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

 

Our coven community is represented by a council of seven members, who have volunteered to serve the needs of the local Pagan community. Each member has equal authority and equal say in voting, regardless of age or experience.This council will organize planning and community projects for the coven for 6 months. Council members will be nominated by the members of the community at the Spring and Fall Equinoxes during our Town Hall Meeting. Each person can nominate 3 people every 6 months. If more than seven people are nominated, the community will vote to narrow the list down to seven nominees. The current council will reach out to these nominees and offer the role. They may choose to accept or decline. If they accept, they will be introduced to the community as the members of the Summer or Winter Council at the following holiday celebration (either May Day or Halloween).

• Requirements for nominees:

  • Is a positive representative of the coven and Paganism in general

  • Has volunteered to help with coven events or projects in the last 6 months

  • Has been nominated by a peer

  • Must be be 18 or older

  • * While not a requirement, it is important to consider diversity when choosing nominations so that we have a variety of ages, genders, spiritual paths, etc being represented

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If a Council Member is confident in their ability to teach and has the time and resources to do so, they are welcome to mentor others or host workshops. However, this is not required to be a Council Member.

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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 others.

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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 spirituality.

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We have agreed to meet for a total of 8 holidays each year: the Quarters and Cross-quarters (Solstices, Equinoxes, and 4 holidays that fall between). Council Members are expected to be present at Solar holidays. However, Lunar holidays and workshops are optional. In the event that a a member of the Council is unable to attend an event or ritual, it is the responsibility of that person to make others aware of this in advance so that a volunteer may be found to take their place in any ritual roles or to fulfill their responsibilities for that event.

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Each member is welcome to host gatherings either in their home, at public locations (such as parks), or in a venue of their choice. Holidays are intended to be open to the coven’s outer circle (friends and family that celebrate with the coven, but are not initiated) so that members of the local Pagan community can meet our coven, have like minded people to celebrate with, and build a positive community. 

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As we are a family friendly coven that may have children present at holidays and rituals, clothing is required. Council robes and tabards are optional, but encouraged for public rituals and gatherings so that people can easily identify our council members if they need assistance or first aid, but casual dress is welcome for events in public spaces (such as parks, fairs, restaurants, etc).  

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Children are welcome at gatherings, but it is the responsibility of their parents to ensure that they are happy, entertained, and well behaved. 

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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. 

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While members of the coven may request assistance with spellwork, requests for spellwork will not be accepted from others within the community.

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All Council 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. Votes will be cast anonymously to ensure that all are comfortable with voicing their views.

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A meeting will take place amongst Council Members each year near Midwinter and Midsummer to make suggestions, address potential issues, plan events for the next 6 months, and discuss the progress and needs of the Pagan community. A Town Hall Meeting will take place following each Equinox celebration so that member of the community can share their concerns, goals, and needs.

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Any conflict between two coven 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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Information about coven members and the rituals will be kept private to protect the privacy and safety 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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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.