Ethics for Magical People: Individuals and Groupthink: Sources (4 of 4)

----

Works Used:

Center for Ethics and Business, “Resolving an Ethical Dilemma,” Loyola Marymount University,  2009, http://www.lmu.edu/Page27945.aspx.

Charterted Institute of Management Accountants, “Ethical Dilemmas: What would you do?,” CIMA Global, http://www.cimaglobal.com/Documents/Professional%20ethics%20docs/dilemmas%20FINAL.pdf .

Cook, Karen and Robin Cooper, “The Rape of Nanking: Analyzing Events From a Sociological Perspective,” Stanford University, 2000, http://www.stanford.edu/~kcook/intro.html.

Hrafn, “Weaving Wyrd,” blog, http://weavingwyrd.com/.

Kaldera, Raven, “Wyrdwalkers: Techniques of Northern-Tradition Shamanism,” Asphodel Press: Hubbardston, MA, 2006.

Mcleod, S. A., Simply Psychology - Articles for Students: Lawrence Kohlberg,” 2007, www.simplypsychology.org/.

Straker, David, “Changing Minds,” Changingminds.org, http://changingminds.org/index.htm.

Wodening, Swain, “Musings on Theodism and Germanic Heathenry in General,” blog, http://swainwodening.wordpress.com/.

Wong, Alan, “Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development,” Blessed to be a Blessing, 2000, http://www.vtaide.com/blessing/Kohlberg.htm.

---, “Working in Groups,” University of Pittsburgh, 2007, http://www.speaking.pitt.edu/student/groups .

Wren , “Teachers (Part 4): Teachers and Magical Ethics,” The Witches’ Voice, 2000 http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usfl&c=basics&id=2886.

Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon , “Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard,” Franklin Lakes: New Page Books, 2004.

Ethics for Magical People: Individuals and Groupthink (3 of 4)

John does not have the same ethical dilemma as Heather’s. In his mind, the spell is simply a “get caught spell.” Also he wants to be on good terms with both her and the Silver Stars. According to the “Stages of Moral Development,” developed by the psychologist Lawrence Kohberg, John is probably at Level Two: Conventional Morality. At this stage, people will conform to the norms of society at large. Within Level Two are two stages: Stage Three: the “good boy or good girl” focused on being “nice” and keeping relationships, and Stage Four: the desire to maintain the social order. John wants to belong to the group, follow the Wiccan Rede, and be friends of Heather. Therefore John decided not to support Heather against the group, but also did not to denigrate her choice of interpretation.

Heather has to decide whether continuing a friendship with John will affect her ethical decision. Heather has to accept that he will stay home and not do the spell. Because Heather feels that John does not support her against the group, she probably needs to distance herself from him. Since John does value her friendship, he will give her that space. Her parting from John should not be done in anger but in respect for his decision.

Life in my neighborhood became intolerable, after one of the gang members committed murder. Although his mother maintained her son’s innocence, he was convicted and sent to prison. At that point, the neighbors decided to evict her since she allowed the gang to stay in her home.  The situation became difficult for me since everyone knew I had called the police, but still spoke to the mother. I was neutral about the mother since I was neither her judge nor jury. The mother knew that I worked with the civil authorities, but still greeted me. Eventually, the gang was broken up and the mother moved to be closer to her son in prison.

For several years, my neighbors did not speak with me. I made my choices knowing that my neighbors would shun me. It hurt but at least I could live with myself since I did what I thought was morally correct. For me, there were no absolutes in ethics, only what I could live with.

I had to consider the consequences of my actions beyond myself. Divination was a way to understand those consequences and to prepare for them. Heather, by walking away from the group, will face the consequences of isolation from both the group and her friend John. Heather will remain true to her interpretation of the Rede.

Ethics for Magical People: Individuals and Groupthink (2 of 4)

However, Heather interpreted the group’s spell to stop “The Shooter” (the serial killer) to be a curse. Disturbed, she objected to doing it. In response, the group told her to “lighten up” and stop being a “fluffy bunny.” Though upset himself, John interpreted the spell as only capturing “The Shooter.”

Devolving into groupthink, the Silver Stars regarded their curse spell to be morally correct. When Heather confronted them with her qualms, they dismissed her as being silly. Since the group does not support her ethics, should Heather stay knowing that her objections are being ignored? Should she leave and let them suffer the consequences of their actions? What can Heather morally live with?

When facing an ethical dilemma, Loyola Marymount University (LMU) advises their students to do a three step process. First ask, “What are the consequences of each act? What are the benefits and harms for each? How will they play out over the long and short-term?” Second, analyze each action. “How do they measure up against various moral principles?”  Finally, make a decision that you can live with.

