OOPS...Common Problems in the Craft, and avoiding them!
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                                Family Problems
                          or Coven and Group Dynamics:

The traditional 13 member coven may need to be updated. Common problems in many
circles are infighting, gossip, back stabbing and the like, or in the most
extreme, Magickal Wars. To lessen, or even prevent these situations, incorporate 
the latest research on group dynamics. It has been proven that groups of 7 to 11 
people will work together more closely, with fewer sub-groups forming. Sub-
groups can cause broken links in communication, as well as jealousy among 
members who are not in those "cliques".

The study of group dynamics can be essential to a balanced and working coven.
If you are considering joining one, or if you are already a part of one, try
the following links. They are psychological essays on group dynamic and other
sites of interest:
      * Le Bon, Gustave. The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind Electronic Text
        Center, University of Virginia Library
      * Nonlinear Dynamics, Psychology, and Life Sciences The official
        quarterly journal of the Society for Chaos Theory in Psychology and the
        Life Sciences Published by Human Sciences Press
      * Group Dynamics...Psychology 633

Also if you are in a coven, discussion group, class, etc. or are considering
joining one, be sure to check out The Advanced Bonewits' Cult Danger Evaluation
Frame 2.0

Problems can also appear when two coven members begin working closely with each
other (see below). The problems associated with this situation can be lessened
with "feedback discussion groups." Schedule regular sessions with all coven
members so they can report their latest workings (not necessarily private
individual workings, usually only partnership workings). It is necessary to
know where the coven's energy is going, and these sessions should help. The
sessions will also help the partners improve their workings, and give other
members new ideas. A good side effect is that any partner who is getting out of
line with their ego or control issues will be kept in check by having to share
what they've been up to. Try to promote a feeling of oneness with all coven
members at these sessions.
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Partnership dynamics:
Help, I'm falling in love with my magickal partner.........how did this happen
and what do I do? The pitfalls and warning signs of a negative working couple.
Why does this happen so often??!!

Before you commit to working with someone: When you decide to work closely with
a person in magick or any other aspect of the Craft, consider all the
ramifications:

You will be creating a bond between yourselves that is not easily broken. This
connection may encompass many levels; spiritual, psychological, and magickal.
Make sure that this person is worthy of being so closely tied to you.

Each person brings with them to the union, their entire personalities; egos,
insecurities, talents, ideas, etc. When exposed to magickal or spiritual
teachings, people began to change. Any negative aspect of a being will be
amplified in order to better be analyzed and changed. (This could account for
the difficult time we often have when we are initiates in the Craft...positive
traits are amplified too!) So, if you working with someone who has control
issues for example, verify to yourself that you can hold your own if this
person attempts to control you or have "power over" you.

Before working with someone, ask yourself some questions:
        * What does this person really want?
        * What do I want from this person?
        * Does this person know her/himself well enough to teach without
          ego-tripping?
        * Is this person's life in a constant state of chaos? If so, is that
          chaos self perpetuated?
        * Will this person be your teacher, mentor, or high priest/ess? If so,
          do they expect you to be a servile subject, or an equal participant?
        * Does this person carry many titles? If so, what are they, how did
          they get them, what do they mean, and are they thrown in everyone's
          face for self-glorification purposes?

Ok, it's too late for all of that, I'm already working with someone:

If you find your working partner or coven member appearing in your sexual
fantasies, question your relationship. This is an early, and clear warning sign
that something is not as it seems. There are many possibilities for this
occurrence, try to narrow it down. Is this person sending you sexually charged
energy intentionally? Are you willingly placing this person in your fantasies -
without putting up a barrier so the energy is not sent out to them? Have you
had many problems in relationships concerning the misinterpretation of concern
and caring? (Meaning, can you be friends with someone who could qualify as a
sexual partner? OR Do you reciprocate feelings of friendship and love sexually?
More reasons for this later....)

Is this person holding something over you...such as, placing themselves above
you and telling you how quickly you can "advance" in the Craft. If so, is this
done with your consent or is the person supposed to be on equal ground with
you?
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