Wiccan beliefs can vary widely according to a particular tradition (often just called a trad, i.e. Dianic Trad for Dianic Tradition of Wicca.) but most have the basics in common.
In 1974, at a meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a group called the Council of American Witches developed a statement to outline their beliefs for the general public. It is meant, and used by most Wiccans, as a guideline.
Some of the more important points include denial of the existence of absolute evil or a concept of the Devil, acknowledgement of a higher power that is accessible to all, and seeking to live in harmony with nature.
The Wiccan Rede
There is also a creed called The Wiccan Rede, which reads in part: “Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill, and it harm none, do what ye will.”
This statement is meant to go hand in hand with what Wiccans call the Threefold Law of Return, a karmic reference which states that whatever a person sends into the world, they will receive back three times. This is a deterrent to negative behavior and an incentive to create good in the world.
Wiccans believe that one must be held accountable for their actions, rather than seeking forgiveness from a deity.
Wiccans also believe in magic, sometimes spelled as magick to differentiate it from street or stage magic shows. Wiccan magic can be performed through the use of spells and with the aid of Gods and Goddesses.
Gods and Goddesses
Wiccans believe in a God and a Goddess, based on pre-Christian religious systems. Many believe in a whole slew of them, called a Pantheon. Pantheons are usually based on classical mythology, such as Roman, Greek, Egyptian or Norse traditions.
A Greek Pantheon would include the Gods and Goddesses of Mount Olympus; the traditional Zeus and Hera, Apollo and Aphrodite, Athena and Poseidon.
An Egyptian Pantheon would include as deities the mythological figures Osiris and Isis, Horus, Anubis, Nut and Ra.
Some Wiccans don’t believe in specific Pantheonic Gods and Goddesses, but a broader belief in one universal God and one Goddess, who together encompass all aspects of the various Pantheons.