Principles Of Wiccan Belief

"...the sin of witchcraft..." —Samuel 15:23

by David J. Stewart

       Seventy three Witches founded the Council of American Witches in 1974.  In April of that year, at the Spring Witchmeet in Minneapolis, MN, (1974-April 11th to 14th), they adopted the following document.  At the time, Wicca and other Neopagan religions were greatly misunderstood in North America.  This document helped to set the record straight.   Led by chairman Carl Llewellyn Weschcke (who later went on to found Llewellyn Publications, the largest Pagan publishing house to date) the Council issued the Principles of Wiccan Belief in an effort to unite the pagan community and educate the rest of the world as to what the witches were really up to.   The witches council disbanded later that same year.

The thirteen statements are necessarily vague.  They do not precisely and completely match any one Witchcraft tradition.  But they do provide an introduction to the full range of belief systems called "Wicca."

Here are the Principles of Wiccan Belief.  I will refute these principles of witchcraft with the Word of God.  I am a born-again Christian.  My God is the Lord Jesus Christ.  The best way to expose darkness is to shine the Light of God's Word (Psalm 119:105, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path).

My words of refute and all Scriptures will be in red type.

The Principles of Wiccan Belief

The Council of American Witches finds it necessary to define modern Witchcraft in terms of the American experience and needs.

We are not bound by traditions from other times and other cultures, and owe no allegiance to any person or power greater than the Divinity manifest though our own being.

As American Witches, we welcome and respect all life-affirming teachings and traditions, and seek to learn from all and to share our learning within our Council.

It is in this spirit of welcome and cooperation that we adopt these few principles of Wiccan belief.  In seeking to be inclusive, we do not wish to open ourselves to destruction of our group by those on self-serving power trips, or to philosophies and practices contradictory to these principles.  In seeking to exclude those whose ways are contradictory to ours, we do not want to deny participation with us to any who are sincerely interested in our knowledge and beliefs, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national or cultural origins, or sexual preference.

 

Article I

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.

"Wicca is a living faith that reveres the forces of the Divine manifest in nature. By attuning our Selves to the natural rhythm of the cycles of life, death and regeneration, we are not only achieving balance in our lives and bodies, but also striving to attain equilibrium and harmony. The Phases of the Moon remind us to turn our thoughts inward each month and evaluate our psyches, while the Solar holidays are focused more on matters of life and community. The eight Sabbats are much like the Stations of the Cross of Christianity, marking the life cycle of the God on His journey from birth to sacrifice, and resurrection, each with its own lesson to teach us through meditation and attunement." —SOURCE

"When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.  There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.  For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee." -Deuteronomy 18:9-12

The Word of God forbids being an "observer of times."  God gave us the stars to light the night sky, not for us to practice astrology or witchcraft.  It is a sin to worship the moon or to include the moon in worship...

"And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven." -Deuteronomy 4:19

Witches worship the moon...

"Wicca continued their predominately Moon based worship, even as a mainly Sun-based faith of priests, the Druids, developed and evolved into the dominant religion of the Celts. By this time, Celtic society had gradually spread across Northern Europe into what is now England, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland etc. They never formed a single political entity, but remained as many tribes who shared a common culture and religions."

SOURCE (Gerald Gardner, "Gardner Witchcraft Series," Mercury Publ. (Reprint; 1999).

Article II

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.

 

"As Wiccans and Witches we are all too aware of the interconnectedness of all things. With this knowledge we are presented with a unique opportunity to create and manifest change. With this being true, it is nearly impossible for us not to feel a duty to protect and nurture the very environment that we are sustained by. Many Wiccans are active conservationists and do more than their fair share to reduce waste and recycle, while also encouraging local governments to pay attention to environmental issues. By living in harmony with Nature, we are showing respect for the gifts of the Divine."

SOURCE

Wiccans use their concern for the environment as a lure for recruiting young people into the occult.  The Public school system continues teaching children about the importance of recycling and the environment, while never a word is said about the evils of abortion.  As a result, the holocaust of America's children continues.  Is the abortion industry one big occult sacrifice?  Tragically, public school children are attracted by Wicca's commitment to protecting the earth.  We need to protect the children first by keeping them away from witchcraft.

 

Article III

We acknowledge a depth of power 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.

