Do Pagans Have a Moral Code of Ethics?

Pagans are accused of ignoring the Ten Commandments and not accepting any kind of moral code of conduct in general.

Many Pagans are accused of having no morals because we don't subscribe to the traditional dogma preached from pulpits and as a result, they we will all burn in Hell, or something like that.

So, how to respond?

We believe that this indoctrination of religions in general make a deliberate effort to eliminate independent thought, and that's not a good thing.

One thing that we disagree with is the assertion that the Bible is a good example of morality.

It's just our collective opinion, but the Bible is full of ‘holy’ actions that are absolutely counter to our sense of moral behavior. 

If we really want to be morally upstanding people, it's our obligation to thoughtfully consider how our actions might affect others, the earth and ourselves.

This is what ethical and moral people do, that's how we learn.

Discouraging the ‘thinking’ part in decision making and blindly following the ‘ethics’ of a religious doctrine leads to many of the destructive actions that are common today.

Trying to force someone’s morality and ethics on people is like a fart…

So how do we know what's right and wrong?

How do we figure out the morality/ethics question? 

For most Pagans we learn through trial and error.

We hopefully keep doing what works and stop doing what doesn't.

When we make decisions, we need to take a good look how those decisions and actions have influenced our lives and that of those around us. 

We decide if it was the right thing to do, or if we need to make changes.

Through experience and education we learn, develop, adjust and become better people.

Regardless of the Paganism you practice, we can agree on the Wiccan Rede: 'An it harm none, do what ye will'. 

For us it's an affirmation of our freedom to act, combined with the requirement of taking responsibility for our actions.

The Wiccan Rede is known by Witches, Wiccans and Pagans, and it it's a pretty good moral code.

Here is a list of "Nine Noble Virtues" as used by some Norse Pagans:

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Keep Your Circle Small and Real

It’s difficult to imagine that some people may not have your best interests at heart.

This post is a reminder, keep your circle small.

Be selfish and selective choosing friends and remember, “Not everyone deserves a seat at your table.”

This is gonna sound contradictory, but sometimes, the best way to add value to your life is by subtracting from it.

Take a good look at your circle of friends and do yourself a favor by subtracting people who drain your energy.

This may not seem like a happy subject, but it is one that may bring happiness in time, by weeding out the bullshit and negativity.

Don't Give Up

We've all been there.

There are times when everything seems hopeless and you will want to give up.

But here’s an idea, instead of giving up, let’s learn to detach from all the negativity that surrounds you.

There are a few things you can do to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

So, the bottom line isn't about giving up on youself, its about getting rid of the negative losers who enjoy seeing you miserable.

You manage to do that and life will eventually seem like worth living again.

Moon & Stars Blueberry Pie

Pie Crust (Short Crust Pastry):

2 1/2 cups (350 grams) all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoon (30 grams) granulated white sugar

1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, chilled, and cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces

1/4 to 1/2 cup (60 - 120 ml) ice water

Blueberry Filling:

4 cups (570 grams) fresh blueberries

1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated white sugar

2 tablespoons (20 grams) cornstarch (corn flour)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

Egg Wash:

1 large egg yolk

1 tablespoon cream

Pie Crust:  In a food processor, place the flour, salt, and sugar and process until combined.  

Add the butter and process until the mixture resembles coarse meal (about 15 seconds). 

You can also use a electric mixer or by hand. (Mixing by hand is no easy task)

Pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) water in a slow, steady stream, until the dough just holds together when pinched. 

If necessary, add more water. 

Do not process more than 30 seconds.

Turn the dough onto your work surface and gather into a ball. 

Divide the dough in half, flattening each half into a disk, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about one hour before using. 

This will chill the butter and relax the gluten in the flour. 

After the dough has chilled sufficiently, remove one portion of the dough from the fridge and place it on a lightly floured surface. 

Roll the pastry into a 12 inch (30 cm) circle. (To prevent the pastry from sticking to the counter and to ensure uniform thickness, keep lifting up and turning the pastry a quarter turn as you roll (always roll from the center of the pastry outwards).) 

Fold the dough in half and gently transfer to a 9 inch (23 cm) pie pan. 

Brush off any excess flour and tuck the overhanging pastry under itself, crimping as desired. 

Refrigerate the pastry, covered with plastic wrap, for about 30 minutes before filling with the berries. 

Meanwhile, remove the second round of pastry and roll it into a 12 inch (30 cm) circle. 

Using a 2 1/2 inch (6 cm) star cookie cutter, cut out about 20 stars. 

Place the stars on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. 

Do the same with the moon shapes.

Make the Blueberry Filling: In a small bowl mix together the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and zest. 

Place the blueberries in a large bowl. 

Add the sugar mixture to the blueberries and gently toss to combine. 

Pour the mixture into the prepared pie shell. 

Then, in a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and cream. 

Lightly brush the rim of the pastry shell with the egg wash. 

Starting at the outside edge of the pie, place the cut out pastry stars in a circular pattern on top of the blueberries, making sure the tips of the stars are touching. 

Once the top of the pie is completely covered with the pastry stars, brush the entire surface with the egg wash, making sure that it does not pool. 

Place the assembled pie back in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes.  

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) and place the oven rack in the lower third of the oven. 

Remove the chilled pie from the fridge and place on a larger baking pan, lined with parchment paper, to catch any spills. 

Bake the pie for about 20 minutes and then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). 

Continue to bake the pie for about 35-45 minutes or until the crust is a deep golden brown color and the juices are bubbling and thick. 

If the edges of the pie are browning too much during baking, cover with a foil ring. 

Place the baked pie on a wire rack to cool for several hours.  

Now enjoy!