Ethics in Witchcraft — Why I Choose White Magic

I’ve been a practicing witch for over six years. When it comes to the ethics of what is and is not okay to cast, I take a practical approach:

1. Do no harm.

2. Treat others the way I would expect to be treated in similar circumstances.

3. If I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it without magic, I won’t do it with magic.

Everyone has their own moral compass. Some practitioners feel comfortable working with darker forms of magic. Others, like myself, choose to align strictly with white magic. For me, the distinction matters.

White Magic vs. Black Magic

Black magic attempts to override free will. It forces outcomes and removes consent.

White magic maintains free will and influences gently. It inspires clarity, nudges decisions, strengthens protection, or shifts perspective — without domination.

Both forms of magic work with influence. Both affect probability, energy, and momentum. The difference is control, and control is where ethics enter the conversation.

“What About People Who Deserve It?”

This is where things get complicated. There are undeniably cruel people in the world — abusers, narcissists, manipulators, etc. It’s natural to feel anger toward them. It’s human to want justice. I understand the emotional impulse behind that belief, but I don’t believe it is my place to act as judge, jury, and executioner through magic.

One recent example comes to mind:

Last year, a feminist group called Jezebel paid Etsy witches to curse Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist (the article Jezebel posted has since been removed). Two days later, he was assassinated. Whether you agree with his messages or not (I do not), the fact of the matter is a man was murdered and his family lost a husband and father.

Much fallout occurred as a result of his passing, one of which was Etsy receiving disparaging messages from understandably upset netizens about the platform’s lack of policy enforcement against harmful sellers. Unfortunately, this resulted in a mass suspension of good-willed metaphysical shops on Etsy, like mine, which I’ve also written a blog post about.

When people mix retaliation, rage, and metaphysical practice, there will always inevitably be consequences.

Magic Is a Companion, Not a Weapon

Witchcraft is about balance. It should never be about getting what we want. When we have been blessed with a spiritual gift, it is so we can help others. It was never meant to hurt people or to be utilized purely for our own selfish desires.

As the famous line from Spider-Man reminds us: “With great power comes great responsibility.”

If we use magic to harm, manipulate, or dominate, we are not restoring balance, we are creating more imbalance, and in doing so, risk becoming the very thing we claim to oppose.

Why I Choose White Magic

White magic aligns with my conscience. It supports love without obsession, encourages clarity without coercion, and opens doors without dragging someone through them. Magic should complement our actions — not replace accountability.

If all someone does is hurt others through spiritual practice, then they are not practicing balance, they are practicing harm. And harm, whether physical or energetic, always carries consequences — for them and for other people.