WHAT A COVEN IS and IS NOT

1. A Coven is not a Democracy. Although many NeoPagan groups choose to operate using "non-hierarchical consensus", Traditional Wicca does not. In the United States egalitarian assumptions are often at odds with the urge for individual distinction. But when Wicca began the need for hierarchy was self-evident: you worked until your achievement was obvious, and then you received recognition. So a traditional Coven is a Hierarchy; and it is the High Priestess that shoulders the responsibility of the Coven and its Members. In short – this means that she is responsible for whatever goes on, and to blame for whatever goes wrong.

2. A Coven is not a Dictatorship. No persons with the title and responsibility of High Priestess or High Priest will bully, keep others beglamoured and / or ignorant. Nor will they that are in this honorable position be arrogant nor over bearings.

3. A Coven is not an Ego Trip. Egos have no place within a Coven. Authority is a garment to be worn lightly. The High Priestess nor any other person within this position should mistreat other people, nor manipulates the Coven or Members, make arbitrary rulings, withholds approval from those who merit it, obsesses over "enemies", or otherwise behaves irresponsibly

4. A Coven is not a Psychotherapy Group. There is no place within the Coven for this. However, as a person that is in the role as a High Priestess or High Priest, counsel may be given to anyone who asks for help, as long as it is done so in private. But under no circumstances may betrayal of any persons confidential disclosures, nor attempt of a clinical diagnosis be given.

5. A Coven is not a Nuclear Family. A person in the position as High Priestess / High Priest is the Coven's mentor and inspiration, not their parent. As all Coveners are Brothers and Sisters of the Craft: responsible adults who must be treated as such.

6. A Coven is not a Harem. Sexual involvement with a Covener is a taboo and will most likely not be tolerated.

7. A Coven is not a Partying Crew. "Mirth and Reverence" both belong in the Circle, but the balance between them is very important. If a person’s wish is to imbibe or indulge on ritual occasions that is their choice, however common sense and boundaries should be implemented. Likewise, random interruptions or pure silliness when casting the Circle should be avoided at all costs.

 

 

8. A Coven is not a Social Club it is a Spiritual Family.  True – a Coven can be a subculture brimming with fellowship, drama, and creative self-expression that offers something for everyone; however a Coven should also be about instant Identity, Power, and Community.  It is about embracing, enhancing or expanding your Spirituality within a group of others, thus these people will become your family.

9. A Coven is not a Career Path. This goes double for publicly billing yourself as something that you are not or holding a ridiculous title that was not earned.  And it may be an idea for the Coven and those in position to forego the public statements regarding what all "ethical, responsible Witches" believe.

10. A Coven is not an Empire. Wicca is meant to be a self-perpetuating entity. If newcomers cannot join, rise through the ranks, and eventually found their own groups, the Craft cannot survive.

However, one must also take in the problems of what this one matriarch can reach because no matter how dedicated or charismatic, no one can rarely administer anything bigger than three generations of extended family. The great thing about Traditional Wicca is that it provides quite adequately for the delegation of authority. But when the Line becomes a Tribe it starts getting unwieldy.  So keep your group small. If someone is worth training at all, then they are worth training well. To rush through the Degrees shows a lack of respect to the Goddess, the God, yourself and your Student.

 

HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE (and DEGREE SYSTEMS) WITHIN A COVEN
(Various examples of general structures below)

First, you do not need any degree to practice the craft.  You do not need to be a High Priestess or a  High Priest.  You do not need to be in a Coven as you can practice solitary. You do not have to do any of this if you do not wish.

Some people get the degrees to take their learning to a higher level and also be more active in the group or Coven they are in and mostly they do this to become Clergy.  But, the choice is always there for you.

Below, I have given the general Hierarchy of a Coven and there are various levels you can be.

The most common is Seeker, Dedicant, First degree, Second degree, and Third degree. Some traditions even go as far as five-degree levels.  

 
Most Common

First Degree: This is the beginner level. You learn the basics of your path.

 Second Degree: This is the intermediate level of your path.

 Third Degree:  This is the advanced level of your path.  You would be considered a High Priest/High Priestess after passing this level.  You than would be eligible to start your own coven or group. 

 Elder: counselor to all, a teacher, a wise man or woman of the coven, a very adept person of the craft.

A Mixed Coven

High Priestess: Coordinates ritual leadership, counseling, teaching, and administration duties, in company with the High Priest. Chief Representative of the Goddess energies at rituals. Badge of office: crescent Moon crown or coronet of candles.

