Invited.

[Becoming]

So, I have been invited to join a fledgling coven. At first I was excited and honered about the prospect. After some thought, though, I decided because of being the solitary I am and because of time restraints, I could not really be a highly functioning member of the group. So I explained (in an e-mail) in length that my path is a solitary one, but would be honored if I could meet with them for non Esbat/Sabbat rituals occasionally. Is this unheard of? I have just sent the e-mail, so I have not heard back yet from the HPS that invited me. I hope my response was not insulting, as I have no intention of it being so. There is also a group of people who are connected with this coven that meets as a study group( most members of which are mostly new at this path and are solitary), and I expressed that heading discussion of this group would be more of my thing, as I do have wonderful ideas on how to celebrate the wheel of the year and would love to share my ideas with others.

So, my questions are...

Could turning down this offer be constued as insulting? and is it unusual to have occasional 'guests' at rituals? I do get along swell with these folks, and I really don't believe they will find my response insulting; I just wondered it it could be.

[Willow Rosette]

I think they should see it for what it is. You dont want to commit yourself to something that you might later not be able to do. They should see it as honesty and respect that. I am for the most part solitary, but there is a coven here in my area that does occasionally do "Open Rituals" and whenever they open one up we head up there and participate. Good luck!

[Windsmith]

I agree with Visha'sMommy. Better that you're honest - with them and with yourself - about your time constraints and say, "Thank you, but no," than that you committ yourself to an agreement you can't uphold.

[Shadow Angel]

As a High Priestess, myself, I would rather know that someone is not interested than not know, and find out later.
I think you did the right thing.