Introduction to Witchcraft

Lesson 3 - Solitaries, Covens and Rituals

In the majority of Witchcraft traditions there is no way that an individual can operate - member ship in a coven is mandatory.  Such a system is all well and good, but it seems that an important point is being overlooked.  Back in the "old days" of the Craft, there were many witches who lived far distances from any village or any people at all.  Yet these were still Witches.  The main point I am trying to make is that, no-one should be excluded from Witchcraft.  The main differences between being a coven Witch and a Solitary are as follows:
  • In a Coven, the rituals are performed by a group of people, as a Soliatary you do everything yourself.
  • The Coven meets in a large circle.  Solitaries have small, compact circles.
  • The Coven uses a full collection of tools, depending on the tradition.  A Solitary uses only what he or she requires.
  • A Coven draws power from all its members.  A Soliatary has only his or her power to draw upon.
  • A Coven has a wide variety of knowledge and specialities.  A Solitary has only their own knowledge.
  • A Coven is fairly set in its ways.  A Solitary can change with his or her moods.
  • A Coven must attune itself as one.  A Solitary is one.

The Book of Rituals

The Craft was originally a purely oral tradition - nothing was ever written down.  But when the persecutions started Witches and Covens had to go into hiding and as a result started to lose contact with one another.  To stop the rituals from being lost altogether, the Witches began to write them down.  Not everything; just the basic rituals.  Since they were having to meet in secret - "in the shadows" - the book of rituals became known as the "Book of Shadows".  It is still called that today.
It used to be that there was just one such book for each coven.  Individual coevn members might also keep a book in which they kept notes on their own speciality (e.g. tarot, heral lore, astrology, numerology, healing etc) but there was only one book which contained all the rituals and the High-Prietess would look after it.  Lately, it is common for all Witches to have a Book of Shadows.
 

Ritual Tools

The following are the tools commonly used in rituals:
  • Athame (a double edged knife)
  • Wand
  • Bell
  • Salt
  • Water
  • Candles
  • Gemstones
  • Symbols of the goddess and god

Types of Rituals

Consecration of Tools
Purifying ritual to cleanse the Witches tools.

Erecting the Temple
Is done at the start of all rituals, purifies and establishes were the ritual is to take place.

Clearing the Temple
Is also performed at all rituals, disperses any energies raised during the ritual.

Sabbat Rite
Each Sabbat has it own unique style of ritual to recognise and worship the goddess and god and the turning of the wheel.

Esbat Rite
A basic ritual that can be performed at any time.

Full Moon Rite
A ritual designed to be done once a month at full moon.

Dark Moon Rite
A ritual designed to be done once a month at new or dark moon.


Activity:

1.  What could be used as a symbol of the goddess and god? (Hint: One for each, can be anything which strongly and positively represents man and woman)

Email your answer prior to receiving the next lesson.

Good luck and blessed be.
Venus Silvernight