Frequently asked questions; (or things I wondered about when I first began looking at joining a Coven or finding community to practice with…)
§
1) How do I apply to become a student of this Coven?
Fill out this form: Tree-of-Knowledge-Coven-Application, and follow the directions. I will contact you for an in-person interview after receiving and reviewing your application. [Update February 2022 – All desired student applications for the 2022/2023 Student Year have been received. Check back for updates or reach out for referrals: Faelind]
2) If I am selected as a student, does that mean I am initiated into the Coven?
No. Becoming a student means one is participating in a “Year and a Day or Thirteen Moons” of study. After the end of the “Year and a Day”, the High Priestess (in discussion with the student) will determine whether the student will initiate or not. Before the end of the student year, there are passages that will be required before initiation as well.
3) What does the Tree of Knowledge Coven practice?
We are a Witchcraft Coven who honors the Goddess and the God including worship and learning about Goddesses and Gods from many pantheons. We actively celebrate Full Moons, New Moons, and the eight seasonal Sabbats with rich, sacred drama and ritual, and we honor the divinity within each other. We work with the Elements and are particularly fond of scholarly endeavors that include Art, Poetry, History, and Magic.
4) How long has the Tree of Knowledge Coven been active?
The Tree of Knowledge Coven began its existence on June 2, 2012 in the American Tradition of the Goddess Wiccan Tradition. These many years later, however, the Tree of Knowledge Coven practices eclectic Witchcraft in the Spiral Web Tradition. Visit the Page about Faelind to learn more about my background.
5) Will I participate in and attend Full moon Rituals?
Yes, in your student year and beyond.
6) Will I participate in and attend New Moon Rituals?
Not as a student, only Coven Initiates take part in New Moons.
7) Will I participate in and attend Sabbat Rituals?
Yes, as a student and beyond.
8) How long does it take to complete my studies in order to become a High Priestess?
Not everyone wants to become a High Priestess, but if you do, it is a lengthy process that requires much growth and learning.
- A Student year of study is at least a Year and a Day and must be Thirteen Moons (and sometimes much longer) before the First Degree Inner Circle Initiation
- A First Degree Inner Circle Initiate must study for another a Year and a Day/Thirteen Moons (it is usually MUCH longer) before a Second Degree Hierarchy Initiation
- A Second Degree Hierarchy Initiate continues study for another Year and a Day/Thirteen Moons (at least) and must contribute back to the Coven as Coven Council serving as Maiden or Guardian, or to the Community in some way such as holding an office within the Local Council of CoG prior to seeking a Third Degree (High Priestess)
- A Second Degree Hierarchy Initiate must serve as Coven Council (Maiden or Guardian) for at least two years
One’s journey to High Priestess takes a minimum of 5 plus years before one can begin to fulfill the requirements for the Third Degree. In my case, I swore my oaths for the Third Degree nearly SEVEN years after becoming a student.
9) Will I get to do Magic Spells?
Yes, but only after you have completed the series of classes under Orientation to understand the Ethics and History of the Craft. Becoming a Witch and practicing WitchCraft is not what is shown in popular culture on TV or in the movies. In this tradition, spell work requires knowledge and practice of ethics and responsibility and is not to be undertaken lightly or in ‘fun’. It is very powerful and can have unintended consequences that should be considered.
10) Must I stop participating in other esoteric interests or courses if I become a student?
No. You will be asked to make a commitment to your studies known as a “Student Obligation” but are allowed and encouraged to continue learning and participating in what brings you joy. In my humble opinion, those who take a great interest in life and learn all they can are the best kinds of Witches!
11) What are the Degrees? Is it just graduating to the next level?
Within the Tree of Knowledge Coven, elevation is a validation of your commitment and service. The Degrees represent the level of service and responsibility that one feels called to perform and are Initiations to the next set of challenges on one’s path. Meeting the requirements set forth for each level does not guarantee or even presume that one will Initiate or elevate to the next degree. There are requirements for each level to ensure one is ready for the challenges that will come.
12) If I become a Student, can I quit at any time?
Yes. You can quit at any time, and even after you have initiated you are free to do as you will. Please see here for the Seekers Bill of Rights to understand your rights.
You will not be forced to do anything against your will. We are an oath-bound tradition, but that oath is freely given of your own will and will not be coerced from you. Our oaths are important to us personally as they are made to the Divine and to the Tradition and Coven we serve.
13) Will the classes cost money?
No. I do not charge for teaching the classes. Goddess has called me to do this work, and being a High Priestess in the Spiral Web Tradition is awesome! I do not do this for money…
§
Tree of Knowledge Coven 
Leave a Reply