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.

                                                               Alan Sante

*Blessed Be*