Witches have ideas, concepts, and theories more than they have beliefs. Because this is a living spiritual path, there is no dogma, doctrine, or single set of rules. Every Witch (or Wiccan) has a slightly different idea/belief, and that idea might change frequently.
This does not mean that Witches are without a strong set of ethics and a sense of personal responsibility. You will find that seasoned Witches are generally some of the most thoughtful and conscientious people you encounter.
Because of this diverse tapestry of ideas, only general beliefs can be outlined. As a Witch, it is up to you to determine your own beliefs or ideas.
Overall:
Nearly all Witches feel that it is important to delve within the self for answers and to connect with nature and deity on a personal level.
Experimentation, independent thought, and growth is emphasized in most solitary, partnership, and coven practices.
Witchcraft (and Wicca) is a path found by many who have felt uncomfortable or un-welcomed in other organized religions. Women are particularly empowered in the Craft when compared to most Judeo-Christian doctrines. Women maintain an equal standing with men in almost every Witchcraft tradition. This has attracted many feminists, and the focus on nature has attracted many environmentalists to the path, especially environmentalists who feel an affinity to Gaia theories.
Harmony:
Witches generally believe that living in harmony with the earth, the cycles of nature, the planets, and the universe as a whole is an integral part of their spiritual path.
Honoring & Celebrating Natural Cycles:
Most Witches honor the changing of the seasons and the cycles of nature. The changing of the seasons is honored at the Sabbats. The energy of the Moon is celebrated on Esbats.
There are thirteen full moons each year, and with the eight Sabbats, this is a total of 21 celebrations or rituals. Traditions may vary on the exact number of Sabbats, but eight is the most common. A few Witches also honor the energy of the New Moon, substituting New Moon Esbats for the Full Moon Esbats, or by celebrating both.
The Sabbat festivals and Esbat rituals are often used as times to celebrate, worship, and connect with natural forces and deity. Spells may be used at these times, but are not required practice. Often Sabbats are set aside for celebration or worship only and Esbats are when the magical “work” gets done.
Magic(k):*
Most Witches use magic or spells to influence the world and themselves. Magic is most often used for healing (of people, the planet, and more), prosperity, attraction, divination, employment, confidence, luck, love, peace, fertility, growth, banishing, binding, protection, purification, hexing/cursing, dreams, prophecy, sexuality, etc.
What Goes Around Comes Around:
Most (but not all) Witches believe in the Threefold Law, Karma, the Rede, the Law of Three, or other codes. These are not ‘holy writ’ or scripture (there is no such thing in Witchcraft or Wicca) but are basic laws of life. Wiccans often follow the Wiccan Rede, and a rede is a bit of counsel or advice, not doctrine. These basic tenets are expressed in many ways in different cultures and philosophies, but all have a common thread of truth.
Deity:
Most traditions of Wicca honor the “Lord and Lady” or God and Goddess, and non-Wiccan Witches may do so as well, or may even adhere to Judeo-Christian religions. Each tradition and each Witch may view deity differently.
An example of deity concepts used by Witches (this does not apply to all Witches or even all Wiccans:
The “Lady” or Goddess is often honored as the Triple Goddess of the waxing, full and waning or new moon. The Triple Goddess may be seen as the three fates, as the maiden – mother – crone, as planting – growth – harvest, etc. She may also go by many different names according to the Wiccan or Pagan tradition followed (if any) and according to the “phase” she is in. For example Diana of the waxing moon, the maiden – Selene of the full moon, the mother – Hecate of the waning or new moon, the Crone. Some traditions do not allow the name of their patron Goddess(es) to be shared with those outside of their Coven.
The “Lord” or God is often honored as the Horned God of the hunt, the sun, animals and sometimes harvest. He is the Lady’s consort and is sometimes seen as twofold (such as the Holly King/Oak King) or threefold, etc.
Further Reading:
* Magic(k) is often spelled with a K among practitioners. This was originally intended to differentiate occult magick (the manipulation of energy) from stage magic (prestidigitation) and was introduced by the occultist Aleister Crowley. It is now used most frequently to help narrow search results online.