I’ve now been with Sisters of the Veil Coven for one year and one day. I have had so many amazing experiences with them, but what stands out the most is that I have found my home.
The Sisters of the Veil Coven has been more than just a group of like-minded individuals practicing witchcraft; it has become a sanctuary for me. Over the past year, I have grown immensely, both spiritually and personally, thanks to the support and guidance of this incredible sisterhood.
In Mid 2023, I found a “Carolinas” Facebook group and in that group we started discussing what areas we were in and I was messaged about joining a local coven by its High Priestess… local… like 25 minutes from me! I discovered that High Priestess Dahlia’s partner and right hand, Priestess Nyssa, and I had met before-and she already thought highly of me. I spent the day running errands with them, eventually did my face to face Seeker Interview at Dahlia’s kitchen table that evening, called my family because we were doing dinner together, and was admitted into the coven as a Seeker that day, July 3, 2023.
With a mix of curiosity and excitement, I attended my first gathering for Lughnasadh. The warmth and openness of the members were immediately apparent, and I felt a strong sense of belonging from the very start. The rituals, the shared knowledge, and the camaraderie all contributed to a profound sense of connection. It was clear that this was a place where I could grow and find the spiritual community I had been seeking.
Last fall, I found myself in a very dark place. Personal struggles overwhelmed me, and I began to doubt my place in the coven. The thought of leaving crossed my mind numerous times. However, Dahlia and Nyssa fought my pain with me, refused to let me quit on myself or our coven, and initiated me as a Priestess in Training. In spite of my internal turmoil, they saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself. Their decision to initiate me as a Priestess in Training was both surprising and transformative. This initiation marked a new beginning, symbolizing their faith in my potential and my commitment to the coven. I turned to shadow work with their help and they fought those battles with me as well.
Shadow work involves delving into the darker aspects of our psyche to heal and integrate them, usually through very thought provoking journaling prompts that really make you explore yourself. It’s hard. It hurts. It heals. With the guidance of Dahlia and Nyssa, I confronted my inner shadows. They stood by me, offering wisdom and support as I faced my fears and insecurities. Through their guidance, I learned to navigate and embrace these challenging parts of myself, leading to profound personal growth and healing. Their unwavering support made this transformative journey possible, and I emerged stronger and more self-aware. Every battle I fought, they fought alongside me. I’m no longer alone in my spiritual journey.
Over the past year, my relationship with the Sisters of the Veil Coven has evolved from a tentative curiosity to a profound sense of belonging. Initially, I was a newcomer, observing and learning, but very quickly, I became an integral part of this sisterhood. The coven’s warmth and acceptance makes it easy to open up and connect with others on a deep, meaningful level.
I initiated on September 4th but due to prior obligations, I was unable to be at the Mabon Ceremony. My first time standing before the coven as a Priestess in Training was our Samhain Ceremony. As we gathered around the circle, feeling our ancestors around us, the belonging and positive energy from the group were palpable, especially as I stood beside High Priestess Dahlia & Priestess Nyssa and helped lead the ceremony. I felt seen, heard, and supported in a way I had never experienced before. Opening ourselves up to the balancing act of nature, shedding old patterns and welcoming new beginnings resonated with me. The shared vulnerability and strength in that circle solidified my bond with the coven.
Rituals and gatherings have not only deepened my spiritual practice but also fostered a strong sense of community and belonging. The support, understanding, and camaraderie within the Sisters of the Veil have created a sanctuary where I can truly be myself. This coven has become my home, a place where I am continually nurtured, challenged, and uplifted.
I have grown spiritually, emotionally, and mentally:
- I have learned practical skills in ritual planning and execution, including setting sacred space and crafting meaningful invocations.
- I have deepened my understanding of ritual and connection to the divine through participating in and leading ceremonies.
- Learning about different aspects of witchcraft and paganism has broadened my spiritual perspective.
- I have become more adept at recognizing and managing my emotions, particularly through shadow work and supportive discussions within the coven.
- Engaging in thought-provoking discussions and journaling exercises has sharpened my critical thinking skills and enhanced my self-awareness.
- My knowledge of herbalism and crystal healing has expanded, allowing me to incorporate these practices into my daily life.
- Studying different traditions within paganism has enriched my witchcraft “toolkit” and broadened my understanding of diverse spiritual practices.
- Through the support and encouragement of the coven, I have developed a deeper sense of self-worth and confidence in expressing my beliefs and ideas.
- Embracing my role as a Priestess has empowered me to take on leadership responsibilities and trust my intuition in guiding others in our mentorship groups.
- I now approach challenges with more resilience and a greater sense of purpose, knowing that I have a supportive sisterhood behind me.
Reflecting back on my journey with the Sisters of the Veil Coven over the past year, I am filled with immense gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. From the initial steps of joining the coven through the encouragement of our Coven Elders, to facing my darkest moments with their unwavering support, I have experienced profound growth and transformation. The shadow work, the rituals, and the sense of community and sisterhood have all contributed to my healing and self-discovery.
In the coming year I want to explore and accomplish:
- Developing my skills in healing practices, both for myself and others within the coven, is a priority as I continue to grow as a spiritual practitioner.
- Possible engagement: Herbal Apothecary
- Exploring advanced techniques in spell crafting and energy work is another area of interest, as I seek to refine my abilities and manifest positive change in my life and the lives of others.
- Possible engagement: Reiki
- I aim to deepen my knowledge of divination practices other than tarot, and integrating these skills into my spiritual practice.
- Possible engagement: Osteomancy, Tasseomancy, or scrying
- I aspire to explore deeper connections to specific deities and energies and dedicating time to meditation and personal rituals that honor them.
- Possible engagement: Lilith, Freya, and The Morrigan
As I look to the future, I am hopeful and excited about the path ahead. I am committed to continuing my spiritual growth with the Sisters of the Veil, and I eagerly anticipate the new experiences and insights that lie ahead.
Looking ahead, I am eager to contribute to the Sisters of the Veil Coven in meaningful ways that reflect my gratitude and commitment to our sisterhood. I will strive to lead by example, embodying our values of integrity, and empowerment. Building on the support I received during my own challenges, I aim to be a pillar of strength and guidance for fellow coven members. Whether through one-on-one mentorship or group support, I want to help others navigate their own spiritual growth and personal obstacles. I also envision the coven expanding its outreach and welcoming new members who seek spiritual guidance and support.
By contributing in these ways, I aim to help our coven thrive and evolve, maintaining this supportive and vibrant sisterhood where each member can flourish on their spiritual path. This coven has become my home, and I am honored to be a part of this wonderful sisterhood and I know there are others that deserve the same chance that I was given to feel whole again.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to High Priestess Dahlia and Priestess Nyssa for their wisdom, guidance, their belief in me, and mostly for their friendship. Their support and unwavering friendship has been a beacon of light in my journey. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to every member of our coven, whose warmth and camaraderie have made this experience truly special.
Unleash Your Inner Witch 