"Since the dawn of time Witches have been working with so-called “supernatural” forces, and while these energies cannot be seen, or at times even understood, their origins are by no means “above (or outside of) nature” as the term may imply. The unseen forces that hold our very Universe together are in fact the most natural forces there are. Science has only recently begun to catch up to what the wise men and women have known for centuries. Modern physics has done much to prove the existence of these unseen forces that we refer to as magick; one need only research and understand, for physics is the way the Universe works, and thus the mechanics of advanced magickal theory." -SOURCE

The writer of the above statement fails to make a distinction between the powers of God and the powers of Satan.  It is the power of God (Jesus Christ) that holds the universe together (Colossians 13-17).  Those "supernatural" forces mentioned above are the powers of Satan...

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." -Acts 26:18

 

Article IV

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 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 and embodiment of Life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.

"A bit of background should be covered here to fully explain the complexities of the deceptively simple Article IV. The Higher Power, Creative Force, Collective Unconscious, Divinity, or by whatever name you refer to it, is a vast expanse so unfathomable that the human mind could never truly comprehend it. After all, consider the vast expanse of our solar system, then our galaxy, and now our universe. Not easy to fully fathom, and yet the Higher Power is still beyond all these things.

To cope with connecting to a Higher Power with no gender, face, or determining factors, human beings have assigned these things to it instead. How hard would it be to pray to a vast expanse of energy with no form or delineation? We connect to the divine by seeing it the way we see ourselves, or as what we’d like to become. We assign names, features, and stories to aspects of divinity to help us connect.

As Wiccans we perceive the Divine as manifesting through polarity, masculine and feminine aspects, or a God and a Goddess. Now this particular theory has sparked a hot little debate in the Pagan world. There are certain sects that only revere the Goddess while neglecting the God and vice versa, and there are some that claim the idea of polarity is sexist and unfriendly to the gay and lesbian communities, but both of these ideologies have major issues.

The first of these issues being that Creation cannot exist without opposing complementary forces, i.e. masculine/feminine, yin/yang, active/passive. The Goddess could not exist without the God, nor could the God without the Goddess. Both are necessary for creation. Without one there is no other, only stagnation. Thus we strive to value neither above the other, recognizing their unique roles in the creation cycle.

The second issue is that the view of polarity is discriminatory towards the gay and lesbian communities, placing a higher level of importance on heterosexual couples while relegating homosexual love to the sidelines. Nothing could be farther from the truth, and in fact this is outlined by the very Principles themselves. The creative forces of masculine and feminine are inherent in all people and creation. The union of masculine and feminine is not simply something to be strived for through copulation, but by the Hieros Gamos or sacred marriage, of the masculine and feminine forces within each of us. Without the union of opposing complementary forces, one cannot achieve equilibrium and harmony with the Universe. As Wiccans, we value sex as a symbol of the creative forces and a celebration of the manifestation of the Divine, and thus as one of the most powerful catalysts for magick. As the Goddess reminds us in her Charge, “all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals….”

The main theory we need to remember with Article IV is referred to as henotheism, a term defined as the devotion to a single god while accepting the existence of other gods, originally coined by Friedrich Max Müller, a German Orientalist and forerunner of Indian studies who pioneered the discipline of comparative religions. What this means to us as Wiccans is simply this: that the God and Goddess are not two coins, but are two faces of the same coin. All aspects of divinity are as leaves on a tree; by touching them we are in fact touching the tree (of unfathomable super-consciousness) of which they are a part."

SOURCE

Wiccans adhere to the ancient Chinese occultic principles of Yin and Yang.  "Yin" being the female aspect of power, and "Yang" being the masculine.  These are taught to be the two great powers of the universe that hold everything together.  The interaction of the two powers produce "Chi"...which is a state of harmony if Yin and Yang are balanced.  From this basic concept arises hundreds of false religions: Yoga, Taoism, Dualism, Wicca, Feng shui, New Age, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.

Of course, Yin and Yang are demonic powers because they are not of God.  Yin and Yang are not taught in the Word of God.  The Bible strictly forbids us from practicing the "curious arts" of darkness (Acts 19:19).  Deuteronomy 6:4 proclaims that there is only one Living God, not a balance of multiple powers.  Yin and Yang are used by the occult to propagate the heresy of pantheism, the belief that God is nothing more than the energy contained in everything in the world.  This is the belief of the New Age religion, that we can all become gods through enlightenment and occult powers. 

