What is Covenant of the Goddess?               

 The Covenant of the Goddess was founded in 1975 to increase cooperation among Witches and to secure for Witches and covens the legal protection enjoyed by members of other religions.

The Covenant is an umbrella organization of cooperating autonomous Witch/Wiccan, congregations and individual practitioners, with the power to confer credentials on its qualified clergy. It fosters cooperation and mutual support among Witches/Wiccans and secures for them the legal protections enjoyed by members of other religions. The Covenant is non-hierarchical and governed by consensus. Two-thirds of its clergy are women.

The Covenant is coordinated by its national board of directors. Many of its activities are conducted at the regional level by local councils. The Covenant holds an annual national conference open to the Witch/Wiccan community, as well as regional conferences, and publishes a newsletter. In recent years, the Covenant has taken part in spiritual and educational conferences, interfaith/intrafaith outreach, large public rituals, environmental activism, community projects and social action, as well as efforts to correct negative stereotypes and promote accurate media portrayals. Its clergy perform legal marriages (handfastings), preside at funerals and other rituals of life-transition, and provide counseling to Witches/Wiccans including those in the military and in prisons. The Covenant also provides youth awards, sponsorship of college and university student groups, and legal assistance in instances of discrimination.

What is a Local Council?

A Local Council is a smaller branch of the Covenant, consisting of at least three member covens of at least two different traditions, in reasonably close geographic proximity to each other. The Local Councils meet at least twice a year and usually more often. They may choose to initiate independent projects, sponsor local festivals and workshops, and generally work together for common goals close to home. As the Covenant continues to grow, we encourage new member covens close to one another to form their own Local Councils.

Why should our coven join Covenant of the Goddess or a Local Council?

One has the opportunity to work for, and to achieve common goals on an international as well as on local levels. One also has the chance to meet with other Witches/Wiccans from across the country, or in your area, for discussion and sharing ideas.

Can I join Covenant of the Goddess or a Local Council as a Solitary?

Yes, we use this term to collectively represent the Members who are Solitaries, i.e. practicing alone. Local Councils may devise their own standards for admission of Solitaries, in harmony with national guidelines.

Who or what is the Midwest Regional Local Council?

The Midwest Regional is a local council of the Covenant of the Goddess that serves the states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan. Our membership is comprised of established covens and elder solitaries practicing Wicca or Witchcraft. We meet every other month (six times a year, weather permitting) rotating through the states for official business and fellowship. We try to support one another and encourage local networking and community building.

How can I find a Coven or teacher in my area?

One of the best places to start is the Witches’ Voice; there you can find covens, teachers and other resources available in your local area. You might want to join an e-group in your city or state. These will usually post open pagan celebrations and events, providing a way to meet and mingle with like-minded people, including potential covens or teachers. Take your time to carefully assess any group or teacher before you commit to them, as they may vary widely in terms of their skill, their focus and their ethics.

How can I apply for clergy credentials through CoG?

The Covenant of the Goddess provides Ministerial and Elder Credentials only to its membership, therefore if you are not a member of CoG; you would first need to apply for membership. Please refer back to our membership page for more details on how to become a member of CoG, visit the Covenant of the Goddess website for more information.

Can you help me find Wiccan clergy to perform ceremonies, such as weddings, memorials, child blessings, etc.?

Yes, we can help you find Wiccan clergy to perform handfastings (weddings) and other ceremonies. The role of the clergy is to only officiate the ceremony; they are not wedding planners or the one who makes the arrangements. Contact us with your request, if we have someone in the area or someone willing to travel, we will try to put you in touch with him or her. Remember that Wiccan Clergy, like other Ministers, may ask to be compensated for their time and energy.