Perhaps you have just learned about Wicca and want the experience found in a group, or perhaps you have been practicing as a solitary and feel the need for some company. Belonging to a coven can be a wonderful experience, or it can be a terrible mistake. Before you go looking for a group to join, you should do some careful thinking about just what kind of group you would feel comfortable with. Here are some things you might want to consider:

What kind of tradition or flavour of Wicca appeals to you? This may involve some careful reading and research on your part to find out how the traditions differ. Are you into a more set ritual structure with a hierarchical flavour, if so, one of the Gardnerian or Alexandrian groups might fit your needs. If you are more laid back and don’t want a group with a rigid degree system, then some of the more eclectic groups might appeal to you. Would you prefer to be in women-only group, then perhaps a Dianic tradition would be better.

What is your feeling about being naked in front of others, even others of the opposite sex? Many, if not most, Gardnerian groups and some others practice “skyclad”. If this makes you uncomfortable, this might not be a good choice.

There are some groups which practice a symbolic Great Rite (representative of the sexual union of the God and Goddess which brings fertility to the Earth), while others practice an actual great rite with sexual relations between the Priest and Priestess. The actual rite may be done apart from the circle or in the circle itself. Some traditions require the Great Rite between student and initiator as part of the initiation process. How do you feel about this?

Do you prefer a small group of like-minded people in someone’s living room, or are your happy to be part of a larger group that is more open and may even hold public rituals?

So now you have found a group that you think might be the ticket for you. Here are some more questions to ask before you decide to join.

When does the group hold rituals? Some covens gather on the specific night of the full moon or holiday, while others acknowledge the concerns of the mundane world by holding celebrations on the weekend closest to the event. How does your work or school schedule match up? If work keeps you from going to ritual, or ritual makes you too sleepy to go to work the next day, you may as well look for another group.

What is the group’s feeling on the use of mind-altering substances, be it alcohol or other, perhaps illegal, drugs? Are they used in circle? Do you have the right to refuse to use them without pressure from the rest of the group? If they are used in circle, could being present when they are used jeopardize your job?

How do the members of the group treat each other outside of circle? Is the group simply a Go-To-Sabbat bunch of folks who go their own way during the rest of the week? Or are they friends outside of circle who are always available to each other in times of need? Ideally, a coven should function as a clan or extended family.

What is the position of the High Priest/ess in relationship to the rest of the circle? Are they the kind of leader who dictates to everyone what they will do and how they will act? Do they play favourites? Or do they listen to the concerns of others in the group and treat all fairly? Are they someone who is respected for their knowledge and spirituality, but equal with the others in the sight of the Gods? Remember that one of the signs of a cult is the all-powerful, all-knowing leader.

Does the High Priest/High Priestess have enough knowledge of what it is that they are doing to facilitate the functions of the group and to safely lead a magical working? If the rest of the group is just learning, it is very helpful to have at least one fully trained individual to show the way.

Do you feel welcome and safe in the group? When you stand in circle you bear with you the passwords, Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. If you cannot feel that way about those around you, especially in circle, you will eventually be unhappy if you stay with this group.

Being part of a close-knit coven can be a marvellous experience, but it can also be a disaster.

Remember, there is nothing wrong with solitary practice! It is far better to continue as a solitary than to join a group which does not help you advance along your spiritual path.