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The Structure and Training of a Coven

© Christy Huelsenbeck

Now that you have begun your own coven, where do you go from here? Being a coven leader is not an easy job, especially without a long line of teachers behind you. But you are in the position of leadership and you must make the best of it.

The first thing you will need to do if develop a study course for the group. Training is very important to members. Most people are not born into this religion, and must learn it as they get older. Below you will find a recommended structure and training process for an established coven. You can use the information as a guideline for what your beginning group members and yourself should know before initiation. It can then be applied to each new person that wishes to join your group.

STRUCTURE

Structure is another term we use for hierarchy. The coven utilizes the three degree system. Upon beginning training, the term apprentice is given to the seeker.

During the training period the apprentice will attend classes and circles which will apply the information which is being given. Assignments will be given during the classes and turned in within a specified time. The amount of time for apprenticeship will vary and is determined by the Priestess and Priest.

Upon initiation into the coven the title and rank of first degree witch is given. The first degree is considered a priest/ess upon initiation. There is a further training period for the first degree to be specified by the Priestess and Priest, before elevation to the second degree.

Upon elevation to the second degree the title and rank shall be second degree High Priest/ess. A second degree witch of the coven may be chosen to serve on the Counsel of Elders. There is a continuation of training before elevation to the third degree.

Upon elevation to the third degree the title and rank shall be third degree with and depending on the sex of the initiate Magus for a man and Witch Queen for a female. A third degree witch of the coven may be chosen to serve on the Counsel of Elders.

TRAINING

Training of the various levels shall include by not be limited to ritual styles, magick, philosophy and miscellaneous items pertaining to our tradition. But our tradition is not the only path, and we therefore encourage continuos study of all forms of spiritual awareness.

The training each initiate receives will come from several sources. Each person is encouraged to be an active participant in the learning process. A teacher plants the seeds of knowledge, it is up to the student to tend and cultivate those seeds.

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