Comments on: Coven Or Solitary? http://sitarahaye.com/2009/08/27/coven-or-solitary/ A Witch's Word -- Spiritual Writings For The Modern Witch Sat, 17 Apr 2010 03:27:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Heartsong http://sitarahaye.com/2009/08/27/coven-or-solitary/comment-page-1/#comment-1309 Heartsong Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:44:36 +0000 http://sitarahaye.com/?p=1547#comment-1309 Colin, what you describe is very similar to the group I work with. Within our group are Wiccans, Druids, and a number of unnamed paths, with satellite participants who are interesting eclectic blends of Native American, Buddhist, and Druid. My husband and I are the Wiccans, and even we don't share identical beliefs. Yet the group comes together to share Sabbats, occasional Esbats (we keep talking about doing more but...), and mutual support and encouragement. We share knowledge, discuss differences, find common ground, ask a lot of questions, and generally thrive in each other's company. It works for us. The reason, I believe, that it works is that we share similar a similar ethical foundation, one that includes absolute respect for the right of each person to hold and follow their own path. We have enough in common that ritual, usually in a Wiccan format, is easily shared by all. And we all pursue our studies in our own ways, some with teachers, some completely on their own, using our group as an discussion forum, sounding board, and resource. Colin, what you describe is very similar to the group I work with. Within our group are Wiccans, Druids, and a number of unnamed paths, with satellite participants who are interesting eclectic blends of Native American, Buddhist, and Druid. My husband and I are the Wiccans, and even we don’t share identical beliefs. Yet the group comes together to share Sabbats, occasional Esbats (we keep talking about doing more but…), and mutual support and encouragement. We share knowledge, discuss differences, find common ground, ask a lot of questions, and generally thrive in each other’s company. It works for us.

The reason, I believe, that it works is that we share similar a similar ethical foundation, one that includes absolute respect for the right of each person to hold and follow their own path. We have enough in common that ritual, usually in a Wiccan format, is easily shared by all. And we all pursue our studies in our own ways, some with teachers, some completely on their own, using our group as an discussion forum, sounding board, and resource.

]]> By: Sitara Haye http://sitarahaye.com/2009/08/27/coven-or-solitary/comment-page-1/#comment-1204 Sitara Haye Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:42:07 +0000 http://sitarahaye.com/?p=1547#comment-1204 I've been thinking about that for a while now, and I'm working on formulating a word for it. OldeForest Tradition has a unique way of dealing with this situation, but it's too involved to type out in a comment. When we get the OldeForest site launched this fall, I'll direct you over to it so you can read how we handle the dilemma (which means, for us anyway, it's not a dilemma). I’ve been thinking about that for a while now, and I’m working on formulating a word for it. OldeForest Tradition has a unique way of dealing with this situation, but it’s too involved to type out in a comment. When we get the OldeForest site launched this fall, I’ll direct you over to it so you can read how we handle the dilemma (which means, for us anyway, it’s not a dilemma).

]]> By: Colin Bondi http://sitarahaye.com/2009/08/27/coven-or-solitary/comment-page-1/#comment-1166 Colin Bondi Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:07:48 +0000 http://sitarahaye.com/?p=1547#comment-1166 PS - its also interesting for me because I am taking an intensive year long course leading to initiation but my teacher is a solitary who was initiated in the past but isn't part of a coven now. It seems the permutations on this are endless... :) PS – its also interesting for me because I am taking an intensive year long course leading to initiation but my teacher is a solitary who was initiated in the past but isn’t part of a coven now. It seems the permutations on this are endless… :)

]]> By: Colin Bondi http://sitarahaye.com/2009/08/27/coven-or-solitary/comment-page-1/#comment-1165 Colin Bondi Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:05:15 +0000 http://sitarahaye.com/?p=1547#comment-1165 Great article and I think it reflects the ongoing question on the spiritual path of what degree our practice is shared or done in some kind of group setting. In my area anyway I'm seeing what looks to me like something of a hybrid, covens of solitaries. Maybe you wouldn't consider these true covens but there seems to be bonds between people but they consider themselves solitaries who come together to socialize, celebrate Sabbats and Esbats and work other forms of ritual and magic. However they don't consider themselves a tradition or even share the same practices, Gods or beliefs. Rather they agree on these things on a ritual by ritual or gathering by gathering basis. I'm curious if you have any thoughts on what might be in the middle between being a solitary and a traditional coven member. peace colin Great article and I think it reflects the ongoing question on the spiritual path of what degree our practice is shared or done in some kind of group setting. In my area anyway I’m seeing what looks to me like something of a hybrid, covens of solitaries. Maybe you wouldn’t consider these true covens but there seems to be bonds between people but they consider themselves solitaries who come together to socialize, celebrate Sabbats and Esbats and work other forms of ritual and magic. However they don’t consider themselves a tradition or even share the same practices, Gods or beliefs. Rather they agree on these things on a ritual by ritual or gathering by gathering basis. I’m curious if you have any thoughts on what might be in the middle between being a solitary and a traditional coven member.
peace
colin

