The 13 Principles of Witchcraft

As many of you know, AnnaStacia and I do not follow just one set path. We are what you would call the "Ecclectic Witch". We take what works for us from all different paths and use it how we see fit. I have meant to put this up here since I added the Wiccan Rede awhile back, but had so many other things to do that it got pushed to the back burner.

There are so many that are either new to the craft, or that have just  not done their homework, and have never heard of these principles. So before you go around telling everyone that you are a "Witch" be sure that you indeed stand for the things that being a Witch entails. No, I'm not trying to get down on you. I would much rather give you the information and hope that you will put it to good use.

One thing I have been noticing of late is there are so many who claim to follow the path, but don't actually practice. It almost reminds me of what we used to call "Sunday Christians".  You go through your week, and pay no mind to anything but your mundane tasks, then when it comes time for church, ritual, or meeting you all of a sudden are into that way of life. Whatever path you do choose should be one that you would build your life around, otherwise it isn't the right path for you. Don't just do things because people expect you to, or because those around you are doing it. That would make you cattle. Do things because they bring out the passion in you!, Because you love the way it makes you feel!, Because it brings you a sense of oneness and closer to where you want to be in life.

That being said, I also realize that there are those of us who have decided to follow the Witchy path, but don't have the knowledge or others around us to help teach us of the ways, and that's okay too. That is the whole reason why we have started our blog in the first place. We want to share the knowledge which we have gained with, really anyone and everyone who will listen. I personally have seen so many of my friends who want to walk the path, but don't actually practice. Sometimes it just comes down to time management and having a good example.

I know that not everyone feels like they have enough time to practice magick, but in my experience, if it is something you are truly passionate about, you will find the time. In today's modern society people get so distracted with "entertainment" that they tend to neglect the important things in life. I urge you all to put down your phones, tablets, laptops, or whatever device you might be using for just 1 hour every day. 1 hour every day to put towards something that you want to improve upon. It may not even be magick related. Perhaps it's just something you want to do to better yourself or your situation. Whatever the case may be, you have to be the brave one and take that first step. Make the plans, take the time. Because if you don't, then it will never happen.

Sorry, kind of went on a rant there. If you truly want to follow the "Witches Path" then make sure that you adopt these principles into your daily life.

The Council of American Witches (now defunct) adopted the 13 Principles of Witchcraft in April of 1974. Although many modern-day Witches are unfamiliar with the C.A.W., the Council's principles are still widely adhered to just the same. These are those priciples:

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 feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive to the other. We value sex 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, or psychological, worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconsciousness, 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.

6.We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarcy, 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-The Pagan 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 well without harm to others and in harmony in 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 it's 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 know as Satan, or the Devil, as defined by the Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the sufferings 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.

[The above principles are now in the public domain.]

Here at The White Raven we know that not everyone follows the same path, and that is perfectly okay. Every person is unique and beautiful in their own way, and has their own unique talents and abilities to share with the world. Let yours shine!

Love and Light )O(

~Luminessa