Forming a Coven that Works

I've learnt a few things in all these years and one is how to form a coven that works.

One of the mistakes that some people make in forming covens is just to allow anyone in that is of the same faith and wants in. I have seen this cause breakdown in many covens.

First thing is to ask yourself what do you want to do in this coven? What do you need? Is there a united group feeling? Is the group more important than individual needs and wants? Are people allowed to communicate freely?, are respect and self knowledge strongly upheld? Do you realize that in any "family" you can argue and get angry but still make the commitment to work out problems, allow for differences and carry on? Do you give up easily with resentment burning in your soul? Can you forgive?

One important thing is if you have a graduated system of people not as learned and make allowances for that or do you wish to have all of your coveners at the same level of learnedness? If you have a H.P. ...is that HP not immersed in his/her ego? Is your HP fair, humble, wise enough to know when to let someone walk on their own and when to carry? Is your HP knowing that she/he does not know it all and can she/he be humble enough to know that those in the coven can teach her too? Do all folks in the coven know themselves to a degree that helps to foster a Unified experience? Can everyone in your coven admit to not knowing something? Can your HP be challenged by questions? Are questions welcomed? These are all good things to learn and ask of oneself before venturing into coven territory.

One thing I am firm about when I decide to form a coven is that all prospective members get at least a bit of sunshine everday, don't give in to addictions, and take care of themselves. Addictions such as smoking everyday without being able to stop for awhile, having to do something daily and not doing that causing them to have intense withdrawal...is something to watchout for. There is using tobacco for sacred rituals where there is respect for the plant (please try for as organic as you can) ...the rare one just because you enjoy it and then there is the intense dependancy on it. Anything that distracts you and makes you weaker is not good in magick..it allows energy to be siphoned off of you and keeps you unbalanced.

Ego can be a bit of a problem in Covens as well, the need to seem like the grand high poobah is not a good thing..it too is like an addiction that drives you towards stupidity. Always be honest with yourself and let that egoic need for control over others rest in assurance that what will be..will be.

I hope this helps some of you out there that are considering forming a coven.This is my way and it's not for all but I find it is a good way ..a way of balance and beauty.

Blessed Be!
May we all continue to learn and grow!