1. There are two deities, representing the male and female aspects, the God and the Goddess, each equal to the other. They are warm and loving, not distant in some "heaven" somewhere. They are present always in the Universe. Throughout history, there were many names for male gods and female goddesses. These names, personalities, beliefs that they each individually have different qualities created these separate aspects of the God and Goddess as resources when asking for something specific of the Universe. Some Wiccans prefer what's called a Dianic approach, focusing only on the Goddess, with very little attention, if any, paid to the God. Others concentrate on both, as simply the God and the Goddess, or relate to them by their individual /faces.

The Goddess is the universal mother, the source of fertility, endless wisdom and love and nurturing. She has three aspects: Maiden, Mother and Crone. (the waxing, full and waning of the Moon) and these aspects relate to the different portions of our lives. Life is her gift but it comes with the promise of death as well. Death is the rest between incarnations. Often the Earth is symbolized as the Goddess' body.

The God is the Goddess's consort, equal to her, and actually one with her. His symbol is the sun, which is necessary for life. He is also the tender of wild animals and watches over forests, mountains, etc. He symbolizes the harvest and the urge to procreate. He is often symbolized as the Stag or the Green Man.

2. Reincarnation is a common belief within Wicca, and that we only reincarnate into human form, not into animals or others forms. There is a resting place, a place of spirit that many Wiccans call the Summerlands, where they believe we go after death, prior to reincarnation. Additionally, the Threefold Law is linked, in that whatever energies you send out to the Universe, come back to you three times over. That includes both the good and the bad.

3. Moral beliefs: one major tenet, HARM NONE. This rule also means oneself and taking good care of one's own body, mind & spirit. There is a deep concern and love of Nature and our planet. It is our task to preserve and better our world while we're here. We can't do that if we do not take care of ourselves first.

4. Wicca uses magic, a form of concentration and communication with Deity. While it is a form of prayer, it is also the practice of moving natural energies to make changes in our reality. It is a tool to sanctify ritual areas, and improve ourselves and the world we live in. Magic and Wicca are NOT the same thing. Magic is a tool; Wicca is a religion. Magic can be practiced without embracing Wicca. Wiccans can also choose not to practice magic.

5. Magic is not a means to force Nature to your will. It is a natural force, not supernatural or paranormal.

6. Wiccans generally don't believe in predestination/fate. We are free souls with full control and responsibility for our lives. (We can't blame Satan or evil spirits/demons for misguiding us, sort of thing).

7. The core of Wicca is in our union with Nature. The Earth is divine energy and our temples/churches are under the sky, in a meadow, at a beach, and so on. :) When we lose touch with Nature, we lose touch with the Goddess and the God.

8. The power for change is within our own hands as we ask the Goddess and the God, as the creative forces of the Universe, to help us. There are no middlemen or middle women as a solitary. We directly contact the Goddess and the God. We call upon them to empower our rituals/rites and bless our magic.

This excerpt is taken from Scott Cunningham's "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" :  " Magic plays a special role in Wicca. It allows us to improve our lives and return energy to the Earth. Through working with the powers which the God and the Goddess embody, we grow close to them. Calling upon their names and visualizing their presence during spells and rites creates a bond between Deity and human. "

Scott's definition of magic is: Magic is the projection of natural energies to produce needed effects. There are three main sources of this energy : personal power, Earth power, and divine power.

PERSONAL POWER is the life force that sustains our earthly existences. It powers our bodies. We absorb energy from the Moon and Sun, from water and food. We release it during movement, exercise, sex, and childbirth. Even exhaling releases some power, though we recoup the loss through inhaling. In magic, personal power is aroused, infused with a specific purpose, released and directed toward its goal.

EARTH POWER is that which resides within our planet and in its natural products. Stones, trees, wind, flames, water, crystals and scents all possess unique, specific powers which can be used during magical ritual.

Both personal and Earth power are manifestations of DIVINE POWER. This is the energy that exists within the Goddess and God - the life force, the source of universal power which creates everything in existence.

Contrary to popular belief, magic isn't supernatural. True, it is an occult (hidden) practice steeped in millennia of secrecy, slander, and misinformation, but it is a natural practice utilizing genuine powers that haven't been discovered or labeled by science.

HOW DOES MAGICK WORK?
From the time you decide to do and act of magic, you're doing it. Thinking about it sets personal power into motion. Throughout the whole ritual process you are rousing and infusing personal power with your magical need. You don't have to know exactly HOW it works, just how to MAKE it work. Just like plugging a toaster to burn your bread you can plug into the personal energy that zaps around inside you. There are, literally, thousands of magical systems, even among Wiccans themselves. Such systems aren't necessary to the successful practice of magic. Performing magical rituals simply by manipulating tools will be ineffective, for the true power of magic lies within ourselves - the gift of Deity.

THIS IS IMPORTANT - MAGICK IS A POSITIVE PROCESS. Wiccans don't perform destructive, manipulative, or exploitative magic. Because they recognize that the power at work in magic is , ultimately, derived from the Goddess and God, negative workings are absolutely taboo. "Evil" magic is an insult to themselves, to the human race, to the Earth, the Goddess and God, and the universe itself. Anyone can practice magic, in a religious context or not. Improvisation, imagination, and self-composed rituals are encouraged. If nothing else, light a candle, settle down before it, and concentrate on your magical need. Trust yourself. And learn by doing.