An Explication of the Principles of Belief: Part 13

“We work within Nature for that which is contributory to our health and well-being.”

Wiccans utilize the natural and supernatural realms for resources and physical/spiritual sustenance.  Wiccans seek to utilize the gifts from Mother Earth and our knowledge of other realms to bring balance, peace, and healing to others and ourselves as appropriate.  We do not seek to exploit the fruits of Mother Earth or misuse the energy surrounding us in order to gain power or advantage over others.  We seek to work within that which is naturally available to all in order to promote health and growth, whether it is physical growth, spiritual, or both.  Wiccans also abide by the law “fairly take and fairly give” meaning that we do not seek to ravage the fruits of the Earth even if it were for our own health and well-being.  We believe in acquiring knowledge, wisdom, and balance from our surroundings on a physical and energy level.

We take seriously that our relationship with nature be a mutually beneficial one.  To the best of our ability, we want to give back to the natural world that sustains us, and seek nurturing without greedily seeking to dominate the natural world.  It is within a Wiccan mindset to seek remedies for both physical ailments as well as emotional needs from what is naturally available to us.

We seek to connect with the bounty of Mother Earth to promote health and growth before seeking nurturing from synthetic sources.  This, of course, does not to imply that all Wiccans are devoted to health food or are instant herbalists.  There are sub-specialties that those who follow the Wiccan faith may also be interested in learning.  This principle does not imply that Wiccans do not utilize synthetic objects such as plastics or that all Wiccans only eat organic foods.

Again, there is great variation among Wiccan practitioners.  However, as often as it is possible to do so, we strive to work first with our blessings from the natural world prior to seeking artificial, synthetic, or superficial ways to sustain our health and well-being.  This further strengthens our connection with the Earth and natural energies as well as increases our sense of independence from the material realm.  We recognize that a spiritual path provides a degree of sustenance that is not enriched by a purely material focus alone.

Angela Kaufman is the coauthor of Wicca: What's the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions, along with Dayna Winters and Patricia Gardner.