principles

According to the council of American Witches.

1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life Forces marked by the phases of the moon and the seasonal quaters and cross quaters.

2. We recognize our knowledge gives us a unique responsibility toward our envirinment. We seek to live in harmony with nature.

3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater then that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater then 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 the same Creative Power lies in all people.

5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, world sometimes known as Spiritual, The Collective Unconscious, ect. and we see the inter-action of these dimensions, the basis for paranormal phenomene and magickal excersizes.

6. We do not recognize an authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and respect those who have courageously given themselves in leadership and learning.

7. We see religion, magick and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives in it.

8. Calling ones self "Witch" does not make one a Witch - but neither does her duty itself - not the collecting of titles, degrees, ect. A Witch seeks to control the forces within that make life possible in order to live wisley.

9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe we know and our personal role in it.

10. Our only animosity towards Christianity or any other religion is to the extent that it's institution has claimed it to be "The only right way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice 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 about our present and future.

12. We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, we DO NOT worship ANY enitity known as "Satan" or "The Devil" as defined by Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.
13. We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well - being.