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Principles of Wiccan Belief
as adopted by: the Council of American Witches, April 1974
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 towards
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 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.
5.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.
6.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.
7.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."
8.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.
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 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.
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 beleive that we should seek within Nature that which is contibutory to
our health and well-being.
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.
