What is Phoenix Moon?

Phoenix Moon is an eclectic Wiccan grove and coven that studies and worships in Austin Texas.  Our basic philosophy and beliefs are as follows:

1.  We believe in one source of divinity, termed the All, which is formless and infinite.

2.  We see the first manifestation of the All to be a polarity embodied in the Divine persons of the Goddess and the God. We believe that the All manifests into the physical Universe through many different interconnected planes of existence. We recognize that this same energy exists (ideally in balance) within all things and creatures, and functions through the interactions of Nature.  We value neither male nor female above the other, but rather believe them to be equal and necessary to one another. In other words, we celebrate the male and female energies which reside within us all.

 3.  Through understanding the interconnected planes of existence, we have a realization that any goddess is a part, or a face of, the one Goddess, and all gods are part, or aspects of, one God; and that ultimately the God and Goddess are part of and reflections of the All, the source of divinity.

4.  We believe that the All is immanent within Nature, that each of us contains the essence of the Divine, and that all of creation has inherent worth as a consequence of immanence. We believe there is no separation between the Infinite and Nature, yet the infinite All is greater that the sum of its parts.

 5.  We seek to understand the ways of Nature and the Universe. We believe that there is no ultimate conflict between religion and science.

 6.  We believe in the pursuit of individual experience of Divinity, and we practice a system of worship intended to cultivate that connection. We believe that through worship of Gods and Goddesses we can develop a closer connection to the All.

7.  Our beliefs give us a unique responsibility toward our environment, and we seek to live in ecological balance and harmony with Nature.

8.  Since the Infinite is immanent, we see all life experience as sacred. We use celebratory rituals to commemorate the life cycles evident within Nature marked by the phases of the Moon (Esbats) and the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days of the Sun (Sabbats).

 9. We practice Magic, which is the Art and Science of causing change to occur in conformity with Will. We strive to work Magic of a positive nature with the intent to benefit the well being of all involved and we accept responsibility for the consequences of our actions.

10.  We believe that consciousness evolves through many lifetimes and gives meaning to the universe and our personal role within it.

 11.  We recognize the patterns of the ancient alchemical elements, symbology, and correspondences of Earth, Fire, Water and Air, and the fifth element of Spirit as emblems of the powers in Nature. The elements are symbols of body, intention, emotion, intellect, and immanence.

 12.  We believe that through Initiation, we make a commitment to self-transformation, conscious evolution, and the journey toward enlightenment. We strive to deepen awareness and experience of the union of Nature, the God and Goddess, and the All. 

13. We believe all religions have a valid place and do not seek to deny or suppress religious practices and beliefs that are different from our own. 

Phoenix Moon Grove teaches the following precepts:
 

* First and foremost, that to walk in balance and harmony with Nature and the Infinite is the greatest good, and in doing so all our needs will be provided for.

* a metaphysical approach to life, primarily based on Wiccan teachings and traditions; however, we restrict ourselves to no one creed or tradition- rather, we seek wisdom wherever it may be found

* that magic (which is action in accordance to will) and actualization of mental and other energies can be used for the development of consciousness and for the aid and benefit of humankind and Nature

* that within the framework of the Universe there are devic and elemental forces and realms which may be understood and interacted with, and the means and methods for doing so will be made available

* that ‘as above – so below’, or that the microcosm (the self, and the world) is a miniature of the macrocosm (the Divinity) and that through interlocking energies Divinity exists within each person

* that souls reincarnate in order to learn valuable lessons on the pathway to ultimate enlightenment and that the law of Karma (or Three-fold Return) governs which lessons are to be learned and in what manner

* that each person is an individual with free will- but also, we are all kindred spirits searching for wisdom and on our own path to the Infinite; therefore, we strive to cooperate and aid one another whenever possible in the spirit of Perfect Love and Perfect Trust; and avoid strife in our dealings with one another

* that the purpose of our studies is the enlightenment of our consciousness which may be experienced as Initiations, which are defined as one form of recognition of stages of enlightenment or expanded awareness that comes with understanding of the energies and forces of the Universe, and that we recognize various levels of this awareness with symbolic rites and degrees

* that the Wiccan Rede- 'an it harm none, do what you will’ should be the main guide for your actions and daily life