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.
We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment.
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 time 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 excursuses. 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, 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 path.
Calling oneself “Witch” does not make a witch; but neither does hereditary itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself that makes 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 in it.
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 beliefs.
As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the craft, the origins of the 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 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. These are important words and they should be read with an open mind. If you are interested in the craft and all that it is you must let go of preconceptions. You must accept the fact that we (of the Craft) worry about the same things that other people do, we raise our children to love and care for their families, and we honor to those who have earned that from us.
The craft does not need defense, it is neither bad nor harm rendering to anyone. The philosophy of life that a Wiccan life style includes is one that does not harbor hatred or retribution. Crafting is a holistic approach to being a responsible human being. It offers a way to bring light into the soul of each individual as they are ready to accept that themselves. We can only transform ourselves, we can do positive and supportive work for others as long as no other being is left without, or diminished by that work.
It is our goal to fill our lives with loving friends and a deep sense of commitment to the Earth we live upon. This is our simple statement of being and it is the truth of our existence. We are neither harmful of harming. We honor those that honor us, and we give respect where respect is given. It is our right to worship as we see fit as long as that worship does not hurt anyone including ourselves. We see the world as being both male and female and we honor that principal in our religious outlook.
Blessed Be To All.
Shared
Beliefs