Who thinks that to be Wiccan, you have to join a coven?

Question

I have come across many people who think that to be Wiccan, you must be initiated into a coven, and was curious as to why.

I am a solitary Wiccan, and am new to the path, but have found much good and much knowledge with it.

BB
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Thank you all who answered, and so quickly!

I wouldn't mind being part of a coven, and by no means berate anyone who is, but in my relatively short experience, I have come across those who say you cannot call yourself Wiccan is you are not initiated into a coven. I once even had a Wiccan tell me that without being initiated by having sex with either the HP or HPs, and performing the Great Rite with great frequency, I was not a true Wiccan, and was called fluffy! Suffice to say, she has not reared her head since. Strange woman!

As I said, I am new to this, and don't feel ready for group work, but in time, I would love to do a ritual or two for one of the Sabbats with others.

BB

I understand that there are ceetain things kept within covens and are kept secret, but to say that someone can't be Wiccan simply because they cannot join a coven for whatever reason, is hardly accepting of those people who wish to be Wiccan and follow it's path. It is rather segregating in that respect, when it should be more open.

Wow! Thanks Enchanted! I'd never heard of that path before, and it sounds wonderful, and much more intuitive than ceremonial structured paths. A connection to nature should be partly intuitive as we are all part of it.

Answer 1

To practice traditional Wicca, yes, one needs to be initiated into a coven. Traditional Wicca is an initiatory, mystery religion.
http://www.starkindler.org/witch.html

To practice Neo-Wicca, no, one does not need to be a member of a coven.
http://www.witches-tutorial.com/paths/neowicca.html

And there are many other neo-pagan and magical paths that do not require initiation into a coven.

Answer 2

The problem here is Wicca vs wicca. What most people think they mean by (W)icca is (w)icca.

Wicca is British Traditional, based on the practices laid down by Gerald Gardener and Alex Sanders. Wicca is based around the coven setting, there is no other way to be trained as a Wiccan than by someone who is Wicca. BTW can not be learned on ones own, yes there are books that have Some of the workings but not the inner workings.

wicca is the term must people use when they mean pagan, witch, heathen, or even Ceremonial magician, it is a catch-all.

wicca came into use as pagans began to move into Interfaith. So as to not confuse those who no little or nothing about paganism the term wicca was used.

There are solitary Wiccans, but only after they have been coven trained

Answer 3

I'm female so I'll never be a member of the Freemasons. The Masons are an initiatory group too. I can think that they should be more open and I can even call myself a Mason if I want to since I've read about a few of their beliefs. It still don't make me a Mason though cuz I haven't been thru their initiation ceremony into the group of Freemasonry. I still dont know their mysteries and haven't been through their specific training and I haven't made any promises to keep what I know secret. Jus cuz I think the Masons should be more open don't mean they will decide to open their doors to me. Maybe someday I'll just start my own group and it won't be so secretive. In the meantime I respect initiatory groups like Wicca and Masons enough to know that if I haven't been made a member then I don't call myself a member.

Answer 4

I believe it has to do with tradition, and due to the fact it can help to work with others and have a leader to guide the group through different experiences. Of course though while people will benefit from comming together for a time eventually people will move on in line with their own journey. Being a solitary is awesome, but if you get the chance to celebrate a solstice or two with some Wiccan friends go for it! Network and see what happens :)

Answer 5

HA HA! Loved the "made up" religion answer! That person had best look in the mirror, don't you think? I too am a solitary, have been for somewhere around 40 years. Covens are certainly not necessary and many of them have strange initiation practices (as you discovered). I am Pictish. (PectiWita) A very old denomination of Wicca (Scottish Witchcraft). Seems that most of the new comers are more into Gardnerian Wica. Not for me. I am more attune to all the aspects on nature. More meditation, divination, herbal and mineral knowledge and less organized ceremonial worship. A coven may have greater magickal power, but then I am not in this for power. For my needs I do just fine.
BB )0(

Answer 6

Hello
from a fello wiccan i must say that you most definately dont need to be apart of a coven.
I live in a tiny town that there is no one else that is into this.
i would desperately love to be a part of a coven but like so much in wicca it is simply your choice.
many choose to just be solitary their whole life. i have been for the past 4 yrs but now longing for like minded company
wishing you a life time of happiness on your journey
lynnie
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Answer 7

No thought. i might by no ability invite somebody I knew wasn't Wiccan to connect my coven. i'm no longer plenty for in seek of out new people besides.... I wait on the people who prefer to connect mine :) Do you have some mad ability like being waiting to enhance rather heavy equipment or being waiting to establish and easy-weight 20 candles in below a million minute? this is the only component that should make me actively seek for out somebody :) That or in case you owned an exceedingly great piece of sources interior attain the place great bonfires ought to be built....

Answer 8

I don't think you have to join a coven. Your beliefs are just as valid whether you are solitary or group orientated. Enjoy your path and follow with your mind and heart.

BB
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Answer 9

There are lots of solitary practicing wiccans and if thats what people want to do thats great. Covens are very difficult because its ahrd to find one that you feal ok with or may not want to exploit you. THere are lots of stories in the papers of freaks and murders practicing odd and damaging practices. these cults are very dangerous. Solitary is good and if you are happy then so be it.

Answer 10

Wicca isnt a joke. It is a true religion. Its just that many poeple for get about it or dont think its that important. You dont need a coven to be wiccan. There are a lot of solitary witches. But your rituals and spells work better with a coven helping you but thats not necesary there are a lot of magic boosters that can help you