I myself have never been part of a coven, and most of that has to do with a lack of community around me. Another reason that is personal to me is the fact that I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and a mild form of OCD. This plays a large role in my interactions with other people “in the real world” and tends to keep me away from larger crowds.
I do want to experience a coven in theory, mainly for the community it brings. However, I don’t have defined “rules” for my practice. Most covens are tradition-based and, since I don’t follow a specific tradition, it would be difficult for me to feel a sense of belonging.
Let me hear your thoughts!
Have you ever been in a coven?
Do you want to be in a coven? Why, or why not?
When I was about 10 years old, my mother was in a Brazilian spiritist coven. I attended a few initiation classes and was the youngest member they had ever had. I was really eager to learn.
After a year or so, my mom decided to leave that group. What I remember her saying was that the inner circle spent most of their time deciding who should become the next member instead of doing anything of spiritual value.
As a teenager, I attended a Logosophical school which itself is not a religion so it wasn’t really a coven. But I learned to think with entire freedom without accepting dogmatic practices, and that’s what helped me define my path as a solitary and avoid organized religion.
After moving to Oregon, I went to a few celebrations led by a local coven, but honestly it just felt like any regular gathering with my Pagan friends where we light a bonfire and make music, so today I consider my coven to be my friends when we meet.
As for learning new stuff, I think reading and finding local classes are the best options. For those who want to learn more about Wiccan covens, here’s a video that sums up what to expect:
That sounds lovely, actually. When I was 10, my family was very into Christ so naturally, so was I. I honestly liked the community it had to offer, but the religion wasn’t for me. I think that’s what I miss most about any other religion is not the religious aspect itself, but the in-person community it has to offer. Here where I am now, there isn’t much of a pagan community. I have made a new friend by wearing my pentacle at Walmart, though, and she says hi to me every time I’m there and she’s working. So, it’s the trade-offs I suppose.
and make music, so today I consider my coven to be my friends when we meet.