In 1974, a bunch of witches got together and formed the American Council of Witches. This loose group of Wiccans disbanded soon afterwards, but not before they had created a document that outlined what we do – and do not – believe in the Wiccan faith. The 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief is that founding document, and its creation was an achievement for an otherwise very disorganized religion.
In the 1970s, New Age religions were widely mistrusted by the broader American public. There was a perception that Wicca in particular was an evil, devil-worshipping cult. Preposterous, of course, but even well after the 1970s this sort of popular misconception about the faith persisted. Thus, there was a need for clarification.
I'm not sure if Wicca would have achieved semi-mainstream popularity without the help of the American Council of Witches. Those 73 Witches created a foundation of belief that is still remarkably important today. The beauty in the 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief is just how broad they reach.
What Do The 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief Teach?
The 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief do not:
- demand that you worship a particular god
- declare that other religions are bad or dangerous
- set up a structure of who's in charge within Wicca
- tell us what happens after we die
Instead, the 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief encourage us to:
- Honor and respect the teachers in our lives
- Worry more about our internal work and practice than about any titles we might claim for ourselves
- Recognize inner and outer worlds, and live in harmony with both
- Move away from shame-based religious systems that teach us that sex and life are not worth celebrating
The 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief are also remarkably progressive. In the 1970s, crafting and using a nondiscrimination statement was nearly unheard of. And yet, the American Council of Witches wrote, “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.” It was simply groundbreaking in a time where LGBTQ folks were still living in the shadows.
How Do I Use The 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief?
The 13 Principles are not a religious document. They're not meant to be studied or memorized. They do look nice when you hang them on your wall, but that's beside the point. The 13 Principles are meant to simply capture the spirit of our faith.
If you're a beginner Wiccan, the 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief can be a great inspirational tool. I often found myself reading and re-reading the text when I was first starting out. Reflecting on the 13 Principles is a great way to compare and contrast what they mean to you. Revisiting them every few years is also a great way to see how your opinions have grown and changed.
Without further adieu, here are the 13 Principles, in their original form.
The Original 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief
In seeking to be inclusive, we do not wish to open ourselves to the 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. Principles of the Wiccan Belief:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 (gender) 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.
- We recognize both outer worlds and inner, of psychological, worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc.-and we see in the inter-action 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.
- 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.
- 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 Wiccan Way.
- Calling oneself “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 other and in harmony with Nature.
- 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.
- Our only animosity towards Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have clamed to be “the only way” and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.
- 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.
- 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.
- We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
I could smell pine needles when I read this. Funny there are no physical pine needles present.
Another funny thing is, Your not the Only one.
I know this seems so off topic, but I just want to say I love your website. I am currently learning all I can about Wicca through books and online, and I was just trying to read the 13 principles on another pages and the background and text were clashing so much, I couldn’t even read it. So thank you for having a clean webpage for me to learn more.
I know this seems so off topic, but I just want to say I love your website. I am currently learning all I can about Wicca through books and online, and I was just trying to read the 13 principles on another pages and the background and text were clashing so much, I couldn’t even read it. So thank you for having a clean webpage for me to learn more.
Hi, I have been a Pagan since the day I opened my eyes for the first time, I couldn’t understand why people around me were not the same! lol so I just wanted to say hi, and I will definitely be bookmarking your site so I can come back and keep reading it, thanks Nell Rose
Hi, I have been a Pagan since the day I opened my eyes for the first time, I couldn’t understand why people around me were not the same! lol so I just wanted to say hi, and I will definitely be bookmarking your site so I can come back and keep reading it, thanks Nell Rose
ok…for some reason i’m having a hard time grasping what the 7th and 9th principle mean. I think it might be just the way it’s phrased that’s not sticking in my head, but could someone please try to explain them to me?
ok…for some reason i’m having a hard time grasping what the 7th and 9th principle mean. I think it might be just the way it’s phrased that’s not sticking in my head, but could someone please try to explain them to me?
Good points
Good points
The 13 Principles does make a lot sense to me…..
