Wicca - Basic Beliefs

Here are 13 basic principles that describe what many Witches believe as their core faith. Keep in mind that there is no principle doctrine such as the Bible in Witchcraft, therefore individual traditions vary within their practices.

1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces.
2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment.
3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent to the average person.
4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the Universe as both masculine and feminine. We value neither gender above the other.
5. We recognize both outer world and inner psychological worlds, and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal and magickal exercises.
6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy.
7. We see religion, magick, and wisdom-in-living as being united in the way one views the world and lives in it.
8. Calling oneself a "witch" does not make a witch, but neither does heredity, or the collection of titles, degrees and initiations. A witch seeks to control the forces within him-or 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 the 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 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 beliefs.
11. We are not threatened by debates on the history of the craft. 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 "Devil" as defined by Christian traditions.
13. We work within Nature for that which contributes to our health and well-being.

Adapted from The Council of American Witches (this organization no longer exist, but drew up basic principles to unite our basic beliefs)