Basic Wiccan By Lord Charles Moore A Wiccan coven ideally consists of thirteen Witches: seven female, six male. This has an even polarity, and incorporates the two main aspects of life. The High Priestess represents the Goddess and the High Priest represents the God. The High Priestess is the primary leader of the Coven. Our Goddess represents life, fertility of nature, beauty, enlightenment and knowledge. Our God represents death, knowledge, what lies beyond, hunting, peace and rest. When a Coven practices a particular tradition, then they have a primary God and Goddess. But when they choose to perform magick for a specific goal, then the Coven can choose from a host of Gods that have the appropriate qualities for that type of ritual. In Wicca we do not have congregations of followers, nor do we seek out recruits. One must desire to seek out the Wiccan path and follow it. All Coven members are Witches and Priests or Priestesses of a certain degree. The Coven itself is usually run by the 3rd degree members, those who have been on the path for a while and have the knowledge of how a Coven operates. When a Witch aspires to the second degree and is in lay for the 3rd degree, then usually this Witch is considered an elder in the coven and to be respected. When one wishes initiation into the Craft, one must seek a High Priest or High Priestess who will take the time to teach. This usually takes a period of thirteen moons and a star (13 months and 1 day). During this time, the High Priest or High Priestess will teach and evaluate the initiate on their dedication. When the initiate is formally initiated into the Craft, then the High Priest's or High Priestess' teaching ends and the new initiate learns from experience. While the initiate is in the study process leading up to initiation, they should not watch or sit in on the rituals. (This may not apply to some traditions.) When a 2nd degree aspires to the 3rd degree and decides to leave the Coven to found their own, then generally before the daughter Coven is given full rein, they are on a kind of probation for 13 moons. During this time the High Priest or High Priestess of the newly founded Coven can come back to the mother Coven for advice or help. When a 2nd degree aspires to the 3rd degree, the High Priestess or High Priest should allow them to copy their personal Book of Shadows; but more often in our day each Witch may in time create their own Book of Shadows. I chose a particular tradition by searching my past and my roots; thus, I chose to follow the well-trodden path of the Irish Celts. You can do your research and choose the path you are most comfortable with. Festivals, Holidays
and Coven Meetings Coven meetings are called Esbats, while our holidays or festivals are called Sabbats. Esbats are held at least four times a month at the different phases of the moon. But a large society of more than one Coven may hold more Esbats because of the complexity of running a large society. There are eight Sabbats a year where Witches can come together to celebrate the changing of seasons in honor of the most High Ones. All Esbats and Sabbats should be held within a consecrated magical Circle. Sabbats Imbolg (February 2nd): This is the first stirring of light. Spring Equinox (March 21st): Represents darkness and light in balance with each other, but with light gaining. (Inspiration) Beltane (April 30th): Represents light's dominance over darkness. (Mating Aspect) Mid Summer's Eve (June 22nd): Represents Light at its peak. (Consumption Aspect) Lughnasadh (July 31st): First stirrings of darkness. (Mating Aspect) Autumn Equinox (September 21st): Darkness and light in balance, with darkness gaining. (Repose Aspect) Samhain (October 31st): When darkness is dominant over light. Yule (December 22nd): This is the birth and death aspect and represents the birth of the sun and the depth of darkness. 1991, L.C.A. Moore | 
