Ask Wynnie: A weekly witchy Q&A

     For the past several months, most of us have been in quarantine, or at the very least, restriction; while most of us may have more time to tend to our interests, the inability to go out has drastically limited some of our educational resources. This is especially true for the witchy community, as many of us conduct our craft work solely in person, making it hard for newcomers to connect with us.
     Because of this, we here at Covenant of the Rose were inspired to begin doing weekly Q&A sessions where we will answer questions sent to us by the community! These questions can be witchy, spiritual, or mundane and we will do our best to either answer them or point you in the direction of someone who can. For this week’s column, we will be focusing on frequently asked questions sent in by new witches over the past month!
     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!

Witchy FAQ's

Q: Are Wicca & witchcraft the same thing?
A: They are not! Wicca is a Neo-pagan religion, and witchcraft is a practice. While many Wiccans are witches, not all witches are Wiccans. In fact, there are witches in many religions, and even atheist witches! It's all a matter of personal preference. 

Q: Do I have to be a coven or be formally initiated to be a witch?
A: Nope! Many witches practice solitary, or in small informal groups. If you want to find a coven, then you totally should! But you d not need to!

Q: If I want to join a coven, how do I find one?
A: That is a great question, and there is good news and bad news on that front.  For many years, the witch community relied on the Witches' Voice, or "WitchVox", a social media type site for witches, to locate each other, The bad news is that it is unfortunately no longer around. The good news however, is that in this day and age most covens and traditions will have a website where they can be contacted, and where seekers can find information! The easiest way to find them is to search the word "coven" and the area you live into Google or Facebook, and search through the responses!

Q: I want to join a coven, but I am a minor. What can I do?
A: Unfortunately, most areas have laws regarding the inclusion of minors in religious or spiritual groups, (these include covens), and as a result, most adult groups require you to be 18. Now, in some areas like Seattle, minors over 16 may participate in the aforementioned activities with written parental consent. While many covens won't initiate you as a minor, they typically will help you study, find resources, and explore your path with them as a seeker until you turn 18. This varies from group to group though, so it's best to contact them directly.

Q: The books I read say I need expensive tools and fancy items to practice, but I cannot get them; does that mean I can't practice?
A: Of course not; you do not need anything to be a witch! Many of us use these items, but it is a personal choice, and you shouldn't feel pressured to make purchases. 

Q: Does my Book of Shadows need to be leather?
A: Nope! "Book of Shadows" is simply the name given to whatever you use to store your magickal records. This could be a journal, a binder, a group of google docs, or even a spiral notebook if that's what works for you! It's all about preference!

Q: There isn't a coven in my area so I would like to start one, is that allowed?
A: Absolutely! While many people like to base their covens off of an established tradition, it isn't for everyone. So if you feel that starting your own group is what's best for you, so mote it be! 

Q: How many people do you need to form a coven?
A: Traditionally? Three, but it's fluid. 

Q: Do witches actually fly on broomsticks?
A: Sadly, no. 

Q: Does my cauldron have to be cast iron?
A: Nope! cast iron was the most common, and typically cheapest, material for hundreds of years which is why witches' cauldrons are often portrayed that way. But really any heat/fire safe pot can be a cauldron with the right intention!

Q: Can my chalice be a coffee mug?
A: Absolutely! It's all about intent! 

That's all for this week folx! But feel free to tune in next week for more Witchy Q&A!