13 Tenets of Wicca

Witchcraft
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These were set forth by the Council of American Witches in 1974.

  1. 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.

  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 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 lies in all people and functions through the interaction of the masculine and the feminine. We value neither above the other knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sex as pleasure as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energy used in magical practice and religious worship.

  5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconsciousness, the Inner Planes etc – and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magical exercises. We do not neglect one 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 worldview and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft – the Wiccan Way.

  8. Calling oneself a “Witch” does not make a Witch – but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and without harm to others and in harmony with nature.

  9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe we know and our personal role within it.

  10. Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be “the only way” and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress 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 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 accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.

  13. We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

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Great information for one’s Metaphysical existence but without tenants for your physical existance one’s supernatural being is diminished.

Protect your family

Honour the elders

Teach the young

Be loyal to your friend

Voice your opinion

Stand your ground

Take charge when others show weakness

Play when you can

Work when you must

Do as you will

Do no harm to others

Always leave your marque.

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Seems a bit different from the modern Wiccan Rede, but still lots of good things in there to live by! Love it. It speaks from the culture of the Druidic & Eastern philosophy that Wicca gets a lot of inspiration from. Much more peace-loving than the Norse philosophy, and I like that! The Norse draw from the Nine Virtues and the lessons in the Hávamál (you’ll notice a few similarities.)

The Nine Virtues

  1. Courage - I face my fear and defend my family
  2. Discipline - I do what is necessary and right of my own accord, without bribe or threat.
  3. Fidelity - I am true to my family, friends, and those I pledge my service.
  4. Honor - I stand by my oaths and honor my ancestors by keeping my name pure.
  5. Hospitality - I share hearth, food & drink with friends, community and weary traveler.
  6. Industriousness - I take joy from my work and hold nothing back from the work I pledge to do.
  7. Perseverance - I press on against all odds, until my goal is met, and my work is done.
  8. Self Reliance - I learn and grow strong so I may learn the way of the worlds.
  9. Truth - I seek it even when it may be hard, I speak it or stand in silence, and I defend it from those who do not honor it.

Clearly there are signs in there for how warlike a culture it was, and the climate it was born in, but still, some good things to live by also. Cheers!

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