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.
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.
We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than ordinary, it
is sometimes called supernatural, but we see it as lying within
that which is naturally potential to all.
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 pleasure, as the
symbol
and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies
used in magical practice and religious worship.
We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological
worlds-sometimes known as the spiritual world, the collective
unconscious, the inner planes, etc.- and we see in
the
interaction 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.
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.
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
or the wiccan way.
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 makes life possible
in order to live wisely
and well, without harm to others, and
in harmony with
nature.
We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfillment of
life, in continuation of evolution and development
of
consciousness, that gives meaning to the universe we
know,
and to our personal role within it.
Our only animosity toward christianity, or toward any other
religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that it's
institutions have claimed to be the one true
right and only
way" and have sought to deny freedom to others
and
suppress other ways of religious practices and belief.
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.
We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we
worship any entity known as satan or the devil as
defined 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.
We work within nature for that which is contributory to our
health and well-being.
1. Know yourself
2. Know your craft
3. Learn
4. Apply knowledge with wisdom
5. Achieve balance
6. Keep your words in good order
7. Keep your thoughts in good order
8. Celebrate life
9. Attune with the cycles of the earth
10. Breathe and eat correctly
11. Exercise the body
12. Meditate
13. Honor the goddess and god
The power shall not be used to bring harm, to injure or
control
others. But if the need arises, the power shall be used to
protect your life or the life of others.
The power is used only as need dictates.
The power can be used for your own gain, as long as by doing
so you harm none.
It is unwise to accept money for the use of the power, for it
quickly controls it's taker. Be not as those of other religions.
Use not the power for prideful gain, for such cheapens the
mysteries of wicca and of magick.
Ever remember that the power is the sacred gift of the
goddess and god, and should never be misused or abused.
And this is the law of the power.