Covens?

[littlepsychic]

Hey guys,
I've been practicing wicca alone now for about 4 years and am kind of curious about covens! How do you go about finding local covens? Are there online covens? What do covens do and how do they work?

Thanks for your help it's much appreciated .

[AdastraJunction]

Do a search on Witchvox.com you should be able to find groups in your area. Personally I've never been in a coven nor have I had any desire to be, so I couldn't tell you much about them and how they work but I have gone to a few meet-ups locally.

[Xiao Rong]

Yes, Witchvox is the best place to find a coven (that's how I found mine!). The listings on Witchvox should have directions on how to contact them.

Covens vary quite a lot in structure, size, and purpose. My coven originated as a book club, although sometime last year they decided to refocus and be a little more coven-like, although we still don't have any organization/hierarchy. Mine is quite laidback and relaxed, which is nice and suits me well, but we still have trouble pulling off rituals or other spells. So mostly we wind up discussing books, talking with each other and sharing about our lives, celebrating the Sabbats, and snacking. There are many other covens that are much more organized than mine, and some put on some big public celebrations and rituals for anyone who wants to attend. Others might have degrees, initiations, and a lot of teaching and learning. The best thing to do is to contact any local covens you're interested in and ask the leader/designated contactperson what the coven does, how big it is, if it's family-friendly, etc.; then, try going to a few of their meetings and see how you like it.

Online covens ... the concept has been batted around a lot (including here on this forum). I'm not sure how they work exactly, and I have never seen or found a functioning online coven ... Not to say that they can't work, but I'm still a little fuzzy on the subject.

[Echo_of_shadows]

Have your checked your local library for coven centric witchcraft books? While books aren't going to be as good as getting to know an actual coven, you'll at least get your toes wet if you're curious but can't find a group in your area to contact. "Coven Craft: Witchcraft for Three or More" by Amber K is rather good. It's more for help in creating and running a coven, but is helpful if you're looking to see what goes on on the inside.
If there is a metaphysical shop in your area, try getting to know the workers there and the regular costumers and you might get pointed in the direction of a local coven or other group.
Some of the basic coven functions are for members to get together and study, to celebrate the sabbats and esbats, and/or to raise energy together for magickal workings.
Here are a couple links that might be helpful:
http://everythingunderthemoon.net/forum ... 27774.html
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/familya ... Living.htm
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/howtofi ... stings.htm

[littlepsychic]

Thanks everyone for the great responses I'll be checking all of these things out!

[Firebird]

Hi littlepsychic, why don't you make an intro so we can get to know you better

Some areas have a higher concentration of groups than others.
And the above information is good for resources.
Being in a coven is very much like a family, because so much is shared and it's all about learning new magic techniques and raising energy together among other things.
Good luck!
FF

[AnaisStar]

Ive seen groups (essentially covens) post on meetup.com so Id check there as well.

[littlepsychic]

Hi littlepsychic, why don't you make an intro so we can get to know you better

Some areas have a higher concentration of groups than others.
And the above information is good for resources.
Being in a coven is very much like a family, because so much is shared and it's all about learning new magic techniques and raising energy together among other things.
Good luck!
FF

I will be sure to make one!
This sounds lovely, thanks for your help .

[littlepsychic]

Ive seen groups (essentially covens) post on meetup.com so Id check there as well.

Thank you! I just checked there and there isn't one yet, but maybe in the future there will be . It seems like there are quite a few on there for different cities!