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(as adopted by the Council of American Witches, April,
1974)
- 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 towards 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 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.
- We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifest through polarity -- as
masculine and feminine -- and that same Creative power lies in all people, and functions
through the interaction of 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 magical practice and
religious worship.
- We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds known sometimes 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.
- 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 courageously
give of themselves in leadership.
- We see religion, magic, and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the
world and live within it - a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as
'Witchcraft - the Wiccan Way'.
- Calling oneself "Witch" does not make one a Witch - but neither does heredity
itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control
the forces within themselves that make life possible in order to live wisely and well
without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- We beleive that we should seek within Nature that which is contibutory to our health and
well-being.
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This is not in any way an all-encompassing credo applicable to all groups who consider
themselves Wiccans or Witches, but rather is the set of principles adopted by one such
group. As there are differences between various Christian sects, so are there difference
between those of Wicca. However, while the specifics may differ, the general attitude and
reasoning behind these declarations remains relatively consistent.
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