| Solitaire vs. Coven Life |
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| Solitaire Life |
| Coven Life |
| The life of a solitaire practioner has many rewards. You determine how fast you will progress in your studies, no trying to play catch up with a groups level. The tradition(s) that you follow your studies are decided by you. Ritual format, every aspect you design. Which tools, dress,spells?You are the High Priestess/High Priest, the energy flow of the ritual(circle casting, spell working) you are responsible for. Unlike with a coven(or group gathering) you do not have the support of others if something goes wrong during ritual. You are your own. You can join other solitaire groups, for a support system & holidays. You are not alone in the pagan community(sometimes it may feel like it), however you have the choice to be when you wish too! |
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| Unlike the life of a solitaire, coven life is much more structured. First you need to know what to look for in a good coven: 1) You should be seeking them out, not the other way around. A good coven will not campaign for members. Be cautious if they do. 2) Learn their magickal lineage, where do they traditions come from, who taught them their magickal pratices. If you ask a coven, about it's lineage( or of it's leaders) and they have no clue of what you are talking about or are unwilling to share that with you, this is a red flag. This coven is questionable. 3) Determine which tradition that you wish to follow. Gardnerian, Dianic, Eclectic, etc. 4) Ask questions, no coven leader will be upset. Ask what are the policies of this coven. Are there dues, how often a month do they meet, what tools or clothing do they wear. Be aware, alot of covens will work skyclad (nude). If you are not comfortable with this, it's not the coven for you. Some will be for women only. You need to know what you are getting yourself into. 5) Do they follow a degree system, most will. You will start as a dedicate(1yr. & a day of learning about the coven, as well as, they are seeing if you can blend well with the group). After that time, you are either initated into the coven or not. Initation, you go through another year & a day to earn your 1st degree. Some covens have 3 or 4 degree levels. Note about covens: It does not matter how many years of study you may have, depending on their traditions, you start from scratch. Also, if you join another tradition or coven , you will have to start from the beginning in that new coven. Even if you have a 3rd degree witch level in a coven. |
| Magickal Lineage This is like your families lineage but for magick. Every witch has one, either they were taught by books or other witches. They have a line. This gives you an idea of the level of study that they have followed, also some validity to their magickal involvement. |
| Magickal Teachers The same rules apply to finding a teacher. There are many good teachers out there willing to have a dedicated student. On the other hand, there are alot of people who would chose to take advantage of innocent students. Remember, 1) Ask question: a) Is there a charge for their services b) Magickal Lineage c) How many times do you meet 2) Policies, find out up front what duties you are to perform. Many will have you do community service or give to charitable organizations. 3) Under no circumstances should sexual favors of any kind be acceptable. This is not proper behavior for a teacher. Guestbook Sister Site |