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 manifesting 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
magickal 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 inter-action 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 graeter knowledge and wisdom,
and acknowledge those who have courageously give of themselves in
leadership.
7. We see religion magick 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 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 it's 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.
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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.
