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 towards 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 that 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.

4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifest through polarity--as masculine and feminine--and that same Creative power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of masculine and feminine.  We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other.  We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magical practice and religious worship.

5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological worlds, known sometimes as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, 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 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 courageously give of themselves in leadership.

7. We see religion, magic, and wisdom in living and being united in the way one views the world and live within it--a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as "Witchcraft--the Wiccan Way."

8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make one a Witch-but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within themselves that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.

9. 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.

10. Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the only way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice 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 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.

13. We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

This is not in any way an all-encompassing credo applicable to all groups who consider themselves Wiccans or Witches, but rather is the set of principles adopted by one such group. As there are differences between various Christian sects, so are there differences between those of Wicca. However, while the specifics may differ, the general attitude and reasoning behind these declarations remains relatively consistent.

Source: Witch Haven

View my FAQ database:

My Personal Beliefs

People always ask me what my beliefs are.  Do I believe in God?  Do I celebrate Christmas?  What are my religious beliefs? 

The first question is subjective, to which I typically respond with a whole range of answers that don't quite answer the question.  I do this deliberately because I'm usually being asked this question in terms of Wicca or Paganism once the querrant discovers that is my religion.  Faith is dependent upon individual experience and to question it based on prejudice is disrespectful.  So, I usually don't give a definitive answer to this question.

Christmas is based upon the Scandinavian celebration of Yule, so why shouldn't I celebrate it?  I get to party twice in the same month-woohoo!!  Seriously though, Americans didn't make a distinction between European Pagan and Christian practices until the middle of the 20th Century.  If you don't believe me, take a look at 100 year old holiday post cards.  Old timers who live in the country never ask me this question.  They've probably seen some of these old cards in Grandma's collection so they don't question the association of Pagan holidays with Christian ones.

And finally the sound of frustration when they still don't get it.  What are my religious beliefs?  This a really exclusive question that dismisses my spirituality and my personal beliefs that tend to conflict with any religious ones commonly associated with Wicca or Paganism.  People simply ask me the wrong questions.

Now if one asked me what my general beliefs are, that is a question that would more likely generate a definitive response.  So if you must know, these are my beliefs:

I believe that all concepts of deity are valid.

I believe that Faith should not be questioned.

I believe in the existence of spirit and that all living things possess it.

I believe that the Earth is a living entity and should be treated with respect.

I believe that the infinite creative force commonly referred to as God is simply energy in its purest form and that it has no identity.

I believe that the old Gods and Goddesses are our Paleolithic ancestors who were once mortal and later deified after their death.

I believe that spirit is the electricity housed in our bodies.  The electricity in our spinal cord is the source of the human energy field which will remain intact after amputation.  I also believe that the intelligence of spirit comes from the electrical synapses in the brain.  All of this electricity is released simultaneously upon death and becomes a spirit, an entity of pure energy with intelligence, memories, and free will.

I believe that this same electricity can be passed from one generation to the next and this is how we are born with instincts, memories of events we have not experienced, or knowledge that we have not learned.  This could also explain how a person can possess psychic abilities or intuitive gifts that seem to be inherited.  The spiritual explanation is reincarnation.  Sometimes people feel that another person's spirit is inside them.  I believe that a thorough scientific investigation of human electricity transferal may solve this age-old mystery of spirit.

I believe that this electricity can be directed in a manner that would interact with and effect other electrical currents.  This is scientifically how witchcraft works.  Electricity and energy are the same thing and when one casts a circle or spell, this is essentially what is happening.  The caster directs his/her own electrical current outward.  This electricity can also be drawn inward and contained.  Containing electricity is the same as controlling one's emotions because emotions are made up of electrical neuro transmitters.  Releasing emotion also releases this electricity or energy.  Based on this premise alone, I believe that all people practice "witchcraft" because we all release or contain emotion/energy that effects someone else.

I believe that the human body is not solely an object of sexuality and should be treated with respect.  I believe in nudity, both ritually and as a lifestyle choice.  I also believe that certain rules protecting a person's emotional and physical security should be observed and enforced during nudist practices.

I believe that all life is sacred.  I also support abortion and euthanasia because I respect a person's freedom of choice and the right to die.

I believe that all people should be treated equally and with dignity and respect.  I believe in the right of self-defense, personal assertion, and autonomy.  I believe that laws should not be gender specific or discriminatory.

I believe that animals should be afforded the same quality of life as people.  I also believe that an animal should be slaughtered or euthanized humanely.  Kill it quickly and don't make it suffer.  I believe that an animal should only be killed for food, in self-defense, or mercy--not for sport.

Wicca was designed to attract and accept all the freaks and sociopaths who are rejected by mainstream society.  It is also a safe haven for flamers and [drama] queens, certain members of the homosexual community whom I define as sexually aggressive and emotionally misguided.  I believe that most Wiccans are rebelling against Christianity and that is their sole reason for being involved with Wicca.  Many Wiccans believe in polyamori, free sex, and sexual deviancies which I am opposed to.  Some Wiccans also practice body piercing and mutilation, which I consider repulsive.

Wiccans I have encountered locally declare 'Harm None' and proclaim that there is no right or wrong manner of practicing Wicca until they encounter someone who is not a Wiccan clone of themselves.  Then, they change their minds and declare that their way is the right way and the only way of practicing Wicca.  They also resort to using magic and religion to harm the person with whom they disagree.  I believe these Wiccans are wrong for their attitude.

There is more than one kind of Pagan in the world and I dislike being represented by libertarians whose practices and beliefs are contrary to my own.  I am a minority in the Pagan/Wiccan community.

I am a conservative Pagan who harbors traditional values and morals.  I believe in the nuclear family unit.  I believe in planned parenting and that a person should wait until after marriage before having children.  I believe that one man and one woman make up a married couple.  I believe in the institution and sanctity of marriage.  I believe that cheating is wrong and should not be tolerated.  I believe in abstinence.  I believe in strict monogamy.  I believe that children should be treated with kindness and respect.  I believe that spanking is an act of violence.  I believe in personal responsibility.