1) We live by the tenant of Karma (that which you do is returned to you threefold). The Wiccan Rede: "An it Harm None, Do as You Will" should always be taken seriously and considered in all daily rituals. In every situation, the rede should be taken into consideration. Important to understand, is that the rede applies not only to others, but also to yourself; you should never do anything that will harm yourself in any way. Also in that respect, holy wars, in any form, are never accepted. Beliefs and religion are a very personal thing, and besides, the gods and goddesses can take care of themselves. But in the same breath, freedom of religion (for all faiths) should always be defended. Oppression is never acceptable.
2) Divinity is both immanant and transcendant (internal and external). Niether aspect should ever be acknowledged or valued higher than the other. Strong belief in panentheism: "the gods are everywhere."
3) Women and men are spiritually and socially equal. A balance must be found in both worsip and ritual. Both the masculine and feminine aspects of energy and power are vitial to balance and order. They exist in the theory of Yin and Yang; One can not exist without the other.
4) The great powers of the universe are worshipped in its two major sexual aspects: The Goddess (Isis or Gaia), and The Horned One (Pan). Many numerous other gods and goddesses exist, and have their own personal strengths, powers, and personalities. Yet, all are a part of the same power or energy, just as we as humans are also a part of it. Dieties are not "better" or "stronger" than us, simply different. While they do deserve our utmost respect and love, we should never view ourselvs as weak, submissive followers of them who can not think for ourselves. In fact, we tend to view the gods and goddesses as friends, and we tend to have a very "buddy-buddy" relationship with each other.
5) Total respect and love for nature. We are apart of the earth, rather than Her "rulers." Strong belief in the Gaia Hypothesis: that the biosphere of Earth is a living being who deserves all the love and support that we, as Her children, can give her. One should always protect and preserve Her. The majority of our Magick is based with nature, and/or rituals are performed in the woods and by running water.
6) Bad puns are always considered sacriligious. Yet a good dirty limerick can always make up for it.
7) There is no distinction between Magick and prayer. In the same respect, we are not "Sunday Sweepers," but practice our beliefs on a daily basis. This is not only our religion, but also a way of life; there is no seperation.
8) We all have our own "high calling," whether it be to be a teacher, healer, leader or scribe. These talents are to be used to help others, never for personal gain or profit.
9) Our beliefs are under no circumstance, to be pushed on any other being. In fact, we live by the rule of "speak only when spoken to." In other words, we consider it a faux pas to seek someone out and tell them what to do or how to do it. Instead, we are more likely to sit quietly by and wait for them to request our help. In teaching situations, the student must always approach us, never the other way around. Also, we will always answer what is asked of us. You never hear the phrase "why do you want to know, initiate?" come from our mouths (unless in jest, in which case, it is tossed about quite often).
10) Strong emphasis is placed on the cycles of nature: the worship of the seasons, moons, and sabbats. Also, celebrations of birth, puberty, marriage, ordination, death, and rebirth. This helps us to understand and find our place in the past, present, and the future. Also, the cycles of time, in respect to who we have been, and will be in other lives. This is a basic foundation for who we are and how we work.
11) Above everything, we value the ties we have with each other. We are the dearest of friends, as well as partners in crime in all that is Witchy and Woo-woo. We regard each other with the utmost respect, honor, loyalty and love that is possible. We would defend and/or help each other to the death. Yet it is important to understand that such ties cannot be forced. When found, they should always be respected and valued, for they are our greatest strengths.
