All intelligent beings have the right to worship who, what, where, when, why, and how they wish; provided that they do not violate the similar rights of others. All intelligent beings have as well the right (some would say duty) to develop their talents -- mental, physical, psychic, and others -- to the highest degree possible; subject as always to the equal rights of others. It is in this complex interplay of rights that the children of the Aquarian Age may be distinguished from their ancestors of previous ages.

According to astrological tradition, the term "Aquarian Age" implies a time in which there is increased concern with the ways in which each individual can live by his or her own lights, while guaranteeing the same freedom to all others. All those, therefore, who work for the greater evolution of consciousness and freedom may be justly called "Aquarians," regardless of the day or year of their actual birth.

Aquarians -- Neopagan, Neochristian, Agnostic or of any other faith -- are by definition tolerant of all life affirming beliefs and organizations. They do not proclaim the existence of any "One-True-Right-And-Only-Way" but rather that every intelligent being must find her or his own path.

We will not, however -- in the name of tolerance or any other ideal -- allow ourselves to be persecuted or exterminated by anti-life individuals or organizations, whether secular or religious.

As Aquarians we do not, in our religious services, magical rituals, psychic activities or in our private lives, engage in the commission or encouragement of felony crimes with victims (as defined by civil law and modern sociological research). We do not therefore engage in murder, rape, maiming, torture of animals, grand larceny, or other heinous crimes; and we will no longer quietly accept accusations that we do so.

Neither do Aquarians use our talents -- whether we call them "psychic," "magical," "spiritual," "paranormal," or something else -- to achieve ends or through means that, if done physically, would constitute such felony crimes with victims. Accusations in this area will not go uncountered either.

We know full well that the new witchburners are seeking to once again light the stakes of persecution with the fires of bigotry and hate. Equally well do we know that, despite our innumerable differences with one another, the time has come for us to stand together against the forces of fear and oppression. The very survival of ourselves, our children and our planet depends upon the outcome of our present struggles.

Therefore: we will use whatever means exist to preserve, protect and defend our religious, civil, economic and human rights, as well as our reputations, from all those who would slander, libel, defame, suppress or otherwise persecute us for our beliefs.

We will no longer allow self-righteous followers of anti-life beliefs to prevent us from the free exercise of our human and constitutional rights. We will no longer allow anyone with impunity to publicly accuse us of being "Satanists," "devil worshippers," "charlatans," "lunatics," or any other loaded terms of slander and libel designed to denigrate, defame or prevent us from the peaceful and legal spreading of our beliefs. We will no longer hesitate to bring civil and/or criminal charges against our would-be inquisitors whenever possible, no matter how wealthy or powerful they may be.

Aquarians together -- Witches and wizards; Pagans and psychics; priests and parapsychologists; mystics, mediums and magicians; astrologers, diviners, and occultists of both sexes and all races, many faiths and traditions, ages and nationalities -- hereby agree upon our battle cry as we declare war upon those who would persecute us:

(c) 1973, 1989 by P.E.I. Bonewits. Permission to reprint is granted to all Aquarian individuals, organizations, and publications provided no editing is done and this notice is included. Publishers should donate $1 per copy sold to: ADF, Box 9420, Newark, DE, USA 19714.