]]> By: Sitara Haye http://sitarahaye.com/2009/08/27/coven-or-solitary/comment-page-1/#comment-1139 Sitara Haye Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:50:25 +0000 http://sitarahaye.com/?p=1547#comment-1139 I had some good responses to the post so, yes, I went ahead and cleaned it up and shipped it off to Witchvox. :-) We'll see what they do with it and how much flak it gets me. Wheee! I had some good responses to the post so, yes, I went ahead and cleaned it up and shipped it off to Witchvox. :-) We’ll see what they do with it and how much flak it gets me. Wheee!

]]> By: Winter MoonWolf http://sitarahaye.com/2009/08/27/coven-or-solitary/comment-page-1/#comment-1125 Winter MoonWolf Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:41:38 +0000 http://sitarahaye.com/?p=1547#comment-1125 I hope you will consider submitting this article to Witchvox, if you haven't done so. It is another of those writings that really hits the spot, and I think will speak to a lot of people. Like the article that first attracted me to this site, it helps to shed light on, and bring CLARIFICATION to, a cloudy issue. It also demonstrates, by your evident grasp of human needs, shortcomings, aspirations, inclinations, and real-world pitfalls, that the Wiccan path at its best is a very substantive one, and needs apologize to no one or take a back seat to anything. Frankly, without previously knowing anything (or very little) about Wicca, I underestimated the quality of life-training (opportunities for spiritual growth) contained therein. It is articles such as this one which are educating me to the contrary. I personally feel the need for a coven & desire one, because it is how I feel I can best grow, and how I can become, hopefully, useful to others. I have been alone in my walk, as varied as it has been, for many years. It is the discipline, the accountability, the group interaction, the "standing in the light," that will make a better person out of me. As you said (in so many words), desiring to be in a coven does not mean that one ought to leap before looking at any coven that happens to be in the neighborhood. Really good covens are perhaps very few & far between. And if you find one, you still have to fit into that group. The whole process of the search, the personal work in the meantime, the tentative discovery, the step-by-step induction, even the set-backs when things don't work out....all of these can be tremendous growth opportunities & experiences. I hope you will consider submitting this article to Witchvox, if you haven’t done so. It is another of those writings that really hits the spot, and I think will speak to a lot of people. Like the article that first attracted me to this site, it helps to shed light on, and bring CLARIFICATION to, a cloudy issue. It also demonstrates, by your evident grasp of human needs, shortcomings, aspirations, inclinations, and real-world pitfalls, that the Wiccan path at its best is a very substantive one, and needs apologize to no one or take a back seat to anything. Frankly, without previously knowing anything (or very little) about Wicca, I underestimated the quality of life-training (opportunities for spiritual growth) contained therein. It is articles such as this one which are educating me to the contrary.

I personally feel the need for a coven & desire one, because it is how I feel I can best grow, and how I can become, hopefully, useful to others. I have been alone in my walk, as varied as it has been, for many years. It is the discipline, the accountability, the group interaction, the “standing in the light,” that will make a better person out of me.

As you said (in so many words), desiring to be in a coven does not mean that one ought to leap before looking at any coven that happens to be in the neighborhood. Really good covens are perhaps very few & far between. And if you find one, you still have to fit into that group. The whole process of the search, the personal work in the meantime, the tentative discovery, the step-by-step induction, even the set-backs when things don’t work out….all of these can be tremendous growth opportunities & experiences.

]]> By: Sitara Haye http://sitarahaye.com/2009/08/27/coven-or-solitary/comment-page-1/#comment-1114 Sitara Haye Fri, 28 Aug 2009 04:19:29 +0000 http://sitarahaye.com/?p=1547#comment-1114 That can be both very frustrating and a very huge gift -- given skills to keep from blowing yourself up, but then the freedom to practice. At the same time, when you long for more connection, more training, only to be told you can't HAVE more... argh. Boy, I've been there, too. But remember you are never STUCK as long as you keep striving. The internet has made it a LOT easier for people to keep going if they find good connections. I believe that the Goddess will bring you to a group, one way or another. That which you Desire, you manifest, more often than not. Just be sure that along with the desire for finding a group, you maintain the adjectives describing the KIND of group you want. You really don't want just ANY group... you want a group where you can grow and enjoy this Path. :-) That can be both very frustrating and a very huge gift — given skills to keep from blowing yourself up, but then the freedom to practice. At the same time, when you long for more connection, more training, only to be told you can’t HAVE more… argh. Boy, I’ve been there, too.