There are no absolutes in Yin-Yang, just as there are no absolutes in Wicca.  The term "sin" is not recognized by Wiccans.  Rather, it is disregarded as a "Christian" term.  Wiccans live by the law: "An it harm none, do what thou wilt."  In other words, if it's not going to hurt anyone...anything goes.  As you can imagine, such a philosophy is the platform for all types of sexual immorality and wickedness.  Of course, Wiccans don't recognize the term "wicked" either, so their whole concept of right and wrong is relative at best because it varies from pagan to pagan.  Please notice again in Article IV above that sexual pleasure is specified as a source of energy during their RELIGIOUS WORSHIP!

 

Article V

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.

"As Wiccans we believe in the existence of both physical and “astral” or “otherworldly” planes of being, and just as both aspects of polarity are necessary for existence, we should place no higher value on one plane than another. Too often new Witches have fallen victim to the siren’s song of the Otherworld to the detriment of their health and livelihood. It is possible to meditate oneself into malnutrition, though obviously not advised. The body is the temple of the soul, and we must remember that while we may by 98% energy, we must still play by the rules of the physical realm if we mean to survive here. Harmony and Balance are the keys here, to build and enhance one’s spiritual and physical self simultaneously is the utmost goal."

SOURCE

The "Otherworld" referred to are the demonic forces of Satan.  Although Wiccans vehemently deny that Satan exists, and are quick to point out that "Satan" is only a Christian term, the TRUTH does not change just because Wiccans reject it.  The Word of God (not Christians), proclaims that their is indeed a devil...Satan...the prince of darkness...Lucifer!  Wiccans keep blaming Christians and disregarding the Word of God as rubbish.  Ironically, Wiccans worship many deities, including "Pan," the Greek horned god.  It is from Pan's horns that the modern image of a devil with horns was conceived.  So Wiccans are worshipping a false god (Pan, from which the modern devil originated), while simultaneously denying the existence of Satan altogether.  Talk about confused people!

 

Article VI

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.

"Wicca does not recognize a central authority for the entire faith, as all groups are autonomous to retain the spontaneous mystery-based origins of our religion. That being established, we do revere and honor those who have dedicated their lives to the service of the gods and respect the sacrifices and contributions they have made for the advancement of our religion as a whole."

SOURCE

Why no headquarters?  If witchcraft is so legitimate, then why can't you get enough witches together to build a legitimate organization?  The Council of American Witches didn't even make it into the next year, but disbanded by the end of 1974.  It appears that witchcraft is a house divided.  Why all the secrecy?  I'll tell you why...because then the public would see the works of darkness for what they are.  Christianity is upfront and bold, whereas the occult hides like rats in the dark, afraid of the Light.

 

Article VII

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 we identify as Witchcraft, or the Wiccan Way.

"The Council of American Witches defines their idea guidepost as the Wiccan Way, incorporating religion (spiritual devotion), magick (personal power and responsibility for ones actions and environment), and wisdom-in-living (the application of the knowledge of these concepts to everyday life). The harmony of these concepts is the key to progression."

SOURCE

There's that word "magick" again.  When the witches speak of "religion," they mean anything other than Biblical Christianity.  Witches HATE Bible-believing, Christ-honoring Christians.  Why?  Because we expose them with the Bible.  Think about this...what do the witches have to expose Christians?  Wiccans have no holy book, no written doctrine, no divine law...just the Principles of Wiccan Belief from 1974.

 

Article VIII

Calling oneself “Witch” does not make a Witch – but neither does heredity itself, or the collection of titles, degrees, and initiations.  A Witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well, without harm to others, and in harmony with Nature.

"A Witch is not a Witch by title alone. Being a Witch has little to do with flashy cloaks and fancy ritual tools, or who’s got the bigger wand or longer title. To be a Witch is to live in harmony with the forces within and without, controlling ones emotions and natural abilities while positively influencing your own environment without detriment to others. A Witch is not simply the child of a Witch or a person with a Grand High Poobah degree in Sorcery. A Witch is the magus of his or her own destiny."

SOURCE

If you seek out occult energies, then you're a witch according to the Bible.

 

Article IX

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.

