Joining an online coven can be a wonderful experience, but there are some warning signs you should look for to avoid the stress of a dysfunctional group.
Pagans and Wiccans are wonderful people who enjoy chatting with others of a like mind. They are almost always eager to help out those new to the path and usually offer sage advice to those who are “just in it for the spells.” However, there are rare occasions when a coven is dysfunctional. If you notice any of these warning signs within the online coven you have joined, consider leaving for a new, less stressful group.
Money
Be wary of any coven that wants you to pay for joining. As in all religions, there are some people who want to make money off of religious beliefs. The exception to this rule would be donating a dollar or two through an online service to help pay for the expense of running a pay-for email discussion list or a private message board. Another exception might be donating for the costs of a paper newsletter that is made especially for the coven you have joined. These things cost the HP (High Priest or High Priestess) money and it is only common courtesy to pay for your personal expense.
Personal Information
Never give out personal information online. There is no reason why the online coven needs to know your real name, address, or phone number. Oftentimes, however, members of an online coven do get to know each other well over the years and switch to calling and writing personal letters.
Product Links
Stay away from online covens where the HP wants you to buy an item only through them. For example, if the High Priest demands that initiates must buy the magical Jiggly Wiggly Wand through his link, don’t. Paganism and Wicca are not religions based on monetary gain.
Bad Tempers
Let’s face it. Running an online coven is a lot of work, and some people just aren’t cut out for the job. If the person running the coven has problems with his or her temper, leave. You don’t need the stress.
Control Issues
If you feel as though you are being pressured to do something you are not comfortable doing or if you’re made to feel guilty because you don’t have the time for daily coven activities, leave immediately. Covens are supposed to be a getaway from the stress of the outside world. If the coven you’ve joined is stressful, find a new one.
Power Struggles
Finally, power struggles are one of the leading causes of coven meltdowns. When you see two or more people battling for control of a coven, back away and don’t get involved. The situation will only get worse if coven members begin taking sides. Leave the coven and find a more peaceful group to join.
