Commonality of belief

Something I came a cross on,it isquite interesting and though I'm not Wiccan I find it intriguing.

13 Point definition compiled by Carl Weschke of Llwellyn Publications (between 1973 and 1974 an attempt was made to define common ground. The brief and diverse association of contemorary Wiccans was formed under the name of the Counsil of American Witches)

* 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 recognise that our intelligence gives as a unique responsibility toward our enviroment. 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 the ordinary. It is sometimes called supernatural, but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.

* We concieve of creative power in the universe as manifesting through polarity as musculine and feminine and that this creative power lies in all people and functions through interaction of the musculine 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 energy used in magickal practice and religious worship.

* We Recognise bothe outer world 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 magical exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other seeing both necessary fulfillment.

* We do not recognise any authoritarian hierarchy but do honor those who teach, respect those who share greater knowledge and wisdom and acknowledge those who have courageously given themselves to leadership .

* 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 philosophy of life which we identify as witchcraft, the Wiccan way.

* Calling oneself a 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 him/herself that make life possible in order to life wisely and 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 with 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" adn have sought to deny freedom to others and to supress other ways of religious practice and believe.

* As American Withces 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 many Christian taditions. We do not seek power through the suffering from others nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.

* We beleive that we should seek within nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

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The so-called " Council of American Witches of 1974 " was brought together for one specific purpose and that was to contribute a segment on Wicca to the Chaplain's Handbook for the Armed Forces. Something Weschke had been asked to do. Almost immediately following this meeting, the Council fell apart over differences of opinion regarding the nature of Wicca. I know of few Wiccans today who view these statements of belief as anything other than a historical curiosity.

Nonetheless, some of the material in the beliefs put forward at that meeting do ring true to many, but certainly not all, Wiccans. Recently there was an effort to put together another Council, however, that failed. They were trying to set up some sort of central authority, and in doing so failed to recognize their own statement that there is no central authority within Wicca.

Thanks Lark, just makes me think twice about everything I read.

Generally speaking, thinking twice about everything you read is never a bad thing.

When I first began to actively explore magic Wicca is what I fell upon. It is perhaps the most easily recognizable and accessible path to this sort of thing. However, these varied approaches to the faith, some of the history of the faith as presented by Gardner, and the general conflict over what Wicca is left me somewhat jaded. It felt, somewhat, like I was stepping from the chaotic and varied sects of Christianity with which I was most familiar into another mess of varied dogma.

In the end, I found that trying to decipher all of this simply wasn't for me. I've the utmost respect for those who are deeply involved in its practice, like Lark and many others on this site, but found that questioning everything and trying to find the shared truths in different faiths was more favorable.

Which I agree with Awake. It is indeed what I seek, the truth. All of us do.I guess we will only know the truth ourselves upon what we feel like in certain aspects or topics. Nevertheless, the only reason I post on here is pretty much to hear what Lark and Brysing has to say.

They are the onlyones that have ever really answered. I am not really interested in Wicca, but seeing that it is quite common and at the moment it is what I have to study because I'm writing exams on it. Even much so Witchcraft which is more what I lean towards. I just keep on learning even though I have my path set out for me and Im very much happy in it. No harm in learning the ways of our Spiritual brothers and Sisters..

I just want to know about everything. Maybe even try mastering everything. I know you might say oh such a Jack of all trades..Then I shall take it as a compliment. :)