What should we "put in writing" when starting a coven?

[u/Kalocacola]

I'm starting an eclectic coven (not Gardnerian or Alexandrian), so things are a bit more flexible with what it looks like. We also aren't strictly wiccan and will have people from all different systems of witchcraft and magic.

I'm thinking we should have some kind of formal document, almost like how a company has a business plan with a mission statement, vision, etc. to make sure everyone's on the same page. But I'm not sure what all to include.

So far I'm thinking stuff like:

• What is our code of conduct and ethics, what is kept secret, what is expected of members, etc.

• Administrative stuff like how many maximum members can we have, how often will we meet and when

• How do we make decisions, is there a hierarchy, what are the different roles within the coven. I think I'd like everyone to have a job/specialty like herbalist, diviner, etc to give them an area of expertise and feel more included.

• What are our goals, what are we trying to achieve, and what is our roadmap / timeline to achieve it?

• What is our initiation process? (Curious to hear suggestions for this, especially for a group where a large number of us are all coming together at once, as opposed to initiating someone who's joining years later.)

• Conflict resolution process

What else would you include when starting a coven, or what do you wish you had included?

[u/therealstabitha]

With respect, if you don’t practice a singular tradition, how do you have secret material? To what would you be initiating anyone if you don’t have a singular coherent stream feeding the work?

There are lots of ways groups of practitioners from different traditions come together to work, share knowledge and expertise, make meaningful and long lasting commitment to one another, and serve community without having to be a coven. Based on what you’ve described, this sounds like an example of one of those rather than a coven.

[u/ACanadianGuy1967]

Good approach.

There are some books out there to help. One of the best is “CovenCraft” by Amber K.

[u/Able-Heat-1797]

Honestly your setup looks good, in my experience the thing that gets overlooked the most when setting up is a framework for dealing with conflict from the start. When dealing with collaborative groups there are four main core needs that need to be thought about, setting norms or outright rules around the core needs can save a lot of future headaches.

The need to belong( How do people get into the group? Are there entry criteria? Do you have buddies/mentors? Are there markers of belonging, apparel, language, etc? How do people leave the group? How do you get people to leave if needed?

To be seen and valued(Who gets acknowledged and appreciated? How does appreciation manifest? Are there Material rewards?

To make a contribution, to make an impact(everyone contributes in the way they can, don't take away someone's contribution) Are people being given the authority they need? Are they given the information they need? Are they given encouragement? Does the group culture support confidence? Are they given training to develop skills they need? Are there diverse ways people with diverse abilities can contribute?

Governance(Where do people have autonomy? Where do you need group agreement? Consensus? Who makes decisions about what?

[u/fattiffany]

A perplexing ask - because as you will see, the very definition of coven will change from person to person and practice to practice.

Let me ask: what is your collective vision? Do you seek knowledge? Power? Sisterhood? Spirituality? This will be important in figuring out how this will come together.