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) tells their members to map out the dilemma to decide what action to take. CIMA advises that they should resolve the dilemma as quickly as possible since longer the delay, the greater the repercussions will be.  The CIMA suggests asking yourself: “How would I feel if I saw this in a newspaper?”

Since Heather is probably a Wiccan, her guiding principles would be the “Wiccan Rede” (“’An it harm none, do as you will.”), and the “Law of Threefold Return” (“Whatever energy we put out into the world shall return to us multiplied three times.”). If she stays with her group, she tacitly supports their actions. Since she believes that they are in violation of the “Wiccan Rede,” Heather has already voiced her objections. Adding to Heather’s dilemma is the “Law of Threefold Return.” If Heather remains, she will experience the curse’s effect. To be true to the Rede, Heather will have to leave Silver Stars.

There are two Neo-Pagan ethics which I considered in my own dilemma. The first is “Natural Law:” “Actions have consequences. What we choose will expand beyond ourselves.” The second is the Norse concept of Wyrd (soul and fate). Our choices will add to or subtract from the Well of Wyrd. What we do with others will weave our Wyrd into theirs. Therefore together, our fates are intertwined unless we deliberately unravel the threads.

In my case, I had woven my wyrd with that of my neighbors’. With that in mind, I had to choose what to do next. Instead of berating my neighbors for their passivity, I called the police when I felt in danger. My neighbors thought that I was “asking for it,” but the gang ignored me. I felt resistance from my neighbors for “endangering everyone by calling the police.” For me, “Natural Law” meant doing something to keep my home safe. My wyrd would suffer if I did nothing. Also, I did divination to see what if anything my Gods wanted me to do.

Ethics for Magical People: Individuals and Groupthink (1of 4)

Often a test of ethics will come from membership in a group, whether at the workplace, home, or school. Each group has its own personality, derived from the combination of people in it. By sharing their goals and identities, people, in return, receive a feeling of security and comfort from the group. However, there will be times when what a person thinks is right runs counter to what the group wants.

Some groups can work to the detriment of the individual. Psychologist and researcher Beatrice Schultz wrote, “A group can hold power over us if we find it attractive enough to want to be a member.” When this develops, “groupthink” among the members will often occur, unless the members encourage nonconformity. Without any debate, group members will often coalesce into a tight unit. As it becomes incapable of making moral judgments, the decision making ability of the group deteriorates.

The University of Pittsburg’s student site on the dynamics of small groups lists several symptoms of groupthink. “The group overestimates its power. Often times a group can believe that their cause is right and that nothing can go wrong with their plan.” Moreover, groupthink leads to an extraordinary degree of over-optimism and risk taking by the group. Groupthink pressures the individuals to conform, and discourages them from having doubts. Silence then becomes consent.

Contributing to groupthink is the “Phenomenon of Group Polarization,” which is “people in groups become more extreme in their point of view.” The “Risky Shift Phenomenon” states that “In the group, they are likely to make riskier decisions as the shared risk makes the individual risk less.” Because of this, “decisional stress” may occur. When a group is forced to make an important decision, the individuals within the group will feel insecure. Therefore the group members will reduce their stress by making decisions quickly with as little dissension as possible.

I have had experiences with groupthink. At one time, a gang took up residence in my garden condo complex. Because they believed that the police were ineffective, my neighbors were reluctant to call the m. Moreover, they also did not want to be a target for the gang. Furthermore, my neighbors thought that I was insane for wanting to go to the police to stop the gang. I was caught between keeping the social order and having relations with my neighbors.

In the case history of Heather and John, their Neo-Pagan group, the Silver Stars, was in the habit of casting spells. Their spells usually focused on “the greater good” such as ending wars or obtaining social justice. This gave the group a sense of moral righteousness. Recently, the Silver Stars decided to end the reign of terror of a serial killer in their area by doing a group spell.

EUROPEAN RABBIT: Trust

The ancestral species for Domestic Rabbits, European Rabbit is the only Rabbit of her kind. Originally living only in the Western Mediterranean area, European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus (which means “hare-like digger”)) was introduced throughout Europe by the Romans. Later the Normans bought Her to Great Britain. Because of her popularity as a food source, European Rabbit has been introduced places far from Europe. She was brought to hundred of islands as food for hungry sailors. Unfortunately now, European Rabbit is now considered a pest in Australia, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S.A. These countries now have programs to rid their lands of European Rabbit.

Unlike other Rabbits and Hares, European Rabbit is quite sociable, living in large colonies. Preferring to live close to home, She shares burrows with her Friends. Her colony (warren) is a network of tunnels, dens, bolt holes, and entrances to live in.

European Rabbit has ways of expressing her many moods in her colony. Her grunts mean, “I am unhappy. LEAVE ME ALONE.” When She is mad, European Rabbit thumps her hind feet. Feeling sassy, She will twitch her tail.

