Q: I am really interested in Tarot, but I keep reading that you can't buy your own deck, so how do people get theirs?
A: That is a common misconception; you can totally buy your own tarot decks, and most people do. Personally, while I always appreciate being gifted tarot decks, I've found I connect better to decks I have chosen myself. So don't hesitate to purchase one you like!

Q: Is there an actual starter deck? Or can I just buy whichever?
A: Many people start with a Raider Waite as it's the oldest and most recognizable, but given that almost all decks available come with an instruction booklet, you can really start wherever you want! 

Q: I honestly just don't like the Raider Waite, it is boring and cookie cutter and I'd prefer to start with something a little prettier. Do you have any recommendations?
A: I'm quite fond of both the DruidCraft and the Wild Unknown tarot; the artwork is amazing, but it also provides a very thorough explanation book for both. 

Q: I have runes at home but it just isn't resonating with me. Is it something that comes with time? 
A: It definitely can be. I personally don't have the best relationship with runes, though I have found that wooden runes work better for me than stones. Alternatively, if the set you have isn't working so well, perhaps try a different stone or a wooden set; on occasion, the stones themselves can cause a block. But don't feel you have to work with runes, if it isn't your thing, don't worry!
​

Q: Are love spells immoral?
A: That depends, on one hand, any spell that intends to remove a person's free will is morally questionable at best, however, there are some who argue that a love spell will only work if the intention is already in the person. Given that spell work isn't an exact science, I would recommend avoiding the area. 

​0 the Fool: Trust, new beginnings, blind faith, journeys.
I the Magician: Skill, study, reverence, power, study.
II the High Priestess: Wisdom, female leadership, mystery, potential.
III the Empress: Motherhood, connections, abundance, nature. 
IV the Emperor: Logic, fatherhood, authority figure, male energy.
V the Hierophant: Tradition, education, priesthood, group identity. 
VI the Lovers: Soulmates, love, passion, sexual connection, partnership.
VII the Chariot: Direction, self confidence, decision making, power of will.
VIII Strength: Inner strength, self control, self confidence. 
IX the Hermit: Solitude, connection, introspection, self study. 
X Wheel of Fortune: External changes, new beginnings, personal growth. 
XI Justice: Fair treatment, results, important decisions, cause and effect. 
XII Hanged Man: Sacrifice, alternate perspectives, letting go. 
XIII Death: Sudden changes, endings, death of concept. 
XIV Temperance: Patience, temperance, balance. 
XV the Devil: Inner demons, deep dark secrets, bondage to negative energy.
XVI the Tower: Upheaval, drastic path changes, downfall, collapse. 
XVII the Star: Hope, serene energy, divine beginnings, giving. 
XVIII the Moon: Divine feminine, emotional turmoil, grandiose visions. 
XIX the Sun: Joy, vitality, rebirth, enlightenment, potential.  
XX Judgement: Evolution, judgement, divine calling, personal beliefs. 
XXI the World: Success, integrating ideals, feelings of fulfillment. 
​

Pentacles
Ace: New money, prosperity, opportunity. 
Two: Making ends meet, balance, priorities. 
Three: Working with others, building, teamwork. 
Four: Solidarity, conservation, frugality. 
Five: Luck, need, poverty, insecurity. 
Six: Generosity, charity, sharing. 
Seven: Building, perseverance, diligence. 
Eight: Hard work, passion, high standards. 
Nine: Refinement, fruit of labor, rewards. 
Ten: Satisfaction, legacy, culmination. 
Princess: Sensibility, ambition, influence. 
Prince: Caution, efficiency, hard work. 
Queen: shrewdness, security, practicality. 
King: Responsibility, abundance, provider, hunter. 

