The Coven of the Tangled Pines
The Coven of the Tangled Pines: Structure
The Coven of the Tangled Pines has a four-tiered structure--a sgroup of students called the Sage Grove, an Outer Grove, an Inner Grove, and an Elder Grove.
The Elder Grove is the coven's leadership. Only Inner Grove members may be inducted into the Elder Grove, and only after each has completed a term of service to the coven, such as holding a position of calling the elements into circle for at least a year, or serving a term as High or Assistant High Priestess. The Elder Grove is an intimate and dedicated group.
Inner Grove members are those who have been initiated into the coven's sisterhood and made a commitment to the viability and stability of the group as a whole. For Inner Grove members, the coven is a place to find sisterly support, an extended family, and the kind of understanding that only come from hours and hours spent together in the intimacy of sacred space. Inner Grove members are committed to making the coven the best it can be by contributing their time and many talents.
For the Outer Grove, the coven is a place to learn and grow in the craft and in one's self. Upon joining the Outer Grove, it is understood that each Outer Grove member is working towards Inner Grove initiation, but each is free to leave the coven at any time.
The Sage Grove is comprised of students being trained in the tradition begun by the Coven of the Tangled Pines. Students attend monthly classes taught by Inner Grove members, have a mentor from the Inner Grove, and attend Sabbats. Each student is working towards an invitation to join the coven's Outer Grove.
For all Tangled Pines members, the coven is a place to connect with the Gods and other Witches, a place to find knowledge, wisdom, fellowship, fun, and acceptance. All are encouraged to develop their own personal interests and ethics, and to constantly contribute to others in the group as they grow.
The Coven of the Tangled Pines: Family
While almost all coven meetings involve only Inner and Outer Grove members, The Coven of the Tangled Pines encourages members to include their family members in their private practices when appropriate, and all members are welcome to include family members in Sabbat celebrations, as you can see in many of our pictures. The coven has also begun to hold classes for the interested children of coven members to teach them about the Wheel of the Year and magical responsibility. This class series is called The Sapling Grove.
