Why do so many people believe that wicca practiced in a coven is the 'true' way?

Question

Alright, I have to admit that I am a wee bit confused on the part of answer to my previous question . I have read quite a few books on this subject, (I asked the question to see if they were good books in the view of the majority, or if I had missed a book that would help me out in my journey). Anway, the part that confused me was that the books that I have read and have information about the history of witchcraft have noted that the first recorded witches were solitary....so why is it that so many people believe that the coven is the only 'true' way. Should this not, in fact, be the other way around, or if not at least view the two ways in equal light? Does the fact that Garnder wrote the first book on practicing wicca make it fact, or the right way? Yeah, I know I've really opened up a whole can of worms here, however I don't mean to be descriminatory to any person's beliefs. Thanks in advance for answering respectfully.

Answer 1

The first covens in England after Ol' Gerald got his act together were in it to keep the practice to a select few. The idea that you have to be "trained" and "initiated". It's part of the "Old Boys Network" with neked girls and lots of BDS&M stuff.

But... after we get over the initial shock, and move on a few decades, we come to realize that it may have been an outlet for Ol' Gerald, but it does have some merit as a spirituality, coupled with the cleanup job done by Doreen Valiente. Actually, once she got done with it, it cleaned up rather nice. Goddess worship, nice touch.

Now, at this point, it's officially called "British Traditional Witchcraft" and the members are witches or wicca's. They use the word interchangably, because it means the same thing.

But it is still a private club. You must be in an officially recognized Tradition, you must be taught in a coven, you need to be initiated into a coven. Bla, bla, bla.

Then it moves out of England and across the sea to America. No longer bound by just the magical practice of witchcraft, we now have pow-wow practitioners, folk magic practitioners, Strega, even Voudon practitioners finding that by overlaying spirituality on their magical practices, it's a valid and very kicked up version of what they are practicing.

But many of these folks are solitary practitioners, much like you describe. Hmmm.... covens? Many don't want or need them.

We also have Scott Cunningham. After reading some of what Doreen Valiente wrote about bringing this Spirituality overlaid on magic to the everyday people, Scott writes Solitary Wicca. Well, now the cat is really out of the bag.

And shortly thereafter, we get "Wicca" recognized as a 501c3 religion.

The Traditionalists have been trying to put that cat back into the bag since then. But it's not happening. It is open to the public, there are many places to learn, read, practice. The Traditionalists are still trying to say Solitary is not valid, but it has evolved beyond their attempts to limit the practice, and it will continue way beyond that. It meets a spiritual need and empowers the practitioner, you can't get any better than that.

Not any can that hasn't been opened before, but it has been sorta kinda resolved. Traditionalists still make a lot of noise about covens and training and the old boys network, but it's not floating anymore. Rather, the movement has taken on it's own wings. You know, there is no stopping a Goddess when she has her mind set on something.

Hope this helps you out.

Answer 2

You don't have to be in a coven to be Wiccan. How do I know? I've been Wiccan 17 years. With and Without covens. It's a personal choice. It won't "make" you a Wiccan. That is between you and the Gods. I know plenty of people in covens who aren't Wiccan. I know plenty of Wiccans who aren't in covens. The two aren't mutually exclusive. You can be both a Wiccan and a witch, these two words are not the same. One of the biggest sore points among Wiccans is the improper usage of the terms "Wiccan" and "Witch". Too many people use the terms interchangeably, presuming that they both mean the same thing. They do not. Wiccan Wicca is a religion, and someone who follows that religion is called a Wiccan. Sometimes it can be difficult to accurately define Wicca, and not all Wiccans will define themselves the same way. Observing the 8 Wiccan Sabbats, honoring the Gods and/or Goddesses, creating sacred space for rituals, to name a few. Many traditional Wiccans also feel that belonging to a coven is also a requirement and that those who practice their religion as a solitary, should not refer to themselves as Wiccan. Personally, I'm still not sure on that point. Typical Wiccans also practice magick, and therefore are also witches. You cannot be a "natural Wiccan" any more than you could be a "natural Christian". Witch The practice of witchcraft is not associated with any religion, therefore you can be a witch and yet also be a member of any number of religions (or none). Using the natural energies within yourself, along with the energies of herbs, stones or other elements to make changes around you is considered witchcraft. Though the skills and gifts that are part of witchcraft can be inherited from parents or grandparents, you aren't automatically a witch just because your grandmother may have been one. The use of magick takes practice, experience and learning. On a side note, a male witch is called a witch, not a warlock. Pagan While I'm explaining terminology, I thought I would throw in "Pagan" as well. Paganism refers to a variety of non-Christian/Jewish/ Islamic religions that are usually polytheistic and are often nature-based. Wicca is only one Pagan religion, but there are others such as Santeria, Asatru, or Shamanism. Many people do not necessarily identify with a specific religion, and just use the broad term "Pagan" to define their spiritual path. Pagan religions are distinct and separate from each other, and it should not be assumed that they are just different names for the same faith.

