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WICCAN PRINCIPLES AND BELIEFS
In 1974 one group of American Witches meeting in Minneapolis
adopted the following group of principles. These principles are not
required of anyone, but they do reflect the thinking of many modern Pagan
Witches whether in the United States or
elsewhere.
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 an
evolutionary concept.
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.
We conceive of
the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity-as
masculine and feminine-and that this same Creative Power lies in all
people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and
feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive
to the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of
life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magical practice and
religious worship.
We
recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds sometimes
known as the Spiritual World, the Collective unconscious, Inner Planes,
etc.-and we see in the interactive 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.
We do
not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but 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.
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.
Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch-but neither does
heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A
Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life
possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in
harmony with Nature.
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.
Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other
religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its 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.
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 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 the
Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the sufferings of
others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to
another.
We believe that we should seek within nature that which
is contributory to our health and well being
TO BE A WITCH.....
To
be a witch is to love and be loved.
To be a witch is to know
everything, and nothing at all.
To be a witch is to move amongst the
stars while staying on earth.
To be a witch is to change the world
around you, and yourself.
To be a witch is to share and give, while
receiving all the while.
To be a witch is to dance and sing, and hold
hands with the universe.
To be a witch is to honor the gods, and
yourself.
To be a witch is to Be Magick, not just perform it.
To be
a witch is to be honorable, or nothing at all.
To be a witch is to
accept others who are not.
To be a witch is to know what you feel is
right and good.
To be a witch is to harm none.
To be a witch is to
know the ways of old.
To be a witch is to see beyond the
barriers.
To be a witch is to follow the moon.
To be a witch is to
be one with the gods.
To be a witch is to study and to learn.
To be
a witch is to be the teacher and the student.
To be a witch is to
acknowledge the truth.
To be a witch is to live with the earth, not
just on it.
To be a witch is to be truly free!
Solitary -vs- Coven
Traditionally, belonging to a coven was the only way to
learn the Craft of Wicca. Thankfully that is no longer the case. Thanks to
a large number of people who have published their book of shadows,
tutorials, etc., it is now possible to learn the arts alone.
Personally I have chosen to be solitary. This decision was based,
in part, on my own personality. I have never been comfortable in group
situations. I'm also very headstrong and felt that I could practice more
efficiently alone. Perhaps someday this could change, I could find a group
I feel comfortable with. Until such time as I can truly join a circle in
"perfect love and perfect trust", I will continue as I have started.
let's compare the two..
With a Coven, the rituals are performed by a group of
people;
with several(principally the Priest and/or Priestess) playing
the parts.
As a Solitary, you do everything yourself.
The
Coven meets in a large(usually nine foot diameter)circle.
The Solitary
has a small, "compact" circle.
The Coven uses a "full
complement" of tools, depending on the tradition.
The Solitary
uses only what she/he feels she/he needs.
Coven meetings must, to an
extent, be held when most convenient for the majority.
The Solitary
can hold a ritual whenever s/he feels like it.
A Coven
draws on all its members to build a Cone of Power.
A Solitary
has only her/his own power to draw on.
A Coven has a wide variety of
knowledge and specialties.
A Solitary has only her/his own knowledge and
specialty.
A Coven is usually fairly set in its ways.
A Solitary
can change with her/his moods, age, location, etc.
A Coven
ritual can become almost a "production" or pageant.
A Solitary
ritual can be the barest minimum of words and actions.
A
Coven must attune itself as one.
A
Solitary IS one.
Covens are not to be found everywhere, and finding one can
be difficult. There is a saying in Wicca "When the student is ready, a
teacher will find them". There's a lot of truth in this. If you truly want
to join a coven, chances are you'll find one. Visit local New Age,
Metaphysical or Occult stores and take classes on Wicca or similar
subjects offered through these centers. More than likely, these classes
will be taught by a priest or priestess of Wicca. At the very least,
attending such classes will enable the student to meet others of like
minds, which could be the basis for founding a new coven or for finding
contacts in established groups.
In
the end, only you can make the decision to be solitary or to belong to a
coven. Don't let anyone else pressure you. If someone tries to pressure
you into joining their group, run the other way fast! Good Wiccans would
never do this. Wiccans don't recruit. We can encourage, but never pressure
or push someone into believing as we do. Enjoy the journey, the path may
be difficult but is always rewarding.
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