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 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 lives in all people, and functions through the
interaction of the 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 magical practice and
religious worship.
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.
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 or the Wiccan way.
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 makes life
possible in order to live wisely and well, without harm to others, and
in harmony with nature.
We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfillment of life, in
continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that
gives meaning to the universe we know, and to our personal role
within it.
Our only animosity toward Christianity, or toward any other religion or
philosophy of life, is to the extent that it's institutions have claimed to be
"the one true right and only way" and have sought to deny freedom
to others and suppress other ways of religious practices 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 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.
We work within nature for that which is contributory
to our health and well-being
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 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 lives in all people, and functions through the
interaction of the 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 magical practice and
religious worship.
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.
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 or the Wiccan way.
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 makes life
possible in order to live wisely and well, without harm to others, and
in harmony with nature.
We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfillment of life, in
continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that
gives meaning to the universe we know, and to our personal role
within it.
Our only animosity toward Christianity, or toward any other religion or
philosophy of life, is to the extent that it's institutions have claimed to be
"the one true right and only way" and have sought to deny freedom
to others and suppress other ways of religious practices 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 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.
We work within nature for that which is contributory
to our health and well-being