What is the best way to start a coven?

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Permalink Reply by brentster on November 5, 2009 at 11:45am

place an ad in the paper written in Runes.... at least then you know only those with some education to the context of the group will respond.

Think of it as two groups...... one that is open and public used for celebrations and holiday festivals of the craft or practice..... (include as many groups as you can and have it be a fun opportunity)

from them... see who it is that is interested in going further with learning and mingling energies for a directed purpose, and feel that they have the time and will to commit to a magic(k)al or "Working" group this will follow as your coven group.

If you're working from stangers... or people uncommon to you... respect what they have accomplished in their solitary or other personal experience and yet weigh everyone in the group equally and share the burdens of your ritual practice.

(there are likely other suggestions I could make that aid to the success and failures of groups of this nature..... if it is within your will to question I'd make an effort to share my perspectives with you)

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Permalink Reply by Robert Chapman on November 5, 2009 at 12:31pm

I wish you luck, I really do. It's so extremely difficult to organize anything these days because everyone is the high priest of their own religion anymore. I guess you could post a listing on witchvox, not that that ever does anyone any good. lol

If you have a local magickal shop, that's a good place to advertise. Maybe the shop owner would let you guys meet up in the store. That's an easier way to meet people.

I will also say be careful who you let in your house and dont give out too much stuff to anyone until they prove they are committed to the group. It's a tough task you are undertaking, but if you can make it work, then yay for you. Good luck my friend. ;p

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Permalink Reply by Thorswolf on November 5, 2009 at 1:05pm

Good advice Robert, The closest magickal shop is about 35 miles from here, and i live in the Bible belt {uggh}. I could try witchvox, but im not sure just what kind of coven i want yet. im thinking about a sex magick coven, but i dont know if it would get off the ground around here. everyone is so uptight and proper in the charlotte area. I dont plan on inviting anyone to my house until we have met somewhere else and are good friends. so theres no worries about that. I just dont understand why its so hard. Although there arent any covens in the charlotte area im aware of. lots of groups that meet or online groups, but no working covens.

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Permalink Reply by TwilightEmerges - the Non Pagan on November 5, 2009 at 1:25pm

First, ask yourself whether you're ready for a coven [in general, are you ready to discuss and respect other people's opinions?]. Then ask yourself whether or not your qualified to lead or teach within a coven.

I feel this is more important than actually starting a coven.

Also, the other thing, don't assume that because people are young [or old] that they are inexperienced [or experienced]. This is the worst assumption and makes for awkward meetings.

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Permalink Reply by Araelus the Stormwolf on November 5, 2009 at 1:32pm

I'd avoid placing an add in the local Church newsletter ;)

Also avoid an add for 'Religions group needs virgin sacrifice.' (No one ever turns up for that, especially no virgins.)

And then there's 'Occult study group meets after dark every full moon.' (This could attract weirdos.)

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Permalink Reply by Thorswolf on November 5, 2009 at 2:01pm

LOl, i guess a bulletin in the local church paper saying" sacrifices needed " wouldnt go to well huh? Im not actually experienced enough to lead a coven, although i have some experience with a heathen group. I understand its not the same, but i am wanting to expand my learning experiences into the wiccan side of the path.

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Permalink Reply by Rhiannonfirewitch on November 5, 2009 at 2:17pm

Also avoid an add for 'Religions group needs virgin sacrifice.' (No one ever turns up for that, especially no virgins.)

LOL. They are so hard to find these days. ;)

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Permalink Reply by Sara on November 5, 2009 at 2:45pm

Well 1st ask what kind of group do you want to form (teaching coven, friend coven, whatever coven), what tradition/s you're willing to accept, age group, and other demographics... and then maybe put out a call in apporiate places (colleges if you're looking for that age group, witchvox, here in your regional group whatever, local pagan shops). You can also let the owners of pagan shops know you're looking to start a group, they may know someone who's looking for one.


Then the rest is social, meeting people, hanging out, getting to know one another... If you're leading you may want to set up covenish activities to help jell everyone (energy workshops, 101 stuff if people aren't up to speed). There are a few books out there on the subject (Starhawk has one), but I'm too tired to look them up at the moment.

Also, you may want to construct a coven-call ritual, kinda let a psychic call out to the folks who may be a good match for you.

Other things to consider: where you will meet, and how large you want the group to be.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Silver Tree on November 5, 2009 at 3:32pm

Try putting together a "meet up" in a pagan tolerant place that is accessible to the public (book store, pagan shop, a diner). I don't recommend having anyone to your residence that you don't yet know. Keep your home and its location secret in the beginning. Be open minded and always skeptical. Keep your BS meter on. Start small. You don't have to accept everyone who may show up at a meeting into your coven.

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