Approaching a Coven
- Mandragora Magika
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
Writing Your Introduction
I get emails all the time asking why a coven didn’t respond to them. It’s true that covens go into periods where they aren’t taking students or have other factors happening that may delay them from answering. All of this is understandable; however, I would hope that every coven leader would respond to every sincere request.
My goal with this blog is to give Mandragora Magika users some tips to approaching a coven, grove or group via email or social media. It mostly applies to in-person covens or groves.
If a group is listed on the Mandragora Magika site they should be active, if they are not there should be a note saying they are not currently accepting students/trainees. Even if a group is not accepting students, you might still want to contact them with a letter of introduction letting them know you are interested when or if they will ever start a new training group.
As a seeker, you should know that running a coven is very hard work. Coven leaders sacrifice a lot of their personal time and energy. Many coven leaders have a group of initiates that they work with so taking on students that may or may not work out isn’t always an exciting prospect. So know that your letter of introduction is very important.
Are you ready?
So, you have found a group that you would like to meet and talk to. You have read the blog HOW TO JOIN A COVEN and you are ready to compose your letter of introduction. Don't email someone and say, "I want to join." You will likely not get a response. When contacting someone on Mandragora Magika, introduce yourself:
What is your name and age? It might feel a little invasive, but coven leaders will want to know your legal name and age. Most covens are willing to accept people over 18 or 21.
Where do you live in relationship to the group? Some groups will work with long-distance students so be up front with any limitations you might have.
Let them know what your experience is. Have you ever been in a group like this before? How long have you been interested? What kind of books have you read that are applicable to the group?
Tell the Coven/Group leaders about your interest in their group. What about that group interests you? Are they just the closest or are you interested in the tradition they represent or is there something else? Are you interested in specific pantheons?
You can add as much other info as you want after that. Relationship status, children, jobs, hobbies etc. are all applicable if you want to share right off the bat.
You can also ask questions, and you should! Remember this is a two-way street, you are trying to get to know them as much as they want to get to know you.
Note on inclusivity: Many groups today will add in their profiles or websites their policies on inclusivity for marginalized groups, stating that they do not discriminate against race, sexuality, gender, disability etc. If you are trans, non-binary, gay etc, and you are interviewing with an Initiatory Coven or Group I suggest you ask about that coven's policy for training and initiating people that fall outside of the binary.
Be patient, not everyone checks their email every day. You should receive a letter back from the coven leaders. They will likely have additional questions for you, be honest and upfront and you will hopefully move onto the next steps of the process.
Do not be upset if you find yourself in a situation where a coven isn’t the right fit. It goes both ways. You might find yourself at political or theological odds with a group that already exists and has built a repertoire. It’s better that you are all up front from the beginning rather than find out after that there are differences that cannot be overlooked. If one group doesn't work for your life, there will hopefully be others that will fit you better.
I wish you all the best on your journey. May your path be unobstructed and bright.
You can also visit our FIND A GROUP pages that are open to all and encompass other paths. Please use discretion when you meet strangers.
If you are looking to join a Coven and looking for a specific tradition you can VISIT THIS PAGE for more info.
ARE YOU UNDER THE AGE OF 18?
Please do not contact anyone listed on this site without getting the express permission of your legal guardian.
Please note that most Wiccan Covens will not want to engage with you until you are at least 18, and most over the age of 21.
There are groups that are oriented around Pagan family activities so please have your guardian reach out to groups that you can participate in with your family.
There are groups run my adults specifically for children interested in Pagan activities. Please look into options like Spiral Scouts.
ABOUT SI MANDRAGORA
Si is a Gardnerian High Priest and Minos in the Minoan Brotherhood operating in Flagler County, FL. A practitioner of various kinds of witchcraft since adolescence, he now runs Mandragora Magika, creates occult art, grows all kinds of plants but mostly in love with the poisonous variety. Si holds a degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute.
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