Beliefs

The Black Oak Gove Tenets are a set of beliefs from which the church emerged and are used as a guiding doctrine for our work. While some practitioners may embrace many (or even all) of these elements, each spiritual path is unique and immensely personal. There is no single “right way” to practice nature-based spirituality.

Members of Black Oak Grove are not required to ascribe wholly to this creed. We hope that you will consider these beliefs as you navigate your own spirituality, but that decision will always be yours and yours alone. However, we strongly believe the rights contained in this creed to be inalienable and yours to exercise fully.

Reverence for Nature and the Earth
  • We honor and respect the sacredness of nature and the interconnected web of life.
  • We strive to live in harmony with the natural world, recognizing our role as stewards of the Earth.
Conservation and Protection of the Planet
  • We are dedicated to preserving and safeguarding the environment for present and future generations.
  • We actively work towards sustainable practices and ecological awareness.
Self-Direction in Belief and Spirituality
  • We embrace individual autonomy in matters of belief, practice, and personal spiritual journeys.
  • We support and encourage diverse interpretations and paths within the pagan community.
Recognition of the Realities of Magic and Mysticism
  • We acknowledge the existence of magic, both as a mystical force and as a potential within the realms of science and consciousness.
  • We believe in the transformative power of magic to effect positive change in ourselves and the world.
Bodily Autonomy and Inclusive Principles
  • We affirm the inherent rights of bodily autonomy, encompassing medical decisions, gender and sexual identity, and personal appearance.
  • We stand for social justice, equity, and equality for all individuals, including the LGBTQ+ community and marginalized populations.
  • We unequivocally denounce hate, discrimination, white nationalism, racism, and any form of prejudice within paganism and the wider community.
  • We strive to foster a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicities, races, and cultures are respected, valued, and celebrated.
  • Love is love, love in all things.
Interconnectedness of All Living Beings
  • We recognize and celebrate the interconnectedness of all life forms and acknowledge our place within the greater tapestry of existence.
  • We honor the spirits that reside within all things, fostering a deep sense of respect and interconnectedness.
Connection to the Divine
  • We embrace a diverse range of beliefs concerning the divine, allowing practitioners to forge personal connections to the divine in whatever form they perceive it.
  • We encourage spiritual exploration and the pursuit of a meaningful connection with the divine.