​ Lilith was the first wife of Adam, created as his equal; she was cast out of the garden of Eden when she refused to submit (and stroke Adam’s fragile ego) and lie beneath him during sex. It is said that submissive controllable women are descendants of Eve, while the wild, untamed, and free-spirited women are descended from Lilith. Lilith is associated with the night and is worshipped as a goddess of feminism and female power, granting her followers courage and strength.
 
Though not much is known about her due to the Christian bastardization of her image, it is believed that praying to her can grant the courage to leave a toxic, abusive, or apprehensive relationship or situation. Lilith is also the patroness of bodily autonomy, believing in the health and choices over one’s body should be their own; especially in the case of pregnancy. Feminists and Wiccans alike worship Lilith as the master of educated and empowered womxn. Unlike the misogynistic tales of Christianity, Lilith was not a foe of eve, but a sister in arms; nor was Lilith “cast out” as the Christian (men) claim, but she left willingly after having been mistreated by a weak man. Lilith’s sacred symbols are owls, crossroads, the dark moon, the crescent moon, mirrors, poppies, snakes, bones, goats, trees, and birds. 

Prayer to Lilith
By: Lady Wynifred H. Loveney APs

Hail Lilith
Heaven’s first queen
Cast out for your strength
And beholden to none
Though art the goddess of feminine strength
justified anger
Adversity In the face of oppression
And a pillar of the divinity of women
 
Hear us now in our hour of worship
And bless us with the gifts of thine sacred womb
Be welcomed now in this sacred space
An honored guest amongst the witches
Forsaken by the church that demanded submission
Suppressors of women
Your act of rebellion
Set the course for greatness
They say their “pure” are daughters of Eve
But those of us who rebelled
Are fruit of thine womb
 
I am proud to be your daughter
Lilith
Oh great mother
I am proud to be a warrior woman
Proud to be the sole commander of my own autonomy
The sole decision maker for my own body
And the strong, beautiful, intelligent vessel
That you paved the way to create
 
So Hail now
Great Lilith
Praise be upon thee
May you join us at your leisure
Within this sacred space
And throughout our lives
 
So mote it be!


Painting: Lady Lilith by Dante Gabriel Rossetti

Aphrodite
Aphrodite is the goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, passion, and procreation. Her Roman counterpart is Venus. Aphrodite’s sacred symbols include myrtles, roses, doves, sparrows, and swans. Aphrodite was married to Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths and metal workers, but she was frequently unfaithful. Aphrodite was one of the three goddesses who started the trojan war (with Athena and Hera), as they fought over the mortal Adonis. The festival Aphrodisia was in her honour.
 
Athena
Athena is the goddess of wisdom, handicraft, and warfare. Her Roman counterpart is Minerva. Athena’s sacred symbols include owls, olive trees, snakes, and the gorgonian. Known as the virgin, the patron goddess of heroic endeavors and was believed to have aided Perseus, Hercules, and Jason. Moreover, she along with Aphrodite and Hera started the trojan war over the mortal Adonis.

Demeter
Demeter is the goddess of the harvest and agriculture, and the fertility of the earth. Her sacred symbols are cornucopias, wheat, torches, and bread. The mother of Persephone, Demeter is the reason for the seasons, as her grief and sadness at her child’s decent to Hades caused her to cease her gifts. Her blessings return with Persephone in the spring.

Hera
Hera is the queen of the gods and wife of Zeus; and is the goddess of marriage and childbirth. Hera’s jealousy is legendary, and she was known to prolong the labors of Zeus’s mistresses. Hera is known to punish mortals who cross her.

Artemis
Artemis is the goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, wild animals, the moon, and chastity. Artemis is the first child of Zeus and Leto; her mother’s labor, delayed by the angry Hera was hard, but once Artemis was born, she acted as Leto’s midwife to bring Apollo into the world. Artemis is the protector of young girls and is a goddess of midwifery.

