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What follows is simply a grouping of information which will be needed by, and useful to any beginner on the Pagan/Wiccan path.

Basic Principles Of Belief
(From The Council of American Witches)

1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces, marked by the phases of the Moon.

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 offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary context.

3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent to the average person. This is sometimes referred to as "supernatural," but we see it as lying within the potential of all.

4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the Universe as manifesting through polarity (masculine and feminine) and that this creative power exists in all people.
We value sexuality as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.

5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises.

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 give 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.

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 that make life possible, in order to live wisely and well, without harm to others. 9. 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.

10. Our only animosity towrd Christianity, or any religious or philosophical system, 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 religious practices and beliefs.

11. As American Witches, 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.

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 suffering of others, nor do we accept the concept that personal benefits can only be derived by denial to another.

13. We work within Nature for that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

The Sabbats
(Solar Holidays)



Esbats
(Full Moons)

The Elements


Nine Basic Ritual Steps

These are steps for formal rituals. Many are much simpler. My own rituals often consist of nothing more than going outside, meditating, talking to the Goddess, and toasting the heavens with a glass of wine.

Casting A Circle

Traditionally, the size of a circle is 9 feet in diameter. For indoor rituals, of course, they are often much smaller.
One common way to cast the circle is to mark the four compass points with candles, stones, herbs or other items. Walk the circle clockwise three times, while speaking the circle conjuration (a typical one follows) and visualizing a sphere of energy forming. (Half above the Earth, half below.)

Conjuration: "I conjure thee, O circle of power, to be a boundary between the mundane world, and the realm of the spirits.
This is a place of peace, love, trust and joy, containing the power I will raise herein."

The circle can be drawn with the athame, wand, your hand, or your mind.
Circles can also be conjured around the self alone, or the self and the altar, by visualizing a bubble of power forming around you.


Be sure to properly close the circle after your ritual, and never leave the circle without opening a "doorway" (drawn with the athame, wand, or hand) first.


An Amusing Version of The Rede




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