 High Priest: See above. Chief Representative of the God energies at rituals. Badge of office: horned headdress or animal mask.

Maiden - Understudy to the High Priestess, and substitutes for her when necessary. Badge of office may be a simple silver circlet or tiara.

Summoner - Understudy to the High Priest, who substitutes for him when necessary. Main administrative deputy, passing out information, collecting dues, letting people know when to meet and what to bring, etc. Also called the "Man in Black," "Black Rod," or "Verdelet." Badge of office may be a blackthorn staff

 All-Woman's Coven

One pattern: No hierarchy or titles at all: ritual leadership rotates; other jobs are carried out by anyone capable and willing.

Another pattern:

1. Maiden - Understudy to the Mother, and chief administrative deputy (see Summoner's duties above)
2. Mother - Coordinates ritual leadership and administration, guides coven projects and activities. She does not necessarily do these jobs herself always, but has the responsibility to see that they are apportioned fairly and done effectively.
3. Crone - Chief counselor to the Mother, and does a large share of teaching and individual counseling. May perform divination on questions of concern to the coven. Possibly a former "Mother" or High Priestess, experienced and skilled in magick, herbalism, etc.

Both Mixed and Single-Sex Coven

Council of Elders - A gathering of all the higher rank initiates in the Coven. They may function as advisers to the Coven leaders, or may actually set policy, establish the budget etc. In the latter case, Coven leaders are essentially executives responsible to the Elders.

Other possible officers in mixed or single-sex covens:

1. Scribe (secretary) - Keeps minutes of business meetings, handles correspondence under the direction of coven leaders.
2. Pursewarden (treasurer) - collects dues, keeps accounts, makes purchases, and coordinates fund-raising projects.
3. Archivist (historian) - Keeps the coven Book of Shadows or "Witch Book" up to date, keeps files of coven projects and activities, rituals. These functions may be combined with the Scribe's job.
4. Bard (music director) - Collects songs and chants, leads the coven in them, provides musical accompaniment; collects ballads and legends, preserves the old lore and coven history in original songs.
5. Watchman (sergeant-at-arms) - Assists in initiation rituals; in charge of safety & security at meetings and rituals. Indoors, checks locks and closes curtains; outdoors, finds safe places for rituals and posts sentries to warn off strangers approaching. Sets wards and arranges other magickal protection. Knows laws regarding freedom of religion and assembly, trespass ordinances etc.
6. Mistress-of, Master-of- (resource persons and teachers) - Any individual who has achieved great competency in a magickal skill may earn this title. They serve as a resource for the coven, and teach others. An initiate may choose to apprentice with any Mistress or Master.

 

• Divinatory Arts (or sub-category, such as Tarot, Astrology, I Ching, Lithomancy, Dream craft, Scrying, Radiesthesia etc.)
• Herbalism (for healing, amulets/talismans, oils, incense)
• Healing Arts (including herbal healing, psychic healing, aromatherapy, Bach remedies, polarity balancing, healing with stones, color therapy, chakras etc.)
• Familiar Arts (magickal work with animals, totems, elementals, shape shifting)
• Talismanic Arts (designing & creating talismans & amulets)
• Ritual Tool craft (designing & creating ritual tools)
• Rune craft (use of magickal alphabets)
• Necromancy (communication with, or evocation of, the dead)
• Psychic Skills (astral travel, telepathy, telepathy, clairvoyance, clairaudience, telekinesis, teleportation)
• Incantation (Words of Power, charms, chants, mantras)
• Fascination (trance work, hypnosis)

 Reference: http://www.paganlibrary.com/reference/coven_offices.php   

Dedicate Degree

This is for those that are newly coming into the Craft.  As you will see elsewhere in any information regarding Initiation, this brings the new Witch into the Coven, connects them with the Coven group-mind, connects them to the Inner Plane power sources which that Coven and Tradition works with, and Initiates- starts them on their path in a powerful and guided way.

It allows the new Dedicant to walk the path before committing to the first degree and to see if they like it or not and also for the Coven to see if they like the Dedicant and all can get along well together in perfect love and perfect trust.  A symbiosis of sorts that goes extremely deep.

There are actually a number of approaches to this Dedicant’s Degree.  Some Covens don’t even have a Dedicant’s Degree, but for those that do, some traditions take rather a "Bring 'em in and let the Goddess sort them out" type of approach, by initiating people very quickly, and before they have gained much knowledge and experience of the Craft and it's principles.

