NOTE: We do not feel bound by traditions from other times and other cultures.
We owe no allegiance to any person or power greater than the Divinity manifest through our
own being. I would recommend that you consider these principles for your path.
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 this power is greater than ordinary, it is sometimes called "super natural",
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 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 magickal practice and religious worship.
5. We recognize both outer and inner worlds, or( psychological worlds- sometimes
known as the Spiritual world, the Collective Unconscious, the Inner Planes, etc.-
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 one 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, and in harmony with
nature
9. We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfillment of life, in a continuation of evolution-
tion 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 it's 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 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 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.
