Is the coven looking for new members?

Do you meet the age requirements?

What is the membership application process?

How long has the coven been in existence?

Are members of both genders?  All sexual orientations?  Diverse ethnic backgrounds? What is the average age of members?

What’s the coven’s traditional focus, if any?  If eclectic, what leanings do you have (i.e. Celtic, Norse, etc.)?

Do you teach others? How is the education program structured? Is there an outer circle? 

If you don’t teach others, how is education and advancement handled?

How many members are in the coven?  In general, how many years of Craft experience do they have?

How large do they expect to grow?  Do they provide for “hiving off” when the coven reaches a certain size?

Is anyone a licensed/ordained member of the clergy?  Through what organization are they ordained?

How many people have left the group since its inception?  Why did they leave?  May you speak with any of them, with their permission of course?

Has the coven ever had to banish a member? For what offense?  Without divulging coven secrets, how was the banishment handled?

What is the policy for taking a leave of absence from the group?  Quitting the group?  What is the policy if a member who quit wishes to rejoin?

How often does the coven meet?  What happens if you miss a meeting?

Aside from these times, what other coven meetings are you expected to attend?  What level of participation is expected?

How far is the meeting place from your home? LOOK AT A MAP. (note: if you want to study with a particular tradition, commutes may be involved.)

For typical meetings, what are you expected to bring? (tools, food, supplies, etc.)

What is the coven’s internal structure?

Who are the coven’s leaders?  How did they get these positions?  How long will they hold them?

What other coven officers might there be?  What are their duties? How long are their terms of office?

If you join this group, what will be your rank in the group?  What is the program for advancement?

Does the group adhere to the Wiccan Rede and/or the Rule of 3?

Is there a coven compact or bylaws I can read?

Are dues charged?  If so, how much?  What things are paid for out of this money?

Are you expected to provide ritual materials like candles, incense, food, or drink regularly?

Are identities of members kept confidential?  Does the coven have a policy on Craft names?

How are inner group conflicts dealt with and resolved?

Are there vows of secrecy to be taken?  Will you be made aware of the vows in advance of being asked to take them?

If you have been initiated by another coven or have performed a self-initiation, is this acceptable to them?  Do you have to be re-initiated as a witch, or just initiated into the specific tradition of the coven?  All of the above? None of the above?

What is the policy on minors at rituals?

How do they handle romantic relationships between members?

How do they view circle space? As safe space, or a place where some have power over others? Do any rituals involve bondage, fear tactics, or belittling of members?

What is the ritual dress? Does it vary on occasions?

What tools are you expected to have/use?

Who prepares the rituals?  Are they memorized or read out loud in circles?

Who decides how, when and for whom magick is enacted?

Where does the coven meet?  Will you be expected to provide a meeting place occasionally?

Without expecting anyone to divulge coven secrets, what can you expect from an initiation rite?  A rite of passage?  A magickal working?

Are alcohol, tobacco, or drugs used in rituals? How? How often? How would they feel if you abstained?

How is the Great Rite performed in your rituals (symbolic or actual)?

What’s the coven’s view on sexual imagery in rituals?

Are guests ever permitted in rituals? What are the procedures for inviting guests?

Does the coven ever network with other covens or groups?

What, if any, ties to national or international Pagan/Wiccan organizations are maintained by the coven?

Does the coven maintain a high profile in the local Pagan community?  The national Pagan community?  The secular community?

Are there any prohibitions against your being a part of networking groups, covens, discussion groups, or other organizations while you a part of this coven?

Do you ever host open circles?

How long have you been interested in witchcraft?  What led you to this path?

Do you have a preferred Craft tradition?

How do you define your religion/spirituality?

How much do you know of basic witchcraft? (circle casting, tools, elements, etc.)

Have you been initiated into Wicca/Paganism? By a teacher, a coven or through self-dedication?

Have you been initiated into a specific tradition?  To what level?

Have you been a part of other covens? Study groups? Why did you leave?  How do you feel about these groups in retrospect?

What do you consider your strong points, both personally and as a Witch?  At what magickal skills do you excel?

What do you consider your weak points as a person and as a Witch?  What skills do you wish to perfect or learn?

What conflicts, work schedules, or other personal commitments so you have that could interfere with coven meetings?

How does your family feel about your involvement in witchcraft?

What other religions have you followed in the past?

Are you involved in any ethnic cultural activities related to your chosen tradition? Do you do folk dancing, speak another language, create folk crafts, etc.?

Are you “out of the broom closet?”  In which areas of your life are you still “in the broom closet?”

Have you ever taught the Craft to another person?  Assess the experience.  Is that person still involved in Paganism?

Why are you interested in this coven and/or this tradition?

What can you contribute to this group?

What do you expect the group to give you?

Do you smoke, drink or use illegal drugs?

Have you been treated or diagnosed with significant psychological conditions (bi-polar, MPD, etc.).  While not always an exclusion, these conditions affect the energy and dynamics within the group and are helpful to know up front.

Are you allergic to incense, wine, or any foods?

Do you have illnesses or physical conditions that could be aggravated by coven practices, such as dancing, fasting, drinking wine, lighting candles or incense, etc.?

Are you financially capable of contributing to coven expenses?

Is there anything you think we should know before entering circle with you for the first time?