"The vast expanse of the Universe can seem empty and barren without the knowledge that life is a precious gift from our Creator. By placing emphasis on living life to its fullest and most glorious potential, experiencing all that we can both intellectually and through the senses, we shine a light in the darkness; we give meaning to the void."

SOURCE

In other words, they don't know what they believe but they're working on it.

 

Article X

Our only animosity toward 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 beliefs.

"This is one article in particular that we could all use a refresher on from time to time. How often have the self-proclaimed enlightened ones in our community been heard late at night around a fire circle griping about those “damned Southern Baptists” and how evil those demonic Christians are? We are not only not practicing what we preach, but also manifesting negativity in the name of egotism.

Despite its present politics, Christianity has many valuable life lessons to learn (cf. principles preamble, paragraph three). Our only regret is that religious zealots have been preaching their doctrine as the only path to salvation for centuries, and this is true of many faiths, not Christianity alone. Many Pagans are guilty of this as well. Fundamentalism is dangerous in anyone’s hands, no matter the doctrine being preached."

SOURCE

Like it or not, John 14:6 proclaims...

 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Jesus Christ is the ONLY Way to heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Article XI

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.

"How many times have you heard the claim that Wicca is the oldest religion in the world? Well, newsflash, folks - it isn’t! Wicca as we know it has only been around since the late 1950’s, although it does draw from the religions of the past. And guess what? The truth really will set you free. There’s no sense in ignoring the facts that Gerald Gardner and Aleister Crowley shared communications and that many Wiccan rituals are derivatives from Masonic rites. It’s our history, and debate it all you want, it won’t change where we are today or where we plan to go."

SOURCE

You have every reason to be concerned...

 "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord..." -2nd Thessalonians 1:8,9

 

Article XII

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.

"Wiccan theology acknowledges that all things possess both greater and lesser qualities, and the potential for positive and negative actions and reactions. Thus the concept of absolute “good” or “evil” is an alien ideology. True Witches know that power comes from within, and from the choosing of our own destiny, not from using influence to dominate others."

SOURCE

Just as with the occult forces of Yin and Yang, Wiccans don't believe in any absolutes.  Thus, their entire concept of right and wrong is relative.  Please notice again in Article IV above that sexual pleasure is specified as a source of energy during their RELIGIOUS WORSHIP!  Sexual sins and immorality as not viewed as sinful within Wiccan circles.  Hence, Wiccans have a TOTAL disregard for God's absolute laws...the Word of God.  The truth is intolerant.  1 + 1 = 2.  Now you can say that 1 + 1 = 3, but it will NEVER be the truth.  Wicca is of the devil, whether Wiccans want to acknowledge Satan's power or not.  The Bible clearly reveals that Satan and his followers cloak themselves to appear as angels of light...

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." -2nd Corinthians 11:13-15

 

Article XIII

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

The Principles of Wiccan Belief are by far a set of the most deceptively simple, most powerful (and most overlooked) articles in Wiccan history. By acknowledging and accepting these simple principles and incorporating them into our daily lives, we are actively making an effort to better our psyches, and by turning from a wayward path strewn with misconceptions about the very religion we profess to practice, we are able, at last, to find our way back to the center."

SOURCE

Wiccans worship nature, especially the moon.  Just as Satan cannot emit any light of his own, the moon cannot produce any light of its own.  Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, so does Satan reflect the light of the Son.  The moon represents Satan, the god of light.  The moon only  "appears" to emit it's own light.  Likewise, Satan "appears" to be a spirit of truth, but he is a liar of all liars!  The Bible reveals that the devil's followers "appear" to have the truth, but they do NOT.  If you want the truth, then you must accept the absolute FINAL AUTHORITY of God's Precious Word...the 1611 King James Bible.

END NOTE: I do NOT hate any witches or pagans.  I DO hate the occult and all the demonic powers of Satan at work within the occult.  Why?  Simply because witchcraft and paganism are roads to hell-fire and damnation.  God loves ALL people (John 3:16).  Jesus died for ALL people (1st John 2:2).  God wants ALL people to repent, and no one to perish (2nd Peter 3:9).  If you don't believe upon Jesus Christ to forgive your sins, then you will be sentenced to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).  Please read the Scriptures below about a pagan in the Bible who came to his senses and believed upon Jesus Christ to be saved.  You can be saved too, just like Simon the [former] Sorcerer.