Swords
Ace: New focus, clarity, sharp minded thinking.
Two: Decisions, stalemate, difficulties.
Three: Sorrow, heartbreak, suffering, grief.
Four: Rest, restoration, contemplation.
Five: Deception, unbridled ambition, shrewdness. 
Six: Escape, transition, moving on, recovery.
Seven: Worries, deception, trickery, strategy.
Eight: Restriction, imprisonment, entrapment. 
Nine: Sleepless nights, anxieties, trauma.
Ten: Exhaustion, failure, defeat, backstabbing. 
Princess: Talent, curiosity, mental energy.
Prince: Restlessness, action, impulsiveness. 
Queen: Independence, clear mind, perception. 
​King: Invention, head over heart, truth, discipline. 

Wands
Ace: New energy, creation, desire.
Two: contemplation, leaving home, journeys.
Three: Seeking direction, looking ahead, planning.
Four: happy home life, community, togetherness. 
Five: Arguments, conflicts, reality. 
Six: Success, victory, public reward.
Seven: Completion, perseverance, control. 
Eight: Quick thinking, developments, movement. 
Nine: Defense, resistance, grit, last stand. 
Ten: burdens, accomplishments, responsibility. 
Princess: charisma, exploration, freedom. 
Prince: Daring, action, adventure. 
Queen: strength, courage, determination. 
King: Creation, leadership, big picture.

Cups
Ace: New feelings, spirituality, intuition, new emotions.
Two: Unity, partnership, connections.
Three: Friendships, community, happiness. 
Four: Apathy, contemplation, disconnection, separation. 
Five: Loss, grief, disappointment, mourning. 
Six: Familiarity, soulmates, memories, healing, restoration, rejuvenation. 
Seven: searching for purpose, choices, daydreaming.
Eight: Walking away, disillusionment, leaving, ends. 
Nine: Satisfaction, luxury, emotional stability. 
Ten: Inner happiness, fulfillment, dreams coming true. 
Princess: happy surprises, dreaming,n sensitivity. 
Prince: Idealistic nature, romanticism, following your heart. 
Queen: Motherhood, compassion, calmness, psychic abilities, comfort.
King: Emotional control, balancing between heart and head, jolliness. 
​

​     First and foremost, I apologize for the delay in posting. Existential circumstance took hold of my day and prevented me from working on this week's post. Rest assured I will make sure to get things in on time this coming Sunday!
     For our new readers, these weekly Q&A discussions will be posted on Sunday evenings, and will feature questions submitted the previous week, with a submission cutoff of 11:59pm on Saturday! To submit your questions, please email us at CovenantofTheRose@gmail.com, or Wynnie@covenantoftherose.org!
​

Q: My children are at an age where they are aware of and want to take part in the craft with my partner and I; how does one begin introducing children to the practice?
A: That is always a fun time for families! I recommend beginning with worksheets or colouring pages for different tools or symbols to show the children what they are before introducing the items themselves. This was they'll have a basic understanding of the tools and symbols prior to seeing them. Alternative;y, you could use some fabric and a hot glue gun to make a baby safe version of an altar set! I use felt to make the tool toys, and stuff them for the 3D effect.  

Q: I have written a couple of spells but none of them have worked? Is there something I can do to make them work?
A: Your spells may be failing as a result of unfocused intent. In my experience, the main reason spells fail is that the caster isn't 100% on their intent, and as a result the spell doesn't have enough personal power behind them. For example, you cast a spell to get a job that, while it isn't your passion, is good enough; but you don't get it. This is likely because as your heart isn't truly in it, the energy isn't strong enough. 

Q: I really want to do a ritual invocation to Hekate, but I can't find one I like and am not sure I would be any good at writing one. Is there a happy medium?
A: First and foremost, do not call what you cannot banish! Before you choose to invoke, make sure you'll be able to release that invocation. If you feel you can do so, perhaps look at some of the invocations you find online, and use them as a guideline. What I mean by this is, if you like one line from invocation A, two from B, and two from C, look at what you like about them, and then use those callings to create your own invocation that works for you. 

