Principles of Beliefs of Witches

[Wickey]

The Principles of Beliefs


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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.


-- These principles were adopted by The Council of American Witches in 1974.

[Henry Hawk]

Do you believe that the God of Abraham and Isaac? or any of the Holy Bible?

Just a curious question...

[Wickey]

Do you believe that the God of Abraham and Isaac? or any of the Holy Bible?

Just a curious question...

With all due respect, the bible is a man written book to me and has absolutly no bearing on my beliefs. I follow a path that is thousands of years old, long before organized religion came along.

I follow my own path and what the God and Goddess have spoken to my heart and my soul. It is the path best suited for me but it is not for everyone. 

[Henry Hawk]

Do you believe that the God of Abraham and Isaac? or any of the Holy Bible?

Just a curious question...

With all due respect, the bible is a man written book to me and has absolutly no bearing on my beliefs. I follow a path that is thousands of years old, long before organized religion came along.

I follow my own path and what the God and Goddess have spoken to my heart and my soul. It is the path best suited for me but it is not for everyone.  

No disrespect taken and no disrespect given....just curious..

[Wickey]

I love you Henry!! 

[Henry Hawk]

I love you Henry!!  

[AnimalGuy]

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO MY FAVORITE WITCH!!! AND TO EVERYONE ELSE

[Pa Kettle]

What do you believe is the nature of your God and Goddess?
Are there any similarities between the Christian/Jewish concept of God's custodial design and presence and Wiccan concepts?
You seem to hold the bible with scepticism because it's man written, but didn't you learn of the Wiccan Way through writings as well as some kind of communing with your God/Goddess? Surely Pagan principles and tenets have been passed down over the centuries by written means as  well as orally.
I mean no disrespect, but it seems to me that if one is to take the same tack you take, ALL religions are "man-made".
I look foreward to your response as religions in general are interesting to me.

[followsthewolf]

Bait

[Pa Kettle]

They're simple and direct questions, Wolfy-- the kind of which Christians and other practitioners of an assortment of belief systems get asked on forums all the time.
       What makes this question more "baity" than any other asked of a religious person?
The lady seems very set in her beliefs, and surely can converse about them with people from other belief systems.
What's your problem?

[followsthewolf]

Bait

[Pa Kettle]

Nope.

[Pa Kettle]

What do you believe is the nature of your God and Goddess?
Are there any similarities between the Christian/Jewish concept of God's custodial design and presence and Wiccan concepts?
You seem to hold the bible with scepticism because it's man written, but didn't you learn of the Wiccan Way through writings as well as some kind of communing with your God/Goddess? Surely Pagan principles and tenets have been passed down over the centuries by written means as  well as orally.
I mean no disrespect, but it seems to me that if one is to take the same tack you take, ALL religions are "man-made".
I look foreward to your response as religions in general are interesting to me.

Wickey, I'm really interested in your thoughts--please respond when you can.

[Wickey]

I'm not ignoring you sweetie, it's been very hectic around here and i'm trying to find the time to give your posts the response it deserves. It's not a simple cut and dry question and it's not a simple cut and dry answer.

I promise, i will answer soon, just bear with me. 

[Pa Kettle]

Whenever you're ready, ma'am.
No hurry.