starting your own group/coven?

[LadyCelt]

I was wondering if anyone here has ever started their own gorup or coven? And, if so, what was it like?


I do not know if there will be a gorup started with me and a few girls I met at school this semester. I feel an immediate bond and a feeling it may happen. One girl has been practicing wicca for one year and her significant other has for over a decade. The other follows paganism and does reiki. another girl, who they do not know, is in another class and into wicca. We may just hang out as friends, but I could see this in the future. I'm not thinking about going about this right away, and doubt if I will initiate it at all. But, I a interested in teh possibility.

[Mouse]

I've started circles before (small groups of witches that practice together, informal covens).

It was fun and a chalange, but I wound up doing most of the work, and paying for everything. A lot goes into these things, and it's hard if your the one taking the load for whatever reason, although I didn't really mind because i had the time and resourses that the others didnt have.
I found that I ended up writing all the rituals and teaching the others because although I hadn't been doing it as long, I was more dedicated, learned quicker and was just more willing to put in the time and effort.

I'd sugest finding out just how much it matters to each individual person first, as well as taking into consideration how everyone's families might react. regular gatherings can be difficult to arrange, especially when parents dont approve or just wont give permission if it is too frequent.

But, having people who you can be fully comfortable with, out-weighs almost anything else. Lonelyness can become a big thing to isolated witches, becasue in may ways we are very different, and tend to hide who we really are. The support and understanding you get from being part of a group is very valuable, in my opinion.

Best wishes.
~mouse

[juliaki]

Starting a study group or a group that gets together for rituals can be a lovely learning experience (both through joys and challenges). On the other hand, I would not recommend someone opting to start a coven without receiving a lot of training ahead of time--and not just in ritual aspects, but in everything from legal issues to public relations to counseling and so on. A coven takes a tremendous amount of time and effort, and the minute that label is put on a group of people, the gods take it seriously and treat the members (and especially the leadership) as if they've had the kind of prep that folks in "standard" coven settings have received. Not a year goes by that I don't get several horror stories about people who decided to start their own coven, only to have it go hideously, horribly wrong.

[KEishin]

Go find yourself a copy of Amber K's Coven Craft. That will give you some good, realistic, practical advise about starting and running a group.

You may find that an informal study group would be best if all of you are still learning the basics. Running a group is a full-time endeavor, and trying to train while doing so is just silly.

Good luck with it all!

[LadyCelt]

I'm definately not thinking right away but in a few years. I would have to learn more first. But, I was thinking maybe not an official coven but studying things together and doing things for the sabbats etc.

And, it would be hard with us all being in college right now too. I do see it as a possibility in the future.


Thanks for the book suggestion.

[Astara Seague]

you could always start with a learning circle enviroment, learn all you can and keep learning, then move ahead from there, that is kind of what I did, but it is alot of work and if you are in charge that is a Very Big calling, from expense to meeting places, I suggest potlucks or assignned food if you plan to feast, same with snaks have everyone take turns , and everyone has to have the basic supplies already .. also the part I found hard was keeping the excitement so to say up... so definatly think very seriously:chatty: about it..

[SkySilver]

I think that it's cool that you've found so many people who are into these things. If you do start one, good luck. :)

[equinox2]

Hi LadyCelt!


That can be fun! Be sure to always distribute work evenly, otherwise people get burned out. Also, take advantage of resources available. For instance, you seem to be describing a more eclectice pagan group, like a CUUPS group (www.cuups.org). You might want to meet at the local UU church - and people there can help with ritual space, etc. Here are some UU church near you:

http://www.uua.org/CONG/results.php?s_method=zip&zip=48309&radius=50&submit=GO%21

There appears to be a CUUPS group at the southfield UU. Or check witchvox for local resources and advice.

Whatever you do, just simple meetings and rituals for the 8 Sabbats and full moon ceremonies can be very fulfilling spiritually.

May the stars light you path-

[Mithrea]

Kate West's The Real Witches Coven (don't get your roos in a bunch, her whole series is "real that, real this," etc.) is an excellent resource. You get the pros and the cons in healthy, realistic doses. I have found her to be right by most accounts.

I found it ridiculously difficult to organize a group and finally gave it up. :)