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 Quarter.
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 recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds
sometimes known 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.
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 of 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 which we identify as Witchcraft -- the Wiccan Way.
Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch -- but
neither does heredity itself, not 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.
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 roll 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, 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 traditions. 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.
The afore mentioned principles are from the Council of American Witches circa 1974 .