Ex Penna

Without the benefit of advertising or proselytizing, most magical groups are deep underground.   There are, of course, in-roads you can take to membership, but you need to know a few simple things

if you're ever going to find them.

If you've ever thought of joining a coven you've probably dreamed of what it would be like to work together as a great magical family, meeting in secret groves or brightly lit living rooms, enacting rituals and spells that have a ring of beauty and power you've never experienced before.  That can happen...or it might not.  That would be my first piece of advice: don't get ahead of yourself and expect to discover the perfect coven (or, better yet, to seek you out).  Look instead for the right fit, good people, and a place where your talents can be of use.

One more thought before we tuck in.  Don't be lured by the suggestion you will undoubtedly hear that you should just start your own coven.  Please note that this method is no easier.  You haven't found some grand workaround that will make the road to adepthood a quick trip.  Being in charge of a group of like-minded but still fiercely independent people is a hard job and without a little training--and a whole lot of patience--you may find yourself lost in just as many power struggles, arguments, money woes, and abuses of power as would have been possible as a joining member to a group hosted by strangers.

It is my belief, too, that a single large group is more effective and prosperous than ten small groups.  Unless you have a very different outlook from any existing coven, always try to band together with fellow practitioners.  Large groups host events, plan trips, maintain group documents and books, and offer services that smaller covens cannot.  Try to always combine your efforts with others.

But that is only an issue once you've found a coven within driving distance, of an appropriate age group, with similar practices, who seek new members, and with whom you are interested in joining.  There's a lot that can go wrong from the moment you realize what a great idea it would be until you even get the chance to see it in action.  For simplicity, we're going to talk about the 3 most glaring problems as I have seen them.


1. You don't have enough exposure to the magical community.
As an underground resource, you're not going to have access to names, numbers, or locations unless you know someone.  And you're not going to know anyone with this information unless you meet people.  This means getting out where other practitioners are and involving yourself.  Where to begin?

• Find an in-road and take it.  Anyone you meet can possibly lead you to corners of the magical community you have not yet seen.  If you get word that a divination workshop is being offered next month or overhear some familiar magical phrases in passing, put yourself into the discussion and learn more.  Be polite, naturally, but don't let manners keep you from a possible connection with the broader magical world.
• When you make a connection, expand on it.  Does the person you're speaking with know other practitioners?  Do they host or attend events?  Have they been to festivals, workshops, or public talks in your area?  Ask about their background, tradition, and experiences.  Offer your own.
• If given the chance, work at festivals and events.  Most of the workers in these places are volunteers, others are working off their admittance fee.  But whatever your situation, you will be certain to meet others who are involved in the occult.
• Be sure to never walk away without getting full names and contact information.  
• If you find a magical shop in your area, ask about its calendar of events.  Get to know the shop keeper and other regular shoppers.  Businesses are often a hub for covens.