My Tradition

In all the time I’ve had this blog, I don’t think I’ve ever explained the Tradition I follow. I know I have alluded to it, and even glossed over it some, but that’s not the same as detailing it in full. Yes, it can be found via my coven’s Web site, but really I feel it also deserves a place here. And so, here it is (still worded as for the coven, but as a coven member I feel that’s most appropriate):

Beliefs: Panentheism

1. We believe that deity is both of the world (immanent) and beyond it (transcendent).
2. We believe that everything is made up of Divine energy.
3. We believe that the natural world is an expression of the Divine.

Beliefs: Henotheism

1. We follow a small group of deities without denying the existence of any others.
2. We believe that an individual’s particular deities are valid, even if we do not follow that deity’s path.
3. We believe that no one deity has greater or lesser worth than another.

Beliefs: Polarity of Deity

1. We believe in both masculine and feminine aspects of the Divine.
2. We believe that masculine and feminine are equal, with neither gender being greater than or less than the other.

Beliefs: Liturgy and Deities of Circle

1. We have our own unique deities, legends and spiritual practices which take precedence in group events only.
2. We believe that, while inherently important to our group workings, these aspects are no more or less important than the personal deities and spiritual practices of each individual.
3. We believe that each individual has the right and ability to communicate with the Divine without the need for an intermediary.
4. We believe that each individual has to right to build up a personal relationship with the deities of his or her choosing.

Ethics: Of The Self — The Need for Personal Practice

1. We believe that individuals have the right to practice his or her Craft according to his or her own personal belief structure.
2. We believe that each individual should set aside time each day for personal spiritual practice and development.
3. We believe that each individual has the right to do whatever necessary to make themselves comfortable and secure in all areas — spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically.

Ethics: Toward Others — The Law of Return

1. We believe in the interconnectedness of all things.
2. We believe that life is a web and as each of us move upon it, the ripples caused by our actions affect others and therefore affect ourselves in turn.
3. We believe in promoting tolerance and respect for all beings regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, lifestyle choice, religion or species.
4. We believe that each individual should make his or her decisions based on his or her knowledge and/or perception at that time. Whatever comes of this is the individual’s responsibility and should be accepted as such.
5. We do not believe that inaction due to a fear of the consequences is a valid act.

Ethics: For The Earth — A Green Outlook

1. We believe that each individual should have and maintain a knowledge of environmental issues (both local and global).
2. We believe that each individual should do what they can to aid the causes to which they feel personally drawn.
3. We believe that every individual has a responsibility to ensure the ecological balance of his or her immediate local area.

Ethics: Toward Life — Reincarnation and the Clean Slate

1. We believe that we are born with a “clean slate” upon which to scribe our own mistakes and accomplishments.
2. We believe that death is the natural companion to life and that without one there cannot be the other.
3. We believe in reincarnation but recognise the right of the individual to perceive that belief in whichever way they wish.
4. We do not believe that the actions of one individual in a lifetime directly affects any other lifetime which that individual has.
5. We believe in other realities which may be perceived from our own.
6. We believe that, through training and spiritual/magical practice, each individual is capable of perceiving and learning from these additional realities.
7. We believe that each individual has the right to his or her own perspectives on life issues such as (but not limited to) the death penalty, abortion and euthanasia.

Practices: Teaching and Healing

1. We place equal importance on the actions of teaching and healing, and strive to offer both in a safe and supportive environment.
2. We believe that the healing of the self, of others, and of the Earth is inherent to our practices.
3. We encourage individuals to become adept with at least one energy healing method.
4. We believe that each day is a learning experience, no matter its events.

Practices: Solar and Lunar Celebrations

1. We celebrate eight sabbats in line with the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, starting/ending with Samhain.
2. We believe that there is no one correct mythos connected with the Wheel of the Year; rather, we encourage individuals to ascribe his or her own definitions to seasonal changes in line with his or her local environment and personal beliefs.
3. We also recognise the influence of the phases of the moon in our lives, and therefore celebrate both full and dark moons.
4. When possible, we also celebrate significant lunar events, such as black and blue moons.

Practices: Magic and Power

1. We believe that each individual has the ability to create magic.
2. We believe that each individual is responsible for his or her own magical acts.
3. We believe that any act of magic is sacred.
4. We do not believe in “white” or “black” magic; rather that magic itself is both and it is the responsibility of the individual as to which he or she casts.
5. We believe that the individual has the right to express his or her own personal power, and to take responsibility for any consequences thereof.

Practices: Personal Milestones

1. We encourage each individual to celebrate personal achievements and events in line with his or her own pathway and life choices.
2. We recognise the right for each individual to celebrate holy days connected to his or her own personal deities and/or spiritual practice.