| Most useful for: | Seekers interested in spiritual group work |
| Content: | Discusses women's spirituality in general; describes a variety of existing spiritual groups; discusses the basics of running a spirituality group; suggests ways to start such a group; describes group maintenance. |
| Commentary: | Although this book is (a) not strictly Pagan in scope and (b) intended for use by women-only groups, I think it's usable by mixed groups and is certainly usable by Pagan groups. (My experience has been that while different people certainly want different things from a group or circle, these differences aren't necessarily gender-linked.) I'd say that the ideas presented in this book would be particularly useful for Pagans coming from a non-traditional Wiccan or Pagan background (feminist sprituality comes to mind here), since the groups are assumed to be egalitarian in nature and to provide above all a safe space to explore ones spirituality in a supportive atmosphere rather than a rigorous training program. (Both are good things but each, I think, needs a somewhat different atmosphere to flourish.) This book is about the former. Particularly useful are the sections on starting a group and structuring a first meeting; I also thought the chapter on bringing a group closer together was good, providing concrete ways to build love and trust among group members (although I'd say this is an area to be somewhat careful of, as these things can't be forced). Overall, I'd call it a good resource but not an essential one for most of us--but I can think of no equivalent resource for those hoping to build a gently supportive spiritual "family" and would certainly recommend it for that purpose. |
Judy Darrow, Wicca Covens: How to Start and Organize Your Own.
| Most useful for: | Intermediate seekers interested in group work |
| Content: | Provides basic but detailed information on group dynamics, especially as they apply to coven work; discusses the particular issues specific to parents in covens; discusses the different roles--magical group, support group, "family" group--a coven can play for its members; suggests material that might be taught within a coven; discusses the working partnership between coven leaders; suggests ways to screen potential coven members; discusses community building tools. |
| Commentary: | There are a few things I particularly liked about this book. One is that the author's background in psychology and group dynamics enables her to not only describe what can go on during group work (good or bad) but to tell why it happens and make good suggestions for dealing with it. Because of this, the book may get a little heavy in places but it's never a difficult read, and definitely worth the extra effort to get the information. I also liked the author's extensive use of quotations from others (I always feel it's good to provide a variety of points of view if possible). The book does refect, to some degree, the author's own personal coven experience (she has never worked solitary, and the covens she has been in have been of the one-priest-and-priestess-led sort rather than of the shared-leadership sort) but that's very apparent and much of the information would be applicable to different coven and group structures as well. |
| Recommended |
Amber K, Covencraft: Witchcraft for Three of More.
| Most useful for: | Intermediate seekers interested in group work |
| Content: | Discusses covens in general; provides information on finding an existing coven and on organizing your own coven; discusses specific aspects of the coven, such as ritual supplies, coven finances, offices, welcoming new members, keeping a calendar, celebrating esbats and sabbats, training, initiation, group dynamics, counseling, networking, affiliation, and community relations.. |
| Commentary: | Probably the most comprehensive coven handbook currently available, this book covers just about everything you need to know about working in a coven. Although a great deal of information is included, it's written well and is not a difficult read, although some of the material is a bit dry. The chapters on finding and organizing a coven are full of practical suggestions, and the book really shines in its treatment of the details--managing financial matters, dividing duties among officers, etc. Plenty of ideas for rituals and other coven activities are included. The bulk of the book is going to be most useful for the high priestess/priest and other coven organizers--in fact, there is probably more information than the leaders of most small covens will ever need (few covens will ever need to do more financial record-keeping than making note of who brought the candles last time, and fewer still will ever be in the position of buying land for a covenstead)--but it's worthwhile reading for anyone interested in coven work. |
| Recommended |
Edain McCoy, Inside a Witches' Coven
| Most useful for: | Beginning and intermediate seekers interested in group work |
| Content: | Includes information on forming a coven or joining an existing group; describes the qualities of different sorts of covens; discusses ideas for meeting people and group dynamics; discusses how different aspects of Witchcraft can work within a coven atmosphere. |
| Commentary: | A quick and easy read that will give anyone considering starting group work some things to think about, this book reveals some of the unexpected potential pitfalls of working with others. Her suggestions for what to ask a coven you're considering joining--and for what to ask someone asking to join a coven you're already a part of--are very good; however, although she is usually fairly neutral in discussing coven options, in some cases her biases are apparent--but they are readily apparent and easily identifiable by the reader. I particularly liked the real-life examples McCoy gives of coven problems she has experienced and how they were handled (or not handled, as the case may be). It may provide enough information for someone thinking of joining an existing coven, but someone considering starting their own group will probably need more; however, it's an excellent introduction to the subject and far less intimidating to the beginner than many other books on the subject. |
| Recommended |