Art By Jean-Paul Assie
Principles And Beliefs
The Council Of AmericanWitches finds it Necessary to Define ModernWitchcraft in terms of theAmerican experience and needs:
We are not bound by traditions from other times and
cultures, and owe no allegiance to any person or power
greater than the Divinity manifest through our own being.
As American Witches, we welcome and respect all life-affirming teachings and traditions, and seek to learn from all and to share our learning with our Council.In this spirit of welcome and cooperation that we adopt these few principles of the Wiccan Belief.
In seeking to be inclusive, we do not wish to open ourselfs to the destruction of our group by those on self-serving power-trips, or to philosophies and practices contradictory to these principles.
In seeking to exclude those whos way are contradictory to ours, we do not deny participation with us to any who are sincerely
interested in our knowledge and beliefs.
We therefore ask only that those who seek to identify with us Accept these Few Basic Principles:
1. We practice rites to attune ourselfs 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 our evolutionary concept.
3. We acknowledge in 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.
4. We concieve of the greater power of the Universe as manifesting through polarity.. as masculine and feminine... and 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.
5. We recognize both outer and inner, or psychological worlds.. sometimes
known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, the Inner Planes, ect... and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magical excercises. 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 thier greater knowledge and wisdom, and ackknowledge those who have couregeously given of themselfs 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 oneslf "Witch" does not make a Witch... but niether does heredity 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.
9. We acknowledge that is the affirmanation 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.
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 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 varios 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 "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.
Summary
The Principles of Belief also show that we are not a bunch of crazies hovering over that proverbial caultron, plopping in batt' wings and toad legs, living in a mystical cave somewhere. We think logically, we plan wisely, and we show compassion for our brothers and sisters.
We care about the planet, the welfare of our children and those of others, the aged, animals, and the state of world political affairs. We are the first in the fray to speak up for these rights, or the few who volunteer to help the community when it is needed.
Source: To Ride a Silver Broomstick: Author Silver Raven Wolf
