What do you consider "left handed".

I've always considered myself a right handed path person, following the "harm none" rule was all it took, or so I thought. I've also never effected any change without the expressed consent of all involved. So I guess my personal definition is, effect none negatively, and nothing without consent. Easy enough..

But I recently heard someone express an opinion, specifically about personal gain, that got me to thinking, and wondering, what exactly defines left handed? And are there gray areas? And is there a place for it in my personal practice?

This was the first time I had ever heard "personal gain" expressed as left handed. I do a yearly prosperity spell, doesn't that count? I've often heard that the Goddess/Universe has no interest in which way prosperity is channeled, so directing it your way is of no harm.
(No matter what spell I do, "for the good of all concerned, may it harm none" is always included).

As far as harming anyone, out of the question. Even healing spells need permission, IMO.

So this question is for anyone with an opinion, but mainly for the average Wiccan that follows the Rede, what is left handed to you?

Tags: handed, left, left-handed, prosperity

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Monica on April 14, 2008 at 1:49pm: What do you mean the Goddess/Universe has no interest in which way prosperity is channeled?
I don't believe magick has really a right/left handed place. Its the intent and the person that is doing the magicks. There can be gray areas. Its personal choice.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Freyaschild on April 14, 2008 at 6:42pm: More of a matter of spiritual ethics actually.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Freyaschild on April 14, 2008 at 7:02pm: Ok, I'll try :D, what I was trying to get at basically, is that I had never heard *until recently* that using magic for personal gain was morally/ethically questionable. Especially when one handles their spells in an ethical fashion. So, yes, I am little confused on the matter.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Freyaschild on April 14, 2008 at 7:11pm: Here's wiki definition:
Left-Hand Path" belief systems value the advancement and preservation of the self, glorification of more temporal and terrestrial goals, and personal power rather than spiritual attainments.

And they define right handed as having strict adherence to moral codes.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by July Evening Starr on April 14, 2008 at 9:18pm: Guess I can't participate in this one. I am not a follower of Wicca.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bourne of Twilight on April 14, 2008 at 11:09pm: I, too, am not Wiccan. So sorry to say, I don't believe in these paths you mention. I am well studied in many different forms of Magickal paths. I am also I.O.T. and that does not fit in our repetoire. If you study, you will learn that all forms of magick carry some sort of subtle manipulation. If that is what you wish to formulate as left-handed, then all of us here are guilty.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by d'Arqstar on April 15, 2008 at 12:21am: I'm NOT Wiccan, but if you have no qualms about casting a prosperity spell for yourself why question it? I believe that we ALL have instincts and insights that guide us in our way. My way might not be your way, but both are valid, each to his (or her) own! LOL!
(btw, I have some left handed friends who bristle at that terminology! LOL! But I KNOW what you mean.)
BB
d'Arqstar; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Freyaschild on April 15, 2008 at 8:07am: I agree, and I know intent is everything, so "worried" isn't exactly how I feel about it. More like surprised that there was even an inkling of suspicion suddenly associated with prosperity spells. I think MAYBE the distinction is if self gain is the sole purpose of ones practice.

I wish I had been in the position to discuss the expressed opinions at the time, but I did get the feeling they were trying to give a negative impression of those who would dare to work magic for personal gain... which smacks a little of pagan snobbery one often runs into.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Freyaschild on April 15, 2008 at 10:02am: EXACTLY, I've often felt sometimes ones old churchy habits seem to die hard! LOL; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by d'Arqstar on April 17, 2008 at 12:10am: It seems rather a lot of "witchier than thou" types actually impose residual "Christian" concepts into their practices, NOT that its my place to judge (LOL!) but denying one's self in this world in hopes of furthering one's self in the NEXT world is ENTIRELY such a concept in my humble opinion. This life is for living and enjoying in THIS world...the next will take care of itself if we listen to what we're to hear now, or something like that! LOL!
And even though we've discussed this on another thread, "Charmed" did MUCH to insert that "not for self-gain" thing into many folks' thinking. How noble? How honorable? (and it keeps us from CHEATING by using magick to discern the winning lottery numbers! LOL!)
I get a chuckle out of some who spend SO very much time and energy trying to get things "just so" in their rites, rituals, and spells...but I view Witchcraft as a natural thing and tend to "fly by the seat of my...broom?" LOL!
What was my point? Um...its there somewhere...mired down in my circular thinking! LOL!
(you all know what I mean...I think we ALL suffer this affliction! LOL! Nature of the beast and all that!)
BB
d'Arqstar; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Freyaschild on April 17, 2008 at 7:22am: Totally agree, I've seen and felt those "residual" concepts AND attitudes. Probably deserves a thread of it's own! hah When I hear of a witch war, when I see someone trying to exclude an earnest seeker, when I hear someone being put down because they don't practice "their" way, "book religion ways" is exactly what I think of! Fact of the matter is, most of us started out life with at least some "book religion" influences and takes some people longer than others to shake those influences off after you've found your true way.

And in regards to your "just so" comment, agree again.. best rituals come from the heart and are not scripted.

BB
Freya; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Freyaschild on April 17, 2008 at 7:11am: I believe one who uses magic for ANY reason with a lack of regard for others is asking for trouble.
This is also why I find it hard to believe that magic for personal gain WITH regard for others, the good of all concerned, may it harm none, is frowned upon at all.; ▶ Reply to This