The Basic Code of Conduct for Spiritual Counselors

Some may be on the right hand path, and some on the left, and some may work with both hands, but all must abide by the following rules:

1.  A spiritual counselor must never divulge personal information or secrets about counseling clients or peripheral business patrons to anyone unless it is about a nonconsensual violent crime that has been committed by them.  Even in these cases, the harm caused by reporting to the authorities must be weighed against the harm caused by breaking their trust.

Example: If a current gang member has killed an innocent bystander yesterday, and comes to you for confession, you are not obligated to keep that a secret.  However, if a former gang member has killed only others who were also involved in violent criminal activities 10 years ago, and has since changed their lives in a positive way, you should weigh the harm.  In either case, you should tell the client or patron whether or not you are prepared to keep such secrets, and also be prepared to bear the consequences of either decision.

These consequences may be legal or social.  There have been cases in which someone has gotten into a "mafia lawyer" situation from being known to serve in absolute secrecy.

In all cases of a child or minor under the legal age of consent being abused, you are obligated to report it.

2.  A spiritual counselor should honor the boundaries set by their clients and patrons, and never pressure them to do things that are against their respective belief systems, or engage in spiritual extortion.

Example: It is okay to tell someone that if they have found out that their met-tet or guardian spirit has a taboo against pork, they should avoid eating it.  It is not okay to tell them that the spirits will be angry if they don't pay you.

3.  Whether working with the right hand or the left, a spiritual counselor must inform their clients and patrons of the possible consequences and outcomes of their actions.

Example:  If a client wants you to do a spell or ritual to make someone love them, you must inform them that such efforts may backfire and lead to the object of their affection resenting them in time, becoming obsessed, or that they may not be a good match, which can lead to regret.

4.  A spiritual counselor must not make claims of mystical powers that they do not have.

It is not a competition.  People have different strengths and talents.  Do not claim to have an ability that you do not.  Not all spiritual counselors are psychics, and not all psychics are good at counseling.

5.  A spiritual counselor must have training specific to counseling and any specialty that they advertise.  This could be formal or informal training, but regardless, they should know what they're doing.  Taking courses or finding a mentor is a good way of getting the necessary training and experience.