PRINCIPLES OF BELIEF
There are a few things that remain the same throughout all Witchdom, I think
that these Beliefs laid out here may give a good idea as to what some witches
believe and clear up some of the crazy notions that have caused so much
trouble...These Principles of Belief were set out by The Council of
American Witches in 1974.
WITCH CRAFT IS THE RELIGION OF THE GODDESS OF THE MOON
We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rythm 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 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.
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 magical exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other,
seeing both as necessary for our fulfilment.
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 them selves in leadership.
We see religion, magic, 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 make 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 a
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
to suppress other ways of religious practices and belief.
As 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.