Hades
Hades is the god of the dead and ruler of the underworld, and brother of Zeus. Hades Kidnapped the daughter of Demeter, then called Kore, and was able to wed her through negotiation with Zeus. Though rocky at first, Hades was always deeply in love with Kore, by then called Persephone.

Persephone
Persephone was the daughter of Demeter and Zeus; she was kidnapped by Hades, whom she would later marry. Persephone is both the goddess of spring and vegetation, and the queen of death. The kidnapping of Persephone was the subject of the Eleusinian mysteries.
 
Hephaestus
Hephaestus is the god of Blacksmiths, metalworkers, carpenters, craftsmen, artisans, sculptors, fire, and volcanos. As a smith god, he was in charge of making all the weapons used by the Olympians. His symbols are the smiths hammer, the anvil, and tongs.

Hestia
Hestia is a virgin goddess of the hearth, the right ordering of domesticity, the family, and the home. Hestia received the first offering of every sacrifice in the household. The flame of Hestia was used to bless all new homes.

Gaia
Gaia is the primordial goddess, mother of the earth, the gods, and of men. She ruled over the universe before anything else existed. Gaia is the nourisher of small children and of plants and the giver of dreams. Gaia, being the mother f earth, is often portrayed with a big pregnant belly that is painted to look like earth to show that she is primordial.

Pan
Pan is the god of the wild and is often considered to be one of the oldest deities in the Greek pantheon. Pan is associated with nature and wooded areas, as well as with pasturelands, to which his name is affiliated.

Asclepius
Asclepius is the hero god of medicine. The rod of Asclepius is often used on hospitals to bring his guidance and protection to all who enter. Asclepius is known for his kindness and was given the great secrets of medicine from a sacred snake he helped.

Medusa
Medusa was a beautiful Greek virgin who remained chaste in order to be a priestess of Athena. Poseidon, who was feuding with Athena, saw Medusa as something he could take from the goddess in order to hurt her, so he raped Medusa in Athena’s temple. Athena, who knew she would need to act as the gods would see it as an affront to them, turned Medusa into a gorgon, but in doing so, blessed her with the power to turn men to stone so shed never be hurt again. Many modern pagans and scholars view her as a matron saint of sorts to rape victims and those who have been violated. She is a symbol of strength in the face of adversity and is often prayed to for protection against abusers.
 
Nyx
Nyx is the goddess of the night and is considered a primordial goddess; she created darkness and the night and is often portrayed as winged or as a charioteer. Though Nyx didn’t have her own temples, she was often worshiped alongside Hekate and Artemis.

Hekate
Hekate is the goddess of witchcraft, magick, crossroads, night, herbology, ghosts, necromancy, sorcery, and is the keeper of the keys. A triple goddess she was worshipped and prayed to for protection. She is also the goddess of wisdom, choices, victory, vengeance, death, and travel. Hekate is often invoked for justice, especially for sexual crimes against girls and women, and especially when justice isn’t naturally forthcoming. She has the power to grant mortal wishes and is often evoked to protect dogs. Moreover, she is prayed to for fertility, especially in hopes for female children. Hekate can also be invoked for healing when medicine has failed; and has been known to grant swift and painless death when requested. Hekate’s favourite people include Midwives, writers, healers, herbalists, dog lovers, and rescuers; she is a matron of women in general and protects and protects those who ride horses. Hekate is portrayed as having three bodies, one of the maiden, one of the mother, and one of the crone, and her sacred symbols are keys, torches, cauldrons, knives, and the witch’s broom. Dogs, snakes, toads, dragons and cats, though ESPECIALLY dogs are extremely sacred to her. Her sacred plants include lavender, garlic, and henna. And she favors the end of the month for her magickal workings. 

Odin
The allfather, Odin is the king of the gods, the god of wisdom, magick, shamanism, death, and divination; Odin sits on the throne of Valhalla. Odin is often accompanied by two ravens; it is said that anyone who dies in battle (this includes childbirth) may ascend to Valhalla.
 
​Thor
The eldest son of Odin, Thor is the god of thunder and lightning, and is associated with strength, storms, hollowing, and fertility. Thor is the champion of Midgard and Asgard and is said to protect both realms.

