Pagan Veterans

U.S.A.

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In 1974 the Council of American Witches adopted a set of 13 declarations which described in broad terms the Wiccan world view. The document was simply titled 'Principles of Wiccan Belief," and was intended as a tool to educate the public and new practitioners. It remains a defining document of the Wiccan faith 33 years later.


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.

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 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 d 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 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.



Something You Should Know About Today’s U.S. Armed Forces

Would come as a surprise to you to learn that Pagans have been serving in the United States Armed Forces for at least forty years? Yes, Wiccans, Druids, Heathens, Witches, Asatrar, Theodists, Odinists and members of dozens of other Pagan religions are, at this moment, protecting our nation. And they are proud to be doing it whether they are serving here at home, in Afghanistan or Iraq, or anywhere in between. And yes, some have given the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, to our country.

These various faiths have been recognized by all of the branches of our military for decades. Each branch has met the spiritual needs of Pagan women and men through their military Chaplains and Chaplains Assistants. Unfortunately, various veterans’ organizations are somewhat behind the military and do not recognize the existence, much less special needs or Pagan veterans. Thus, many Pagan veterans feel out of place in the current organizations.

For this and other reasons, a group of Pagan Veterans created a committee to study and, if needed, form a new veterans’ organization. And, today, that organization, Pagan Veterans of the United States of America©, otherwise know as Pagan Veterans of the USA©, has members in a number of states and is growing. Generally, PVUSA can be seen as a combination of Catholic War Veterans or Jewish War Veterans with The American Legion.

PVUSA is open to all self declared Pagan women and men who have served in the Armed Forces. It is exists to provide a base where they can feel accepted. It is also there to provide various types of support for its members and their families in time of crisis, and to serve the larger community.

We want you to know all of this because there is a likelihood that a local Post of Pagan Veterans of the USA© may be forming in your area in the future. There we will be able to serve many of the needs of our members and their families in your community. Along the way we will also be holding community events and working with other nearby veterans’ and community groups for the betterment of all

We thank you for your support of all veterans and their service.
Pagan-Veterans-USA@yahoogroups.com