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 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
af 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 - nut 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,a nd 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.