On the basis that they can and will learn all they need to know thereafter.  Others; like the Gardnerian tradition, require that before anyone is initiated to the first degree, they must have gained at least some real knowledge and experience in Wiccan basics, such as chants, circle principles, simple energy work, Coven etiquette, etc.  This is generally taken as being a year and a day.  The Dedicant’s Degree maintains the required interest and gives the Aspirant a further goal on which to shoot for and while feeling apart of the Coven as an officially Initiated Dedicant and already walking the Wiccan path.

This way they can then learn much more in a shorter time, all the time training and learning with their Mentor of either 2nd or 3rd degree, which gives a much firmer basic foundation on which to continue.

The idea is that the Dedicant’s Degree welcomes the initiate into Wicca and then the First Degree confirms that initiation and commits the Dedicant into a fully-fledged Priest or Priestess.

 First degree

Essential Skills for first Degree

This listing details the requirements that are expected of those who are entering the Craft.  Many people first set out on the Wiccan path with much of the required principles already part of their lives, while others only have a basic grasp of these principles and practices and that is not what is so important actually.  What is important is that they all strive to achieve those required skills and principles to the best of their ability at all times.

The usual period of training before First-Degree initiation is the traditional 'year and a day' as already said.  We are often flexible in this, if a new candidate has already undergone training in another Coven which has disbanded, or if they've had to move away from another Coven, or if they have already developed good skills and resources from being a Dedicant already.  It is then that the probationary period can be shortened appropriately.

It must be said here that a major reason why we have a probationary period is to give people sufficient time in which we can all truly get to know each other, no matter how magically adept any person appears to be.  For if they feel they are above such mundane chores as Temple cleaning, or running the occasional coven errand, or if they try dominating other Conveners, or make other consistent breaches of circle etiquette; then naturally we want to be able to 'weed them out' before they get in too deep.

The flowing precepts are generally accepted as being criteria for becoming a First Degree Witch.

* Knows and accepts the fundamental Laws and tenets of the Craft and is sincerely dedicated to walking the Wiccan Way in kinship with nature, other Beings of all planes, and all that is, in full awareness and acceptance of the principle of personal responsibility. 

* Understands the Coven principles and basic circle etiquette, etc.

* Has a rapport with the other Conveners (especially with their 2nd/3rd Degree Sponsor) 

* Has gathered together the basic Witches tools of, consisting of Athame, Pentacle, Cauldron or Goblet, Wand and has already started a Book of Shadows and a personal Magickal Diary.

* Has learned the “Witches Rune”, and the basic Wiccan Laws.

* Has developed basic visualization skills.

* Can raise Power sufficiently to carry out basic spells and discharge it in total gnosis.

* Can “Ground and centre”.  (That is, can gather and hold personal power and sense of connectedness within rituals in a reasonably balanced way), and can ‘still’ the mind to a quiet and focused level in meditation or Path working.

* Can enter the twilight - altered state of consciousness in which magic happens. 

* Can sense true Power Flow (i.e. senses it if it is there) and is able to channel Power for magickal work (with guidance).  

* Is acquainted with the Theory of the Elements, all basic Wiccan theories and principles, and can tap the elemental energies for such as consecrating working tools. 

* Has participated in Wiccan rituals and experienced true group rapport.

The intent for first degree Wiccans is to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, the Wiccan way of living, while having the basic skills to be able to participate in Circles rather than merely passively observing.

Second degree

Marks the beginning of a deeper path within the Craft, and thereby and therein acknowledges the commitment, work and effort that the 2nd degree candidate has made following their First-Degree initiation.

Many people never move beyond 1st degree, which is fine, but for those that do want to deepen their knowledge and extend their Craft skills, herbalism, incense making, practical magick, ritual and ceremony, and for those who wish to be much more actively involved in rituals, the running of the Coven and its circles, training and helping new initiates and candidates, and other more challenging areas; do aspire to become 2nd degree.

It must be stressed before we go any further that 2nd and 3rd degrees bring great responsibility.   There is a saying that "Rank brings its privileges", but within the Craft, that is changed to "Rank brings greater responsibilities".

'2nd degrees within most Covens are usually involved in mustering up the 1st degrees to get them more organized and more involved and stop them from cruising along too much.  They are also very necessary in the delegation of necessary tasks to lower degrees, such as cleaning and setting up the temple, laying out of food and similar tasks, but that's never an excuse for anyone 'throwing their weight around'.  Usually, everyone in the Coven, whatever their rank pulls their weight (and more) and hardly ever does anyone have to “chase” anyone for anything.

