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Principles of Wiccan Beliefs
1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked
by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross Quarter.
2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility
toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance
offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.
3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent
to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called
"supernatural", but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.
4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting
through polarity -- as masculine and feminine -- and that this same
Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the
masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be
supportive to the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment
of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.
5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds sometimes
known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc.
-- and we see in the inter-action of these two dimensions the basis for
paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither
dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.
6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach,
respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and
acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.
7. We see religion, magick and wisdom in living as being united in the way one
views the world and lives within it -- a world view and philosophy of
life which we identify as Witchcraft -- the Wiccan Way.
8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch -- but neither does heredity itself,
not the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control
the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order
to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.
9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation
of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to
the Universe we know and our personal role within it.
10. Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or
philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to
be "the only way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to
suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.
11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history
of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects
of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.
12. We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship
any entity known as "Satan" or "the Devil", as defined by the Christian traditions.
We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor accept that personal
benefit can be derived only by denial to another.
13. We believe that we should seek within Nature
that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
The afore mentioned principles are from the Council of American Witches circa 1974 .