1. Tree of Knowledge Coven is open and welcoming to people of all genders, ethnic backgrounds, and spiritual paths.

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2. All prospective members must be at least 18 years old.

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3. Prospective members are encouraged to participate in celebrations and gatherings over the course of a year so that they are able to meet our current members, volunteer to assist with events and programs, and become familiar with our coven’s community. Before a person or group of prospective members joins the coven, a vote will be held by current members to ensure that all members present are comfortable with said person joining the coven. Members have the right to decide who they share sacred space with, and are encouraged to speak up if they are not absolutely comfortable sharing space with someone that they are not familiar with.

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4. Prospective members will pledge an oath to honor the coven, respect its members, and serve the community that we are building together. Afterwards, they will sign the Book of Names, and be welcomed to join all rituals and gatherings that the coven hosts.

 

5. If a member of the coven is confident in their ability to be a Coven Circle Leader and has the time and resources to do so, they are welcome to lead workshops, organize monthly gatherings, or create resources to share as a representative of the coven. While community building is an important goal of our coven, this responsibility is not required to be a member of the coven.

 

6. We are an egalitarian coven, with each member holding equal status and respect. As such, all members are welcome to host holiday gatherings, lead rituals, teach workshops, and mentor prospective members.

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7. We are a teaching coven, and our collective goal is to learn and grow as a group, as well as working to provide resources and knowledge to anyone with the sincere will to learn about witchcraft or Earth-based spirituality.

 

8. We have agreed to meet for a total of 8 holidays each year. Of these holidays, Ancestor Night, Candle Night, May Day, and Harvest Day will be for ages 18 and up. This is to offer space for adults who are wanting to learn and expand their practices with others. The Solstices and Equinoxes will be events for all ages, so that the youngest of our community can celebrate with others and be supported on whichever spiritual path that they may choose.

 

9. At all coven events, adults who choose to bring children are responsible for ensuring that their children are safe, supervised, and respectful towards others.

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10. Each member is welcome to host gatherings either in their home, at public locations (such as parks), or in a venue of their choice. Solstices and Equinoxes are intended to be open to the coven community (friends and family that celebrate with the coven, but are not members). For the safety of our members, the locations of gatherings at private homes or isolated venues will not be shared online, but privately with coven members. Each member may invite guests that they trust.

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11. As we are a family friendly coven that may have children present at holidays and rituals, clothing is required. Casual dress is welcome for members, however our Coven Council is encouraged to wear their cloaks (in the Winter) and tabards (in the Summer) for public rituals and gatherings so that they are easier to spot if someone needs assistance.

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12. Alcohol is welcome during rituals and feasts. However, we may ask that members and guests refrain from bringing alcohol to gatherings in the event that someone present is uncomfortable around alcohol (recovering alcoholic, under 21 years old, etc). To protect the coven from potential legal issues, alcohol will not be used in rituals that include anyone under the age of 21, and illegal substances are not allowed at gatherings.

 

13. While members of the coven may request assistance with spellwork, requests for spellwork will not be accepted from people outside the coven.

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14. All coven members have equal say in any decisions that affect the coven. Amendments to the coven compact will be decided by a majority vote, if needed.

 

15. A “Town Hall” meeting will take place among coven members at the May Day and Ancestor Night gatherings to make suggestions, address potential issues, plan events for the next 6 months, and discuss the progress and goals of our coven community.

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16. Any conflict between two members should be handled by the individuals. Conflicting members are expected to remain outside the ritual circles until they are able to resolve their issues.

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17. Information about members and the rituals of the coven will be kept private to protect the safety and privacy of our members. However, exceptions will be made if a member or former member has shared words or actions that indicate they are a danger to themselves or others.

 

18. A council meeting will be called and an anonymous vote will be cast on whether a member of the coven should be removed from the coven immediately in the event that one of these issues occurs:

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• A member of the coven intentionally causes emotional, spiritual, or physical harm to another member

• A member behaves in such a way that causes harm to the coven, its members, its reputation, or the Pagan community

• A member is publicly or privately sharing hateful views or encouraging abusive behavior (such as racism, sexism, white supremacy, homophobia, etc)

• A member shows behavior that indicates that they are not mature, responsible, or emotionally stable enough to represent the coven in a positive way and contribute to our shared goals.

 

19. In the event that a meeting has to be called as a result of a member’s behavior on 3 separate occasions, their ties to the coven will be severed. Should this happen, the former member will be removed from the Book of Names, removed from our online community, and will no longer be allowed to attend coven gatherings.