AS SET BY THE COUNCIL OF AMERICAN WITCHES,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
toward 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 is 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 this same creative
Power lives in all people, and functions through the interaction of the
masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each
to be suppportive of the other. We value sexuality 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-sometimes
known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, the 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 have courageously given of themselves in leadership.
7. 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 of the Wiccan Way.
8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch-but neither does
heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations.
A Witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself that make life possible
in order to live wisely and well, without harm to others, and in harmony
with Nature.
9. We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfillment of life,
in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives
meaning to the Universe we know, and to our personal role within it.
10. Our only animosity toward Christianity, or toward any other religion
of philosophy-of-life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed
to be "the one true right and only way" and have sought to deny
freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practices and
belief.
11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history
of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitmacy 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 Christian Tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others,
nor do we accept the concept that personal benefits can only be derived
by denial to another.
13. We work within Nature for that which is contributory to our health
and well-being.
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