Coven vs. Solitary?

Question

I am looking for reasons opposed/for each...your opinions.

Though I am expecting the same ugly comments from those not sharing my beliefs...I really wish you would move onto a question you can answer without ignorance, intolerance, lack of understanding, etc... No disrespect...just choose a different question where you really can help someone. Thank you.

Answer 1

butterfli, I began my practice more than 36 years ago as a Gardenarian (exclusively Coven oriented). Mu first coven hived off and I joined them. I was dissapointed with the first one (Ego trips abounded), the SAME thing happened with the second coven and it too hived off into another coven which I followed. Again there were ego problems and at that point I decided to become a solitary. In the coven setting it seems to me that there wil ALWAYS be one or two who want to dictate everything that the REST of the gfroup does, thinks, etc. Raising the Energy always seemed like such a chore because there was ALWAYS someone who just wasn't in the mood and wouldn't get with the program.

The nice thing about being a solitary is that YOU can determine your OWN path without having to consider whether or not the rest of the group will support your endeaver. You can raise you OWN energies and you KNOW for certain the quality of the energies that you raise. Also, you're NOT bound by the timing of the group as a whole and you can determine when, where and how you will cast your own circles.

I still will do a ceremony with a few people but there is no official coven, per se. At those times it is mainly for support, learning or to accomplish a specific objective. LIke some others here, not belonging to a coven is very liberating but it's STILL nice to have a group that you can exchange ideas and information with. So, I would tend to support the BOTH concept.

Brightest Blessings,
Raji the Green Witch

Answer 2

I think that doing both is very possible. When it comes to covens, it is just not possible for everyone. People, like myself, that live in small towns and dominantly Christian populations don't usually have the option of joining a coven. Also some people believe their path to be private and don't want to share with others. Covens can also be a problem when you don't follow the same path as the other members. There can be conflicts in beliefs and even morals. On the upside though, a coven can give you a support system. Brothers and sisters that you can depend on and lean on when needed. Also, they can help when it comes to learning new things and expanding your practice.

Solitary is a way that alot of people choose to go. Some because they have no other choice and others simply because that is the best way for them. The down side to this practice is that you have no one to ask questions to. No one to share in your experiences with. It can at times be lonely. Also it can be harder to progress when you practice alone. Some even lose sight of why they started in the first place.
On the upside, this path allows you to personalize your craft to your own beliefs without compromising anything for the sake of the coven. You can develop an extremely personal relationship with the deities of your choice. Although things may progress slowly you will have a real feeling of accomplishment and peace when you are done.

The pros and cons of each kind of weigh out equally. You just have to choose whatever path is best for you. The craft is a personal choice and so is everything that goes with it.

Answer 3

I much prefered working as a solitary as opposed to working with a coven. From my pov, there is too much ego involved within a coven, which prevented me from doing the work I wanted to do, as well as impeding my learning. I saw far too much judgement being spread around, and I found this to be intolerable and inappropriate. It was especially bad for the newer members. The whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth, and I decided I would avoid "organizations" in regard to my spirituality. On the positive side, you can raise a whole lot of power when you get a group together.

Working as a solitary has allowed me to work at my own pace, and my development wasn't hindered.

Answer 4

I'm not Wiccan anymore though I used to be, but Heathens have groups too (Kindreds) and I still consider myself Pagan so I will answer this.

I'm solitary largely by choice. Not only do I experience more freedom in the way I practice and do things but also the Pagans and Heathens that are down here, I have nothing in common with. To be in a coven or a kindred, you have to have a lot more in common with the people in the group then "Oh, you're Pagan? I'm Pagan too! Let's be friends!" A strong group needs to have stronger bonds than that. If not, it falls apart. I can't really focus on my worship being around people I don't feel totally comfortable being totally myself around.

If there were some in my area who I got on real well with an we clicked not only spiritually but personally as well things would be different, but for now it's solitary for me.

Answer 5

Gosh, this really depends on what you're looking for.

If you're looking for Wicca, the only place to get that is in covens - WICCAN covens. If you, after being trained in, and initiated into, a Wiccan Tradition, choose to practice as a solitary, that's your choice, but Wicca itself is a group-based religious tradition.

As a Witch (I'm not a Wiccan) I have both a group and a solitary practice. I don't wait until my group can get together to do healing work for those who request it...and on those occasions where the group cannot get together for an Esbat or Sabbat, I do something alone or just with my hubby.

IMO, a Witch who cannot practice as a solitary isn't well-trained. But you *get* that training in a coven.

There are things you simply cannot learn alone - you need someone to teach you (in person) what it feels like to raise energy...and if others cannot feel the difference, you need to keep working on it. That's not something you're likely to be able to tell by yourself.

I was a solitary for many years. I taught myself a lot.

I learned a lot MORE from being in a coven. That MORE that I learned has enriched my solitary practice.

Answer 6

I'm the HPs, so obviously most of the time it's coven. It was almost a matter of default...the coven was a spontaneous thing and I was the only woman...go figure. It means I have an incredible wellspring of power and support to draw from, and it makes our Sabbats even more special.

Still, sometimes it's easier to hear Her voice when I'm alone. For most spellwork, I prefer solitary practice, and there are just some months when you've got to talk to the moon by yourself.

Answer 7

Coven (or other formal group): There is the overwhelming advantage of support from those of like mind and the availability of mentoring and teaching. It's easier to learn some things in a group setting than all alone. The disadvantages might include issues of personality or even conflicting opinions on the proper path.

Solitary (or small informal group): There is the overwhelming advantage that you may take the direction that you wish at the time and place that you want. But, it can be lonely and some things require help to learn.

Either way, follow the path that comes to you in your heart.

Answer 8

i am a solitary primarily because of distance problems. I am simply too far away from any group of witches to be a part of a coven. There aren't enough witches here to form one. Besides the danger a coven would be in here from the fundy Christians in the area would be intense. So I am a solitary. It protects me from the crazy dangerous fundies and allows me to practice my beliefs under their noses. Hopefully someday that will change but for now that is reality.

Answer 9

I'm primarily solitary. There's not much of a community where I live, so I didn't have a choice. The good thing is I can follow my own ethos exactly how I choose and do the things that fulfil me the most. The downside is there's no community support to turn to whatsoever and it's hard not having people to share experiences with.

Answer 10

Well, my argument FOR a coven is that in any of the Mystery religions, you have to be initiated by them to learn from them. And of course, you learn much better through interaction and instruction than through books.

For solitary, there is simply comfort, ease of practice, independent growth, etc. It's not easy to find local groups that are accepting new members which are also teaching what you are interested in learning.