AboutRev. Amy Blackthorn Ph.D, DD. HPS, RM Expertise I can answer questions on many Traditions. I have experience in many subjects, including General Wiccan information, Dianic Wicca, Folk Magick and indigenous Religions, including Celtic Reconstruction, Native Herbal uses and Green WitchCraft.
Experience I have 15+ years experience in the above topics, including the Initiatory traditions of Gardnerian Wicca and Green WitchCraft.
Organizations Maryland Delaware Wiccan Pagan Alliance, Alternative Religions Education Network, Lady Liberty League, Pagan Clergy Association
Publications My first publication was in "The Seeker Journal" at the age of 16. This was an 18 page in depth look at the similarities between Wiccan holy days and Christian ones.
Education/Credentials Numerous degrees including one in Horticulture and initiation into different Religious orders, including Intensives with Susun Weed and other Notable Wiccan and Pagan Authors, Scholars and Elders. Reiki Master
Awards and Honors I run a Temple, in addition to my "mundane" life working in a hospital and running my own business.I have had 4 years of formal training in one Tradition, and was Initiated as a Green Witch. I've taught classes in MD, DE and PA. I've been contacted on several occasions to act as a Media liason for ABC television and the Sci-Fi Channel in matters of the Wiccan religion and have been featured locally on AM and FM stations, including multiple appearances on 'The Paranormal Cafe.'
I run Meeting groups locally for Witches and other Magickal people to meet and greet, and am currently working with friends in MD and DE to build stores to better serve our Community.
Question If one of the wiccan beliefs is that "if it harms none, do as you will," how does a person determine whether the thing they are doing doesn't harm anyone? As an example, some will see chopping down a tree as providing heat and fuel for cooking for themselves and their family, others will see it as harming the forest. How are such discrepancies reconciled?
Answer Pete,
Exactly. Truth is relative. IN all things there is the possibility of harm. If you do a spell to get that promotion at work, that means someone else who might have gotten it, didn't. To Heal a loved one of an illness, means you first must kill the infection. Harm is possible in a variety of ways and means, it is within the heart of the practitioner to decide whether the situation merits magical intervention. Spellwork is not the first resort of the witch. Nor, the second or third. It should be used as a last resort.
You are right, Harm None, is one of the Wiccan Beliefs. But another is that Everything you send out comes back to you many fold. This helps to temper the intent of the person. If you are generous with the world, it will be much more generous with you. But if you seek to harm others, the universe will be more cruel with you.
So in essence, the discrepancies must be examined by the practitioner from as many angles as are possible, so that you are SURE that A) Magic is needed. and B) that you are willing to accept what the Universe returns to you as a result of your Spell.
