Compact of Traditional Wicca

Wicca as a religion has its membership growing every day. The progress of this growth is increasing all the time and comes as a surprise to many. There are many benefits to this increase of Wiccans; however, there are also some disadvantages. One of these is the dilution of 'classic' or 'traditional' Wicca by well intentioned newcomers who, rather than seeking out those members with more experience, simply make up their Wicca as they go along. These members, in time, gather students and pass along their 'ad lib' Wicca and traditional Wiccans, who have taken the time to seek initiation and to work hard for their experience and knowledge, are being told that what they did is not necessary; you can just call yourself Wiccan and do what you please.

We, in adhering this compact, do not intend to tell anyone how they should practice the religion of Wicca, however, we do want to make it clear that we practice the 'traditional form' of the Craft and wish to make it easier, for those seeking instruction of this kind, to find us. That traditional form of Wicca includes the following practices and beliefs. In order to be recognized as 'Classic or Traditional Wiccan' it is not necessary to perform all of the following, all of the time, it is necessary though that you accept everything that follows as a part of your religion. As to the rituals listed, it does not matter to us how frequently they are done, just that they are done, at one time or another, and are a part of the Wicca you practice.

• Creation of a sacred space for ritual, by casting a circle.
  
  
• Recognition of the Divine as both masculine and feminine.
  
  
• Belief in the natural law of cause and effect, which has been variously called 'the Law of Return' and 'the Threefold Law' among other appellations.
  
  
• Use of four sacramental tools, which are (a) a knife, dagger or sword (b) a vessel (c) a wand, staff or cane (d) a disk, amulet, pantacle, shield or stone. Each of these are associated with an element and cardinal direction, in any combination.
  
  
• Recognition of the 'Sacrament of Initiation' whether within the context of a coven or by a qualified initiator.
  
  
• Performance of a ritualized consecration and ingestion of food and drink.
  
  
• Use one of several versions of the Wiccan Rede.
  
  
• Recognition of a sacred calendar which is cyclical and has eight major holy days, although some may not be formally celebrated, on or near the following days: February First, the Spring Equinox, May First, the Summer Solstice, August First, the Autumnal Equinox, November First, the Winter Solstice.

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