Principles of the Wiccan Belief

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 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 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.

6) We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor
those who reach, 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, nor 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 of 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 tradition. 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.

Adopted by the Council of American Witches

April, 1974

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