my client and my fellow ministers.

☛ Mindfully dedicate my life to virtue, nobility, veracity, and truth as we know it.

☛ Teach my clients, helping them acquire autonomy, integrity, and personal industry, so that my clients may help themselves.

☛ Counsel my client, helping them stoke the Shadow Flame, and cultivate their own evolution.

☛ Meet all challenges at face, so that I may fulfil my own potential as a Human.

As a Pagan, Satanic, and OtherKin Minister I will ☛

☛ Recognize that my profession is founded on standards of competence that, to our way of thinking, promote the best interest of society, my client, my self, and my professions.

☛ Continue to assess my own strengths, limitations, biases, and effectiveness, and correct them where I am able.

☛ Strive to recognize when I can no longer be of service to my client, and must direct my client to one better suited to help.

☛ Strive to be objective, non-possessive, unattached, and professional in my relationship with my client.

☛ Work for my profession’s integrity by encouraging those who wish to practice to get the appropriate education and certificates.

☛ Pursue avenues of education — whether they interest me or not — and further my personal and professional growth.

☛ Accept the review of my peers as aimed at my personal and professional growth.

As a Pagan, Satanic, and OtherKin Minister I will ☛

☛ Recognize that legal standards are based on a minimum expected standard.

☛ Recognize that what is legal is not always ethical.

☛ Uphold the legal and moral codes concerning professional conduct as an ordained minister.

☛ Not claim, implicitly or explicitly, professional qualification or affiliations that I do not possess.

☛ Not use my affiliation with my Cultures of Faith, nor the Ordaining or Serving Organization for purposes that are not consistent with the stated purposes of these organizations.

☛ Not associate with, nor permit my name to be used concerning any service or product in a way that is incorrect, improper, or misleading.

☛ Be responsible when involved in the commercial sale of books, services, or products, ensuring professional veracity.

As a Pagan, Satanic, and OtherKin Minister I will ☛

☛ Speak with certainty only what I know with certainty.

☛ Respect the limits of personal, professional, scientific, and present knowledge in public statements concerning my Cultures of Faith, the Ordaining or Serving Organization, and other forms of philosophy.

☛ Fairly and accurately represent this Ministry to clients, other professionals, or to the public.

☛ Fairly document and acknowledge the materials and techniques used.

☛ Represent to students the best training and qualifications required to perform the skills and techniques that best serve the ministry properly.

As a Pagan, Satanic, and OtherKin Minister I will ☛

☛ Give credit to all who have contributed to material that I have published.

☛ Recognize those who have contributed to my published work.

☛ Acknowledge even the least contributor to that published work where appropriate.

☛ Specifically acknowledge all contributions, published or not, all who have contributed to my published work.

☛ List myself as editor if I am simply compiling or editing the contribution of others.

As a Pagan, Satanic, and OtherKin Minister I will ☛

☛ Respect the integrity and protect the welfare of the client, my profession, my affiliation, and the Community.

☛ Define and disclose, for myself and others, the nature and direction of loyalties and responsibilities, making such commitments as public as possible.

☛ Be primarily concerned with the client’s welfare in the presence of professional or ethical conflicts.

☛ Strive to recognize personal or professional conflict that would compromise my service to my client, and direct my client to one better suited to help.

☛ Strive to recognize when reasonably clear that I can no longer be of service to my client, and must direct my client to one better suited to help.

☛ Request or inform the client when we must share personal and confidential information with other persons for whatever reasons.

☛ Adhere to the rules of Confidentiality, while it is legal, regarding records, materials, or knowledge concerning my client.

☛ Use the information released or obtained with informed consent for the expressed purposes only.

☛ Not place my client unnecessarily into a potentially damaging environment or situation.

☛ Not place my client, nor myself, unnecessarily where we maybe subject to public scrutiny or censure.

☛ Collaborate and consult with fellow ministers and other mental health professionals to provide a supportive environment for the client.

