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 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 to life and consciousness
within an evolutionary concept.
We acknowledge a depth of power
far greater than is apparent to the average
person
. Because it is 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.
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 supportive of the other.
We value sexuality as
pleasure, as the symbol
of the embodiment of Life,
and as one of the sources of
energies
used in magickal practice and religious worship.
We recognize both outer worlds 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 magickal exercises.
We neglect neither dimension for the other,
seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.
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.
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 the Wiccan Way.
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 him/herself that makes life possible
in order to live wisely and well,
without
harm to others, and in harmony with Nature.
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.
Our only animosity towards Christianity,
or toward any other religion or philosophy
of life,
is to the extent 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 belief.
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 suffering of others,
nor do we accept the concept that personal
benefits
can only be derived by denial to another.
We work within Nature for that which is
contributory to our health and well-being.
One thing Paganism is not is "Satanism".
Satanism is a form of rebellion against Christianity.
Paganism is not a rebellion against Christianity.
It predates Christianity.
Paganism doesn't really recognize "Satan".
In my view, this is a dualistic universe.
Of course there are negative energies
as well as positive energies,
and I recognize there are evil forces in the world,
but Paganism does not embrace those forces.
On occasion, I work magick, much like "witches" do.
Please remember, like Paganism,
witchcraft, or "Wicca" is a religion.
And magick is simply using the natural energies
found in yourself, in nature, and in everything
created by the Divine
(we all have our definition of What That Is)
to bring about a desired result.
Magick is a means of
focusing on your need or desire,
much like meditation or prayer is used.
I practice Magick only for positive purposes,
such as spiritual and psychic development,
physical as well as
emotional healing, to keep myself in harmony
with nature and the cosmos, and to better myself in some way.
(And believe me, I can always use bettering!)
I also practice magick when I have a sick animal
in my care, directing my healing energies to
coincide with the healing energies of the universe.
Taking from Wicca, rituals usually are performed at the
New and Full Moons,
and at eight festivals which mark
the wheel of the year and the changing of the seasons,
although one can work magick
or do ritual every day if one wishes.
As a practicing Pagan, however,
I tend to do a little ritual daily,
just to keep in tune with our Mother.
Rituals are performed within groups, called covens,
or by individuals, called solitaries.
Although I have a small
Circle of Two at present,
and have been in formal covens,
I consider myself a solitary.
Rituals can be done by as many
or as few people as desired.
Please go here for some information you might need if you want to do magick!
There are many variations of the "charges"
or "redes" or "rules" of paganism.
I myself follow my heart.
But here is an example of a written
"charge", if you care to peruse it. One Charge
