(For those new to the concept, seidhr--pronounced "saythe"--is a set of prophetic and magical practices originating in Heathen Scandinavia and Finland, and reconstructed to varying extents by modern practitioners.  In elder Heathen times, it was roughly cognate to "witchcraft" or "sorcery.")

This was inspired by a question on a mystical e-list I’m a member of.  Although I agree with the list moderator that the concept of ethics in seidhr would have been a very foreign one (and perhaps even a blatant contradiction in terms) to practitioners in elder Heather times, times have changed.  We aren’t in danger of having sealskin bags stuck on our heads anymore (hopefully), however in order to win some measure of acceptance within our wider Heathen communities, those of us who offer oracular and what I will call operational seidhr (luck-work, untangling wyrd, etc.) need to abide by some kind of moral/ethical code when it comes to our own conduct in working with clients.  Here is my own code—my personal “nine noble virtues” of seidhr, so to speak.

1. Client confidentiality; I will not share your question or concern with anyone.
2. Honesty; if I can’t get any kind of an answer for you (rare, but it has happened), or if I can’t do anything to help with your situation, I will tell you that.  If I don’t feel comfortable taking on your question or problem, or if I feel I am not the right person to help you for personal reasons, I will tell you that.
3. Forthrightfulness; I will report the message/visions/etc. I receive on your behalf as accurately as I can, without trying to soften what I saw or heard.  If a God or spirit has a message for you, I will not edit that message, either to spare your feelings or for any other reason.
4. Mindfulness; I will always strive to remain mindful of my own issues to keep them from interfering with my being a clear channel, or with any other Work I might do on your behalf.
5. Fairness; if I ask for donations or charge you something to help cover the costs of my time, materials, etc., I will not be greedy about it.  I will charge you a fair rate.
6. Accountability; I am accountable to my Gods and spirits in return for Their presence and role in my life, Their training, and the gifts They have given me.  When you come to me as a client, I am in turn accountable to you in handling your question, problem or issue.  While I cannot guarantee the answer you want to hear or the results you seek, I can guarantee that if I take on your question or problem I will give it my best effort.
7. Discipline; I will continue to develop my skills faithfully and diligently, for the benefit of my clients as well as my own spiritual welfare.
8. Timeliness; I will email your answer to you as soon after the seidhr session as I can, usually within 24 hours.   If I agreed to do Work on your behalf, I will do it at the time I said I would, and report back to you with preliminary results as soon as I can (again, usually within 24 hours).
9. Education; I will strive, insofar as time, energy and other commitments permit, to participate in educating the wider Heathen and Pagan communities about seidhr in general, my practice in particular (to the extent I am able to share), and the Gods and spirits I serve.  This is one way in which I give back to Them for Their training and blessings, and for Their gifts that make me capable of doing this Work.