~ Principles of Wiccan/PaganBeliefs ~
A: 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.
B: We recognize that our intelligence gives us the unique
responsibility toward our environment and each other. We seek to live
in harmony with NATURE, in ecological balance offering fulfilment to
life and consciousness within an
evolutionary concept.
C: We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent
to the average
person. Because it is far greater than the ordinary, it
is sometimes called
"supernatural" but we see it as laying within that
which is a naturally potential to all.
D: We believe in 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 the functions
through the interaction of the masculine and feminine.We value
neither one above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other.
We value sexuality as pleasure; the symbol and embodiment of life, and
as one of the sources of energies used in magical practice and
religious worship.
1: Ones sexuality should not be used for coercion to
gain power, fame or friends.
E: We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do
honour those who teach,
respect those who share their knowledge and
wisdom, and acknowledge those who actually courageously give of
themselves in leadership for the "CRAFT" not one out to impress others
or gain followers or fakes.
F: We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfilment of
life, in a continuation
of evolution and development of consciousness,
(some in this community don't have and don't even try, but like to
take credit in things unworked for themselves.) That gives meaning to
the Universe we know, and to our personal role within it.
G: 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.
H: Calling oneself "WITCH" does not make a Witch-but neither
does heredity
itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees,
initiations and nest/group co-ordinators. 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. Our
only animosity towards Christianity, or toward any other philosophy of
life, is to the extent
that its institutions have claimed to be "the
one and true way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to
suppress other ways of religious practices and beliefs.
I: As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the
history of the
Craft, origins of various terms, the legitimacy of
various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our
present, and future.
1: We in the Wiccan Community must police
ourselves and protect ourselves from those who exploit from within and
only follow our Rede when its convenient!
J: 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 make those suffer by race, appearance, how their
income is made, or sexual orientation.
K: We work within Nature for that which is contributory to our
health and well being.
L: We acknowledge that reading one book or others doesn't make
one an expert, only time/age/experience can do that. So take notes
when studying...
By Rev. High Priest Hawk Brown