Principles of beliefs
From the book To Ride A Silver
Broomstick by Silver RavenWolf
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 toward 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 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 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 the feminine. We value neither
above the other, knowing each to be supportive to 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.
5. 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 magickal
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 have
courageously given of themselves 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
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 true 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 treated 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 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.
The Wiccan Rede (long version)
Bide these Wiccan laws ye must
with perfect love and perfect trust.
Live and let live
fairly take and fairly give.
Cast the circle thrice about
to keep all evil spirits out;
to bind a spell every time
let the spell be spoke in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch,
speak ye little, listen much.
Deosil go by waxing moon
sing and dance ye Wiccan rune.
Widdershins go by waning moon
chanting out the baleful tune.
When the Lady's moon is new,
kiss ye hands to her times two.
When the moon rides at her peak
then your heart's desire seek.
Heed the Northwind's mighty gale,
lock the door, and trim the sail.
When the wind comes from the South,
love will kiss you in the mouth.
When the wind blows from the West,
departed souls will have no rest.
When the wind blows from the East,
expect the new, and set the feast.
Nine wood 'neath in cauldron go.
Burn them fast, and burn them slow.
Elderwood, the Lady's tree,
burn it not, or cursed you'll be.
When the Wheel begins to turn,
soon the Beltane fires will burn.
When the Wheel has turned to Yule,
light the log, the Horned One rules.
Teaching, flower bush and tree
by the Lady, blessed be.
Where the rippling waters go,
cast the stone, and truth you'll know.
When ye have and hold a need,
harken not to others' greed.
With a fool, no season spend,
or be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part
bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Threefold Law ye should
three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is anow,
wear the star upon thy brow.
True in love ye must ever be,
lest thy love be false to thee.
These eight words in rede fulfill:
And ye harm none, do what thou will.