Answer 3

To be a witch, one only needs to practice magic. You do not have to be a part of a coven or even be religious in any way. A witch practices magic. There were (and still are) many solitary witches. I don't know of anyone who feels that the only 'true' way to practice magic (be a witch) is to be a part of a coven.

Traditional Wicca (BTW) is an initiatory, mystery religion. It is a particular religion that embraces the practice of magic. To follow a traditional Wiccan path, one needs to be initiated into a lineaged coven. None of the Btw's that I've known have felt that the only "true" religion for everyone is Traditional Wicca.

I can't imagine a BTW getting upset because someone does not want to practice Traditional Wicca. I have found them to be very helpful and encouraging to others. They have given me plenty of good information about other neo-pagan paths. They will gladly teach outer court information to those who sincerely ask, but one cannot expect them to break their oaths and give oath-bound information. I respect the oaths they take. They know that BTW isn't for everyone.

Many people are happy practicing a Neo-Wiccan path. One can build a rewarding religious practice from outer-court tenets.
http://www.witches-tutorial.com/paths/neowicca.html

Answer 4

There isn't any true way that fits everyone.

I see Wicca and the eclectic wicca in the same way that I see Catholicism and Protestantism. A long time ago in the beginning of Christianity there was the Catholic church. Some people didn't like the rituals and rules of the Catholic church and broke off forming a new branch. Those people are called Protestants. Both Catholics and Protestants are Christians. A Methodist. Baptist, Nazarene, wouldn't call themselves a Catholic because their religion is very different. They practice Christianity but not Catholicism. Neither religion is the 'true' way for every Christian. But having different names helps to distinguish between the two main branches of Christianity.

So far, neo-wiccans haven't found a new name to call themselves that they like and agree on. When that happens the misunderstandings will lessen.

Answer 5

You're not being disrespectful at all. Gardner started the "first" recent New Age movement. Up until then, most knowledge was passed from mother to daughter or from neighbor to neighbor. Women met to pass on their knowledge of herb and healing and small magics.
The coven is not the "true way" just like there is not one "true way" in the entire Christian religion. It's splintered off and become *many* ways with one end (I do wish they would remember that though) Provided that people remember that "Magic is as Magic does" (no I do not spell magic with a "k") and that they remember the rules of 3 and 9 (ie: what you put out will come back to you 3 or 9 times) mostly everything boils down to intent.
I would recommend that you stay away from books that focus a lot on ritual. In my opinion you don't need it; but I've been working as an Earth Mother since the time I could talk to trees, and that was when I was small.
If you can, find Earth Power by Scott Cunningham at your local library or see if your local New Age store can get it for you. He does deal with ritual but he also does deal a lot with magical resonsibility. This is a BIG thing. You are responsible for all your magical actions be they good or bad. Intent you understand.
You still have a lot of research to go. If you wish, give me a email and we'll give it a look-see. Blessings, my Dear One. Stay safe.

