In April 1974, The Council of American Witches adopted a set of principles:
1) We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rythm of life forces marked by the phases
of the Moon and 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 that apparent to the average person. Because
it is far greater than 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 of the universe as manifesting through polarity -- as masculine
and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other.
We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of
energies used in magickal practices and religious worship.
5) We recognize that both outer worlds and inner, or psychological worlds sometimes known as the
Spiritual World, the Collective Unconsciousness, Inner Planes, etc. -- and we see 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 hierachy, but we do honour those who teach, respect those
who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who courageously give 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 -- The Wiccan
Way.
8) Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch -- but neither does heredity itself, nor the
collecting of titles, degress and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself
that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony
with Nature.
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 within it.
10) Our only animosity towards Christianity or any other religion or philosphy of life, is to the extent
that it's institutions have claimed to be "the only 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 with
our present and 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 the Christian tradition. Nor do we seek power through the suffering of
others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial of another.
13) We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-
being.
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