The 13 Principles does make a lot sense to me…..
I was born in a Catholic family; but since a child events and feelings of such nature as your belief has follow me . but I am still lost and don’t know how to step into your realm.
if i were you, as i did, id just read up on things such as this. Then intergrate the values and practices into your daily life, slowly of course. Do some reasearch on meditation, thats a very easy and way to get started and an amazing way to begin learning, meditation is a very powerfull thing. Also, if you can find a practitioner, the best help comes from an actual person whos there to help teach you:)
I was born in a Catholic family; but since a child events and feelings of such nature as your belief has follow me . but I am still lost and don’t know how to step into your realm.
if i were you, as i did, id just read up on things such as this. Then intergrate the values and practices into your daily life, slowly of course. Do some reasearch on meditation, thats a very easy and way to get started and an amazing way to begin learning, meditation is a very powerfull thing. Also, if you can find a practitioner, the best help comes from an actual person whos there to help teach you:)
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog
and find many of your post’s to be exactly what I’m looking for.
Do you offer guest writers to write content for you
personally? I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on most of the subjects you write in relation to here. Again, awesome web log!
I am currently studying Wicca, and hoping to join the craft. Thanks for putting up information on this site! I was raised athiest, but I have always wanted the right religion. That is why I chose Wicca.
I am currently studying Wicca, and hoping to join the craft. Thanks for putting up information on this site! I was raised athiest, but I have always wanted the right religion. That is why I chose Wicca.
I’m studying this to show myself that no religion is bad or evil, and no religion is strange. Everything is for the help of others. To sooth the pain of victims and to sooth the pain of the junkies of love. We all need love, and sometimes that’s not shown enough. There should be no rite or wrong. But there should also be the opportunity to live the life and thrive as a community, we all need to figure out our path, and that’s why there’s so many religions, smile at fear and smile at hate, there is no difference. You just need to love your self and one another. This religion will work. It has helped me overcome some of my biggest fears. And still stay safe. Take hit after hit. And smile back and say go away, no need to fight. Because life is a beautiful thing. But it is also what you make of it. Thankyou for having this website.. It’s amazing and it’s really helped me get through, thankyou Mother Nature! You saved me..
I’m studying this to show myself that no religion is bad or evil, and no religion is strange. Everything is for the help of others. To sooth the pain of victims and to sooth the pain of the junkies of love. We all need love, and sometimes that’s not shown enough. There should be no rite or wrong. But there should also be the opportunity to live the life and thrive as a community, we all need to figure out our path, and that’s why there’s so many religions, smile at fear and smile at hate, there is no difference. You just need to love your self and one another. This religion will work. It has helped me overcome some of my biggest fears. And still stay safe. Take hit after hit. And smile back and say go away, no need to fight. Because life is a beautiful thing. But it is also what you make of it. Thankyou for having this website.. It’s amazing and it’s really helped me get through, thankyou Mother Nature! You saved me..
Making this available for the general public, presented in an easy to read format, allows for a better of understanding of Wicca. It serves to diminish the demon consorting, devil worshipping, ne’er do well/those to be feared image that so many seem to embrace re Wicca. Blessed Yule!
Making this available for the general public, presented in an easy to read format, allows for a better of understanding of Wicca. It serves to diminish the demon consorting, devil worshipping, ne’er do well/those to be feared image that so many seem to embrace re Wicca. Blessed Yule!
This is very beautiful it touches my soul an beging
This is very beautiful it touches my soul an beging
I Strongly believe this is my calling. This is such a great website to learn from and grow with! Thank you for sharing with us!
I Strongly believe this is my calling. This is such a great website to learn from and grow with! Thank you for sharing with us!
This website is a very good website to learn about wiccan/pagen religions, some sites dont always speak the truth, and some are just people coming up with random things about it. But dont restrict yourself, Like I said this Website is very Good, But you shouldnt stop your search here. And to a comment above, Meditation is good, But you have to be careful. Your opening up your mind, its like saying, “Anyone or anything is Welcome” … If you get my drift. Anyways, Koodos to Anyone that has had good experiences with it. And like Ive already said, This is an Amazing site to use!
