The Craft is many things—an ancient practice, a modern spiritual path, a way of life. It is deeply personal yet woven into the greater web of existence. While witches walk their own unique journeys, there are certain core beliefs that tie us together, forming a foundation of understanding, respect, and purpose. These principles are not rules but guiding lights, offering wisdom to those who seek to walk the path of magick with clarity and intention.
In 1974, a group of witches and pagans from different backgrounds came together as the Council of American Witches. Their goal was to create a document that honored the diverse traditions within the Craft while recognizing the shared values that unite us. What they crafted was not a rigid doctrine but a reflection of the deep truths that many witches live by. It was a statement of beliefs that acknowledged the sacredness of nature, personal responsibility, and the balance of energies that shape the world.
Though decades have passed, the principles they outlined remain just as meaningful today. They speak of our connection to the Earth, our respect for the cycles of life, and the power of intention in shaping our reality. These principles remind us that the Craft is not just about spells or rituals—it is about the way we move through the world, the energy we cultivate, and the wisdom we embrace.
Here, we revisit these 13 Principles of the Craft—not as laws to be followed, but as a source of inspiration. Whether you are new to the path or have walked it for many years, these words serve as a reflection of the deep, timeless truths that lie at the heart of witchcraft.
The 13 Guiding Principles of Modern Witchcraft
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. Usually in the form of Sabbat and Esbat celebrations.
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 fulfilment 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 aslying 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 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.
5. 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 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 fulfilment.
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 world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft – the Wiccan Way.
8. 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/him that make life possible in order to live wisely and will without harm to other and in harmony with Nature.
9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfilment 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 toward any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have 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.
Embracing the Craft’s Wisdom
The 13 Principles of the Craft are more than just words on a page—they are living ideas that evolve as we grow in our practice. They encourage us to seek knowledge, honor our connection to nature, and walk our paths with integrity. There is no single way to be a witch, but these principles offer guidance to help us navigate the journey with wisdom and heart.
No matter where you are on your path, the Craft is always there—welcoming, evolving, and alive with possibility. Let these principles remind you of the power within you and the magic that exists in every moment.
