How to Find a Witch Coven: Complete Beginners Guide Step-by-Step

In today’s world, more people than ever are drawn to witchcraft as a spiritual path. Whether you’re interested in spellwork, nature worship, or connecting with the divine feminine, you might reach a point where solitary practice no longer feels like enough. That’s when many witches start looking for a coven—a group of like-minded individuals who gather to practice magic, celebrate the seasons, and support each other’s spiritual growth.

But how do you actually find a witch coven? With so many paths, traditions, and communities out there, it can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, from identifying your spiritual needs to connecting with real-world and online covens safely and meaningfully.

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What Is a Coven?

A coven is a group of witches who meet regularly to perform rituals, celebrate sabbats and esbats, and share spiritual or magical knowledge. Covens vary in size (often 3 to 13 members) and structure. Some follow specific traditions like Gardnerian Wicca, Dianic witchcraft, or Reclaiming, while others are eclectic or based on local customs.

Covens can offer:

• Group rituals and magical workings

• Training and mentorship

• Spiritual community

• Sacred space for transformation

Joining a coven can deepen your practice and provide emotional and magical support—but it’s important to find one that truly fits your values and goals.

Step 1: Know What You’re Looking For

Before searching for a coven, clarify your intentions and preferences. Ask yourself:

• What type of witchcraft do I resonate with? (Wicca, folk magic, hedge witchcraft, chaos magic, etc.)

• Do I prefer structured rituals or intuitive/spontaneous ones?

• Am I looking for a coven that follows a specific tradition (e.g., Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Reclaiming)?

• Do I want a local group I can meet in person, or am I open to online covens?

• What are my spiritual values around gender, inclusivity, deity worship, and ethics?

Being clear about these things will help you filter out covens that aren’t right for you and focus on communities where you’ll thrive.

Step 2: Learn the Traditions

Different covens follow different spiritual and magical frameworks. Some of the most well-known include:

• Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wicca: Initiatory, structured, and hierarchical; worship of a God and Goddess; often requires oaths and long-term commitment.

• Dianic Wicca: Feminist, Goddess-focused, and sometimes women-only.

• Reclaiming Tradition: Ecofeminist, progressive, and activist; emphasizes inclusivity and personal empowerment.

• Eclectic Covens: Mix traditions and practices without strict rules.

• Folk and Traditional Witchcraft: Based on regional customs and ancestral practices, often non-Wiccan.

Spend time researching these paths to see which aligns most with your beliefs and personality. Reading books, watching videos, or listening to podcasts by respected teachers (e.g., Starhawk, Christopher Penczak, Thorn Mooney) can help you understand the diversity within witchcraft.

Step 3: Start Your Search

Once you have a sense of what you’re looking for, begin exploring covens in your area or online. Here are some ways to start:

1. Use Online Directories

• Witchvox.com (historically popular, though now archived)

• The Covenant of the Goddess (cog.org): Lists member covens.

• The Temple of Witchcraft (templeofwitchcraft.org): Offers online and in-person training and circles.

• Meetup.com: Search for Pagan, Wiccan, or witchcraft groups.

• Facebook Groups: Try searching “Witch Coven [Your City]” or “Pagan Group [Your State].”

2. Visit Local Metaphysical Shops

Many witch-friendly stores host community boards, workshops, and coven gatherings. Shopkeepers often know about local groups or can connect you with experienced practitioners.

3. Attend Pagan Events or Festivals

Regional Pagan Pride Days, Beltane fairs, or Witchcraft festivals (like HexFest, Pagan Spirit Gathering, or WitchsFest NYC) often include open rituals and networking events. These are great opportunities to meet coven members in person.

4. Take a Class or Workshop

Some covens offer introductory courses as a way to get to know potential members. Others may host public rituals around the Sabbats (seasonal celebrations) or moon phases.

Step 4: Observe and Engage

Once you find a group that interests you, take the time to observe their public activities, if possible, and engage respectfully. This is your chance to get a feel for their vibe, values, and dynamic.

Pay attention to:

• How the members treat each other

• Whether the group is inclusive and welcoming

• How they handle leadership and decision-making

• Whether their spiritual language and ritual style resonate with you

Ask questions, attend open events, and introduce yourself without pressure. A healthy coven will never rush you or demand secrecy or loyalty too early.

Step 5: Ask the Right Questions

When considering joining a coven, it’s important to communicate clearly and ask thoughtful questions. Some key things to ask include:

• What is the coven’s tradition and spiritual focus?

• How often does the group meet? Are meetings in person or online?

• Is there a training or dedication period before initiation?

• What are the expectations around membership, confidentiality, and participation?

• Are there fees or donations expected?

• What are the coven’s policies on diversity, gender identity, and inclusion?

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, you’re under no obligation to continue. A good coven will respect your boundaries and encourage you to take your time.

Step 6: Consider Online Covens

If you live in a rural area or prefer digital communities, online covens are a valid and growing option. Many respected teachers and groups now offer digital circles, rituals, and classes. Some examples include:

• The Witches’ Realm (Discord-based community for learning and connection)

• Temple of Witchcraft Mystery School (structured lessons, group rituals, and mentorship)

• Sacred Circle Academy or The Black Witch Coven (courses with optional group meetings)

Online covens often use platforms like Zoom, Discord, or private forums to stay connected. While online connection can’t fully replace in-person ritual energy, many find it deeply meaningful, especially during life transitions or pandemics.

Step 7: Build Relationships

Even if you don’t join a coven right away, building relationships within the wider magical community is invaluable. Attend public rituals, volunteer at events, and stay active in forums or groups. Over time, you’ll develop friendships that could lead to an invitation—or inspire you to start your own coven.

Remember, witchcraft is deeply personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all path. Whether you eventually join a formal coven or form a casual study group, what matters most is finding a safe, empowering space where you can grow.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not all covens are healthy or ethical. Be on the lookout for warning signs, such as:

• Authoritarian leadership that discourages questioning or autonomy

• Pressure to join, initiate, or swear oaths too soon

• Sexual coercion disguised as “sacred” practices

• Manipulative or exploitative behavior

• Racism, sexism, homophobia, or transphobia

A good coven is based on trust, mutual respect, consent, and shared values. If something feels wrong, trust your intuition and walk away.

Starting Your Own Coven

If you can’t find the right coven or prefer a DIY approach, you might consider starting your own group. Here are some tips:

1. Find 1–2 likeminded friends to begin with—quality matters more than numbers.

2. Choose a structure: Will you rotate leadership? Have specific roles?

3. Set a mission or focus: Sabbats, lunar magic, shadow work, herbalism?

4. Write simple bylaws or agreements about scheduling, confidentiality, and boundaries.

5. Be open to growth and learning. Most covens evolve over time.

Plenty of books offer guidance on starting covens, including Covencraft by Amber K and Witchcraft Today by Gerald Gardner.

Final Thoughts

Finding a witch coven can be a powerful step on your magical journey. It’s a chance to move beyond solitary practice and experience the energy of group ritual, the wisdom of shared tradition, and the joy of spiritual community.

The path may require patience, research, and discernment, but it’s worth the effort. Whether in person or online, traditional or eclectic, covens offer support, learning, and transformation.

Trust your instincts, ask the right questions, and remember: the right coven will help you grow into your fullest magical self.

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Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.