basic council principles

For those of you reaching out to be council in a wiccan coven, each is different. This is rather generalized but this was just too good to pass up. I found it in my searches through my text files on my computer, lol


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.

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 of the Universe as manifesting through polarity - as masculine and feminine - and believe 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 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.

5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds - sometimes known as the spiritual world, the collective unconsciousness, the Inner Planes, etc. - and we see in 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 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 worldview and philosophy of life that we identify as Witchcraft, the Wiccan Way.

8. Calling oneself a "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 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, or 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 tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor do we accept the concept that personal benefit can only be derived from denial to another.

13. We acknowledge that we seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being

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As a point of historical interest, these principles were drawn up by the Council of American Witches in 1974 in an attempt to define what Wiccans believe. The Council fell apart some three months later with internal disagreements. I don't know of any Wiccan covens today that feel bound to accept these principles as any sort of requirement on how they practice; although many would say they are good advice.

-Lark-

Lark,

Thank you for mentioning the origins and limitations of the Council of American Witches statement.

The Craft Laws and Ordains stand in the core, not these beliefs as stated.

Never said you HAD to follow them, for the most part they are decent principles that most people try to live up to, to live a decent life. That's all.

Personally I say they are good pointers, especially for many people who still dont understand the religion much. It is very useful to study a bit of its foundations.