I arm a solitary Wiccan. I chose not to join a coven because my beliefs change with knowlege attained. I have not completely dismissed the idea of joining a coven. My question is to those who have had both experiences. Which did you prefer, and why?
2007-03-09 00:27:31 · 10 answers · asked by aurorase 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I've experienced both and there are positives and negatives to each.
For the solitary, positives include doing things your own way and at your own pace, not having to answer to anyone else, and anything along that line of freedom to do it however you choose.
Negatives include lack of social interaction and the collective energy that can get the job done faster.
For the coven, positives include being a part of a group, sharing information, support, etc..
negatives include answering to a high priest/priestess, council of elders, standardization over creativity, arguments or witch wars, etc...
As for my preference, there are times I really like being a solitary and at times, I'm glad I have covenmates.. my particular coven agreed a long time ago that we'd behave more like a band of solitaries to enjoy the benefits of both. I have been in a coven that wasn't like this, and I didn't enjoy it at all.
Hope that helps. Feel free to email me offlist if you like.
Many blessings on your path,
K
2007-03-09 00:35:08 · answer #1 · answered by Kallan 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Solitary. For the same reasons you have stated here. The 2 covens I had worked with had become stagnant and most of the members didn't care about learning anything. They were too worried about titles and being praised for them. As a solitary, I don't have to put up with that kinda crap and I can leave the "beaten path" when I feel like. Whereas, within those covens anyway, one couldn't bring in new information if it contradicted what they have stated.
Some of these Pagan sects are acting just like Mainstream religions - exclusive country clubs with no spirit.
2007-03-09 09:05:33 · answer #2 · answered by Kithy 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have done both, and although I received blessing with my coven, I found that as a solitary Wicca I can expand my knowledge and I can develop my craft as I feel comfortable with. My comfort level has grown and my belief in my own ability has improved as well, I trust myself more, and that was a break through, and it was something I never had with a coven. With the coven I was only a small part of a large group that did magic, but as a solitary, the magic is all mine!
Blessed Be
2007-03-09 08:54:28 · answer #3 · answered by trishalea 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am also solitary, but not by choice. I would love to, not necessarily join a coven, but a group where I can talk out problems and share ideas. I just cannot seem to find many people in my area. But I know what you mean about the changing beliefs thing. I really wouldn't like my personal beliefs and method to be affected by anyone else, as Wicca is such a personal spiritual journey.
2007-03-09 08:32:43 · answer #4 · answered by Kreen 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I used to practice as a Solitary and really enjoyed it. I think the advantages of a very legitimate coven (you have to be very careful with this one otherwise you will end up with some crazy people) is that you have access to some very wise practitioners and you also get to celebrate holidays as a community. That said, you can find covens that allow you to come for High Holidays without committing although you know as well as I do that some coven members don't consider Solitary's to be real Wiccans.......I'm practicing/studying Buddhism now but they aren't really incompatible from my perspective.......happy journeying to you.
2007-03-09 08:32:50 · answer #5 · answered by Yogini 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I enjoy Solitary better. I have not been able to find a coven that either share my beliefs or I feel comfortable in. Being Solitary I can learn and change as I feel I need to. and there is so much knowledge out there it seem to happen a lot.
Blessed Be )O(
2007-03-09 09:22:05 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say you should stick at it alone.
The more people there are grouped together, the greater the oppurtunity for differing beliefs and consequential belief-clashes. Often enough this can lead to certain peoples' beliefs being crushed underfoot by the stronger will... which isn't healthy.
Admittedly humans are a pack-animal by nature... and there are some social benefits to grouping up with other humans.... I just wouldn't recommend it on spiritual matters as such things only lead to disaster.
2007-03-09 08:35:31 · answer #7 · answered by Nihilist Templar 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I prefer working with groups, because there is a greater exchange of knowledge.
I suggest you find a non traditional, (ie Ecclectic) coven with no hierarchy to grow with.
2007-03-09 17:48:35 · answer #8 · answered by AmyB 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Coven..because then you can share/learn and be stimulated by this to move further along the correct pathway.
2007-03-09 08:32:53 · answer #9 · answered by ramarro smith shadow 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am by my nature Solitaire, always. Silly dogma is what one finds when joined. We are one expression of the singular universe each a whole connected at the root of reality. Only one is necessary, ever.
2007-03-09 08:35:26 · answer #10 · answered by Murazor 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