The Thirteen Principles of Wicca
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-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 is 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 lives in
all people, and 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, and as one of
the sources of energies used in magical practice and religious worship.
5. 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 in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal
phenomena and magical 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, magic, 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 or the Wiccan Way.
8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch -- but neither does heredity itself,
or the collecting of titles, degrees, 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 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.
10. Our only animosity toward Christianity, or toward any other religion or
philosophy-of-life, 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 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 Christian Tradition. We do not seek
power through the suffering of others, nor do we accept the concept that personal
benefits can only be derived by denial to another.
13. We work within nature for that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
*These principles were adopted by The Council of American Witches in 1974.
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-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 is 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 lives in
all people, and 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, and as one of
the sources of energies used in magical practice and religious worship.
5. 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 in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal
phenomena and magical 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, magic, 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 or the Wiccan Way.
8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch -- but neither does heredity itself,
or the collecting of titles, degrees, 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 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.
10. Our only animosity toward Christianity, or toward any other religion or
philosophy-of-life, 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 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 Christian Tradition. We do not seek
power through the suffering of others, nor do we accept the concept that personal
benefits can only be derived by denial to another.
13. We work within nature for that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
*These principles were adopted by The Council of American Witches in 1974.