Loki
Loki is the trickster god, adopted son of Odin, and brother of Thor. He is a shapeshifter, and conflicting accounts exist regarding his relevance to the Norse pantheon. Some accounts list him as a helpful albeit mischievous deity that brings fortune to those who best him; but other accounts list him as purely mischievous and with negative intentions toward the other gods. He is also the father of the half goddess Hel, who rules over the Norse underworld realm of the same name.

Hel
Hel is the goddess who rules over the Norse underworld, a realm that bears her name; her name means hidden. She is the daughter of Loki and the Giant Angrboda and is the sister of the wolf Fenrir and the world serpent Jormungand.

Idun
Idun is the Scandinavian goddess of vegetation; it was said that her fruits, often assumed to be apples, grant immortality and happiness to those who eat them. Idun is often linked to gardening and orchards and is sometimes prayed to ad harvest.

​Freyja
Freyja is the goddess of Love, beauty, sex, fertility, war, death, and marriage. The most beautiful and refined of the goddesses, she rides o a chariot pulled by two cats. Freyja rules over the heavenly fields of Folkvangr where she receives half of all who die in battle. Freyja is a warrior goddess and is known to be an advanced practitioner of magick. She is also the patroness of crops and childbirth and is prayed to by lovers. In Scandinavia brides were given kittens on their wedding days as they were sacred to Freyja. Freyja is married to Óðr an the two were deeply in love; when he was away, she cried red and gold tears that fell to earth as amber. It is believed that Amber is sacred to Freyja.

Frigg
Frigg is the Norse goddess of marriage, family and motherhood. As the wife of Odin, Frigg rules as queen of Asgard alongside her husband. She is the only person other than Odin who is permitted to sit on the throne. Frigg is a dedicated and dutiful wife and is seen as Odin’s equal. She was seen as the epitome of female strength and was the matron of married women. Frigg is also a goddess of destiny and is blessed with the gift of psychic foresight. Frigg’s sacred objects are the spinning wheel (symbolic of domestic life), and keys which are a symbol of home protection. 

Cerridwen
Goddess of the underworld and keeper of the cauldron of prosperity. Cerridwen is a shapeshifting goddess and rules the realms of death, fertility, magic, regeneration, inspiration, magick, enchantment, and knowledge. Known for being a white witch and goddess, she is associated with herbs and astrology, and represents the need for change and transformation for the better. She is also linked to the phoenix legend as death brings renewal.

The Morrigan
One of the Celtic triple goddesses, the raven queen, and goddess of the dark moon. The Morrigan is also the goddess of war, fate, and death, rivers, and lakes. The Morrigan is also the patroness f revenge, magick, night, prophecy, witches, and priestesses. Once a goddess of strife and fertility, as well as battle, most modern pagans see her in a different light; she is seen as the appropriate deity for strong, independent persons. Altars for the Morrigan are dressed in red cloth and raven r crow feathers.

Cernunnos
The Celtic horned god, embodiment of the divine masculine, lover, father, sage. Cernunnos is the god of beasts and nature, often serving as their mediator, is often honored with great feasts and hedonism. When seeking blessings for gardening and agriculture, prayers should be made to Cernunnos. It is also believed that he is a fertility god and is the one whom one prays to for male fertility.

Brighid
Daughter of Dagda, Brighid (pronounced Breed), is the goddess of healers, poets, smiths, childbirth, and inspiration. She is also the goddess of fire and hearth, and is a matron of warfare. The colours white, red, and green are sacred to Brighid, as it the Brigid’s cross and fires. On Imbolc, great feasts are had in her honour to bring forth the blessings of fertility.

Dagda
Dagda is the chief of the Tuatha de Danan, and father to Brighid. God of seasons, agriculture, fertility magic, and Druidry. He wields the three sacred treasures; a cauldron of plenty, a club of life and death, and a harp that controls both men and seasons. Men should pray to Dagda for fertility.