Christians associate much with European Rabbit. She stands for vigilance as well as dependence on Christ. There is an Easter Story of a young Rabbit who waited for his friend, Christ to return to the Garden of Gethsemane. After Christ rose, He returned to the Garden to visit his faithful little friend.

Because of European Rabbit’s social nature, She was domesticated as a pet for people. European Rabbit places trust in them to keep her safe. In the wild, She and her colony trust each other for security. A part of trust is faith as demonstrated by the Little Rabbit who waited for his Friend Jesus.

Conservation Note: It is illegal to own Rabbits in Australia and New Zealand.

---

European Rabbit Christian Symbols:

White one at Virgin Mary’s feet: Triumph over lust

Rabbit’s Warren: Christ’s Tomb

Rabbits munching on grapes: Saints in Heaven

Three Rabbits in a circle with their ears creating a shape of a triangle: Holy Spirit

JACKALOPE ! HORNED RABBIT: Whimsy

Jackalope is an antlered species of Hare, native to the American West. An aggressive Hare, Jackalope is usually seen spearing Buffalo with his horns. Milk from Female Jackalopes is often sought by lonely people for its powers to attract mates. However, the only way to catch Jackalope is to lure Him with whiskey. Once intoxicated, He is slower and easier to hunt.

Besides Jackalope, other Horned Rabbits live in various places of the world -- Raurackl of Austria, Wolpertinger of Bavaria, Skvader of Sweden, and Dilldapp of Switzerland. In Asia, noted Persian scholar al-Qazurini (13^th Century) wrote about the “al Muradj”, the Horned Hare. In addition, ancient texts of Buddhism hint at Buddha’s thoughts about Horned Rabbits.

Wolpertinger of Bavaria has a body of a rabbit, but with the feathered wings of a bird. Some of the other Horned Rabbits have fangs and antlers. Unlike Jackalope, They are very shy and hardly ever seen in the wild.

Jackalope and Horned Rabbits teach people about whimsy. Jackalope tells people to look at life less seriously, and to expect merriment every day. Somewhere in the mists of time and space, Jackalope and His Fellow Horned Rabbits romp with impunity and glee.

---

Note: Actually Horned Rabbits do exist. They are Rabbits with a virus that causes tumors to grow on their bodies. The tumors resemble horns.

JACKRABBIT: Having A Sense of Humor

One of the symbols of the American West, Jackrabbit lives in open areas such as grasslands and deserts.  Jackrabbit is actually the name for a Family of Hares-- Black-Tailed, White-Tailed, Antelope (the largest Hare in North America), and White-Sided. The biggest, fastest, and flashiest of this Family is Antelope Jackrabbit, who can outrun run everything except Antelope. Antelope Jackrabbit is also the source of Jackalope (horned rabbit) legends.

Jackrabbit got his name because of his long ears. These oversize ears allow Him to hear the faintest sounds, and as well as to stay cool during the hot day. Since He looked like a Mule, early European settlers called Him “Jackass Rabbit”.

Jackrabbit is well adapted to his life in the open. His brown fur provides camouflage against the vegetation. If spotted by Predators, Jackrabbit runs faster than Race Horse, and leaps over rocks and bushes to evade capture. His eyes on the sides of his head gives Jackrabbit all-around vision, and also help Him to spot danger from any direction.

Clever Jackrabbit zigzags across the desert, and dashes about confounding his pursuers. Often while being chased, He flashes a white patch on his rump. Most hunters say that this is to warn their Dogs that the chase is hopeless.

With his strange ears, Jackrabbit is one of the Animals of the American West that people often remember.  One joke that Westerners play on new people is to tell them about the Jackalope (a large Jackrabbit with Antelope horns). The Jackalope is often seen by people who have had too much to drink. Having a sense of humor is what Jackrabbit teaches people. Just don’t be too gullible, or you will be the object of ridicule.

COTTONTAIL RABBIT SUB-FAMILY: Art of Self-Defense

Native to the Western Hemisphere, Cottontail Rabbit Sub-Family lives in a wide variety of habitats. Called “cottontail” because their tails resemble white cotton balls, this Sub-Family of Rabbits is also known as the “hares of the woods” (Sylvilogus). Cottontails can be found in marshes and swamps, such as Marsh Rabbit, who takes to water as readily as Duck. However, these “woods hares” are Rabbits, who spend much of their day concealed in a shallow form called a shelter. These small stocky Rabbits become active after sunset.

Cottontails have many strategies to escape. Their strong hind legs and bulgy eyes are assets in escaping and evading predators. Since They dislike being in the open, Cottontails will run quickly to find a hiding place. Unlike Hares, Cottontails are swift runners, and can easily zigzag away from predators. They flash their white tails to warn any other Rabbit remaining near by. When pursued by Coyote, Cottontails will run in circles, often jumping sideways to avoid leaving a scent trail. If necessary, Cottontail will bowl Ferret over by kicking Him with her powerful hind legs.

