Now, at this point you're probably saying, "Why do I have to read this stuff? It's so boring!" Well, to some extent, I agree with you. However, I learned long ago that if you don't know the rules, you look like an idiot when someone starts to ask you questions, so bear with me while we work through this section. If you are determined to accept the practice of WitchCraft into your life, you need to know your own history. So here goes, the thirteen statements of belief in teen-speak."
1. We Practice Rites.
We practice rites (small parts of rituals) and rituals (sacred ceremonies) to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the Moon phases 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 total harmony and ecological balance with Nature, offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept. Because we are smarter than most animals we have a responsibility to take care of the plant and animal world. We believe that the world of humans, animals, and plants are all a part of divinity, and therefore interconnected.
3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent to the average person.
Because this is far greater than any ordinary power, we sometimes give this force the name "supernatural" However, we see this power as lying within that which is natural potential to everyone.
Wiccans believe that they are not separate from the divine, but part of the divine, and that all people, animals and plants are encompassed in divinity. We are in God/dess and God/dess is within us.
4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity -- as masculine and feminine -- and that his Creative Power lives in all people.
We hold that this power 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, however, we also believe that no one should be pushed into a sexual union and that safe sex should be practiced at all times.
5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds.
Inner worlds are sometimes known respectively as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, the Inner Planes, and so on. We see in the interaction of the outer and inner dimensions as the basis for paranormal phenomena (things that go bump in the night, ESP, clairaudience, clairvoyance, etc.) and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment. We do not run around like crazy people saying that we are cursed or that astral nasties are going to get us. We believe there is a scientific answer for all phenomena even if science hasn't discovered it yet, and we feel there is always a way to interact with the inner and outer world that does not bring harm to ourselves or to others.
6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy.
Though we 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.
This means that we don't have a Witch-Pope. Our students are taught to honor their teachers. You will hear the word "Pagan Leader", but this term is used loosely.
7. We see religion, magick, and wisdom-in-living as united in the way one views the world and lives within it.
This is our world view and philosophy of life, which we identify as WitchCraft. Wiccans feel that body, mind, and Spirit are all one.
8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch or a Wiccan.
But neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. Just because you have a website or magickal screen name and call yourself a Witch doesn't mean you are one. 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 work with the natural elements (earth, air, fire, water) and Spirit to manifest what we desire. This also means that if you get on the internet and say mean things about people, try to belittle others in a chat room, or act like a rude idiot, you are NOT a Witch, because real Witches, if they are following these principles, don't act that way. A Witch is defined how he or she lives, not by what they call themselves. Lying, cheating, violence, threatening, stealing, etc., are not the Wiccan Way.
9. We acknowledge the central role of the affirmation and fulfillment of life.
We believe that it is this principle, as part of a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives a real meaning to the universe we know, and to our personal role within that Universe.
This also means that we believe in life after death. Witches believe they go to The Summerland (which is much like heaven). Most Witches also believe in reincarnation.
10. Our only animosity toward Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy of life, is...
to the extent that these 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.
This means that we feel that it is wrong for another person to condemn a someone on the basis of religion. We think that fundamentalism in any religion is wrong.
11. We do not feel threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, or the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions.
We concern ourselves with our present and our future, acknowledging that past, present, and future is a matter of individual perception. The Craft encourages historical research and we do not depend on what "they" did, rather we are more concerned about what "we" do.
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 be derived only by denial to another.
This means that any person involved in Witchcraft does not involve themselves in smear campaigns, does not intentionally harm others through gossip, and does not blame their own failings on other people or a mythical entity. Witches are responsible for their own actions. Witches believe that people create evil, not some invisible guy you can't see. Satan belongs to the Christian and Jewish religions. Wiccans do not believe that Satan exists.
13. We work within Nature for that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
Not 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. We welcome and respect all life-affirming teachings and traditions. We seek to learn from all and to share our learning. We do not wish to open ourselves to the destruction of WitchCraft by those on self-serving power trips, or to philosophies and practices contradictory to these principles. In seeking to exclude those whose ways are contradictory to ours, we do not want to deny participation with any person who carries a sincere interest in our knowledge and beliefs, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national or cultural origin, or sexual preference.
This means that Wicca can be for everybody and Wiccans can interact with anyone they choose. It also means that in a training situation, if we feel that an individual is not ready for the type of information we have to offer, we can choose to withdraw the information. We also feel that if someone is being a jerk, we don't have to share what we know.
The Rule of Three
Ever mind the rule of three -- what you give out comes back to thee.
Witches follow the rule of three, meaning what you say and do, regardless of regular life or in magick, will come back to you. You are connected to your thoughts and actions, and you will feel the effects of what you do whether you like it or not. There is no escaping the responsibility.