The Grove Coven in Los Angeles differs from traditional Wiccan Covens in several key ways:
1. More inclusive and less formalized structure
- Traditional Wiccan covens typically adhere to a strict structure with a High Priest and High Priestess at the helm. These covens often have a clear hierarchy with different degrees of initiation, like first, second, and third degree, determining roles and responsibilities within the group.
- The Grove Coven, however, is described as a looser “network” of practitioners including Druids, Wiccans, Mystics, and Faeries. This suggests a less rigid structure than a typical Wiccan coven.
2. Broader focus beyond solely Wiccan practices
- Traditional covens typically focus on a specific Wiccan tradition, with shared beliefs and rituals, according to Reddit.
- The Grove Coven’s inclusion of Druids, Mystics, and Faeries suggests a broader focus, likely integrating practices and beliefs from these diverse paths, in addition to Wicca.
3. Emphasis on community and networking
- Traditional covens are often more focused on shared magical and spiritual work within a closed group of initiates.
- The Grove Coven’s description as a “network” highlights its role in fostering connections and cross-promotion between like-minded individuals and groups within the Los Angeles Pagan community.
4. Less emphasis on formal initiation
- Traditional Wiccan covens typically have a formal initiation process involving dedicated study periods and rituals before a new member is considered a full initiate.
- While The Grove Coven doesn’t necessarily exclude initiation, their role as a broader network suggests that they may be more open to individuals at various stages of their spiritual journey, without requiring formal initiation into a specific Wiccan tradition.
In essence, The Grove Coven appears to be a more open, less dogmatic, and more community-oriented gathering than a typical, traditional Wiccan coven. It acts as a platform for connection and shared exploration of diverse Pagan paths, rather than adhering to the strict hierarchy and initiation protocols of a single Wiccan tradition.
Coven Initiations and Our Suggested Milestones
Month I
Own and Read:
Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft: Examination Questions for Lessons 1 and 2
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss answers with the Coven.
Month II
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss answers with the Coven.
Month III
Read:
Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft: Examination Questions for Lessons 4 and 5
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss answers with the Coven.
Month IV
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss answers with the Coven.
Month V
Read:
Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft: Examination Questions for Lessons 8 and 9
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss answers with the Coven.
Month VI
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss answers with the Coven.
Month VII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss answers with the Coven.
Month VIII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss answers with the Coven.
Month IX
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Month X
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Month XI
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Month XI
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
First Degree
Month XIII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Month XIV
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Attend an Outdoor Coven Event
Cleanse Your Environment
Month XV
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Attend an Outdoor Coven Event
Cleanse Your Environment
Create Your Book of Shadows
Create a Home Altar
Co-Host an Open Event or Class
Month XVI
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Attend an Outdoor Coven Event
Cleanse Your Environment
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Maintain a Home Altar
Co-Host an Open Event or Class
Month XVII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Attend an Outdoor Coven Event
Cleanse Your Environment
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Maintain a Home Altar
Co-Host an Open Event or Class
Month XVIII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Attend an Outdoor Coven Event
Cleanse Your Environment
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Find an Oracle Deck
Co-Host an Open Event or Class
Month XIX
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Attend an Outdoor Coven Event
Cleanse Your Environment
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Practice an Oracle Deck
Co-Host an Open Event or Class
Month XX
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Attend an Outdoor Coven Event
Cleanse Your Environment
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Practice an Oracle Deck
Co-Host an Open Event or Class
Month XXI
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Attend an Outdoor Coven Event
Cleanse Your Environment
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Practice an Oracle Deck
Co-Host an Open Event or Class
Month XXII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Attend an Outdoor Coven Event
Cleanse Your Environment
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Find a Traditional Tarot
Co-Host an Open Event or Class
Month XXIII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Attend an Outdoor Coven Event
Cleanse Your Environment
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Practice a Tarot Spread
Co-Host an Open Event or Class
Month XXIV
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Attend an Outdoor Coven Event
Cleanse Your Environment
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Practice a Tarot Spread
Co-Host an Open Event or Class
Second Degree
Month XXV
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Create a Ritual
Host an Event or Class for the Coven
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Earth Star Chakra Meditation
View a Sunrise and a Sunset
Month XXVI
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Practice a Ritual
Co-Host an Event or Class for the Coven
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Root Chakra Meditation
View a Sunrise and a Sunset
Month XXVII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Create a Ritual
Host an Event or Class for the Coven
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Sacral Chakra Meditation
View a Sunrise and a Sunset
Month XXVIII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Practice a Ritual
Co-Host an Event or Class for the Coven
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Solar Plexus Meditation
View a Sunrise and a Sunset
Month XXIX
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Create a Ritual
Host an Event or Class for the Coven
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Heart Chakra Meditation
View a Sunrise and a Sunset
Month XXX
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Practice a Ritual
Co-Host an Event or Class for the Coven
