
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*
