If you’re just starting out in the craft, you’re likely wondering what is the best way to practice, Solitary, or Coven? Many people have varying opinions and feelings on why they prefer one type of setting over another. Some people have had negative experiences in group settings, some others have had less-than-fulfilling results in solitary practice, so I’ll go over basically what to anticipate with several different styles of practice. Wicca will be used as an example for a large part of this.
Solitary – This is definitely the most popular style of practice especially with the consumption of books that introduced “Wicca” to larger audiences when it was originally an Initiatory Mystery Tradition. In some areas especially in the US, finding an already established group is extremely difficult, so when the idea of “Solitary Wicca” was popularized, it made the practice extremely accessible to people all over that couldn’t connect with a group in their area. Many times the practice will involve a concept of “Self Dedication”, where you devote yourself to study, or ritual practice, or a particular pantheon for a set amount of time. Note: While I have not practiced Wicca in over 10 years, this was definitely my situation at the time, especially when I started studying at 14, and many circles don’t take on minors without parental consent.
Coven/Order – There are just as many coven styles as there are covens, so I will say your results may vary depending on which group you encounter. A Coven is a type of group setting where everyone practices together. Each coven may be bound to a single pantheon, and/or a set of rules that should be followed within their practice. The Coven may meet at one place (old term: “covenstead”), and practice discreetly, have limited membership, and Initiation in order to become a member.
Sub-category: Initiatory Coven/Tradition – This was pretty much the format that Wicca began in the 1950’s, formally a “Oathbound Orthopraxic Traditional Initiatory Witchcult”, and while that may sound scary to you, let me break that definition down.
– Orthopraxic: Literally meaning “Bound by practice” rather than doctrine or belief, for example many Christian sects are “orthodoxic” as in bound by belief in doctrine or scripture. Technically we could say that Wicca was also Orthodoxic simply because of the “161 Ardanes” that became the Wiccan Rede, buuut as I mentioned in a previous blog, not many traditionalists are bound by that anyhow, and the Rede is not necessarily the center of practice.
– Traditional: The group does indeed have a tradition to follow, whether its made up entirely by the group, or supported by old lore, the tradition is passed down through the process of initiation (done and led by the High Priest and High Priestess), and then may be altered by leaders of that circle, or a new space created by a new initiate.
– Initiatory: Traditional Wicca was heavily supported by a “Degree system” of First, Second, and Third Degree (some later traditions have more, think of this like the Belt system in Taekwondo). The more experienced you were in the group, the further you could advance in the Coven. (Note: Having a “high degree” ranking in one Coven does NOT mean you can walk into another space and run it. It simply means you are experienced in THAT tradition to hold that title. The Degree system came under a ton of scrutiny years ago simply because a lot of people were abusing it for selfish means, and taking their “authority” outside of Coven space. People were exiled from their covens for doing things like this, and many times involved law enforcement when the subject of abuse came up.) A High Priestess in one coven is NOT a High Priestess everywhere.
-Witchcult: This is always the part that scares people in the description because the context of a “cult”, but by the definition of what a cult is: “a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object.” (Merriam-Webster)… Yeah it’s a cult, especially with Wicca being a Mystery Tradition, much like the Freemasons.
-Oathbound: Wicca for the most part was also oathbound, and heavily secretive, which introduced the concept of “inner court” and “outer court”, as in there were practices revealed to non-initiates or Neophytes to practice before they were fully initiated into the practice. This is now generally an “old school” way of practice as the “Satanic Panic” was absolutely rampant and secrecy kept information limited, but kept people safe.
Sub-category: Non-Initiatory Coven/Tradition – Some of these types of spaces exist for learning, often they’re devoted to a single deity or pantheon and practice discreetly, but aren’t barred by the practice of initiation. Many times these spaces will vary heavily in their structure as they may not have as many rigid rules to follow.
Open Circle – My particular favorite, not necessarily because I’m part of one, but there are reasons why I’ve preferred this style over others. Some covens will consider themselves “open” especially if they dont have an initiatory system and a rigid style of practice, so make sure to keep a look out for that. On to the elements of an “open” circle, is there is generally no initiation process to get in, attendance to every meeting isn’t required, and leadership is transparent. Another thing is you can maintain solitary practice while participating in an open circle, so your practice at home isn’t interrupted by what your group practice is. You can have your altar at home dedicated to whoever, and they may or may not be part of the group circle at all. Multiple pantheons may be brought up in sacred space. Open circles will still have rules BUT a lot of it is etiquette-based, instead of practice-based. Along with leadership being transparent and a lack of initiation, all members are treated as equals, and have an open-door policy, So if theres something you take issue with, you should be able to speak to a leader of that space.
(Note: if for any reason you find yourself in a situation where you cannot get a clear answer on a groups practices, or leadership is tight-lipped on structure, or anything they do, or behave as if you are “less than”, reconsider that space ASAP.)
In any situation you choose, just make sure that you keep an eye on red flags:
Power Tripping Leadership
Abuse, including abuse of minors
Sexual Coercion
Doing “favors” in order to gain within a traditional system
Not maintaining personal boundaries
Forcing individuals to make uncomfortable “sacrifice” outside of sacred space, including disconnecting from friends and family
Love-bombing
White supremacist ideologies
The inability to just leave on your own terms
UPG/Complete lack of context from on actual lore
Inability to take criticism
And many others…
In any case, you should have a fulfilling experience, and also remain safe at the same time. If you have any questions about the group you’re in or considering joining, you should be able to ask the tough questions first. A group’s leadership is always its representation, as well as the people in it, so you should know what you’re getting into BEFORE you do it.
Hope that helps! 🙂
Myrna Dragonchild's Small Space 