1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with 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 offereing fullfillment to life and conciousness within an evolutionary concept.
3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent to the averae person. Because it is far greater than
ordinary, it is somtimes called "supernatural," but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.
4. We concieve ofCreative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity - as masucline 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 energy 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 unconcious, the inner planes, etc. - and we see the interaction of these two dimensions of basics for the
paranormal phenomena and magickal exercizes. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our
fulfillment.
6. We do not recognize any authoritan 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 or Wicca.
8. Calling oneself "witch" does not make a witch - but neither does heredity itself or the collecting of titles, degrees,
and initations. 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
concouseness 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 tot he extent that
its insitiutions have claimed to be "the one true and right and only way" ad have sought to deny freedom to others and to
suppress other ways of religious practices and beliefs.
11. As American witches we are not threatned 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 suffereing of others, nor do we accept the concept that
personal benifits can only be derived by being denied to another.
13. We work with nature, for that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
Note: This is an excerpt from "To Ride a Silver Broomstick", by Silver RavenWolf. An excellent book if you ever get the
chance to read it. Great for beginners. If I understand her correctly, this was written by or for the Council of American
Witches.