Lugh
The god of Nobility, Lugh of the longarm and master of crafts and the cunning warrior. Lugh is also the god of oaths and serves over making deals and creating alliances. The feast of Lughnasadgh is in his honour, and is the Celtic harvest festival.

Danu
Danu is thought to be the mother of all Celtic gods, having birthed them all into existence. She is the goddess of earth, wind, fertility, wisdom, and is the goddess of the fairies. Queen of the Tuatha de Danan, Danu is prayed to by seaman for protection. 

     If you're like me, you've probably been feeling a little disconnected from the community as of late; you're likely missing the togetherness that comes with rituals, the craft, and covens in general. So what can you do? are there ways to gather safely? Are their events that can be successfully socially distanced? Is there an option for virtual attendance? Can we even do that?

     The answer to at least two of those questions is... Yes! In the interest of public safety and social consciousness, Covenant of the Rose has moved all of its events and classes online for the foreseeable future! Now, this is not to say that we don't miss all of your beautiful faces, we do, but we quarantine and social distance now so that when we gather again, no one is missing. 

     So you might be wondering, "what does that mean? How will this work?", and there are several answers. At this time we plan to host our major rituals via Second Life, a computer program similar to the sims, but interactive. After downloading it onto your computer, you create an avatar that can be customized to the hearts content. From there, you will want to follow the following link to join the Covenant of the Rose Second Life group.(secondlife:///app/group/3c29856d-3f2b-415b-0c9c-961e2c989c15/about) Joining the group will send you the notifications about our upcoming events, and allow you to "teleport" to the event in world.

     Our next event will take place this coming Saturday at 7pm PST, and will be hosted by Sacred Cauldron, who after the ritual, are putting on an after party where people can come and chat, hangout, dance, and get to know others in attendance! The ritual, will take you on a journey through a symbolic death, and decent into the underworld where Persephone will be invoked through a Priestess and will be available for questions and guidance. Like our in person rituals, this ritual and after party are come as you are, but please be clothed as this will be a family friendly event. 

More information will be included below, but please feel free to email us at CovenantoftheRose@gmail.com with specific questions!

​

"The Covenant of the Rose invites you to join us on Saturday Oct. 24th @ 7pm SLT on the Sacred Cauldron Sim (Second Life), for our annual Samhain ritual, celebrating the witch's new year & the decent of Persephone. Though she descends to Hades at Mabon, Persephone's journey into the underworld truly ramps up at Samhain when the veil is at it's thinnest. Our Priestess will invoke the holy daughter & deliver her wisdom to each attendee. Come see what messages she has for YOU!"

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!
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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!

     Hekate, triple goddess of magick, witchcraft, the moon, ghosts, necromancy, crossroads, herb work, and the keeper of the keys. The divine mother of witches, and guider of the lost; and the one who called me, but was sent to voicemail. 

     You see, as a lifelong witch and pagan, I am no stranger to the call of the divine. Whether it was tea with Cernunnos in kindergarten, or learning of herbal healing with Cerridwen in late elementary school, I knew to answer the call when it came through. But like most people, there would come a time when I would send an important call to voicemail out of arrogance. A pigheadedness and need to "go against the grain", would cause me to ignore a divine message from the dark goddess, delaying my work with her until much later. 

     I was fifteen years old when one night in, ritual, a deity, cloaked in darkness and sprinkled with starlight, would speak to me, "I am Hekate, goddess of witches, and you are my child. Come to me, and walk the path of mysteries and I will teach you, and guide you towards your divine purpose". I was taken aback by her presence, she came without evocation and stood with such power in front of me, that I could barely grasp what had happened. I was awash with emotion and a sense of confusion that I had never felt before, so I sat in silence. 

