Local Covens.

[magicalfantasy]

I've been looking for a Public Coven around my area but

1. I don't know what to look for
2. I'm afraid that I wouldn't be let in because I'm so new at this.

Can anyone help me out?

[Philosophia]

Have you checked http://www.witchvox.com/xvn.html for local areas?
Its a good place to start...

[magicalfantasy]

Have you checked http://www.witchvox.com/xvn.html for local areas?
Its a good place to start...

Yes I did. But it wasn't very helpful. I didn't find any near me. And I can't drive yet.

[Philosophia]

Yes I did. But it wasn't very helpful. I didn't find any near me. And I can't drive yet.

Hav you tried searching for sites via google?

[Ben Gruagach]

Another way to find local groups is to check out stores that Pagans are likely to shop at (especially occult or new age stores, but also health food stores and alternative shops especially alternative bookstores) and either look for pamphlets or notices on their bulletin boards, or else ask the people who work there if they can suggest any.

[BohemianMare]

If you're not old enough to drive yet then you probably wouldn't be admitted into a coven unless they get your parent's written consent. But not to worry! There's so much to learn through books and hands on experience that you will keep plenty busy between now and when you're legal. :)

[Sage Rainsong]

You caould also search for some yahoo groups of pagans in your area and talk to them that way.

[Amythyst]

If the reason that you can't drive yet is because you are not old enough for a license, you may find that a coven will not allow minors to join without parental consent.

Why the hurry?

It might be a nice time in your life to slow down and do some solitary reading and studying...sometimes those pieces of knowledge that you find on your own are gems that will be with you for the rest of your life.

[Ben Gruagach]

If a particular religion is really the one you are meant to follow then it will still be the right one to follow when you become eighteen, or twenty-one, or thirty, or forty, or whatever. A spiritual path is first and foremost a personal, solitary thing -- learn what you can on your own because even when you do join a group, the real work will happen when you are on your own.

Look at the solitary time before you meet a group as a test. If you can learn on your own and become firm in your dedication to practice this religion on your own, then you'll be that much more sure about things when you do finally meet and join a group!

[Lunacie]

Some Pagan and Metaphysical or NewAge stores offer Wicca 101 classes, and that can be a good way to 'get your feet wet.' Many times Pagan groups meet at Unitarian Universalist Churches. If you have a UU church in your area, check with them to see if any groups meet there. Someone already mentioned Googling for Yahoo groups, you can also do a websearch for www.meetup.com (http://www.meetup.com) and look for Pagan groups there.

When you do find a group, or groups, and begin to get to know them (and they begin to get to know you), here's a webpage with info on how to tell if you've found a good group or a bunch of touble:
http://www.neopagan.net/ABCDEF.html

[magicalfantasy]

If the reason that you can't drive yet is because you are not old enough for a license, you may find that a coven will not allow minors to join without parental consent.

Ok. I never said that. I'm old enough. I just don't have my license. My parents haven't put me in driving school yet. They keep saying they will, but some money issue always seems to come up and they won't drive me everywhere (one of the reasons I can never get out of the house).

[Vigdisdotter]

Ok. I never said that. I'm old enough. I just don't have my license. My parents haven't put me in driving school yet.

So are you still a minor? If you are, then you'll probably not find any respectable covens willing to admit you even to the Outer Court. That was the point people were making to you.

[~Elise~]

most respectable covens will not teach a minor, even with parental permission. And just WHY do you think you have to join one?

Are you even aware of the commitment that is involved in joining a coven? It is a major, if not lifelong, commitment. A coven isn't something that you can just jump into or out of willy-nilly.

A coven is closer than family, you want to be VERY careful in approaching one. You have to make sure that your spiritual goals meet theirs, that their philosophy matches yours.

A coven is not necessary to your spirtual development, you can do it on your own. Try solitary for awhile first so you can define exactly what it is that you want, then try looking for a coven or even an open study group.

most times, you have to spend a year or more in grove studies before you're even initiated into a coven. So think about that very carefully before you go jump into something like that.

AND if there IS a coven that you take you in as a minor and will just let you jump in and join, BE VERY CAUTIOUS. Just because they are pagan doesn't mean that they have YOUR best interests at heart. There are some very not nice people out there using religion as a way to take advantage of the unsuspecting, esp. when it involves sex and/or power.

JMO however,

Elise

[Amythyst]

Ok. I never said that. I'm old enough. I just don't have my license. My parents haven't put me in driving school yet. They keep saying they will, but some money issue always seems to come up and they won't drive me everywhere (one of the reasons I can never get out of the house).


If you're not 18-- you're a minor. If you're 18, it is your decision whether or not you want to join a coven. Simple as that.

[Amythyst]

most respectable covens will not teach a minor, even with parental permission. And just WHY do you think you have to join one?

Are you even aware of the commitment that is involved in joining a coven? It is a major, if not lifelong, commitment. A coven isn't something that you can just jump into or out of willy-nilly.

A coven is closer than family, you want to be VERY careful in approaching one. You have to make sure that your spiritual goals meet theirs, that their philosophy matches yours.

A coven is not necessary to your spirtual development, you can do it on your own. Try solitary for awhile first so you can define exactly what it is that you want, then try looking for a coven or even an open study group.

most times, you have to spend a year or more in grove studies before you're even initiated into a coven. So think about that very carefully before you go jump into something like that.

AND if there IS a coven that you take you in as a minor and will just let you jump in and join, BE VERY CAUTIOUS. Just because they are pagan doesn't mean that they have YOUR best interests at heart. There are some very not nice people out there using religion as a way to take advantage of the unsuspecting, esp. when it involves sex and/or power.

JMO however,

Elise

Very well said, Pearls59! This is the same thing I would tell my own children.

[Becoming]

:bumpsmili

[Nitefalle]

And hey - if all else fails and nothing is in your area, you can always start your own!!! Try putting up a notice somewhere about wanting to start a study group with like minded people. That way, you're still learning with others, but it's not such a strict setting and you can follow what interests you, together. It's a great way to get people of all walks and experience levels together for a common goal.