PRINCIPLES of BELIEF
As Defined by The Council of American Witches for Modern Witchcraft
in terms of the American experience and needs.
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-quarters.
2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility
toward our enviroment. 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 that is 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 lives in all people, and functions through the
interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above
the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value
sexuality, 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,
the Inner Planes, ect. -- and we see in the interaction of these
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 hiearchy, 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
philosphy of life of life, which we identify as Witchcraft or the
Wiccan Way.
8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch -- but neither does
heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees, and
initiations. A witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself
that make life possible in order to live wisely and well, WITHOUT
harm to others, and in harmony with Nature.
9. We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfillment of life,
in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness,
that gives meaning to the Universe we know, and our personal role
within it.
10. Our only animosity towards Christianity, or toward any other
religion or philosophy-of-life, is to the extent that its
institutions have claimed to be "the one true right and only way"
and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways
of religious practices 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 definded by Christian
Tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor
do we accept the concept that personal benefits can only be derived
by denial to another.
13. We work within Nature for that which is contributory to our health
and well-being.
My beliefs are that Wicca and all Neo-Paganism are the modern offshoots
of what I call the "Olde Religion."
'If it harm none, Do what thou wilt'