Here is my latest blog post for Moon Books…
How much of our Paganism do we allow to be defined by others? If we follow a specific or established spiritual tradition within Paganism, we look to those who have gone before, and those who are a part of it now, to inform our ideas about the path that we are journeying on. We can find great inspiration in doing so, finding relevance in the ideas of others that resonate deep within our souls, through the words and actions of those whom we may look up to, or feel a sense of rapport with. Equally, we may become frustrated and disappointed when those who follow the same spiritual path are at odds with our own beliefs, behaving badly, seeming to work in opposition to the very ethics that Paganism, by virtue of its deep-seated root in respect and love for nature, provides.
What are the ethics of Paganism? More and more, this topic is being discussed by prolific Pagan writers, teachers, organisations, established members of the community and newcomers to Paganism alike. We could look at what defines the Pagan community, but this is just too vast to cover in a blog post, as Paganism itself is so vast a subject. Therefore, the ethics that surround such a vast subject are numerous and varied according to each individual, if not organisation. For some, this is the brilliance of Paganism – for others, it is the downfall.
When the ethics that we hold dear to our heart are not being followed by others who claim to be a part of our tradition or spiritual path, we begin to question our path on so many levels. How can I be a part of this, when people behave like that? Issues with Pagans whom the media court may frustrate us, as we may feel we are not being represented properly or with due respect. Issues arising on social media, where wars with words are carried over into many different spheres can confound or simply clutter one’s newsfeed – these are all a part of being a modern Pagan, should you wish to use the term. Gossiping, griping, flaming, bullying – all these issues can make us question whether we want to be a part of this whole Pagan thing at all…
To read the full article, click HERE.
Down the Forest Path 
Well presented perspective and much needed. It can be a challenge because one does not emerge/arrive fully formed as a Pagan or Druid or Heathen like Venus in Botticelli’s painting. We do not emerge but evolve. We grow. Our beliefs are organic and living. Our spiritual practices mirror the chaos and order of nature and the natural world in turns. Ethics and ethical understandings do not happen in a vacuum, they are relational, because they are about how we relate to each other and to those beings and energies and entities around us.In our own quiet ways part of our path of service is to be an exemplum for others. Living every day and every moment respecting other beings and places as we interact with them, acting thus with integrity and empathy and compassion.
good words! x