The BirchTree Family Tradition
   Core Concepts and Beliefs

Qualities of Deity:
Deity is the Universal Life Force that infuses all.  The energy of Deity is expressed in an apparent polarity, which we can best define as Masculine and Feminine.  Deity encompasses all definitions of energy, being omnipresent, so should not be limited to these categories.  The concept of a polarity within Deity is merely a convenient model for conceptualizing the infinite qualities of Deity.

Deity Names:
In recognition of the above point, Deity is most commonly referred in the generic terms as "Lord" and "Lady", with specific Deity names used when invoking a specific manifestation of Deity.  Deity names may be drawn from any source that the Witch is sufficiently familiar with.  Grabbing Deity names that are "fashionable" without reasonable research into what manifestations this Deity may take are inadvisable and discouraged.

Deity Gender:
Deity is essentially genderless, but the male/female gender model currently used in western culture is a convenient way of conceptualizing the multiple aspects of Deity.  Therefore, we refer to "God" and "Goddess" as holding the qualities of gender, when in fact they transcend gender entirely.  We recognize that there are more genders than a strict polarity, however, this is a convenient model that we will be most familiar with.

Petitions to Deity:
It is appropriate to petition Deity for anything that causes no harm.  The Witch must be willing to leave the fulfillment of the petition to Divinity, however.  Let your needs be filled in "the best possible way" rather than in a specifically requested manner.  In other words, letting your needs be known to Deity is fine, but demanding a specific outcome is usually pushing the limits.  Trusting Deity to fulfill your needs in the best possible way is a good method of working.

Purpose of Celebration
Celebrating Deity helps the Witch to connect with Divinity and to realize her Divine potential.  The goal is to deepen awareness of individual spiritual truths, and to establish an inner connection to the Universal Life Force.

Cycle of Seasons:
The focus of meditation and ritual is the Wheel of the Year and the parable of the Garden.  Each holiday represents a different part of the cycle of:  Birth, Growth, Death, Gestation, Re-Birth.  Birth is at Ostara, when the first seedlings emerge from the Earth.  Growth continues through Beltane and Midsummer.  The first harvest at Lammas begins the cycle of death, and the gestation of the seeds of the new begins at Samhain and ends in Yule when the dead seeds are 'reborn".  Imbolc is the Festival of Seeds, when seeds are stirring within the dark Earth Womb in preparation for Rebirth at Ostara.  Each holiday or point on the Wheel represents a cycle of personal growth.  By recognizing our own internal waxing and waning, we can progress along the wheel.

Celebrations:
Celebration is held 8 times in the Wheel of the Year:  Samhain (or Halloween, Oct. 31), Yule (or Christmas, Dec. 21), Imbolc (or Candlemas, or Festival of Seeds, Feb. 1), Ostara (or Easter, March 21), Beltane (or MayDay, May 1), Midsummer (or Litha, June 21), Lammas (or Lughnassad, Aug. 1), and Mabon (or First Harvest, Sept. 21).  The solstices and Equinoxes should be celebrated on the day of it's occurrence, when possible.  The other four Sabbats may be celebrated either on the calendar day or on the nearest full moon, or both.  When group celebration is planned, group convenience should dictate a flexible schedule on the actual date of celebration.  Celebration is not compulsory.  Divinity does not require our devotion:  It is humanity's need to devote to Divinity and connect to something larger than ourselves that motivates our gathering together and inspires celebration.  *That* need should be held as more important than the actual cusp of any celestial event.  However, the less connected the Witch feels to Divine energy, the more s/he is likely to benefit from using the attunement process of ritual and celebration.

Methods of Celebration:
Celebration and worship within the BirchTree tradition is usually inwardly focused and meditative/contemplative.  The goal of celebrations is to align the Witch with the energy of Deity.  Celebration in ritual may also be outwardly focused in a group setting, with the goal of creating a link between the group and Divinity.

Dress Code:
Traditional garments are optional.  The witch should feel free to go skyclad (free from clothing), circumstances permitted, but should never feel obligated to do so.  Ritual garments are recommended, but not required.  It is helpful to have a set of special garments to be used only within a ritual setting, for this helps to establish a ritual mindset.

Tools & Sacred Items:
Items used within the BirchTree Tradition include (but are not limited to): *Chalice*, cup or bowl to represent both Goddess and the element of Water;  *Athame* or knife or Sword to represent both the God and the element of Fire;  *Wand* or feather or incense to represent the element of Air and to direct Divine energy;  *Crystals*, rocks, or ceramic dish filled with soil for the element of Earth and for grounding.  Other helpful tools are:  Candles, Sage, Bells, Salt, and an Altar space.  Any tool that helps the Witch connect to an elemental energy or to Divine energy is welcome in our Sacred Space, as long as it harms none in it's presence.

Meditation:
Meditation is an important tool for establishing a connection with Divine Energy.  There are many different methods of meditation, and the Witch should experiment with several to determine what method works best for him/her.  A regular and consistent regime of meditation is encouraged and considered critical for success.

Elements:
The Elements are an important way of conceptualizing the different "frequencies" of the Universal Life Force.  These elements are:  Earth, Air, Fire, Water, & Spirit.