
We practice rites to attune
ourselves with the natural rythm 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 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.
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 magical
exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other,
seeing both as necessary for our fulfilment.
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 them selves in leadership.
We see religion, magic, 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
make 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 a 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 to 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.