2. We recognize that our intelligence gives
us a unique responsibility toward 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 lives in all people, and functions through the
interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other,
knowing each to be supporting 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 practices and religious worship.
5. We recognize both outer 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, 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, or
the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the
forces within herself/him 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 and
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 the extent that its
institutions have claimed to be "the only way," and have sought to
deny freedom to others and to surpress 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 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 and
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 by denial to
another.
13. We acknowledge that we seek within Nature
for that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
After the statement of principles was
adopted, additional differences surfaced. The Council soon became moribund.
Drawing Down the Moon, Margot Adler p159