The following is a reprint of the American Council of Witches statement
of beliefs. These were written in 1974,unfortunately the Council disbanded
the following year. We feel that this is a good general statement of our
beliefs and have included it here.
I. 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.
II. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with
nature, and ecological balance, offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.
III. 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.
IV. 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 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.
V. 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 exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.
VI. 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.
VII. We see religion, magic, 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.
VIII.Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch - but 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, and in harmony with nature.
IX. 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.
X. 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.
XI. 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.
XII. 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.
XIII.We work within nature for that which is contributory to our health and well being. We are not bound by traditions
from other times and other 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. We do not wish to open ourselves to the destruction of Wicca
by those on self-serving power trips, or to philosophies and practices contradictory to these principles.
In seeking to exclude those whose ways are contradictory to ours, we do not want to deny participation with us to
any who are sincerely interested in our knowledge and beliefs, regardless of race, color, sex, age,
national or cultural origins,or sexual preference.
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