Third degree

Is granted only to those of sufficient experience and knowledge, who are either in a working partnership together and are going to leave their parent Coven to form a new one, or for a small number of individuals who do not have a working Craft partner to form a new Coven with, and of course, who have been Initiates for sufficiently long that they are becoming Elders of the Craft.

This degree is mostly for those (usually couples) who are going to leave their parent coven to form a new one of their own.  This process is known as 'hiving-off'.  It is also sometimes granted to those of long Craft experience, but who do not have a working partner of equal experience, and who are therefore going to stay with their Coven as one of the “Elders”.

In order to receive this degree, candidates must be 2nd degrees of good rapport, good solid experience, and with the necessary people, organizational, social, magickal and ritual skills to be able to run a working Coven in a way that benefits, empowers and nourishes all members thereof.

Within that a broad criteria is that one is generally of sufficient age to have gained the necessary life experiences, remembering the very blatant fact that there is nothing more potentially disruptive of a Coven than having immature people leading it.

The expectant 3rd Degree must have good magickal and energy awareness skills so that they can feel what Conveners are doing with any energy they raise, and also that they can 'carry' and encourage those who may be lacking or lagging behind.  That is the foundation and the basis for a very well grounded and powerful Coven.

These aren't skills that are exclusive to those with any parenting experience either, and it also must be said that a few new HPs and HPSs’, with the support of their own HP and HPS can indeed develop the balance needed by sheer hard work until it all comes together finally.

For those who are not going to found covens themselves but who are developing into ‘Craft Elders’, the criteria are much the same, in that Craft Elders need to be fully able to step into the shoes of the HPs or HP on those occasions when they are needed, and to guide and assist the HP and HPS whenever and wherever possible, all without indulging in any petty 'power-play' or other egotistical games.

They must also be able to shoulder much of the counseling, advisory and teaching work that would otherwise fall entirely onto the HPs or HP.

 

The Phoenix Rising Coven

Pre – Seeker Course         MANDATORY                                  6 week course

-          Attend all Classes offered

-          Attend all rituals, etc offered

Seeker                                   Wicca Basics                                   1 yr and a day 

-          attend all classes offered

-          attend all activities offered

 

Dedicant                               used in conjunction with Wicca 101

-          Books to read

-          Written assignments to turn in

-          Public activities

-          demonstration of skills/ knowledge obtained

-          Attend all classes offered

-          Attend all activities offered       

 

First Degree                         Wicca 101                             1 yr and a day

-          continue classes

-          attend all activities offered

 

Second Degree                   Wicca 102                             1 yr and a day

-          Have the ability to assist the HP or HPS

-          Ability to comfortably lead rituals

-          Ability to assist on teaching some of the classes

-          Act as Mentors to new initiates

-          Continue to expand and practice own spiritual path

-          Attend all activities offered

-          Plan activities for others

 

Third Degree                       Wicca 103                             1 yr and a day

-          Fill in for the HPS when needed

-          Have the ability to lead classes unsupervised

-          Answer questions that new initiates might have

-          Volunteer at Shelters (various)

-          Continue to expand and practice own spiritual path

-          Plan activities for others (public as well as private)

-          Become a master at (1) form of Divination

 

Fourth Degree                     Community Involvement 1 yr and a day

-          Grief Counseling

-          Begin Pastoral duties

-          Assist in Ministry duties

-          Sustained leadership for 1 year with own group

-          Agree and sustain no more than 2 persons to a Third Degree

-          Monthly reports given to Mother Coven on all activities

-          Be a positive face for Paganism

-          Volunteer at Hospices

-          Volunteer at homeless shelter

-          Continue to expand and practice own spiritual path

-          Plan a minimum of 1 event for the pagan community

-          Become a master of (2) forms of divination

 

Fifth Degree                         Clergy                                    2 yrs

-          Understand and apply basic Wiccan principles, ethics, etc

-          Practice as a public Minister for 2 yrs

-          Sustain leadership in the community for 2 years

-          Have a full understanding of all Ministry rites as a Non-Denominational Minister

-          Have the ability to perform all ministry rites as a non-denominational minister

-          Continue to expand and practice own spiritual path

-          Start a Church / organization within 1 yr

-          Quarterly reports given to Mother Coven on all activities

-          Plan a minimum of 2 events for the pagan community

-          Become a master at (1) form of divination

-          Speak / act on behalf of the other Pagans/Wiccan publicly

-          Assist in ministry and teaching in jails and prisons

 

 

 

 

Phoenix Rising Coven Code Of Conduct

Below are the Conduct Codes of the Phoenix Rising Coven - other Covens, Groups, etc may have other Codes that they follow.

