Witch Trials and the Persecution of Guilds: A Dark Period in History

A guild of witches is commonly referred to as a coven. A coven typically consists of a group of witches who come together to practice and perform rituals, as well as share knowledge and support each other. The term "coven" originated from the Latin word "convenire," which means to come together. In a coven, there is usually a leader called a High Priestess or High Priest, who guides the group in rituals and teachings. The members of a coven may gather for various purposes, such as celebrating the cycles of the moon, performing spells and divination, or to commemorate important occasions like Sabbats and Esbats. Traditionally, a coven consists of thirteen members, though this number may vary.

Traditionally, a coven consists of thirteen members, though this number may vary. Witches may join a coven for the sense of community and camaraderie it provides, as well as for the opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners. Coven members often form close bonds and work together as a team to harness their collective energies and achieve their magical goals.

Principles of Wiccan Belief

This list of beliefs was created by the 1974 Council of American Witches to offer a unified document outlining the basic beliefs of Wiccans. Although left intentionally vague to be inclusive of a variety of paths, the primary purpose of the document was to help dispel myths of the religion.

It's become a guiding document to outside authorities, such as the Army Chaplain's Handbook, as a brief reference to defining Wicca. It remains a great resource for understanding values found within Wicca and Witchcraft in America.

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 those 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.

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 Quarter.
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 fulfillment 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 as lying 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 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, or 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 fulfillment.
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/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.
9. 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.
10. 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.
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 the Christian traditions. 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.

1974, Council of American Witches

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While the term "coven" is most commonly associated with witches, there are also covens in other practices and religions, such as Wicca and other pagan traditions. These covens operate on similar principles of unity and spiritual growth. In some cases, witches may choose to practice solitary, meaning they do not belong to a coven. Solitary witches work alone and create their own rituals and practices, drawing from their personal beliefs and experiences. Solitary practice allows for greater freedom but may lack the support and shared knowledge found in a coven. Overall, a coven serves as a community of witches who gather to practice their craft, share wisdom, and support each other in their spiritual journeys. Whether practicing in a coven or as a solitary witch, both paths offer unique opportunities for personal growth and magic..

Reviews for "Witch Guilds and Nature: Embracing Ecological Consciousness"

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