I Am Wiccan Forum & Chat Board | Questions on covens

Most Wiccans believe to be an official witch, you must be initiated into a coven. Forgive me if I am wrong to say so, but I think this is too strict. Initiating is simply done to confirm that you are a cooperative participent and member of that particular coven; so that you have given your vows to the deities that you will not use this craft for wrong. But what if you cannot find a coven, or cannot create one, but you have sworn to protect your beliefs and practice the craft for its purpose? In our times, it is very difficult for one to find an already formed coven. And even if they do, there is no telling what the practices are of this specific coven. Does one truly have to initiate themselves, or are they given right to independent study? I am not saying one has to perform circles alone, but what if they prefer not to be a part of a coven? I myself am part of a proud coven, formed mainly from my friends and newer followers of the craft, but what if one cannot find followers? and what if they had already studied everything they are expected to know during that specific time frame (1 yr. + day)? would he/she be expected to sit and wait for an already initiated witch to find them, or search far and wide for something that may never come? that is not right.

the point is, one should not be labeled as a witch just because he/she is part of a group/coven. They might be tried, yes, but they shouldn't be judged on popular study. If they wish to be independent, so be it, why not?

Forgive me if this causes an argument, blessed be.

well to respond to your question.it is more than just a promise to the coven you are in.i made a promise yes but it is like making it official.and you need a person who is already initiated otherwise it cannot be done.also you cannot get your first initiation unless you know certain things.in my case three of everything.example three ways of divination.i also know a witch who is initiated but does hardly know what it means to be a witch.that to me is plain stupid.if you want to get initiated i can tell you it opens doors for you.but if you want to be initiated but cannot find a group be patient cause you will find one.if you know who you are as a witch and know what your pathway is you can also do a ritual in which you make a promise to the godess and ask her to open doors for you.i agree that some people brag to much about being initiated but the matter is that it is not really black or white anymore and that can be or make it even more complicated.well i hope i gave some light to the matter.or maybe i confused you even more?ha ha ha i hope not blessed be