|
|
Principles of Wiccan Belief:
[As adopted by the Council of American Witches in 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 toward 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 manifesting through polarity--as masculine and feminine--and that
this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the 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.
* 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 have courageously given themselves in leadership.
* We see religion, magick and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it--a world
view and philosophy of life wich we identify as Witchcraft--the Wiccan Way.
* Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch. 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.
* 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, or
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 believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
|
|
|