But remember you are never STUCK as long as you keep striving. The internet has made it a LOT easier for people to keep going if they find good connections. I believe that the Goddess will bring you to a group, one way or another. That which you Desire, you manifest, more often than not. Just be sure that along with the desire for finding a group, you maintain the adjectives describing the KIND of group you want. You really don’t want just ANY group… you want a group where you can grow and enjoy this Path. :-)

]]> By: Sitara Haye http://sitarahaye.com/2009/08/27/coven-or-solitary/comment-page-1/#comment-1112 Sitara Haye Fri, 28 Aug 2009 04:14:26 +0000 http://sitarahaye.com/?p=1547#comment-1112 I'm glad that you feel like you're growing by reading and sharing and interacting with the folks here. It's difficult feeling discouraged when you want so much to thrive on a path that means something to you. I hope that you'll continue to find this site and the comments made here by others a source of inspiration, thought, happiness, and spiritual growth -- and never for a moment don't think we're not learning from you, too! Because we are! As for thanks and blessings, I believe I speak for everyone in saying we all feel pretty blessed to have found each other. :-) I’m glad that you feel like you’re growing by reading and sharing and interacting with the folks here. It’s difficult feeling discouraged when you want so much to thrive on a path that means something to you. I hope that you’ll continue to find this site and the comments made here by others a source of inspiration, thought, happiness, and spiritual growth — and never for a moment don’t think we’re not learning from you, too! Because we are!

As for thanks and blessings, I believe I speak for everyone in saying we all feel pretty blessed to have found each other. :-)

]]> By: EileenDalla http://sitarahaye.com/2009/08/27/coven-or-solitary/comment-page-1/#comment-1101 EileenDalla Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:15:58 +0000 http://sitarahaye.com/?p=1547#comment-1101 P.S. I want to add that finding your site has made my journey much, much easier. I have found more information and learned more from you in a few short weeks than I have in the entire last three years. I was really getting discouraged, feeling I was never going to find what I was looking for when I happened upon one of your articles on Witchvox. From there I followed you here and found a treasure trove of knowledge and a sense of belonging that I thought were forever lost to me. Thank you for being here, and thank the Goddess for sending me to you. P.S.
I want to add that finding your site has made my journey much, much easier. I have found more information and learned more from you in a few short weeks than I have in the entire last three years.
I was really getting discouraged, feeling I was never going to find what I was looking for when I happened upon one of your articles on Witchvox. From there I followed you here and found a treasure trove of knowledge and a sense of belonging that I thought were forever lost to me.
Thank you for being here, and thank the Goddess for sending me to you.

]]> By: Katie http://sitarahaye.com/2009/08/27/coven-or-solitary/comment-page-1/#comment-1099 Katie Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:50:28 +0000 http://sitarahaye.com/?p=1547#comment-1099 I have access to a "Coven" and "teacher," but they aren't such things in the more traditional sense. I went through a series of classes and rituals with this teacher in a year long class, but now there's no more teaching. The "coven" is really just a group of people who come to open rituals, or belong to the Tradition my teacher founded. Once you've finished the series of classes, you're on your own. I've been on my own for nearly three years now, and I'm ready for more guidance or something, ANYTHING, from a human being, but that's not really what she does. It's incredibly frustrating to me. I'm in my last year of college, and I can't really join a coven because I don't know if I'll be around in nine months, or if I'll be moving or something else. Books can only take one so far. I know that I would like the experience of working with people who are more knowledgeable than me, so they can help me figure out where to go next. I'm not in a rut yet, but there are some things that others can teach you more effectively than books can, especially when you're stuck. In short, working with the right group can be very helpful, and you can always do rituals by yourself if you're so inclined. I'm hoping to move out of the solitary phase and to working with a group and a teacher in the near future. I have access to a “Coven” and “teacher,” but they aren’t such things in the more traditional sense. I went through a series of classes and rituals with this teacher in a year long class, but now there’s no more teaching. The “coven” is really just a group of people who come to open rituals, or belong to the Tradition my teacher founded. Once you’ve finished the series of classes, you’re on your own. I’ve been on my own for nearly three years now, and I’m ready for more guidance or something, ANYTHING, from a human being, but that’s not really what she does. It’s incredibly frustrating to me. I’m in my last year of college, and I can’t really join a coven because I don’t know if I’ll be around in nine months, or if I’ll be moving or something else. Books can only take one so far. I know that I would like the experience of working with people who are more knowledgeable than me, so they can help me figure out where to go next. I’m not in a rut yet, but there are some things that others can teach you more effectively than books can, especially when you’re stuck. In short, working with the right group can be very helpful, and you can always do rituals by yourself if you’re so inclined. I’m hoping to move out of the solitary phase and to working with a group and a teacher in the near future.

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