Wiccans, Are We Obligated to Cast Spells for Anyone Who Asks Because We Are “Into Peace and Helping Others”?

Question by Crystal clear: Wiccans, are we obligated to cast spells for anyone who asks because we are “into peace and helping others”?
And I’m curious as to what your definition of “help” is?

Got an email from someone who indicated they were attempting to learn to cast spells on their own and not having any luck. And the request was made “I was wondering if you could cast spells for me or aid me”….”If you could help cast spells and assist me. All would be appreciated. Thank You.”

Um, okay, mind you – I have no idea what kind of spells this person wants – nowhere in the email did it say.

So I respond with some book recommendations to help asker learn magic from the beginning, the witchvox link to local shops where asker may find classes and further info and resources, expressed that I don’t just cast spells for strangers over the internet, but would try to answer more specific questions if the asker had them.

Fair enough, I thought.

Then I get a response email basically chewing me out about refusing to help a “stranger” – harping on the “stranger” part. Like every friend you made started out as a stranger, and what if doctors refused to treat patients because they were “strangers”, etc. (yeah, the difference there is, the doctors are getting paid to do a job!) The asker is apparently astonished that I would not blindly agree to cast spells because he/she “thought that Wiccan religion was very into peace and helping others as much as they could so I assumed that you could help me with my problems.”

The tone of the rest of the email was basically a sarcastic tell-off because I did *nothing* to “help”, and the asker is sure that people have helped me in my life through times of need. (Well yes, but then I never wandered up to a stranger and demanded help or made an unreasonable request either!)

*Sigh. I’m not offended or upset really, just a little irked that I took the time to respond to the email, providing educational resources and the offer to answer further questions. Waste of my time it seems.

Maybe I’ve got the definition of “help” incorrect? What say you Wiccans on such matters?
Some great answers and points made so far. Thank you all. I guess I’m just in a “Monday mood” too. 😉
Oh yeah – response to my pointing out that I was trying to help by offering resources and to answer more specific questions. And I asked if this person had ever heard the saying “give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for life”. And once again I pointed out that this person was not specific about their intentions:

“I would NEVER ask for a spell to harm someone. I guess. You’re NOT really helpful. It’s NOT that you’re doing what someone just says for you to do. You would he helping someone in a great matter. Giving me details ISN’T going to help if it is hard for me to cast these spells. That’s why I came to you for help. But you denied me. Well, there’s NO more need for communication. I am NOT demanding anyhting, I’m just pissed on how you’re ranting about other things that does NOT go with what I asked for. There are MANY people who help with issue. Since, you’re NOT the one. GoodBye. ”
And last email after viewing my question:

“You’re question asked was ridiculous. I was NOT being selfish. You were. I do NOT care what they have had to say I was just mad at the fact that you acted as if me being a stranger was wrong.”

WOW – someone forgot their medication today.
Now see dear, the details you posted here would have been more helpful in your original request! How could anyone know if they were able to help you when you didn’t freaking specify what you needed help with!?

16 – that explains a lot. If you’re going to approach adults for help, try behaving like a rational adult and don’t throw a temper tantrum when you don’t get things *your* way.
Nancy – the thing is – several of us tried to politely but honestly help this asker – but the asker didn’t get the answers he wanted or someone to do all the work for him and threw a temper tantrum. What happened to respecting one’s elders? My High Priestess would never have let me get away with talking to her like this teen has spoken to us – she would certainly have put me in my place, and has on occasion when I’ve stepped out of line – though I’ve never behaved as ridiculous with my Wiccan elders. I’ve *worked* my way along my path, through my priestess degrees, and deserve a tad more respect. You are welcome to put your time and energy into casting spells for this person if you wish and dealing with the consequences. I’m curious though, how this asker’s Mom would feel about her 16 year old soliciting such help from strangers on the internet.

“stranger” – a person with whom one is unacquainted (Merriam Webster) This is NOT an insult – it is a simple fact.

Best answer:

Answer by Selene
I don’t do spells for people unless I know them personally (and they ask and specify). We are not obligated to perform any kind of service for anyone, if anything you did the right thing by pointing them in the right direction.

Answer by Jen [Ghoast Kitteh]
I don’t think we’re *obligated* to do anything. What you did was fair enough, giving them a start in the right direction and whatnot.

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