The Ethics of Spiritual Work....It Can Become Overwhelming
- Melissa Jones
- Sep 5
- 3 min read
Anyone who has done spiritual work involving tarot readings, medium sessions, or coaching knows that it is inevitable that a situation will arise where ethics are called into question. Should I tell my client that his wife is cheating on him? Should I try and convince someone to leave an abusive partner? Throw in the usual comments such as “you won’t tell anyone will you?” Or “what did my partner say in their session?” and it can become overwhelming.
In addition, it is not uncommon for clients to begin to feel like they are your friend. They might text at all hours or invite you to family events, etc. The boundaries can easily become blurred.
This has become such an issue that a study was completed recently entitled "Code of ethics for mediums and trance channelers". The first of two surveys engaged 119 mediums/channelers, 74 % of whom lived in the United States. Roughly two-thirds (66 %) of survey participants reported currently adhering to a specific code of ethics in their work as a medium/trance channeler.
What are Ethics in Spiritual Work?
Ethics in spiritual work involve upholding principles like the client's dignity, promoting their well-being, maintaining professional boundaries, ensuring consent, and acting with integrity and compassion. A core ethical obligation is to differentiate between the spiritual guide's own views and the spiritual messages, avoiding exploitation, and fostering responsible personal and social growth for those served.
Easier said than done, huh? So, let’s break it down...
Key Ethical Principles
Dignity and Respect: Uphold the inherent value and dignity of every individual, respecting their autonomy and diverse backgrounds.
Client Well-being: Provide care focused on the client's best interest, fostering strength, integrity, and healing.
Consent and Boundaries: Ensure all spiritual practices are voluntary and based on informed consent, with clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries regarding physical contact and risks.
Integrity and Professionalism: Maintain a professional relationship, avoid using the position for personal gain, and act with integrity in all interactions.
Discernment: Clearly distinguish between the spirit worker's own thoughts and the messages from spirits or the divine.
Responsible Guidance: Direct spiritual energies in responsible ways that promote the common good, social responsibility, and a loving regard for all life.
Practical Applications
Informed Consent: Provide clear disclosure of any potential risks or significant transformations that might arise from spiritual practices before participation.
Professional Accountability: Commit to accountability within the profession to protect the public and advance ethical standards.
Self-Awareness: Recognize the potential for personal biases, issues, or unresolved conflicts to influence the interpretation or delivery of spiritual messages, and take steps (like therapy) to address them.
Responsible Disclosure: Remind clients not to trust any medium or method of divination completely, encouraging them to seek second opinions, especially for major life decisions.
Spiritual Hygiene: Practice energetic self-care to maintain a clear and healthy spiritual field, protecting both the practitioner and the client.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of and respect cultural, ethnic, racial, and sexual-orientation diversity, and work to eliminate discrimination.
Paperwork & Liability Insurance: Having a signed consent form with clearly defined boundaries that you both agree to is key. HJC has sample templates for consent paperwork and more. Also, a list of liability insurance companies who specialize in this kind of work. You can get coverage that will protect you, your assets, and your business.
Doing this kind of work is not easy. And those who want to be the best at their craft will often struggle with ethical situations. Establishing a Code of Ethics that you can stand by will truly keep the drama out of your practice!
Based in Chicago, IL, we are a collective of members and practitioners who seek holistic and spiritual connections. Visit Holistic Journey Collective for a list of practitioners both local and online for this service and much more!
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