No! If you liken Wicca to Yoga (just for the sake of a similie or a metphor whichever it is) then you could of course buy a book or video on the topic and practice entirely on your own. You could also consider joining a Yoga class. Both are perfectly valid ways to perform yoga, one way is not better than the other. Go for it, get a feel of Wicca on your own and see what you think, then if you want to join a coven you can, with some knowledge and experience to take along with you!

Nope, you do not need to start a coven. In fact, you absolutely should *not* be starting a coven if you are still learning. Leading a coven is a large responsibility. Learning takes a lot of time and energy all on it's own. Some people do form learning circles. This is not a coven, it's a little less formal...no firm leader/teacher/HPs & HP etc. You *can* learn on your own; that is one way of practicing eclectic wicca (or wiccan influenced paganism). To be British Traditional (& some other American Trads) Wica, you must be initiated into a coven. You will sometimes see this issue debated. The main source is the fact that both groups use the term "Wic(c)a" and arean't always clear (we ARE humans :)

Far better to review the literature, and get a sense of things for yourself. I'd be very careful about groups until you understand the moral code and what they expect of you. There's nothing wrong with choosing an established tradition, or starting your own coven, but do it informed and eyes open. Wicca supports personal choice. Do what you feel is right, but try to learn as much as you can before making commitments to other people. See also: (edited) Scott Cunningham*** Gerald Gardner (can't believe I forgot this one) Doreen Valiente Raymond Buckland Deborah Lipp Ellen Cannon Reed Janet and Stewart Farrar Phyllis Curott Lilith McLelland Amber Laine Fisher Laura Wildman Ronald Hutton Any tradition's formal beliefs Avoid: Silver RavenWolf Anything commercialized "teen witch" kits, spell kits, "Everything you need..." Anyone who doesn't give references or suggest other authors. Non-Wiccan: Israel Regardie Donald Kraig Dion Fortune S. L. Macgregor Mathers A. E. Waite Anyone have others? (thanks for the additions)

I only know one other Witch in my area... It would be impractical to begin a coven. She and I compare notes, study, and philosophies... I have been studying Paganism and witchcraft for almost 11 years, she has been studying for almost 3 years. I do NOT consider myself educated enough to lead her studies even still. (To be honest, even with as much as I have read, I am no where near priestesshood. I know not even 1/100 of what I feel I would need to to lead anyone, anywhere.) Would you expect a newborn baby to run a country? If you couldn't walk, talk, or even hold your own head up, how could you lead anyone else? (I don't mean any offense, but you said "learn about" so I am assuming it's all pretty new.) I have to say: I am NOT Wiccan. I am Pagan. The rules should be similar except among some of the more strict Traditions. I suggest that you study on your own, everything you can find on the subject(s). ~~~~~!!!!Beware: Not everything you can read is valid. There are many people in any topic that will misrepresent information. ~~Ask the Goddess(you do not have to be an initiate to ask) to help you find the imformation you need; and to help you suss out fact from fiction. If something sounds too ridiculous, or pointed it probably is. ~If you come to something you just can't understand, there will probably be someone here on AB, on witchvox, or even Paganism 2 yahoo chat(sometimes), Who can/will help you. (most Wiccans and Pagans on AB are probably more well read than I, and a lot of them are very helpful.) We(Pagans and Wiccans) do not evangelize, but when someone seeks guidence we may help. I don't want to overwhelm you by saying too much or leave you confused by saying too little. I will stop here but if something else needs to be said here, let me know! I hope this helps you and anyone who reads this. MM BB

If there is anything to it for you things/people will float into your life. What Bibliophile said seems like good advise. I'm just starting myself. Nocturnal Witchcraft is what I'm reading, learning and practicing at the moment... I'm solo at the moment. If your a beginner you really aren't a high preist. In my opinion, the leader of a coven should be able to do certain things in the realms of spirit with earthly results. Anything different would be like asking Charlie Manson for legal advise.

Not at all! I recommend the book "The Solitary Witch" By: Silver RavenWolf. Its a very good book and recommended by lots of people! )0( Love and Light, Blessed Be ~Christian~