Starting in late September, 2020, I began to lead a series of workshops, both on Zoom, and outdoors in local parks on how to form (or join) a witchcraft group. While I am not an expert, I’ve been a founder or member of enough circles, covens, collectives, and other kinds of witchcraft groups over the past 30 years to help newcomers avoid the common mistakes that witches tend to make. Of course, I’ve made a bunch of these mistakes myself! The key is to learn from them, and avoid making them again.
As time passes, I’ll add items to this page that may be helpful, so please check back.
Here are some materials for the recent workshop participants. Thank you all for your kind messages and feedback.
Some Resources for Pacific NW Witches
Mandragora Magika’s Find a Group Page
A newer gathering place for state by state listings of groups, as well as international listings. If you form a group, list it here.
Unitarian Universalist CUUPS groups
The Unitarian Church sometimes provides CUUPS groups (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans), which are pagan groups that gather and offer seasonal rituals, and sometimes, instruction. They can be a good way of connecting with others with an eye to forming your own group. Check out their directory.
Discord
There are lots of focused Discord server communities; some have a specific cultural focus. I created and manage WitchSpiral PNW, a Celtic Polytheist server for people in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, and southern British Columbia). It’s a good way for people to make new friends, talk, and connect.
Blue Sky
A newer app, this one shows real potential as a Twitter/X alternative. Get yourself an account and be part of the witchcraft/occult wave on this platform. A lot of high profile witches are moving away from Facebook and Instagram to Blue Sky instead.
Facebook Groups
I’m not a big Facebook fan, but you might be. Utilize these groups as a way to contact and meet with others off Facebook. UPDATE: A lot of witches are leaving Facebook now that Mark Zuckerberg has dropped necessary fact-checking, and is showing support for Donald Trump. I’m stepping back from Facebook as well.
The archived Covens, Groups, and Orgs. page on Witchvox.com
This series of pages is from the now defunct Witchvox site, but still has useful listings. Back in the 1990s, WitchVox was a huge resource, and up until its closure recently, it was still a major place for certain traditions to post their notices.
Instagram
If you use Instagram, look for tags that are local to your area, and add friends. Reach out and message people who seem interesting. Again, because of Mark Zuckerberg’s politics, a lot of witches are leaving Instagram.
Witchcraft / Occult Shops
They sometimes offer workshops and meeting spaces, as well as bulletin boards. Get to know the knowledgeable people who work there. They can help you network and find others. For example: in Portland, there’s
The Raven’s Wing in Sellwood, Invoke –now relocated to Oregon City, Hedgerow Herb Company and Dark Star Magick in Portland, Edge of the Circle Books in Seattle, etc. This is very far from a comprehensive list. Google “witchcraft shop” and your town or region to find more.
Starting a Coven or Circle
Annie, a well known, seasoned witch, publishes a warm, kind video series on a range of witchy topics. Her take on forming groups shows good sense and wisdom.
Thorn Mooney’s Tips for Starting a Coven
While she’s coming at this from a Gardnerian Wicca perspective, I find that a great deal of her sensible advice applies to other traditions and coven/circle styles.
How to Spot a Terrible Coven
The Gardnerian priestess Thorn Mooney describes things to watch out for when seeking a coven. She offers good advice.
Druid groups in the Pacific Northwest
OBOD Grove Directory
OBOD is The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Search their listings for local groves (organized chapters), or seed groups (groups that are just getting established).
Columbia Grove ADF
ADF: Ar nDraiocht Fein is a druidic organization founded in the US several decades ago. The local grove is, I hear, friendly, and quite active.
I wish you all success in your seeking and creation. It’s worth the effort.
-Talasyn
CauldronFire Witchcraft 