In
April 1974, The council of American Witches adopted a set of principles,
I feel they project the Philosophy of Witchcraft, and helps remove the
misconceptions many may have of what witches do, I have listed them here.
We
practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of the 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 that apparent to the average
person. Because it is far greater that the ordinary it is sometimes
called "Supernatural", but we see it as lying with 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 is the same Creative Power
that lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine
and feminine. We value neither above 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 basic 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, nor 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 role 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 "The Only Way" and have sought to deny freedom o others and to
suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.
As American Witches we are not threaten 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 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
tradition. 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.
* 1974 Council of American Witches
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