Because of Cottontails’ many defense strategies, the Algonquin peoples of North America regarded Them as tricksters. Manabohzo, the Great White One, is the Great Trickster of the Northeast. A transformer and creator, He represents the life force. Meanwhile, Michabo, the Great Hare is one of the founders of the human race.

Cottontail Rabbit Sub-Family teaches people that even small helpless ones can defend themselves.  They can escape by freezing in place so that none see them, race zigzagging around the ground to evade being caught, or kick with their strong hind legs. People can learn self-defense and courage from Cottontails.

BROWN HARE Divine Madness

Larger and more athletic than his counterpart (European Rabbit), Brown Hare lives a solitary life. Scraping out a shallow depression (called a form), Brown Hare sleeps and rests during the day. At dusk, He comes out to feed. Because Brown Hare is usually seen at dawn and dusk, He is associated with the moon.

Since He did not arrive in the British Isles until after the Romans did, traditions about Brown Hare came from the Anglo-Saxons, who called Him “hara”. Ostara, their Goddess of Spring, was a woman with a Brown Hare’s head and ears. Her name became the name for the Christian feast of Easter. The Easter Bunny legend came from Ostara leaving eggs wherever She went. Besides Ostara, Brown Hare has been associated with other Germanic Goddesses. Holda, protector of Mothers and Housewives, and Freya, Goddess of Fertility, had Hare attendants as well.

With his long legs and sleek body, Brown Hare can outrun most pursuers by jumping and running zigzag across the country side. The saying, “Mad as a March Hare”, originated when Brown Hare dashed about in a demented fashion in spring. During their mating season, fields of Brown Hares can be seen leaping in the air, chasing and boxing each other. Finally, Everyone settles down and selects Their Mate.

“As Mad as a March Hare” can have many meanings. As the Friend of Goddesses, Brown Hare’s madness is divinely inspired. He receives joy from the heavens and leaps in excitement. Be open to divine madness yourself, and leap high with bliss. But just don’t be so eccentric that people think that you are crazy.

---

Note: Hares are larger than Rabbits. Baby Hares are born with open eyes and with fur, while Baby Rabbits are naked and dependent on their Mothers.

RABBITS, HARES, AND PIKAS (LAGOMORPHA): Having Coping Strategies

No group of mammals has established their place in world folklore so firmly as the Lagomorph Family. People talk being “Mad as March Hares”, carry lucky Rabbit’s feet, or tell tall tales of crafty Rabbits. Moreover, children’s stories about Bunnies abound. In addition, it seems that everyone has a version of the “Tortoise and the Hare Story”.

An Asian Rabbit story goes as follows: to feed Buddha, Rabbit threw himself into the fire. As a reward for his sacrifice, He was given a new home on the moon. In China, Moon Hare is the guardian of all wild animals. Also, the Japanese see a Rabbit in the Moon.

Once considered Rodents, Lagomorphs (“hare-shape”) are now in their own family. They grow two pairs of upper incisor teeth, that rodents do not. These small furry animals are more closely related to Deer than to Rodents. In fact, Lagomorphs are descended from the same ancestors as Deer.

Lagomorphs are divided into two families – Leporidae (Rabbits and Hares) and Ochotonidae (Pikas). Pikas look like Guinea Pigs with short round ears. They live where many other Mammals would freeze to death – above the tree line of mountains in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Rabbits and Hares (Leporidae) are more familiar to people. However, Hares and Rabbits belong in their own Sub-families.  Cottontail Rabbits (Sylvilagus) and European Rabbits (Oryctalgus) live in underground burrows. Cottontails have elaborate nests lined with fur and grass. European Rabbit lives in large colonies, which is a complex network of nests and tunnels. Hares (Lepus), in contrast, live solitary lives in their shallow depressions called forms. Their young, born with fur and eyes open, are ready to hop away at birth without a mother’s care.

Many people think that Lagomorphs are fearful animals. People see Them freeze at a moment of danger or dash away quickly. However, Pikas are hearty animals, well adapted to the cold and high altitudes. Hares run zigzag to confuse predators. Jackrabbits taunt their pursuers by flashing a white patch on their rump. Rabbits box their pursuers with their hind legs.

Although Lagomorphs are preyed upon by a wide variety of animals, They manage to cope and thrive. Pikas live among mountain boulders, that have chinks to hide in. Cottontails flash their white tails in warning. To hide in plain sight, European Rabbits freeze. Hares run zigzag to confuse their pursuers. Learn coping strategies from Rabbits, Hares, and Pikas.