Tradition

We are a tradition, therefore whereever appropriate, we follow tradition.

Unless we are making a conscious choice to revise or refine some aspect of the tradition as a consequence of changing circumstances or new inspiration.

This is a responsibility which we all share. However, the Vision- and Wisdom-keepers have a special responsibility to help us stay on track.
 

Consensus

We value each person's contribution. We believe that a decision-making process where all concerns are heard will provide a better long-term outcome for the tradition than a simple majority vote. Therefore, we work to achieve a consensus in all of our decisions, including decisions to modify tradition.

Of course we do not always reach total agreement. Where someone continues to feel uncomfortable with a proposal which appears to be generally supported, they may choose to 'stand aside' and simply not participate in part or all of a particular plan.

The possibility of a block exists in the consensus process out of the realisation that a flaw in the plan may at times only be apparent to one person. But blocks are, in practice, used rarely. Only if someone genuinely feels that the integrity of the tradition is at stake should they exercise the power which each individual has to block consensus.
 
 

Influence

We acknowledge the inevitable presence of influence or 'power with' in any group or tradition, even one which strives to be egalitarian. In our experience influence takes two main forms - natural authority and personal alliances.

Some members of the coven have been around longer and therefore have more experience with the tradition, and two of us are the ones whose vision initiated the tradition in the first place. This tends to confer a natural authority upon these people, which is inevitable and valuable, and yet open to misuse (consciously or unconsciously) within a consensus-based group. All coveners need to be aware of the limits of natural authority within the tradition, and the responsibilities which it entails (see below).

Close connections between two or more individuals can function, often unconsciously, as power alliances. This is true whether the link is sexual, familial, a close friendship or simply a strong attraction or natural affinity.

In this situation the individuals concerned need to make a conscious effort to consider the wellbeing of the whole coven and tradition, rather than unconsciously defending each other's position. Note that natural alliances come and go, contributing to the ebb and flow of group dynamics.
 
 

Personal Empowerment

Theoretically, the consensus process should help to counter the impact of influence by giving equal weight to all voices. However this demands a high level of personal empowerment from all individuals. The role of the facilitator is crucial in helping to ensure that everyone is heard and that communication is kept clear and clean.

All coven members need to be familiar with the processes used for airing and resolving conflict, and to feel empowered to invoke them. As a precautionary measure, the coven will periodically create a sacred space specifically to empower coveners to break through the censor and express concerns and feelings about how the coven is operating.
 
 

The Limits of Natural Authority

1. Thoughts and feelings

Each person is the ultimate authority upon their own subjective experience - their feelings, thoughts and experiences. No-one has the right to tell someone else what they are, or should be, thinking or feeling.

Consequently, each person is expected to take responsibility for communicating their thoughts and feelings in a way which is respectful of fellow coveners and the tradition.
 
 

2. Action

Each person has the ultimate authority to decide what they personally are or are not willing to do.

Correspondingly, each person is expected to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

Specifically, a choice not to participate needs to be made with an awareness of the possible consequences for one's own sense of connectedness. Whilst missing the occasional working is not generally a problem, prolongued 'time out' and/or non-participation in solar festivals, quarterly planning or review meetings is probably more critical. Obviously, if someone is ill, or has unavoidable family or work commitments, there is no real choice.
 
 

3. Prior Experience

Those who have practiced the tradition for a number of cycles acquire a certain natural authority in regard to

Authority born of experience carries with it the responsibility to make one's self available to pass on this knowledge and understanding to less experienced members of the tradition, through personal mentoring and group processes.