Have you ever wondered if joining a Coven is the right choice for you? Well, I may have something to say about the matter. I’m Ethony, High Priestess of the Awakened Soul Coven and Tarot Goddess and I’ve been running my coven since 2016. Hopefully, I can provide some clarity for you.

For new bumblebees who aren’t quite sure what a coven is, a Coven usually refers to a group or gathering of witches. The word “coven” remained largely unused in English until 1921 when Margaret Murray, an anthropologist who in 1921 wrote the classic book, The Witch-Cult in Western Europe, promoted the idea that all witches across Europe met in groups of thirteen which they called “covens”. We now use the word more commonly in modern Wicca and Witchcraft to describe a circle or close-knit group of practising witches who meet, celebrate, work magic and learn together.

Please note, every coven has its own rules and requirement so everything I mention can’t be applied universally.

Working with a modern coven may not be suitable for you if:

You have Witchy friends in your life to talk to and connect with

Working in a coven gifts you with a group of people who just get you. They understand when you come back from a hike with a pocket full of pretty stones. They understand when you countdown to Samhain starting in the Summer. They have similar stories and will share your journey and magic with you. When you’ve been working with a coven long enough you can find a spiritual family.

Working with a modern coven may not be suitable for you if:

You’re really good at time management and setting time for your spiritual practice. 

If you have a busy life and want to take the guessing out of your cosmic schedule, Covens schedule time and hold space for regular practice. It means that there is structure and dedicated time to work on your spiritual path and magic. You never have to guess when the next ritual is or what work you’re focusing on when it comes to working with a coven.

Working with a modern coven may not be suitable for you if:

You know what you’re working towards spiritually and have a clear path forward. 

If you’re a little unsure of where you start or even where you’re going spiritually, covens can provide an environment where you have access to experienced witches and mentors. People who’ll allow you to find opportunities to explore different aspects of your witchcraft and hold space for you while you figure out what works for you.

Working with a modern coven may not be suitable for you if:

You’re really introverted

Well, an in-person coven may not be the best for you due to the commitment of being in other people’s company, however, an online coven may be perfect. You get the benefits of working with a coven but you can do the work from the comfort of your own home.

Working with a modern coven may not be suitable for you if:

You have someone or people you can troubleshoot your magic with and your divinations too! 

Sometimes spells go wrong and tarot readings are murky, when this happens it’s so great to have a group of magical babes and badasses to troubleshoot your magic with. Having experienced witches look over your work allows for perspective. It’s also wonderful to share your tarot and oracle readings with your coven, especially when you feel stuck on a message. With the Awakened Soul Coven, you even get a team of experienced Mentors to work with you each step of the way.

Working with a modern coven may not be suitable for you if:

You have access to years of experience, knowledge, techniques, spells and recipes.

Some people are really lucky, they have local covens that are open to new students or a family practice to work with. Others, have to find their own way. Working with a coven gives you a blueprint to work from and decades of experience to draw from. In the case of my coven, hundreds of years of magical experience from all over the world.

Working with a modern coven may not be suitable for you if:

You hate structure of any kind and don’t like the idea of a modern school of witchcraft. 

Or you’re like me, a regular Hermione Granger and want to learn everything about the Craft. You long for workbooks, exercises and lessons that will guide you with knowledge and practical techniques that build on each other to create integrated and interesting learning. It’s not all book learning either for the witch, its hands-on, experienced-based practice.

No matter if you are a solitary practitioner for life, choose a local coven, my Awakened Soul Coven or another online school, finding a coven is a personal choice. No matter what anyone says, you have to do what feels right to you and work with people who also align with you. Trust your gut when you meet people in covens. You always know what is right for you.