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 own intelligence gives us a unique
responsiblity 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 is apparent to the
average person. Because it is far greater than ordinarly, it is
sometimes called "supernatural", but we see it as lying within that
which is naturally potential in 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 masculine and feminine. We value neither above the
other, knowing each to be supportive 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 Plane, 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 honour
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 or 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 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 towards
Christianity, or towards any other
religion or 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 supress other ways of religious
practices and beliefs.
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 know accept the concept of "absolute evil," nor do we
worship any entity known as "Satan" or "the Devil" as defined by
Christian Traditions. 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.