Home » Mind & Soul » Pagan Resources » Covens, do I need one?

Covens, do I need one?

© J. Rebecca Cougill

Covens, do I need one? This is a question often found being asked in chat rooms today, by someone who has just discovered paganism. It is a tricky question that is hard to answer. But, one that truly needs an answer before they can continue on with their journey into the path of paganism. First though for clarification let me say that Covens are considered by many to be strictly a Wiccan thing. That isn't completely true. There are those who refer to their groups as covens even though they do not follow Wicca. But, there are also temples; shrines and even camps out there that can be joined once you know which path you wish to travel.

Do you have to join one of these groups? No, for some people such as myself we are what is known as Solitary practitioners. There are enough of us to make the determination of who is pagan and who isn't very difficult. There are several questions you need to ask yourself before deciding if you want to join a coven.

1. Is there a group in my area I would feel comfortable with? Pagans do a lot of gut instinct types of work. You can find out if you think you would feel comfortable with a coven in a very easy fashion. Go over to http://www.witchvox.com. It is the biggest pagan listing service on the net today. Do a search for a Coven in your area. Once you find one or 20, check to see if they have a website, most will. Websites tell a lot about a coven. Look at how well put together it is. Have area's that need to be updated been updated recently? Do they have a list of activities they intend to participate in over the next few months? Do they offer a basic 101 course that would provide you with a way to get to know them without having to join? If they have pictures of members on their site do you think you would feel comfortable around the people in the images? If the website is well maintained, they have an introductory course and you don't feel uncomfortable looking around their site, then contact who ever is their contact person and ask for a brief get together. Talk to them and decide if you at least feel comfortable with the people you are meeting. They will have their own screening process for you, but you need to have your own as well. Though we are not happy about it there are a few groups out there that use Paganism as an excuse to do things they wouldn't do without the excuse. You cant always be sure you have found one of these groups until you've had a chance to get to know the people. That is why the introductory course is so important. You need to learn what it is they believe and teach. (Note: If it is a Wiccan Coven and they charge for more than the basic book fee to join their basic 101 course then do not even consider them. Wiccan's traditionally have a negative connection to taking money for anything associated with the craft. Those who practice otherwise are just asking for trouble and probably do not have your best interest at heart but the lining of their pockets. The degree to which this belief is followed varies from coven to coven but for the most part outside of the Church of Wicca is followed extensively at least within the area of teaching. I will not for this article get into my opinion of the Church of Wicca.)

The copyright of the article Covens, do I need one? in Pagan Resources is owned by . Permission to republish Covens, do I need one? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.