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Witchcraft Past and Present
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. Calling oneself ‘witch’ does not make one a witch. But neither does
the heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations.
Witches seek to control the forces within themselves that make life
possible in order to live wisely and well, without harm to others, and
in harmony with nature.
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. We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfilment 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.
0. 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.
1. 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.
2. We do not accept the concept of ‘absolute evil’ nor do we worship any
entity known as ‘Satan’ or ‘the Devil’ as defined by the Christian
tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor
do we accept the concept that personal benefit can only be derived by
denial to another.
13. We acknowledge that we seek within nature for that which is
contributory to our health and well-being.
(with thanks to the Council of American Witches)
Other Traditions
As Wicca spread, various groups interpreted it in different ways. There
are those, in Britain, who belong to the British Traditional Witchcraft
movement, which blends together Gardnerian practices and beliefs with
Celtic traditions. Others look to the Pictish tradition, which is based on
Scottish witchcraft, focusing as it does on the magical energies of all
aspects of nature with no emphasis (or very little) placed on religion.
Witches who follow the Dianic tradition look to Diana, the Roman moon
goddess and worship only the feminine aspect of The All. The movement
encouraged feminism and is involved in feminist issues. Many exclude
men altogether from their rituals.
In some parts of Europe, a pre-Gardnerian form of Wicca is followed,
sometimes called hereditary witchcraft. Membership is restricted to
those who can trace their ancestry back to antecedents who followed
‘The Old Way’. Members are usually introduced to covens by family
members, usually a parent or grandparent.
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