☛ Ensure a working environment that is safe, and conductive to a therapeutic relationship and a healing condition.

As a Pagan, Satanic, and OtherKin Minister I will ☛

☛ Understand that the principle of confidentiality may allow a soul to share some secret, and relieve themselves of the harm that secret is causing.

☛ Understand that without such confidentiality, the client may hold onto that secret, letting it fester into a monster as evil as any in the history of humanity.

☛ Embrace, as a primary obligation, the duty to protect the privacy of my client, and will not disclose confidential information, in teaching, practice, or investigation.

☛ Adhere to the Rules of Confidentiality, while it is legal, regarding records, materials, or knowledge concerning my client.

☛ Reveal information gained in confidence only when there is a clear and present danger to the client or to other persons, and then only to appropriate professional workers, public authorities, and persons clearly in danger.

☛ Inform the client when information will be revealed, and how that information is to be used.

☛ Discuss the information obtained in consultations only in appropriate settings, and only for professional purposes clearly concerned with the case.

☛ Present data in written and oral reports that are germane to the purpose of evaluation, avoiding any undue invasion of privacy.

☛ Use the information released or obtained with informed consent for the expressed purposes only.

☛ Make provisions for maintaining confidentiality, even when disposing of records.

☛ Make provisions for maintaining confidentiality when information is to be used for case studies, teaching, or writing, in which cases only information required to illustrate the case will be used.

As a Pagan, Satanic, and OtherKin Minister I will ☛

☛ Intelligently inform the prospective client about the important aspects of a potentially therapeutic relationship.

☛ Obtain the clients informed consent in areas likely to affect the client’s participation, including the recording of interviews, the use of interview material for training or publication purposes, or observation or an interview by another person.

☛ Inform the designated guardian or other responsible person of the circumstances which may influence the relationship, when the client is a minor, or is incompetent.

☛ Identify and maintain the boundaries regarding a professional relationship with family, covenant members, or close friends, especially where such a relationship will jeopardize the welfare of the client.

☛ Refrain from inappropriate sexual activity with a client.

☛ Remember that the Noble Ones are friendly, not familiar.

As a Pagan, Satanic, and OtherKin Minister I will ☛

☛ Treat my colleagues with respect, courtesy, and fairness, affording the same courtesy to other professionals.

☛ Respect the rights of my fellow ministers, whatever their Cultures of Faith, the Ordaining or Serving Organization.

☛ Not offer services as counselor or minister to a client whom another counselor or minister is already serving, unless requested by the client or their minister.

☛ Cooperate, where ethical, with duly constituted professional ethics committees, and promptly supply necessary information, unless constrained by the demands of confidentiality.

☛ Refrain from publicly criticizing another minister or counselor, or being unfair in anything I say about another’s Cultures of Faith, the Ordaining or Serving Organization.

As a Pagan, Satanic, and OtherKin Minister I will ☛

☛ Establish clear and fair financial arrangements in professional and religious practice, and in accord with the fair professional standards that will safeguard the best interest of the client, the counselor, and the profession and ministry.

☛ Carefully consider the ability of the client to meet the financial cost when establishing rates for professional services.

☛ Not seek compensation for referral of a client to another counselor for services.

☛ Take care when accepting a personal gift, or gratuity for professional services as counselor or minister.

As a Pagan, Satanic, and OtherKin Minister I will ☛

☛ Publicly represent my Cultures of Faith, the Ordaining or Serving Organization, fairly and ethically, where it is safe and necessary.

☛ Advocate changes in public policy and legislation to afford religious freedom for all in America.

As a Pagan, Satanic, and OtherKin Minister I will ☛

☛ Not go out of my way to hurt someone, and sometimes will go out of my way to not hurt someone;

☛ Recognize that there is a time when we must stand up and impede the progress of malicious evil, and that may result in someone being hurt in some way.

☛ Recognize that I am still human and cannot see all ends and know that every choice will work out to the best.