‘Evil’ and the ‘Evil Problem’

Winter, illness, death, and several other facets of life that humans tend not to like are often viewed as "evil". They is not evil, however. They are necessary destruction which makes way for necessary renewal- ones we as Humans ultimately resist it, causing unecessary pain. It is important to cultivate serenity and acceptance regarding these natural parts of life. This view, however, doesn’t account for everything- for there does exist real "evil" in the world: That which is not natural, nor ultimately inevitable: Harm indeed arises from humanity’s own actions, born of greed or malice, or even indifference.

This Human created "evil" is fundamentally a rip in the natural fabric of human empathy and sympathy, which focuses the individual towards a selfish disposition; ultimately we can only act with such malice or indifference towards the feelings and needs of others if they no longer matter to us. When we are in a state of empathy or sympathy, however, we know our actions, for good or ill, come back to us, and that ultimately we cannot harm another without harming ourselves in the process.

We also know that, to the witch, self-development and the full realization of one’s Divine potential are a moral and spiritual duty; one owes it not merely to oneself, but also to the rest of mankind and the world to look inside oneself, and to discover and release that potential for the benefit of the Earth and their fellow Humans.

Thus the natural and most logical conclusion, then, is that the first true step to ‘solving the evil problem’ is ultimately returning to Humanity's first guide and teacher: The wholehearted openness and awareness of our essential connection to others — Love.

Love is our primary source. But by itself, it is not wholly sufficient to solve the issue of evil. Empathy, sympathy, and compassion — the physical expression of caring about one another — must also be included. So too should humility (a realistic appraisal of your own stage of development, not self-abasement), and a reverence (a sense of wonder) for Humankind and its inherent Divinity.

It behooves each of us, then, to clarify our personal values. And it behooves community groups to work together to clarify their collectively held values. Likewise, it behooves the entire Pagan community to clarify broadly shared values that define our religion as an entire umbrella… Leaving our values as unspoken assumptions can lead to incongruity, as well as to inner and interpersonal conflict.