HARMONY
One can perceive rhythms in the patterns of the sun, moon, and seasons. It makes sense to learn those rhythms and to live in harmony with them. This can balance out our lives and help us identify our personal sense of harmony. Harmony and balance encourage to be neither too good nor too bad, but to find the balance in our lives. Read this blog for more about the Basic Tenets, including Harmony.
REINCARNATION
We define Reincarnation as an orderly system of learning through which a being progresses. This is not a tally of “sins” and punishments, nor is it a tally of good deeds. Compare human experiences to academic term papers, that is, a way of learning and improving. Read this blog for more about Transcending the Fear of Death.
POWER THROUGH KNOWLEDGE
Power (energy) resides within each living creature. One can learn how to direct power. Whether energy or power feels “good” or “evil” depends upon the sender’s intention. In our more enlightened times (remember these tenets have been with us for many, many years), we like to say that this also means self-empowerment through knowledge. The place to grow and learn is, again, within you. The more wisdom (Wicca) you gain, the more you will find self-empowerment. Take a look at this blog for more about thinking deeply. You are also welcome to look here for some library books that might be of interest to you.
LAW OF ATTRACTION
What I do to other living creatures, I will draw to myself. Shakespeare called this Measure for Measure. It can also be expressed as “birds of a feather flock together.” We do not, however, ascribe to the commonly called Law of Three where what I do comes back to me threefold. We have had enough science in our backgrounds to trust that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
The “Law of Three” that is so commonly touted as a possible punishment when you are seen to be doing “bad” follows this concept: When you point your finger at another in judgement, anger, etc., you have three fingers pointing back at you. Where is the opportunity for spiritual growth? Your judgment of the person you are pointing one finger at? Or in reflecting upon the three fingers pointing back at you? Worth a moment to consider, isn’t it? Try reading this post about Always Positive Paganism as one of our goals for your growth.
HARM NONE
There are so many varieties of what is know as the Wiccan Rede: We practice and teach “An it harm none, do what you will.” We believe simple is better. It leads to lots of conversations about what that really means. Those conversations about Wiccan philosophy are good; they can lead to growth within the religion. Some people point fingers, and say that you cannot kill animals and follow the Rede while others suggest animals are necessary beasts of burden for humanity to survive and thrive. It is a complicated issue, made more so the more humans get involved. It will also keep our faith path alive as we debate all of these ideas moving forward. Here is more about the Rede in the Essential Witchcraft Course. You may also enjoy this blog post about the Rede in action (and activism).
DEITY
In the center of everything is the God-ess (This is our shorthand for the deity construct and should not be mistaken to mean a specifically female or male). Like Gravity, God-ess is impersonal. It treats everyone alike. It transcends gender and human emotions. Certain ideas cluster around the Deity. We, here, are syncretic monotheists as explored in a brief blog posting by Gavin and more in depth in our courses.
