JOINING A COVEN
This, in my opinion, is a touchy business. I personally think Coven work is wonderful for many reasons. Such as you have people that understand you, what you do, and what you believe in. You are around people of your own kind so to speak. However, in wicca as all religions, there are those that will exploit you for your beliefs and gullibility. You must research any potential group you join. For any of you cyber geeks ( used playfully ), it's kind of like meeting a chat partner in real life. You know what they are like on line, but not in real life. They could have been misleading you, and there is always a potential danger in meeting strangers for the first time.
I can't stress enough, first meetings of any kind should be in a public place, and bring a friend if possible ( if nothing else than to watch from a distance ). Be cautious, and try to find out about the group beforehand.
This is a good point to add in some checklists I found. They are taken from the Wicca 101 course, very good reading.
CHECKLIST FOR A WELL- WORKING GROUP
Some good places to start looking for groups is on websites such as Witchvox, and local pamphlets. For example in CT there is magazine called the Door Opener which contains store listings, study groups, covens, etc. Just keep a clear head and think for yourself. If you are asked to have sex with the High Priest, or Priestess as part of an initiation, ask yourself if that's what you really want. A Coven is more than a religious group, it can become family, and everyone can become quite close. I'm not saying that sex in religion is bad, because it's been going on for centuries. Just do what's right for you. If you ask that that part be left out of an initiation, or ceremony, then they should accept that, if not, I'd be looking at their motives. No self- respecting witch is going to force something like that upon you. Remember the Rede.... An it harm none... If nothing else that part of the ceremony can be done behind closed doors between consenting adults.
Also remember, just because they are a Coven doesn't make them right. No one holds the answer to TRUTH, or the RIGHT PATH to the God and Goddess. We are all on our own paths, sometimes they just happen to coincide. Being a self dedicated witch, or creating your own coven doesn't make you path less true, you will just have other difficulties to overcome (especially in creating your own coven).
One last note on the bad points of a coven, group interaction is the key. As you are testing out the waters for the group you may potentially join, they are also checking out you. Everyone in a Coven must work together in harmony. You must fit the group as much as the group must suit you.
The good points of a Coven outweigh the bad points in my opinion. The Magick work and camaraderie, are wonderful. Celebrating the Sabbats in a group is even better. I'd really like to say more on the good points but what more is there??? Once the group mind is set the power raised can be staggering. Rituals become like small plays acting out the roles of the God and Goddess in our sacred rites. Participation just brings so much more beauty and power to our worship.
Mobius
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