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Throat Chakra Meditation
View a Sunrise and a Sunset
Month XXXI
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Create a Ritual
Co-Host an Event or Class for the Coven
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Third Eye Chakra Meditation
View a Sunrise and a Sunset
Month XXXII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Practice a Ritual
Host an Event or Class for the Coven
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Crown Chakra Meditation
View a Sunrise and a Sunset
Month XXXIII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Create a Ritual
Host a Class for the Coven
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Soul Star Chakra Meditation
View a Sunrise and a Sunset
Month XXXIV
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Practice a Ritual
Co-Host a Class for the Coven
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Spirit Chakra Meditation
View a Sunrise and a Sunset
Month XXXV
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Create a Ritual
Host an Event for the Coven
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Universal Chakra Meditation
View a Sunrise and a Sunset
Month XXXVI
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Practice a Ritual
Co-Host an Event for the Coven
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Galactic Chakra Meditation
View a Sunrise and a Sunset
Third Degree
Month XXXVII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Observe the Moon Phases
Host a Class for the Coven
Maintain Your Book of Shadows
Divine Gateway Chakra Meditation
Month XXXVIII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Observe the Moon Phases
Co-Host an Event for the Coven
Month XXXIX
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Observe the Moon Phases
Co-Host an Event for the Coven
Month XL
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Observe the Moon Phases
Co-Host an Event for the Coven
Month XLI
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Observe the Moon Phases
Co-Host an Event for the Coven
Month XLII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Observe the Moon Phases
Co-Host an Event for the Coven
Month XLIII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Observe the Moon Phases
Co-Host an Event for the Coven
Month XLIV
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Observe the Moon Phases
Help Organizers with the Coven
Month XLV
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Observe the Moon Phases
Help Organizers with the Coven
Month XLVI
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Observe the Moon Phases
Help Organizers with the Coven
Month XLVII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Observe the Moon Phases
Help Organizers with the Coven
Month XLVIII
Read:
Attend the Dark Moon Book Club to share and discuss thoughts with the Coven.
Observe the Wheel of the Year
Observe the Moon Phases
Create a Beginner Coven
Coven High Priest/ess
Month XLIX
Read:
Month L
Read:
Month LI
Read:
Month LII
Read:
Month LIII
Read:
Month LIV
Read:
Month LV
Read:
Month LVI
Read:
Month LVII
Read:
Month LVIII
Read:
Month LIX
Read:
Month LX
Read:
Coven Elder
On behalf of the entire coven, congratulations on reaching this milestone. The journey through years of dedicated book study, mentoring newcomers, and building a personal practice is a testament to the honorees’ spirit, wisdom, and dedication to the Craft.
The commitment to learning and the time spent immersed in the lore and wisdom of the tradition have enriched the collective knowledge and strengthened the coven’s foundation. As the honorees have deepened their understanding, they have also embodied the spirit of the Craft, embracing the balance between study and practice.
The selfless dedication to mentoring newer members speaks volumes about their generosity. The honorees have patiently guided those taking their first steps, sharing their wisdom and creating a supportive space for growth. This mentorship is invaluable, for it ensures the continuation of traditions and strengthens the bonds that unite the coven.
The commitment to building a powerful and unique personal practice showcases individuality and the strength found in connecting with the divine. The magic cultivated, the insights gained, and the personal transformation undergone through dedicated efforts are evident.
This accomplishment is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and passion for the Craft. It’s an honor to walk this path together and witness the continued growth and contributions to the coven and the wider community.
May the future be filled with continued learning, abundant wisdom, and the blessings of the Goddess and God. May the honorees’ light continue to shine brightly, guiding others and illuminating the way.
With love and deepest respect,
The Coven of the Grove
In the context of Wicca and witchcraft, when a coven “hives,” it means that a portion of the existing coven branches off to form a new, separate coven.
This practice is often compared to a bee colony forming a new swarm, with the implication of growth and expansion rather than a complete break.
Reasons why a coven might hive:
- Growth and Size: Many in the community believe that a coven larger than 13 members can become unwieldy, making group dynamics difficult and placing an unfair burden on leadership. Hiving allows the original coven to remain manageable while still providing a place for new members.
- Leadership Development: When a newly initiated High Priest or High Priestess (achieving the 3rd Degree) is ready to lead their own coven, they may leave the original coven to establish their own.
- Differing Paths or Beliefs: Sometimes, members of a coven may find their individual paths or beliefs diverge from the core practices or philosophy of the group, leading them to form a new coven with a focus that better aligns with their evolving needs.
- Interpersonal Conflicts or Dynamics: While ideally, covens are like families, internal disagreements or interpersonal conflicts can arise, making it necessary for some members to separate and form a new group with a more compatible dynamic.
- Geographic Relocation: If a significant number of members relocate to a new area, hiving allows them to maintain their connections and continue their practices in a new location.
What Hiving Entails:
- Formation of a New Coven: The individuals who hive off will establish a new coven with its own leadership, rules, and practices.
- Continued Connection (Sometimes): In some traditions, the newly hived coven may still maintain a connection with the original coven, and the High Priestess of the original coven might be seen as a “Witch Queen” or mentor to the new coven, offering guidance and advice when needed.
- Autonomy: Regardless of any ongoing connection, hived covens typically operate as autonomous entities, governing themselves and following their own chosen path.
Hiving is a natural process in the evolution of many Wiccan covens, reflecting growth, adaptation, and the desire to create the most supportive and effective environments for spiritual practice and community.
The Grove Coven 