Q: I have a metal water bottle that I frequently take into circle, but it just occurred to me that the energies of the metal might interfere with spellwork. Should I stop bringing it?
A: You know, that is actually a really good question and I don't think I have ever thought about that before. I'd imagine that there is a real possibility of that, but if the bottle is cleansed and blessed it'd be alright. Ya know, I really need to think on this so I will touch on this next Sunday!

Q: I keep hearing the term "tarot spell", but I don't totally understand what that means. Is it a spell to do tarot? Or a spell that uses tarot? 
A: Tarot spell is a pretty broad term, but it is typically a spell that uses tarot either as a divinitory tool, or to use the cards themselves as points of power. For example, you could use the Lovers, the six of Cups, and the World to evoke those energies in a long last marriage spell. But overall, the term varies depending on the spell. 

Q: I am really thinking about starting a witchy blog but I can't decide which platform to use. How did you choose?
A: We chose our host after experimenting with different companies. We won't name names, but a company will call LeaveFather really screwed us over, and that caused us to look elsewhere. We liked webs' platform, but the layouts were lackluster, Tumblr is anti-SW and as a result we have stopped using our blogs (but left information there as a record in case they change their stance back), and finally, we tried Weebly and absolutely love it! The layouts are awesome, the fees are extremely reasonable, and the customization process is actually pretty easy! 
​

Q: I currently live in Oregon but am looking to move to Washington after the pandemic settles down. Could I be added to an email list or something so I could guest later on?
A: We currently do not have an email list as I cannot figure out how to make one/ keep it working. I tried in the past, but found a lot of issues and people fell through the cracks. However, if you send us an email closer to your arrival, we will see what we can do!

​Q: At the recommendation of a friend, I guested with a coven back before the pandemic, and I was honestly kind of horrified by the experience. The woman in charge was very pushy and predatory, borderline strong arming us to "join", but at the same time she seemed really insincere. What I mean is, she kept talking about the goddess and stuff, but it honestly felt like a performance, like a "look how spiritual I am", while still subscribing to traditional Christian dogma. Also, all of her "students" seemed to worship her, like, they all seemed to have drank this Kool-aid and saw her as a god. The whole thing seemed really cult-y and predatory, and It honestly soured my view on covens. Are all covens like this? Like, is that behavior normal? I am honestly at a loss. 
A: Wowza, that's.... wow. Okay so I am going to tackle this one thing at a time. Okay so first and foremost, that is not at all normal; no one should ever strong arm you to do anything but especially join a coven. Joining a coven should always be a mutual agreement between coven and seeker for the benefit of all involved. If the person in charge of that group made you uncomfortable, definitely don't go back, and don't feel bad about distancing yourself from them. As far as her insincerity, if you don't feel safe and secure both with the group  and their leaders, definitely don't join or seek religious counsel from them. And lastly, covens should not feel like a cult, it should feel more like a spiritual gathering of like minded persons. Please do not let this experience with this group sour your view on covens; most covens  are loving and inviting groups who are happy to discuss memberships, but will not try to force it. I highly recommend using this time in quarantine to take some time to heal from this unfortunate experience. 

Q: Do I need to be a Wiccan to join the Covenant of the Rose?
A: Nope! We are actually not a Wiccan group, but are instead an eclectic group that sometimes utilizes Wiccan/ Pagan practices. Rest assured that that we welcome persons of all walks of life!

Q: I am a pagan and am seeking religious support, does the Covenant offer that? And Do I need to be a member?
A: Yes! We offer pagan religious counsel, and no, you do not need to be a member! As religious leaders in the community, we have taken vows to empower and support those who need it. 

Q: I am a minor but I really want to come to the virtual events. Since it isn't in person is that okay?
A: Yes and no, it's a little complicated. So, technically, it is still a coven event, and while it isn't necessarily illegal for minors to attend as it is virtual, it is a moral grey area. Because of this, we are willing to consider high school students of all grades, but would prefer to get parental permission. 

