Common Beliefs and Practices of Witchcraft
- The Divine Spirit is present in all creatures and things: people, animals, plants, stones, and so on.
- Because the Earth and all of Nature are Divine, we should treat them with reverence and respect.
- The ultimate creative force manifests in both feminine and masculine modes; therefore, it is often symbolized as the Goddess and the God. In some covens, both are celebrated equally. In others, the Goddess is given precedence or even celebrated without reference to the God.
- All Goddesses and Gods are aspects of The Goddess and The God. The aspects most traditional in the Craft are the Triple Goddess of the Moon (Maiden, Mother and Crone); the Earth Mother; and the Horned God of wildlife, death, and rebirth.
- We evolve spiritually over the course of many lifetimes. Upon death one goes to the Summerland, a state of rest and reflection, and eventually chooses where and when they will be reborn.
- We can influence ourselves and our environment through magick, which should be practiced only for positive purposes such as spiritual development, healing, guidance, and safety.
- Rituals are generally performed according to the phases of the Moon and at Sabbat festivals that mark the progression of the seasons. Witches prefer to celebrate outdoors when possible.
- Witches work, study and celebrate in small groups called covens-usually three to thirteen in number-and sometimes in larger groves or congregations. These may be associated with a tradition or federation, but are usually autonomous. There is no central church authority.
- Individuals have access to the Divine and do not require an intermediary. Every initiate is regarded as priest/ess. There is no revealed scripture, prophet, or messiah.
- The central ethic is "An ye harm none, do as ye will." This is reinforced by The Law of Return, the understanding that whatever energy you send out returns to you threefold.
- Though Witchcraft is most commonly associated with Europe, it has its roots in the earliest spiritual expressions of humanity. The Gods, myths and customs of many cultures can be harmoniously blended with its beliefs and practices.
- Witchcraft welcomes all those whose hearts are drawn to the Old Religion, regardless of race, ethnic heritage, gender, sexual orientation, physical handicap, or age (providing they have reached their majority).
- Witchcraft or Wicca is not the only valid spiritual path, and people should be free to choose the religion that best fits their needs.
*Not all Witches, Wiccans, or Pagans will subscribe to all of these points, but generally they are representative
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