Blue Star Wicca

Blue Star Wicca is a centuries-old tradition founded in the 1970's in the suburbs of Philadelphia. I am a Third Degree Initiate in this tradition, and, with my husband, run BaleFire Coven and Grove in Western NJ. We were originally taught the tradition by Kenny Klein and Tzipora Katz (then Klein), and we continue to teach it in much the same form as it was taught to us, celebrating both New and Full Moons and all 8 Sabbats at our home.

Our belief system includes the following elements (adapted from the Council of American Witches' "Principles of Wiccan Belief"):

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 of 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 lives in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supporting the other. We value Sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magical practice and religious worship.

5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds (sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, the Inner Planes, etc.) and see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magical exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.

6. We do not recognize an authoritarian hierarchy, but do 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 worldview and philosophy-of-life which we identify as Witchcraft, the Wiccan Way.

8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make one a Witch, but neither does heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well, without harm to others, and in harmony with Nature.

9. We acknowledge that is the affirmation and fulfillment of life, in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives meaning to the Universe we know, and to our personal role within it.

10. Our only animosity toward Christianity, or toward 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 or religious practice and belief.

11. As Neo-Pagans, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins 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 accept the concept that personal benefit can only be derived by denial to another.

13. We acknowledge that we seek within Nature for that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

In addition to these precepts, we are committed to following our seven Tenets of Faith. These are Balance, Harmony, Humility, Tolerance, Trust, Learning and Reincarnation. The Wiccan Rede is also a cornerstone of our tradition.

Blue Star is known for its use of song in ritual and its tolerant attitude towards including children in ritual. Though I don't yet have any children, other members of Balefire do and have brought their kids from time to time. There are Blue Star circles all over the country and a newsletter that is published 8 times a year containing articles, art, poetry and gossip from many of the members of the tradition.

For more information on the history and structure of Balefire, click here.

For a reading list of books we require our students to read, click here.