The Pros:
In traditional covens/clans, an initiate is given a year and a day to decide if they want to take the path of a pagan within that coven group. This gives you time to learn, experience and socialize With Other group members. A time to gauge the workings of the group and decide if your beliefs can fit within it's balance. A Priest or Priestess or both traditionally conduct all rituals and ceremonies within a coven. Giving direction and guidance as needed. For those who like learning from a teacher, this path might be the right one for you. Again, traditionally; a Priest is charged with the training and education of female students, while the Priestess is charged with the education of male students. This method invokes the balance of God/Goddess, and enhances the training through the balance of male/female energies. These directors of the magikal service or events within the coven must also be skilled in magik and ceremonial practices. They must be mature, wise and very humble. But they must also have the gifts of leadership, being able to deal with adversity in a quick and fair manner. If you can find a coven that is governed by these kinds of people in a well organized and balanced environment, then there may be much you can learn from this group.
The Cons:
Interaction with members of any group is not always easy. Discord with an other member can affect your concentration and your ability to function within the group. Your personal Experiences might also be limited depending on the manor in which rituals are conducted. Often a Priest or Priestess performs all the ceremonial tasks, including playing the role of the Goddess or God in certain ceremonies. Finally, the structured beliefs of the coven may differ slightly from your own beliefs. Once again creating dis-harmony within yourself and maybe within the group.
Other Considerations:
For all those covens out there that are in harmony, I commend you.
If you're in a coven now and you feel as though there are things going on that are against the Principles of your beliefs, then leave. Nothing says you 'have' to stay. When you're looking for a coven, you must take it upon yourself to validate the claims of leadership and education of the Priest/Priestess. Those who have honestly taken the training, time to learn and become enlightened will not manipulate you or your path. They will not try to control your actions. They will not tell you what you can or cannot do, who you can or cannot associate with. Each of these manipulations take away opportunities for you to learn, experience karma and expand in your own wisdom. So beware when you're seeking a coven.
In addition - NO clan or coven has a legal right to educate anyone under the age of 18 without their parents permission. There are many covens who are dictated to teach anyone who asks. That might be fine within the confines of their traditional rules or practices. But on a legal front, it is not legal. So be wary of anyone who tries to solicit your participation, at any age, or who tries to find underage members to join their group.
Last thought - And I'm sure this will offend many, but there are reasons for this paragraph. NO ONE with limited experience has the ability to start or run a coven. There are so many new practioners, especially teens, who have decided that after reading a few books, they want to lead a coven. Please set this idea aside. Create a 'study group' not a coven and you'll put your workings to much better use. Being a coven leader is a major responsibility and requires a great deal of training. Not just in the history and knowledge of the religion and tradition, but in the essence of spiritual wisdom, practical management and leadership, as well as, vast experience. If you don't have it, don't try it. Just be in a study group; its much easier and simpler to share ideas.
Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):
Paul Huson - Mastering WitchcraftJaroslav Nemec - Witchcraft And Medicine
Swain Wodening - Anglo Saxon Witchcraft
