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| ARTICLES OF RELIGION OF Triple Moon Wiccan Grove INTRODUCTION In 1974 the American Council of Witches set fourth a list of 13 Principles of Belief, we (The Triple Moon Wiccan Grove Coveners) have borrowed the core of those beliefs, however we have made significant changes to some and no changes to others. Below is what we have determined more accurately defines our beliefs as a group. PRINCIPLES OF 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 fulfilment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept. 3. We acknowledge a far greater depth of power sometimes referred to as "supernatural" but we see it as lying within that which is a natural potential of 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. 5. We recognize outer and inner worlds and psychological worlds - The Spiritual World, The Collective Unconscious, the Inner Planes - and we see in the interaction of these dimensions the basis for spiritual phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect no dimension for the other, as all are necessary for our fulfilment. 6. We do not recognize any 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 of philosophy and life, which we define as Witchcraft or the Wiccan/Pagan Way. 8. Calling oneself a "Witch" does not make a Witch - but neither does heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to understand and direct 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 fulfilment of life, in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives meaning to the universe we know and to our personal role within it. 10. We do not believe that there is only ONE way with regards to religion or philosophy of life and we do not condone activities, which seek to deny freedom to others or suppress other ways of religious practices and beliefs. 11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of "The Craft", the origins of various terms and 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 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. DECLARATION OF FAITH We the members of the Triple Moon Wiccan Grove acknowledge that Deity manifests itself in many forms both male and female; and the worship of multiple Deities. Our goal is to assist others in their search for truth and understanding to further our knowledge. We believe that all men and women should be given the opportunity to become useful citizens, do meaningful work and be encouraged to help others find their purpose and higher self-image. We believe in allowing individual responsibility for spiritual growth and in allowing each person to do the God and Goddess' work as it is revealed to them. |