MM to all,

I can't help but put some thoughts down here for you infamous butterfly and others that might come after you and read this discussion. It is an extremely important and significant step to take.

Bloodmoon has been referred to in many different ways over history so knowing exactly what this coven means by the name will take direct contact asking them. One of the most well known references is of course in the Bible and is related to the "end times" legend therein. I doubt that is what this coven is referring to but if they are I would not personally find that a good focus for a coven. There is a bloodmoon stone, although I had thought it to be very rare but I can be wrong on that of course. Sailors are full of songs and sayings about what the weather and spirits upon the water or beasts within the water are like based on the color of the moon (or sun). There was also a group that carried that name who practiced bloodletting as part of their rituals. That is not necessarily a negative but it is not something that I would recommend for a newbie trying to learn, in my personal opinion. It is a practice that can quickly get distorted or carried to extreme yet it is also extremely ancient and when done appropriately can be extremely powerful and cathartic. It depends a great deal on how they honor the spirit, soul to blood relationship. For eons it has been the blood that carried and expressed the soul of the person or the spirits influencing or bound to them. For that reason alone there is a strong genetic memory link to bloodletting as well as it being an intrical part of the vast majority of the spirit's previous experience or use. I neither condemn nor advocate the practice but I do say that it is definitely NOT for novice beginners and certainly NOT for initial seekers such as yourself, butterfly.

So that is the issue of the name that you brought up. The other issue you present is about looking into a coven. Now it has been a very long time since I had any first hand experience with new covens so I must assume that times have changed. I would say, since I do know you a bit, that seeking out a coven would be akin to finding the right christian church to attend. There are both the issues of denomination (or focus) as well as the people themselves and even the size of the coven makes a difference for some. Some like small numbers and some like large. Some like more drama or performance action to their ceremonies, some a big into what is said or even fixed on what language should be spoken during them.
There are a couple of things that I would put forth a "red flags" to anyone looking for a coven to join:
1) Do they require money to join or remain a member? If that fee is a significant one than I would keep looking personally. Just my opinion.
2) What is their regulation on nudity and sexuality during full coven rituals and ceremonies (not private ones)? I personally would recommend against any newbie seeker or novice practioner getting into a sexually demonstrative coven. It creates various issues that if you are not emotionally and spiritually able to deal with can be detrimental, in my opinion.
3) Where do they meet? This is a difficult issue for all covens but the one thing I personally think is important is that they meet in an place owned and spiritually maintained by an advanced practitioner. In other words if they go to a newbie or novice's home to do a major working that would make me ask a lot more questions of how and who prepares the space to be used. There are groups that prefer to meet in places with a reputation of spiritual activity. That is not necessarily bad unless they have no legal right or permission to be there and yes you have a right to ask.
4) What equipment or clothing do they require each member to have? This isn't a typical red flag as the above ones are but it is best to know up front if you will need to make or purchase anything and if you can financially do that or plan and budget to do that.
5) Ask to meet in an open public place with the head of the coven. This is something I strongly advocate for any spiritually attuned person can get a good read about a group from the aura of their leader. Treating them to a coffee at a local fast food place is well worth finding out when it is easiest to back away.

Well, I'll end here with the final statement that this is just my opinion and views only. Others will no doubt feel otherwise and I hope they write their advise as well. Nothing bad even came from open genuine sharing. :D
Blessed week to you all,
Aly

Greetings to all,

I am new member. I joined so I could answer your post. I have a coven of my own. So I am answering this from my High Priestess point of view on the matter. I think you should go to withvox.com to find covens in your area and then check them out. I hold a event called Witches' Night Out it is a free open to the public social for witches to meet and get to know one another. This kind of meet up event can be very helpful in getting to know covens in your area and what they are about. Never go alone with anyone you just met to some place you don't know. There are bad people who can harm you and most likely they are not witches at all, just crazy people.

About Blood Moon and what it means: It can mean the October Moon or they might be a vampire witch group. Sanguine or blood can mean many things such as: October Moon or Samhain Moon, blood, as in blood sacrifice, blood, as in bloodline, Vampire witch groups who either exchange blood or who most likely exchange energy. Exchanging blood has really been outlawed by many vampires because it's much too dangerous.

You should do research before you really join any group in a ritual. My coven does a big public ritual in a Park every year for Beltane, so people know me. Now there are many good not threatening covens out there that are not so well known, but might be perfect for you. Like I said before go to www.witchvox.com and look up covens and socials in your area.

Dark and Delightful Blessings
Nancy Venus