Answer 6

OK, in the beginning we had Gerald Gardner, he is often credited as the man who either created or revitalized Wicca. In his days the only way to learn about Wicca or Witchcraft was through a coven. But once the Witchcraft Laws were repealed, people were free to write about Wicca and Witchcraft. And then when Wicca came to the New World, the number people who wanted to learn about Wicca went through the roof. There weren't enough traditionals to teach everyone, and then Solitary Wicca, or Neo-Wicca, was born! Many people were outraged that some people would call themselves Wiccan, after all, they, the traditionalists, worked hard to earn the title, but these solitaries just read a couple of books, and started to call themselves Wiccan. However, slowly they began to except solitary Wiccans as Wiccans, however, they are still some who don't accept us!

Answer 7

Take special note of what Boudi has to say. Believe me, she's a smart Fossil and knows her stuff. I think she also knows me -by another name.

Covens are like any other club, church, or business, in that some are run sensibly and responsibly. Others are steeped in so much dogma and power-play that they actually deserve the "cult" label that so many alternative groups get. There is really nothing done in a coven that cannot be done by a solitary, or a group of solitaries getting together. But if you prefer the idea of working in a group, rather than by yourself, and those running the coven are not tyranical autocrats, then go for it.

There is no need whatsoever to get skyclad or even attend a skyclad ritual, if it makes you uncomfortable. That's a personal choice, not religious or spiritual. Usually, if that's required, it's just that the HP and HPS want to ogle their flocks, but would never admit that. So they hide behind it's being some sort of mysitcal requirement. That's bull. And only exhibitionists would require the coven members to actually watch all the details of the Great Rite. When your parents got together and created you, that was a wondrous and magical thing. But I bet they didn't do it in Macy's front window, or in front of the altar of their church! Any requirements or demands that make you feel uncomfortable are just as wrong in a coven as anywhere else.

Anytime someone attempts to tell you that you "must" or "need to" do things a certain way, or that one way (theirs) is the only way, be very wary. This is the same tactic used in so many groups to maintain control. You have a mind and the ability to choose what works for you and what doesn't. No one way, no one coven, no one tradition, religion, or nationality is best for everyone. The one best for you is the one you find for yourself.

Answer 8

To be wiccan is to be true to yourself, Solitary wiccans in the past didnt need covens and neither do you if you feel this is best for you.
Ive never been a member of a coven not because i dont think they are any good but because i am solitary i worship, i celebrate,i do think that if you wish to be coven then all well and good it is nice to be around like minded people and the energy from such a gathering is powerful.
however wicca basics are followed by most but the true thing about wicca is that we have the right to celebrate and be self initiated there is no right or wrong way to practice wicca in the sense of solitary or part of a coven as long as the laws are followed with respect and love you are pretty much ok that is why Wicca as never really died out we dont become stagnant like some religions
follow your heart and your path shall become clear
Blessed Be

Answer 9

I follow most teachings of Wicca, and have been a member of a BTW coven in the past, but I do not believe that a coven initiation is the only way to be a Wiccan.

I have always believed that as long as you hold true to your faith, you are that faith, regardless of whether you go to church, go to mosque, go to a synagogue, go to a coven etc... Surely, the Gods will love you no matter how you practice?

I also didn't appreciate being looked down upon by HP and HPs that thought they were better or more 'powerful' than me. We are all learning and we are all equal, and I think covens should be run accordingly, with everyone having an equal say.

I know not all covens are run with the HP and HPs being egotistical and full of themselves, but it does happen.

BB
)O(

Answer 10

Buckland and Gardner borrowed from Ceremonial Magickians to make their so called "wicca" something for the average lay person to understand and use. Yes I do use the K in Magick to differentiate between mystical forms of magic and "stage magic" that houdini/david copperfield illusionists do. And that method of spelling came from a ceremonial Magickian named Aliester Crowley whom some wiccans are so *scared* to read/study about. Coven magick can be good because it is the combination of energies of 12 people bound together to produce a certain specific outcome.
It's not necessary to have a coven though. Many practioners are solitary and yes Scott Cunningham books and videos are fantastic for both the solitary or regular practioner.
But covens or "inner/outer circles" are not the only "true" way.

BB & 93's
http://www.thelemapedia.org/index.php/93
Triskelion