Assessing a Coven

[Badger]

Raven suggested this post.



One of the questions we are often asked is how to tell a good teacher
or a good coven. That is hard to do an easier question is how to tell
a bad one.
Sadly bad ones abound, but there are a number of things to look for.
They do not all mean that someone is not to be trusted but they all
are a cause to ask further questions, because a bad teacher or a bad
coven can be so for a number of reasons. What follows are some of
them and why they indicate a concern. A coven or group that fits
several of these without really good reasons is likely to be run by a
pretender or, worse, by someone who is going to do harm.
• Is the group associated with a business? If it is, either by
sponsorship or being run directly by a business ot may indicate that
it is really a marketing tool. Now many people in the craft do run
businesses, I do myself, but there have been many instances of
businesses running a “coven” as a way of generating business.
• Does the “coven” exclude some people on the basis of age, gender,
ethnic background, sexual orientation or past affiliation? Exclusion
has never been the pagan way. Some traditions oir coven may work in a
particular language or culture that will make it difficult outside a
particular ethnic group but this is rare and they will generally still
assist people outside their group find an alternative, but exclusion
on the basis of race alone is wrong. Similarly paganism requires the
presence of both genders for balance, while it may seem more
confortable to exclude one gender this is not healthy, and the same
applies to sexuality, marital status and a whole raft of other
factors. There is simply no excuse for it. Some will claim that
women cannot function with men present because of past traumas, and
while this is a problem to go this way simply ensures that those
people will remain victims instead of learning how to survive in the
world that contains men.
• Does the “coven” or its leader forbid communication with other
people or groups of people? This is a major danger sign; it is
symptomatic of an abusive relationship and shows that there is
something to hide. How can someone judge any issue if they only ever
hear one side of it? A witch is an adult and supposedly wise, they
can judge for themselves
• Does the leader or any other person in a coven hide their identity
from members? It is ok to use a nickname on the internet ( in fact it
is a good idea) but members are refused a mundane name when it is
asked for it is a danger sign, after all trust is a two way street.
This is especially the case when a nickname is used as if it were a
legal name.
• Does the “coven” ask members to pay? I am not referring here to
the small amounts that are used to buy materials such as candles or
incense or venue rental, what I am suggesting is that large membership
fees, or charges for lessons or courses are not something a real coven
ever asks for.
• Does the “coven” take children? No reputable teacher or coven will
take children as members or as students? The craft requires maturity
and is for adults. On the rare occasions where underage students are
accepted it is under very strict conditions.
• Does the “coven” explain the conditions in advance? Things like how
one dresses and the nature of ritual should be explained in detail
before any commitment is given.
• Does the leadership of the “coven” have the experience to lead it?
Some would be covens are lead by people who have little or no
training. Reading books does not count.
• Does the “coven” give candidate the chance to meet other members
before making a decision? If they do not ask yourself what they are
hiding.
• Does the “coven” have a large number of members whose location is
unknown or who have little contact with other members? They may not
actually be members at all and are “on the books” only to give the
appearance of legitimacy
• Does the “coven” only tell candidates what they want to hear? The
craft is challenging, if all you hear seems too good to be true, it
probably is.
• Does the “coven” promise training in a short time or with a
simplistic assessment? Nobody can promise understanding of complex
topics in a time frame or can gauge that understanding by the
completion of a test or assignment. Understanding is not the same as
learning knowledge and what we do is too important to make
assumptions.
• Does the “coven” do anything other than acquire members? The craft
is about making the world a better place, if a group does not interact
with the world outside itself it is not for real.
• If the “coven” operates a chat room or a forum is it moderated? If
it is not the group is not behaving responsibly.

This guide to assessing groups is far from complete but it does give
some starting points. I hope oit seves as a guide to those who are
seeking a coven to work with.



Walk in the Light
Badger