Doing magick with others is a great way to learn and add depth to one’s individual practice, and can be a fun and rewarding experience. But it can also put one in a position of vulnerability, since, to many people, magick and spirituality are intensely personal. Many consider the act of working magick with others to constitute a sacred bond which should not be dishonored.
Participants in The Green Mushroom Project group work will be expected to maintain a few simple ethical guidelines to ensure the well-being of all those involved.
Don’t be a dick, which, here, means acting in any way that would be contrary to the goals of:
- Reciprocity and Respect
- Fun and Inclusivity
- Fostering Connection
- Learning from Each Other
- Creating a Safe Space for Sharing Experiences
Don’t “out” people. Only speak to someone about the work in a public setting if you have permission to do so. Respect people’s privacy.
Consent is a thing. Magical energies contributed by another person will only be used for what that person has consented to.
Respect people’s boundaries. No means no. Don’t ask again.
We’re here for magick. Please refrain from distracting from this goal by using group time to try to convince others of your general beliefs/opinions/ideas about things or by monopolizing group time in an attempt to impress or intellectually intimidate others.
You are responsible for you. Everyone should have a common understanding of the goals to be achieved. If you have questions, or disagree with something, you will be expected to speak up. Magic can yield tricky results if everyone is not on the same page, and no one will judge you for seeking clarity or putting forth ideas.
Honesty is key. This basically falls under “Respect”, but bears repeating. Being honest about your intentions with the group, and most importantly, with yourself, will yield the best results.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Even though all (or most) of the group work we do for the project is remote, participants will be expected to treat others as they would if they were standing in a room together. Just because you are using technology to communicate with someone, it does not make that person any less “real,” or less deserving of respect and consideration.
- Astral work can be fun and rewarding, but, depending on what you’re up to, can also be very intense. It is not uncommon to encounter what some people call “archetypal energies” or figures in this type of work, and this can have a powerful impact. One pitfall that is commonly associated with work of this type is the manifestation of what some people call “imbalances” (mania, depression, paranoia, etc.). It is important, for beginners and experienced practitioners alike to respect their own boundaries and not push harder than will be productive. Don’t “go around the bend,” as they say!
Pitfalls cannot be entirely avoided at all times, but maintaining good magical hygiene can help improve one’s odds of success. When engaged in astral work, especially that which might fall under the heading of “pathworking”, it is recommended that, in addition to maintaining a good support structure, one do the following on a regular, if not daily, basis:
- The banishing ritual of your choice
- Check in with yourself via introspective meditation and journaling
- A physical, “grounding” activity such as house or yard work
By adhering to these simple principals, it is our hope that we can continue to learn from each other in productive ways!
Resist.
Resist by maintaining Sovereignty of the Self.
Resist by maintaining Love of the Self.
Resist by maintaining fierce Loyalty to Love and Pleasure.
Resist with acts of Radical Kindness.
Focus on the Path to Better Times.