Finding a Coven

One of the most common things that I hear from the newly reborn pagan is that they are looking to find a Coven. I usually look at them and respond “Really? You’ve just found this path yet you’re already ready for Coven life? Amazing.” And, yes, my voice drips with sarcasm. Well, I only say that if I’ve heard it three or four times and the person just won’t shut up.

Here’s the thing, this newbie isn’t meaning any wrong, but they are horribly misguided. They’ve read a book that says the next logical step is to join a Coven. Damn the authours of those books. Coven life is something that is unique. It is a family. You are tying your life, soul, karma, whatever you want to call it to these other people’s for not only this life but for many more to come.

Also, don’t just try and join the first coven you see. Let’s say you have found this new and exciting path of paganism. You’ve voraciously read every book you could get your hands on and you have even worked up the nerve to go to a public ritual. Now, you see a group of people there and are told they are a coven. What should you do?

Well, if you have seen them and are interested by what you see you should go and talk to them. Most groups will chat with you for a bit. Try and strike up a conversation. But, remember, these people already have a Coven. They may not be as interested in talking to new people as new people are in talking to them. Do no be pushy, but don’t be standoffish either. Ask one or more of them out to coffee. Try and meet them in a social setting.

If after meeting more you like what you see of their personalities and their group dynamics you might enquire if they have a grove studies program of some sort. Many do have some sort of training. Some groups might just offer to take you into Coven. You should give that some serious consideration because these types of groups that offer something so sacred up so quickly often have a high turnover rate within the Coven.

The point of all this is that you need to see what type of people they are? Do you mesh on the important levels? Can you deal with the hierarchy that may exist within the Coven? Can you meet the commitments that would be expected of you within Coven? Spend a lot of time surveying the group. They will probably be doing the same with you. Also, feel free to ask about their credentials. Who trained them? How long have they been on this path? Some questions may not be answered and you have to see if you feel comfortable with that.

Main rule here… Use good judgment and go slow.