A lot of people never truly understand what makes a Coven or when a Coven has crossed into being a Cult, or when something so widely accepted is a Cult in general.
So, let us start with what is a Cult shall we?
The definition from the Merriam-Webster dictionary is a small religious group that is not part of a larger and more accepted religion and that has beliefs regarded by many people as extreme or dangerous, or a situation in which people admire and care about something or someone very much or too much, or a small group of very devoted supporters or fan.
The definition from the Merriam-Webster dictionary is a small religious group that is not part of a larger and more accepted religion and that has beliefs regarded by many people as extreme or dangerous, or a situation in which people admire and care about something or someone very much or too much, or a small group of very devoted supporters or fan.
A definition that I have found to be a bit more accurate is a religious/non religious group that follows a series of strict beliefs, may include worshiping specific deities, and/or following strict specific ideals. May involve some form of brainwashing that their knowledge is correct and that everyone else is wrong, WILL have a hierarchy, and may be lead by one or a small group of Charismatic leaders, and typically will shun those who are ex-members.
As one can see, the second definition given includes any religious and non-religious group/organization, more or less accepted among society. If you were to ask the FBI who they considered a cult, the Catholic Church (or organized religion for that matter) is on that list because it follows most if not all of those specifics. As for Covens, Covens that are really Cults exist more than not due to it being a group who comes together to worship a specific deity, but typically aren't too bad. Then you have other Coven Cults that are very secretive and can become dangerous to both non members and members alike.
Now, not all Cults are bad, heck, by the second definition Buddhism could be considered one as well since it follows a specific set of ideals. It is an organized religion/philosophy, but it would be seen as a Cult for seeking Enlightenment and Peace (though there is a small group of marauding Buddhist monks that are attacking people, but everyone/everything has a minority of extremists).
Some Cults are good calm centers of worship and others you end up being brainwashed and drinking the Kool-Aid. They can range from one extreme to the other, or any bit in between.
Now let’s look at the definition of a Coven from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary shall we.
A Coven is a group of Witches. That simple, nothing special, nothing saying a group that worships a specific deity or anything, just simply a group of Witches.
And I agree with this definition, because you can have a Coven without having to follow or Worship the same specific deities as everyone else in the Coven. Covens were typically brought together so people could gather more energy for a ritual/spell and give it more strength. As they say, there is strength in numbers.
Covens may be filled with people who have many similarities of beliefs or views between each Coven member, but at most you might find set in place are rules or a code of conduct which is more moralistic rather then idealistic or Religious. Covens can be seen as more of a home to many, they are a group of people who found they work well together and will help each other when it comes to major spells/rituals.
A Coven is a group of Witches. That simple, nothing special, nothing saying a group that worships a specific deity or anything, just simply a group of Witches.
And I agree with this definition, because you can have a Coven without having to follow or Worship the same specific deities as everyone else in the Coven. Covens were typically brought together so people could gather more energy for a ritual/spell and give it more strength. As they say, there is strength in numbers.
Covens may be filled with people who have many similarities of beliefs or views between each Coven member, but at most you might find set in place are rules or a code of conduct which is more moralistic rather then idealistic or Religious. Covens can be seen as more of a home to many, they are a group of people who found they work well together and will help each other when it comes to major spells/rituals.
What separates a Coven from a Cult is very small and simple, whether or not it is an Organized/Strict Religious/Non-Religious group. That line is so often crossed that when the thought of Coven comes to mind, we automatically think of it as more of a Cult, or vice verse. For those that are both, we may as well just call them Coven Cults.
So all in all, they are very close to each other and many times the line that separates the two is blurred. These are one of those things that are not just Black and White, it’s very much a grey area when deciding whether a Coven is just a Coven, or a Coven Cult, or just a Cult.
As a Warning from someone who is cautious of any Coven, if you are considering Joining or have Joined a Coven, do your Homework, read books, and never take what you are told without question. Many people say that faith is the strongest power a person can have, but blind faith can also lead you down a dark road that you may never come back from. So always question, even to those reading this article, don’t just take my word for this, look into it as well, and question everything. The last thing you want is to end up as one of many faces on a newspaper or a news report of people who have passed.
Signs to look out for when it comes to Negative Cult Activity:
-When a group is controlled by a single version or interpretation of a belief.
-When the group leader(s) are the only ones who have "classified/secret" knowledge of the highest degree.
-An Us vs Them mentality
-Any form of exploitation of members (things that seem expected of them ie. sex being a requirement and/or money)
-People in the group that seem to be focused on recruiting/converting members.
-The Leader(s) finding ways to control your activities and social life.
-Opposing any type of thoughts and/or comments that would disagree with the leader(s) words/beliefs, and will punish those who have such thoughts and/or comments.
-Seeking inappropriate loyalty from the members.
-If members are very zealous and un-questioning of their leader(s) and regards their beliefs to be the absolute truth.
-Group is Elitist
-The Leader(s) are above all other authority.
-The Leader(s)/group will use shame and guilt to manipulate and control members.
-Being subservient to Leader(s)/group in ways such as cutting ties with family and friends, and/or alter personal goals and activities.
-Members are encouraged and/or required to only live and/or socialize with other members and exclude everyone else.
-The most loyal members will feel there can be no life outside of the group, and will fear reprisals to themselves or others if they leave (or even consider leaving) the group.
-Those who have left the group/excommunicated are shunned by members of the group.
-May let those under the age of 18 to join without parental consent or knowing.
-May let those under the age of 18 to join without parental consent or knowing.
Remember, cults and covens don't always fit stereotypical looks.
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