Q: Do members of the Covenant work robed?
A: Typically no. We do have them, and if we do a public ritual we wear them, but it is more so new persons and guests can tell who is ritual staff and who is a guest. Otherwise we wear normal clothes, and if I am being frank, we shoot for comfort. 

Q: What are the coven's feelings on the Black Lives Matter movement? 
A: We are fully and ferociously in support of the Black Lives Matter movement! While yes, all lives are important, all lives are not targeted for their skin colour, black lives are. If you or someone you know would like more information on the movement, we are more than happy to point you in the right direction!

Q: I am asexual and have found myself in situations of discomfort when at other events due to the somewhat overly sexual nature of the rituals, and the nudity. When I mentioned to a friend later that it made me uncomfortable, I was told "If you don't like it find a new religion, because Wicca isn't for you", and I am really disheartened. I really like the sound of the Covenant of the Rose, but I want to make sure I won't run into this with you guys. 
A: First and foremost I'd like to apologize on behalf of the person who told you Wicca wasn't for you; if you found your calling in Wicca, then WICCA IS FOR YOU! And anyone who says otherwise is not someone who has your best interest at heart, so I hope you distanced yourself from them.
     That being said, I completely understand being uncomfortable in highly intimate situations as someone on the asexuality spectrum. Covenant of the Rose understands that for many people, nudity and sexual situations can be uncomfortable, and as a result we always work clothed to foster a safe and comfortable environment for all persons.
     Occasionally we will include rituals similar to the great rite, however, we do it symbolically with the athame in the chalice; anyone who wants to use that energy for their own intimacy is free to do so with a consenting partner in the privacy of their own home. Moreover, I am a firm believer in giving people a heads up about the energy of the rituals ahead of time so they may not attend if they feel uncomfortable with the subject matter. Alternatively, I am more than willing to change my rituals to suit the coven members and guests, so if you have an aversion to subject matter or to potential inclusions (food, incense, etc) please tell me ahead of time! Especially if it is an allergy! I will never include anything if I know it will cause pain, discomfort, or anxiety for an attendee! 
     If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly and I will make time to have a chat!

Q: When the pandemic cools down I would really like to come to an event, but I am a single mum, can I bring my son?
A: Potentially! Some of our rituals are more adult oriented as they focus on the more difficult aspects of life such as loss, hardship, and fears which would obviously not be suitable for a small child. However, many of our rituals are very kid friendly such as the Ostara egg hunt and the Lammas family feast! If you would like to come to a ritual with heavier themes and do not have childcare, we can probably work something out; as a teacher by profession, I have lots of arts supplies and educational videos! So yea! Shoot me an email for the specific event and we will talk!
​

Q: My Book of Shadows is currently just a notebook, I want to get a leather one but with the pandemic I haven't really been able to look. Do you have a recommendation for vendors?
A: First and foremost, anything can be a Book of Shadows, so don't feel like you need to spend money on a fancy one; but yes, I have a favourite vendor! The Astrology Store in Glendale, Arizona has a great selection of leather and metal bound journals, and they ship! And for those of you who didn't hear, one of the owners, Ray Watkins, an absolutely wonderful person and beautiful soul, was murdered earlier this year. The community is absolutely beside themselves with grief as a result of the loss, and as a long time patron, I want to do everything I can to help out; the fact that the journals are stunning is just a bonus! For more info, visit their website at http://theastrologystore.com/

Q: Traditionally the athame is black handled, but I prefer my bone handled one. Does that make it less powerful?
A: Not at all! The black handle is a traditionally Wiccan practice; most witches simply use what calls to them!

Q: I don't really believe in divinity; can I still be a witch?
A: Absolutely! Witchcraft is a practice, not a religion. There are witches in just about every country and from just about every background, but believing in (the) god(desses) is not required. 

Q: Do familiars have to be cats?
A: Nope! Familiar simply means your craft inclined animal companion; mine is a dog, and our California Priestess' is an iguana, so whatever species bonds with you!