As defined by The Council of American Witches in Minneapolis, MN on the 11-14 April 1974
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.
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 and evolutionary concept.
We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent to the average person. Because it is greater than ordinary, it is called "supernatural", but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.
We conceive of the Creative Power in the Universe as manifest through polarity�as masculine and feminine�and that this same Creative Power lives within all people and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above 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.
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 the interaction of these two dimensions as the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.
We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.
We see religion, magick, and wisdom-in-living as being united in the way one views the word and lives within it�a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft of the Wiccan way.
Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch�but neither does heredity alone or the collection of titles, degrees, and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself that make life possible to live wisely and well, without harm to others and in harmony with nature.
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.
Our only animosity towards Christianity or towards any other religion or philosophy 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 beliefs.
As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origin of various terms, or the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.
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 that personal benefits can only be derived by denial to another.
We work within nature for that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