This website is a very good website to learn about wiccan/pagen religions, some sites dont always speak the truth, and some are just people coming up with random things about it. But dont restrict yourself, Like I said this Website is very Good, But you shouldnt stop your search here. And to a comment above, Meditation is good, But you have to be careful. Your opening up your mind, its like saying, “Anyone or anything is Welcome” … If you get my drift. Anyways, Koodos to Anyone that has had good experiences with it. And like Ive already said, This is an Amazing site to use!
I want to become wiccan how do i start lol
Its easy, just learn and try to bring yourself into it spiritually, as a person who has obtained the second degree in the craft (A teacher). I say start off by trying to desipher the Wiccan Rede and read over these principles and the Wiccan Code of Chivalry. Spiritually its a good place to start, then follow it up with the Charge of the Goddess and kinda move first through understanding things spiritually before jumping into spell. Our power comes from deep within our knowledge and each new layer of knowledge creates momentum for your power. Like a slingshot of words 🙂 You could Kik me if you need more help 🙂 Wes_McC
This is just a believe I was looking for (not really to join any),
because this is one of the rare religions that accept other people the way they are.
Christianity, for example, makes me feel sick, as it is oppressing, based on lies (satan is made to be the Devil (the devil is Christianity :P) (go look for satanism (I recommend a video of MrRepzion on yt and not on Wikipedia as that’s also based on that Christian satan story (he talks about the principles of the believe))). I like the way Bhuddism (although practicioners don’t accept a lot other people, which is weird, but I don’t like Islam either..) and Wiccan accept U (U is for me symbolic to everything around an individual), that’s a religion I would like to be in.
#1HilariousStupidFailofChristianity:
I think that if by Christianity their god would be all loving, well why does he hate witches, demons(yeah I do understand that 1), gays, just differents and satanistic people (no, not psychopathic-ass human-offering bitches :P) then? I don’t get it. Every little rule of that believe does not make any sense, because every* rule is in violation of the other…
*almost every
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I just want to say I don’t hate Christians or so, but I hate their believesystem (and that goes for any oppressing, unaccepting religion as well, such as Isis version of Islam, Islam’s Sharia, all that shit).
BTW I think I made a wrong point about satanism, they do offering of living animals… But it is not an oppressing believe, it’s very personal (and I’m too lazy to change that up in my text now..).
This is just a believe I was looking for (not really to join any),
because this is one of the rare religions that accept other people the way they are.
Christianity, for example, makes me feel sick, as it is oppressing, based on lies (satan is made to be the Devil (the devil is Christianity :P) (go look for satanism (I recommend a video of MrRepzion on yt and not on Wikipedia as that’s also based on that Christian satan story (he talks about the principles of the believe))). I like the way Bhuddism (although practicioners don’t accept a lot other people, which is weird, but I don’t like Islam either..) and Wiccan accept U (U is for me symbolic to everything around an individual), that’s a religion I would like to be in.
#1HilariousStupidFailofChristianity:
I think that if by Christianity their god would be all loving, well why does he hate witches, demons(yeah I do understand that 1), gays, just differents and satanistic people (no, not psychopathic-ass human-offering bitches :P) then? I don’t get it. Every little rule of that believe does not make any sense, because every* rule is in violation of the other…
*almost every
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| closing off |
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I just want to say I don’t hate Christians or so, but I hate their believesystem (and that goes for any oppressing, unaccepting religion as well, such as Isis version of Islam, Islam’s Sharia, all that shit).
BTW I think I made a wrong point about satanism, they do offering of living animals… But it is not an oppressing believe, it’s very personal (and I’m too lazy to change that up in my text now..).
srry my textwriting sucks ass.
srry my textwriting sucks ass.
I thank my friends for showing me this. Before I did not know what to believe. I have always loved animals and nature. My wish is to fit in so I can belong somewhere. Thanks !
I thank my friends for showing me this. Before I did not know what to believe. I have always loved animals and nature. My wish is to fit in so I can belong somewhere. Thanks !