Principles of Wiccan Beliefs
1. 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 Quarter.
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 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 Magickal practice and religious worship.
5. 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
inter-action 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 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.
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, not 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.
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 roll within it.
10. 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.
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 our 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
traditions. We do not seek power
through the suffering of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to
another.
2003 [Order Of Orion]. All rights reserved. Back to Top