Community Without a Coven: How to Find Friends as a Solitary Witch
Many solitary witches choose to be solitary for a reason. I started my journey with the craft alone. When I started, I hadn't met any other witches or had any mentors. I knew I didn't belong in a coven, but still felt lonely sometimes, particularly around the Sabbats. What I wanted was some kind of witch support system - a non-coven community to aid in my spiritual growth. And let's be honest... making friends in general as an adult can be hard, especially if you're not a big socialite as it is.
Finding the PERFECT friend/group/event might be difficult. This list is going to have a some unconventional ideas to what you might have in mind. There will also be a few alternatives to a traditional community, because some of us just want some occasional advice or reassurance that they aren't alone without having to commit to social activity.
Let's Quickly Talk Covens.
I have no issue with covens, it's just not for me. I have my reasons and I respectfully understand that it works great for some, and not so great for others. A few people still might read this and think "just join a coven, duh!" but there are many reasons why solitary witches choose not to be in a coven and still seek a community. Here are just a few examples:
Not available or wanting to commit to a schedule of rituals/events.
Not wanting to rely on others - spiritually or physically.
Your practice is very personal and private.
You are broom-closeted and can't or don't want to come out.
Not wanting to encounter any politics, initiation or hierarchy.
You are introverted AF and the idea of socializing with a tight knit group of people sends you spiraling into a social anxiety attack.
Now that's out of the way, onto some other community options.
Pagan/Witch Meetups (that aren't covens)
If you're looking to meet people in-person and are hoping to find other actual pagans or witches, find out if there are any pagan/witch meetup events happening near you. For example, I've been to a few "Pagan Pride" events, and have heard there are conventions out there too. If you live near crystal/metaphysical/occult shops, check online or ask in person to see if they are hosting events or teaching any classes that might interest you!
Non-Pagan/Witch Meetups
There are other options for you to feel social and spiritual without having to actually connect on the "witch" level. For example, open meditation events or even Yoga classes. If nature if your thing, you might even try looking for hiking meet-ups, nature center activities, or even help out at an environmental cleanup event! I can attest to how fulfilling it can still be from just attending a few group meditation events. Even if you don't talk to anyone there, the energy in the room is truly palpable. It's a whole different experience than meditating alone. You may even come across some like-minded individuals that you click with along the way!
Online Witch Communities
Can't or don't want to have to leave the house or socialize in person? I've seen Facebook groups and heard about forums, but I personally choose Pagan & Witches Amino. Not sponsored, just a fan! It's an app you can get for free on your phone that is a community for all types of Pagans and Witches to share parts of their practice and chat. To be honest with you, I did find the app a little hard to figure out at first. It has a LOT going on. It took a lot of fiddling around with it, but once I got the hang of it, I loved it. There are blog-style posts from people all over the world, and live chatrooms that focus on different topics, ALL pertaining to witchcraft and paganism. I might sound like an ad, but seriously, I'm not sponsored by Amino (wish that I was. Hit me up, P&W!).
I don't want to participate, but I do want to see/hear others so I can see I'm not really alone.
Don't even want to post/share/talk to anyone? Cool cool, same. Well, again, you could totally fly-on-the-wall the P&W app (I do that most of the time). You could also watch YouTubers*cough cough shameless plug cough*, follow other witches on social media or the Instagram tag #witchesofinstagram, or even listen to some witchy podcasts! Sometimes it's nice to just see or hear other actual witches that are out there. I think they really can be informational, inspiring and comforting, and it has really helped fill some of that solitary void.
You know... As much as I want to personally relate to the Sanderson sisters or Nancy from The Craft...
How do you find community in the solitary craft? Let me know in the comments!
