Community Safety Month 2018: Pagan Ethics and Etiquette

March is Community Safety Month for the PCV. Throughout this month we will be promoting safe, sane and inclusive Pagan community for all through the sharing of information, discussion topics and more.

This month we’ve shared important advice for new Pagans, along with tips and suggestions for finding and joining a group. We’ve also looked at the need for a consent culture within our community, and how that can be achieved.

Our final topic for Community Safety Month is Pagan Ethics and Etiquette. These articles have been collected and discussed by the PCV committee: some share some common-sense views on ethical issues within our community, while others offer advice on how to mind your manners in the public Pagan scene.

Building Fences – Vouching, Communities and the Internet: In this piece, US author Thorn Mooney discusses the online Pagan community, and how the advent of the internet has changed the vouching process for lineaged/initiatory Pagan traditions.

Should You Pay for Online Spellcasting Services?: There are lots of people out there on the internet offering all kinds of spells, but US Pagan Patti Wigington points out there are better alternatives that won’t leave you hornswoggled.

How to Spot a Terrible Coven: Thorn Mooney shares some important, no-nonsense advice for anyone joining a new coven or group.

Your Responsibilities in Ritual: In this piece, US writer and high priest Jason Mankey discusses the responsibilities of all ritual participants, from the fluffiest bunny to the crustiest elder.

Screw Your Aesthetic: Despite what witches on Instagram might have you think, “real” witchcraft does not have to be blood, skulls and sex. Thorn Mooney explains.

Spiritual Treatment is No Substitute for Mental Health Care: It seems all too common for Pagans to treat their spiritual practice as an alternative to mental health care. US author and Druid John Beckett points out the dangers and fallacies of this.

Five Signs You Shouldn’t Run a Pagan Group: Thinking about starting your own Pagan group? Thorn Mooney has put together a few things about yourself you should consider first.

The Witch’s Guide to Etiquette – Avoiding Witch Wars:  For our final Community Safety Month resource for 2018, we chose this gem by author and witch Laura Tempest Zakroff.