Many new practitioners are caught up in the belief that they must be part of a coven to practice witchcraft. There are many people who jump on social media and say “We’re starting a coven. Who wants to join?” While covens can be amazing, there are also groups of people who use the coven cloak to manipulate others. Online covens have a high probability of being full of people who are not participating for the right reasons. Joining a coven usually includes making oaths; something that should never be taken lightly.
First, meet with the people in the coven face to face. Online covens are generally spread out geographically so meeting in real life is not possible. Magically, this is not effective, and these groups are often full of drama and ego driven, hidden agendas.
Finding a local coven takes some time. If you put up a social media post that says “I want to join a coven” don’t expect them to come out of the woodwork to solicit your membership. Go to public rituals at your local metaphysical stores to see if you can meet people. Participate. Help. Show them who you are. Then you may be able to start working with a coven. Spend some time learning about which path the covens follow. Are you interested in Wicca? Witchcraft? Something different? Does the coven follow a path that calls to you?
Ask:
- What are the goals of this coven? Is it a group for social gatherings or something more?
- How is the coven structured? Is there a hierarchy? Do the members use degrees? Is there an inner court and an outer court? Do they practice skyclad? If you don’t know what these things are, you are not ready to join a coven!
- How are inquiries to join handled?
- How are grievances and conflicts resolved? Is there an expectation of ethics within the group? Who is in charge?
- What is the expectation for attendance? What happens if that expectation is not met?
- Will this coven be teaching classes or providing training? Is this teaching private among coven members? Or will you be required to participate in public ritual?
- Is the coven hidden? Will they be “out of the broom closet?” Do they have a social media presence? A website? Does this fit with your personal needs for privacy?
- Are there any special requirements for those who are interested in joining the coven? Age requirements? Payment of dues? Will you know the mundane names of the people involved?
- Where will you be meeting? Someone’s home? A public place? How often? Does this feel safe to you?
- Are there oathbound secrets? Does this group focus on a particular deity or pantheon?
- How do they celebrate the sabbats? How do they work with the esbats? Does this coven have a grimoire that is shared?
o know about joining a coven?