Introduction Wicca is based on ancient, nature-based pagan beliefs, modernised in the 1950s by Gerald Gardner (a British occultist). It is also referred to as 'the ancient religion', 'magick', or the 'new age movement'. It is a cult of mysteries that can be practised in many different ways. What the followers of this belief system, known as Wiccans, have in common, is the celebration of the benevolent feminine and masculine energies that unite all living beings. Please note the Wiccan festival dates mentioned in this book are Northern Hemisphere dates. The Southern Hemisphere dates are approximately six months later. First principle: know yourself Learn to know yourself, your deepest aspirations and what drives you, before worrying about others. Second principle: study, know and understand your art Inform yourself, learn, follow different sources and confront truths to cultivate this magnificent art of living.

Third principle: apply your knowledge with wisdom You may be the master of some people, but do not forget that you are the student of others. Remain humble. Knowledge is a precious power that you must not abuse. Fourth principle: find balance and seek to maintain it Be neither passive nor aggressive: do your best to respect the principle of balance between Yin (feminine energy) and Yang (masculine energy). Fifth principle: listen and observe To connect with the environment and the living beings around you, but also with yourself, take time to consciously listen. Sixth principle: be attentive to the quality of your words Before speaking, think. Is it. T = true? H = helpful? I = insightful? N = necessary? K = kind? Seventh principle: be attentive to the quality of your thoughts The power of thought is very strong, so pay attention to your inner dialogue to keep it as positive as possible.

Eighth principle: always celebrate life Life is a celebration, and there is no reason not to celebrate it to the full and be grateful for the daily pleasures it gives you the opportunity to experience. Ninth principle: be at one with the cycles of the Earth Harmonise your energies with the natural cycles to vibrate on the same frequency and be in symbiosis with them. Let yourself be carried along by nature's flow. Tenth principle: breathe and eat properly Hippocrates said, "Let thy food be thy medicine". A healthy, balanced diet is essential. Eleventh principle: exercise your body Take exercise, because your physical self needs to move to function optimally. Twelfth principle: centre yourself through meditation A weekly period of meditation, preferably amid nature, is recommended. Thirteenth principle: always honour the goddess and the god The goddess and the god play an important role in the life of a witch or wizard.

These male and female deities appear in different forms in nature (moon, sun, trees, plants, rocks, water sources, etc) and also within us. Thank them for all they bring you. in addition, show gratitude to our wise little whiskered friends. Do not forget to thank them for their benevolence, their wisdom and for sharing their precious powers.