Wiccans can still be subjected to persecution and prejudices.
It may / can seriously harm someone if persons that were not open minded and accepting were to find out.. It may / can seriously harm someone if persons that were not open minded and accepting were to find out. So it is wise to never automatically assume someone has ‘come out of the broom closet’.

Wiccans do not proselytize, if someone asks about Wicca, then you should be free to tell them

 Always show up at rituals clean – both body and mind. Don’t take drugs or drink alcohol. It is advisable to never bring illegal substances to a ritual. We do not use them and they are simply not allowed at any of our rituals. If they are brought, you will be asked to leave and not return.

 Find out ahead of time if there is specific attire required. Again, never just assume. It is always a good idea to ask what the appropriate attire is worn at the ritual. Such as if ritual robes are required or not and if there is a standard color within the group (should you belong to a group). The Phoenix Rising Coven does not practice sky clad or even partial sky clad at this time.

 Never invite extra people without the host’s permission. If you wish to bring a guest to a ritual, please ask before hand. Usually there is food and drink after the ritual and we wish to make sure there is plenty.

 Leave pets at home unless you have the host’s permission to bring them.

 Ask if children are welcome prior to bringing them, some rituals / celebrations are simply not appropriate for children. Always ask and find out if your group or Coven allows children at the Circle. Prior to bringing them, ask if children are allowed within the Circle. If they are allowed, remember to pay close attention to them and their actions so there are not interruptions. And always find out what type of ritual it is as well as you may not want your sweet ones within a Circle that is celebrating something that is more intense. If by chance children are not allowed within the Circle, but are allowed to come with you, remember to keep them occupied until your ritual is complete. Also, ask if there is a Maiden figure there that will assist in keeping your sweet ones occupied, and if there is not, make a suggestion one possibly getting one.

 Unless otherwise specified, never take pictures of a ritual / celebration; and ask persons permission prior as well.

 Unless otherwise specified, try not to socialize during a ritual; pay attention to your surroundings.  Loud talking is never appropriate within a Circle. Always try to keep the talking to a minimum and pay attention to what the High Priestess or High Priest is saying so you do not interrupt the flow of the ritual. It is always a good idea to ask what the policy is regarding this when you are in a group prior to rituals. Remember, some Circles do not allow any type of talking.

Please do not smoke, drink or chew gum within the ritual area.

 Always participate fully; sing, clap, chant, etc.

 If there is a potluck to follow, try to bring something everyone can enjoy. Homemade dishes are always popular.

 Try to arrive on time, even if you know that the ritual may follow PST (Pagan Standard Time) - It is always courteous to be on time to a ritual. If you cannot make it at the scheduled time, remember to call.

 Please always be courteous and turn off all cell phones, house phone ringers, pagers and I-pods during a ritual.

 Try not to bring tools to a ritual unless asked prior.

 Do not add your own personal tools to an altar unless asked.

 Do not handle items on the altar unless asked.

 Enter the Circle with an open mind – remember not everyone does everything the same way.

 If you disagree with the way that a Circle is run – keep your negative opinion to yourself – remember that Wicca is an alternative and a ‘you choose your own way religion’ – but remember that no matter the path - there are always other ways of doing things.

 If at any time during a ritual, you are at a loss as what to do, (i.e. the directions), either ask or simply follow the other people. If you are unsure as to how to enter a Circle – follow the other participants.

If there are arm movements that you do not know, stay the direction the crowd is and just quietly stand or sit.  

Do not enter a Circle before asked; especially if it is already cleansed.

Do not leave a Circle before it is opened; if you need to leave, cut a door and then close it behind you.

Try to help with the set-up before the ritual and the clean up after.

Never try to wear jewelry that is inappropriate, such as that which a High Priestess would wear (i.e. Triple Goddess crown or amber jewelry) as you may be asked to do a duty that you are not prepared to do

We always smudge with sage or anoint with oils, (sometimes both), before entering the circle. It is never a wise idea to enter a Circle without being spiritually purified or cleansed. However, if you are allergic to smoke or oils, please let someone know prior so something else can be arranged for you.

 Remember, there are times when rituals are held in the homes or the yards of some of its members. Common courtesy and common sense of course is required in all circumstances.

 *** Other rules may apply to other various groups and/or Covens ***