“ An individual's concerns may be described as "ultimate" when they go beyond purely intellectual matters of self interest to touch concerns that are in some sense "spiritual." The protection of the free exercise clause in no way depends upon the objective truth or veracity of the belief, nor upon the logic or consistency of the belief. ”

“ Prison security officials contend that the worship materials that Dettmer seeks-candles, a statue, a white robe, incense and either sulfur, sea salt or uniodized salt-would be hazardous to prison security. Furthermore, the prison officials contend that the Church of Wicca is not a religion entitled to first amendment protection. The "Wiccan Craeft," or "Church of Wicca," is an ancient faith which enjoyed a fairly substantial following in Northern Europe around the 10th and 11th centuries. ”

“ However, when confronted with a dispute between religious conviction and the needs of the state, courts have a duty to make at least some inquiry into the nature of the faith to ensure that purely secular beliefs and practices are not accorded the special protection afforded by the first amendment. ”

“ Each individual has a different, and often highly personal conception of a "religion," and the various religions of the world have their own unique, frequently complex system of beliefs and practices. Because religion is so highly personal and private, dealing with spiritual rather than temporal matters, courts have traditionally been reluctant to examine and pass judgment upon these beliefs. ”

“ Prison authorities may simply keep the controversial items in a safe location, and make them available to the plaintiff at reasonable intervals as plaintiff may require them, and under such supervision as the defendant believes is necessary to promote prison security. ”

“ It is a common and inaccurate assumption that Witches or Wiccans worship satan or the devil. Witches do not believe in any figures from Christianity including satan.
Plaintiff Dettmer first became acquainted with the Church of Wicca over six years ago by reading various pieces of literature about the organization. In 1982, Dettmer contacted a Wiccan organization for more information about the group, and has purchased a variety of materials from that organization over the past few years. ”

“ Their ceremonies and leader structure, their rather elaborate set of articulated doctrine, their belief in the concept of another world, and their broad concern for improving the quality of life for others gives them at least some facial similarity to other more widely recognized religions. ”