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.
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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.
