Covens

[Celtaur]

Former Wiccan speaking here. When I was on that path, I had a small group of friends whom I worked with. But because of one person's vindictive personality, it ruined the idea of working with others for sometime. Just in the last couple of years I've attended a few coven rituals, oddly enough at the suggestion of my husband, who was curious and wanted to attend. I shrugged and went along with the idea. I wasn't thrilled the first time around, and started to warm up the on the second. I don't mind doing it. They're a pretty nice group of people. I couldn't ever consider joining their coven though, because we have very different ideologies when it comes to our spiritual paths. He learned that some of their practices really spoke to him, which was an amazing development in his spiritual search. But practicing with the coven was also useful for my search, because it reminded me of how important solitary practice is for me.

mmm that's too bad you've had that experience. This is the very reason I am hesitant in the first place. But I am very solitary in many ways anyhow and enjoy my space and being able to make my own decisions and not depend on others, hence why I was never a fan of group sports, but enjoy solitary sports. I too believe it must be that I am not a highly competitive person, but do have high standards for myself, regardless of external opinion. Nor am I a fan of adhering to others ideologies, but like to tread my own path.

Solitary is great. Although I am not Wiccan, I do follow various paths that many may consider an eclectic Wiccan path. I enjoy discovering at my own pace, along with input and advice from others I meet along the way... but I do not think I could commit to a specific group direction, or "group think" for long periods of time as I grow and change in numerous directions.

[Steavis]

I wonder Celtaur, would you or do you plan to ever take on a student? Like an apprentice?

[Jellylorum]

Blessed Be to all.

I am a Wiccan who has been practicing since 1996. I am second degree witch according to coven hierarchy. I have been in 2 covens in my time and I chose to be a solitary practitioner now and probably forever. As a solitary practitioner I have technically achieved HPS, but when solitary, titles don't count. This brings me to my next point. Some covens are all about titles. This is why I left the first one. Competition, bad vibrations and again competition drove me away. I really did not care who was who and what was what. I was looking for spiritual enrichment and I was not finding it. I was The Scribe in my second coven which was a fulfilling job. It was something that made me feel of service, and a closer feel within the group.

This coven disbanded when the HPS passed away suddenly. A stronger coven may have survived....Alas personal conflict and competition was again the negative factor. As said above, group dynamics can be a difficult thing. screening members can be an absolutely awful task as well, however most necessary if a coven is going to click. All the members must work as one with absolute respect for the HP and HPS and also the Elders. I believe every member should have a job or perform a service, no matter how small and initiates should also be included in this.

There are many successful and working covens here in my state and all over the world, and I respect the work they do and the energy they put into it. I choose to practice alone now though and I do not regret my choice. My focus has sharpened and I can learn things at my pace be it quicker or slower. I have chosen to not let titles or materialism bother me anymore.
Peace and Love to all!
Jellylorum

[Celtaur]

I just finished watching The Craft, which I've watched before a few times, and I know it's hollywood, etc., etc., but still I think it does reflect some truth. I don't think I could ever be in such a group, that which was 4 people, imagine 13 in a coven.

I'm not sure I could find it possible for that many people to agree on many things, and the ego's would be all over the place.

I remember when being part of groups for plays for school. It was so difficult to come to agreement on what role people would play that the group would break down, fight and go from being casual friends to enemies. Is it really any different than a coven.

I also find it strange how some groups get together by a new member being interviewed. I'm sure that would make the person possibly interested in becoming part of the group to feel judged, like walking on eggshells. Also people don't really know each other until they've been around each other for some time. Little aspects of the personality come out and people start to see the true colors of others.

Solitary I think is preferred by so many for this and many reasons. I think spirituality is about personal space. There's nothing wrong with community but in such a small group there's got to be a lot of difficulties. Maybe this is also why larger groups such as churches work better for many. The members have less of a role, are more like a viewer of the ritual like a theater play, and play their minimal part in the role that is served to them. Maybe it's about being better organized that helps. But with a small group, there would be disagreements on the little details of each role as it's taken more personally.