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When we turn our backs on nature, we feel a sense of alienation, of spiritual and emotional loss, because we are cut off from our divine source.

For the Pagan, the physical world is a manifestation of the spiritual one; it is the living presence of our Gods. Modern Paganism is often at odds with western materialism, representing a ground swell of belief that we must have a different approach to the world we live in; one that recognises the need to approach the manifest world with respect. For the Pagan, there is no separation between creation and creator, between spirit and matter. We know that experience of the divine comes through a deep and meaningful communion with the natural world. Most of us turn to Paganism because we sense and desire this connection.

Pagan ethics is achieved through soul searching, self-knowledge and maturity, not a handed down list of rules. It requires us to live our Paganism on a daily basis in every choice we make. It requires that we each evolve our own ethical standpoint, based on our core beliefs of sacredness and sanctity.

This means asking ourselves difficult questions. Can we countenance the exploitation and suffering of animals just because we like sausages? Can we defend driving around in a swish 4 x 4 when we know it pollutes the environment? Or do we only put our ethics into practice when they don’t inconvenience us, impinge on our transient desires or require personal sacrifice?  Is our relationship with creation truly sacred, or only when it suits us?  In other words, do we really walk our talk or just pay it lip-service?

Pagan Ethics

To honour the sacredness of the earth, we must incorporate our spiritual practice, beliefs and ethics into our everyday lives. We must not just believe that the Earth and all life is sacred, but treat it as such.