There are as many iterations of Wiccan beliefs as there are Wiccans. If you were to ask any 5 Wiccans what they believe in, chances are, you will get a different answer each time.
It’s true, Wiccans have no bible, therefore there is no one governing body over Wicca. There are no guidelines but spiritual and magickal ones.
This is why Wicca is a highly personal path that allows you to embrace yourself wholly and completely.
As many Wicca beliefs and Wicca organizations, there are, they are altogether tied by common principles and beliefs.
In the autumn of 1973, 73 representatives from the many paths and traditions convened in Minneapolis and formed the “Council of American Witches.”
Weschcke was nominated as chairman of the council, and it was he who published a newsletter called ‘Touchstone.’ It’s the resulting document created after collating many of their differing Wicca beliefs.
By April of 1974, the Council of American Witches was able to unify a general set of principles loosely acceptable across the many traditions operating in America, thus creating the 13 Principles of Wicca:
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 as 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.
The purpose of putting together the 13 principles of Wicca is not to be exclusive, but to be inclusive.
Many people are deeply misinformed about our beliefs and we want there to be something that stands for our values collectively.
Since our practice is spirituality in its purest form, we will not respond with attacks but with principle.
We do not want to deny any who is interested in learning about our beliefs, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national or cultural origins, or sexual preference.
Here are the 13 principles of Wicca. What do you think about it?
Thank u for sharing this. It’s an important part of my new journey that I didn’t know of. I was raised southern babtist but I’ve attended other churches , and never once did I feel what they claimed to feel or believe in. I grew up so confused. And for 39 years I have wanted and needed to find something to fill the hole in my soul . I was taught that witches were bad but I never felt that way. I was drawn to witchcraft and I knew that the things I was taught about life and our world and everything made no sense , it just didn’t feel right. But I was afraid of seeking truth because of judgement . Now I am almost 40 and I feel like I’m running out of time to know amd feel what I have always yearned for deep inside. I don’t know where to start and I have no idea how to begin this journey I so desperately need . So I’m kind of randomly researching things and I came across this blog. Thank u for sharing the things you share and may your blessings be plenty.
I raised in traditional Lutheran-Missouri Syndicated Church. Conservative by religion parents. I always been able to sense things and sometimes see things. I never told my family about it. I never new how without them thinking I was lying. I don’t even know what to call it? Maybe Y’all Can Tell Me.
I have been struggling to find my purpose, to find some faith in anything… for a very long time I kinda just drifted through the motions of life until I came upon these articles. I love them and they make me yearn to lean more and it’s really nice that they don’t charge you to read because I have so many questions all the time and I’m happy to be able to find some answers at last . Thank you so much
Thank you.I have strived for this.I was always searching and found " religions" lacking.I seek this ideal and it is wonderful to find it.
This article is beautifully written and right on point.
Thank you for this blessing if knowledge…
.i just started my journey this year and learning alot of new things and I’m loving it.it was like a calling,I felt it pulling me to it and I felt it was what I’m supose to do.ive read alot of beginners books and I’m following everything one day at a time.ive read the 13 pricibles of wicca and it gives me more knowledge about it.thank u. Blessed be
Thank you for sharing the 13 principles with me. It is as I thought it was.
Thank you for the 13 principles the craft is calling me i would definately like to learn more and share any insights i have as well. Blessed be.
Thank you for sharing the 13 principals. I find that after reading them , that quite a few of them , if not all is how I try to be , or believe in. I was raised in a penacostal church , but I never felt that I was for me , or the right thing. I feel there is too much contradiction. I have always felt at peace and oneness with nature. And after reading little bits and pieces find out how missinformed I was taught and find that it the right way to be.
I’ve always believed in the Wiccan way now there’s a guide
I have read and understand everything. I have some things that were on my mind to understand that spells are for healing ourselves but not to harm others. But what if the harm is being done to you I guess that’s where the healing and spells are done. I guess. But I understand
Thank you for the gift, 13 principles. I very much appreciate it and it will help explain my decision to friends and family easier. Blessed Be.
This approach to the goddess is what I think I need to become a more fully attuned flame keeper. My journey has always been one of seeking harmony with nature and in spite of set backs and deviations it comes when apparently the goddess thinks I’m ready. There are no coincidences.
Merry Meet, Loved the reading, agree and try to live by those principles :) BB
🖤💜🖤 Very informative and specific in detail. I accept this Gift and will live by these principles.
In the past year I have learned a lot about Wicca, it is nice to know that there are guide lines to follow.
In the past year I have learned a lot about Wicca, it is nice to know that there are guide lines to follow.
I absolutely love it and I thank you for showing me…Blessed Be
I’m a 5th generation Wiccan.
After reading these 13 principles, I realized these are the same principles I try to follow daily! I didn’t know they were the principles of Wicca I just knew they were how I live! Blessed Be
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Adam durnan
August 26, 2022
I’m not one to judge anyone,I’m Catholic, I accept someone for who they are,I’ve always found it interesting,about wiccan,and looking to meet someone who accepts me for me,when I was 19,I tried pills,next day something entered my body,the next day we went to breakfast,n I started stretching my neck back,n mouth opened wide…n been dealing with it ever since….its an evil entity,n I’m tired of it,I want it out