     After the ritual had ended, Hekate did not ascend with the other energies and gods that had been called, instead choosing to follow me for the coming days. I knew of Hekate, how could I not, every teenage girl who watched the craft or charmed was a "pagan" and held Hekate as their "matron goddess! Like, omg she's so dark and so cool!", and a part of me resented that. I had been pagan my entire life, I spent years learning and growing as both a pagan and a witch, being taunted and bullied because I was perceived as wicked and evil. And now every Brittney and Ashley who'd once tormented me was a charmed one wannabe because they thought Hekate was cool. In my teen angst, a part of me blamed her, the goddess, for causing this, and so I cried out, "Go away! I am not one of those basic cheerleaders! I don't want to be seen as a wannabe because now you are "cool"! NO!". Hekate tilted her head slightly, "as you wish my child, but if you should ever have need of me, I am only a call away", she said softly before fading from sight. 

     As the years went by and adolescence turned to adulthood, the Brittney's and Ashley's went back to their Christian churches and I continued to study further and settled in angst. After taking my third degree vows, I traveled the spiritual world, guesting with many groups and learning of many traditions before finally returning home and founding my beloved Covenant of the Rose, and working therein. But a part of me still felt a calling, like a notification your phone sends you when you have an unopened voicemail; unfortunately, it would be quite sometime before I was ready to open it. 

     As the Covenant grew, and more members came and shared their practice and beliefs with us, the great mother was ever present.  Even while guesting with other groups and traditions, she was there, waiting. By this time, my arrogance and pride had faded; the reason I could not call on or approach her wasn't that I was fighting a current, no, I was simply too ashamed. 

     You see, throughout my life, I have learned more about myself and the world than can accurately be expressed. The main things being that it is okay to like popular things, it isn't cool to reject them out of an insecurity towards conformity and fear of being lost in the crowd, and most importantly, when you have made a mistake, even towards the divine, you must make amends. "But how does one apologize to the goddess? Will she be angry with me? Will I be punished? What do I do?", I thought; "don't think, just do" my soul answered back. 

In preparation for my apology, I spent days meditating and looking at my existence, seeing issues, and letting go of that which did not serve me. I banished the feelings of insecurity around my practice, I addressed why I felt that way, and then worked through my issues before banishing that negativity as well. And then began the planning. If I were a goddess, and was to be given an apology, what would I like to receive? What would be a sign that the person apologizing was truly remorseful?

     I decided to go all out, I picked baskets of lavender and hung them around my sacred space, I lit a charcoal and allowed Myrrh to simmer on top, I painted a portrait of the great lady and her ravens, and added a photo of my familiar, a dog, to the altar adorned with sparkling fabric, mead, and sacred stones. It was time; I called my quarters and blessed my circle, and finally, I knocked on her spiritual door, "Hekate, I evoke thee! Please bless me with your presence!", I called out three times. No sooner had I finished the third call, and there she was, as glorious and powerful as the first time.

     Hekate smiled a soft smile, "My child, you have come back to me! Are you ready to answer the sacred call?".  I bowed my head, "Yes, but that isn't why I called you here today. I must apologize for the way I acted in my youth. You were the go-to goddess for anyone who just discovered paganism and the craft, and I was terrified of being seen as basic. I didn't want to associate with you out of fear that I would be grouped in with those I disliked; it had nothing to do with you, and I take full responsibility for my arrogance. I am sorry goddess, I am so sorry, and I will understand if you no longer wish me to walk your path, but I would very much like to know your mysteries". 

     The goddess suddenly laughed; I was so shocked by the mirth from her, that my jaw literally dropped. "Oh my child, I knew of your reasoning, and I know of your remorse, but no matter what you say or do, you are my child. And I am your mother. The call to my mysteries was never a one time offer, but an open one, yours to answer whenever you are ready. And Now you are! And I could not be happier. You need not apologize to me, though your apology is lovely and accepted. Come, let us walk together...".
  
     That night transformed me, like a phoenix arising from the ashes I was invigorated on my path towards divinity. The goddess has called me, and I was finally ready to answer, finally after all these years. And so dear reader it is my hope that you too have learned things, let my mistakes guide you. Follow your heart, and answer the call; do not care what anyone else thinks because your craft is your own. You are a uniquely spiritual being, follow the path that speaks to you, and be the best pagan and/or witch you can be! 

​Blessed be!