Covens vs Solitary Practice

I get messages about this a lot, so I thought maybe it was time to address it – what are the advantages and disadvantages of practicing as a solitary, versus joining a coven or some other sort of group? It’s a discussion that comes up frequently in the magical community, because there’s one school of thought that says “only a witch can make a witch,” which means you must be initiated and part of a coven before you can truly practice. There’s another camp that says anyone can be a witch, and what matters more than initiation and coven connections is what’s in your heart and soul. Will everyone ever agree on these things?

Probably not. Personally, I figure if you’re doing witchcraft, you get to call yourself a witch, whether you’re flying solo or hanging out with other people.

Anyway, as wind your way through your spiritual journey, you may at some point be offered the opportunity to join a group. You might also find that you really prefer working alone. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of covens vs. solitary practice, so that when the time comes for you to make a decision, you can do so with some knowledge under your belt.

Working as a Solitary

Plenty of people begin their Pagan studies by working as a solitary. When I first started learning, a zillion years ago, I just didn’t know any other Pagans. This happens a lot – quite simply, most people develop an interest in Paganism long before they meet a coven they’re interested in joining. There are benefits to working alone, sure, but it can also have its drawbacks.

Advantages

• You can make your own rules, and follow your own set of ethics
• You can worship at your convenience, rather than following a schedule involving several people
• You’re free to work with anyone you like, even if they’re a member of another tradition
• You’re not under any obligation to anyone but yourself and your deities

Disadvantages

• You may find yourself eventually limited in the type and quantity of knowledge you obtain
• It’s often hard for solitaries to network with other Pagans and Wiccans
• Sometimes, it’s just nice to hang out with other people that believe as you do
• If you’re looking to grow and learn spiritually, you may feel at some point you’d like a mentor or teacher, which you don’t have as a solitary

Working In a Group

Lots of people find they enjoy group practice – in my experience, there’s an energy experienced in a group setting that you just don’t get as a solitary practitioner, and there are plenty of benefits to being in a coven. On the other hand, when you work with a coven or group, there’s a whole new set of dynamics involved, which can create its own set of problems.

Advantages

• Working in a group gives you the benefit of learning from people who may have more experience and knowledge than you
• When you’re part of a group, you have more opportunities to network and meet others in the greater Pagan community
• Coven work typically is more structured and formal, and rituals are usually more elaborate, which some people find beneficial to their studies
• A coven usually has a pre-determined course of study, so rather than just randomly reading books, you’ll find yourself following specific lesson plans as you move towards various degrees of initiation

Disadvantages

• Coven work typically has to be scheduled ahead of time, making sure everyone is available
• If someone is on a power trip, a coven has the potential to be a miserable experience for everyone else involved
• When you’re part of a coven, there are numerous relationships going on, so there can be issues if one person decides to cause problems
• If you join an existing coven, chances are good that they’re already set in their ways, and may not be willing to make accommodations to meet your needs

Whether or not you decide to practice as a solitary or as part of a coven is a personal decision. Covens can be hard to find in some areas, but it is possible to do – just be aware that you may have to make some effort and put some work into the process. If you choose instead to be a solitary practitioner, there is nothing wrong with that either. Regardless, the best path is the one that works for you.