Formerly known as “Buckeye Grove”.

Upholding the Gardnerian Tradition

The Dayton Coven, believes the future of Gardnerian Witchcraft lies in the hands of its students. As a training Coven within this tradition, we are committed to nurturing and transmitting the core values of the Old Religion: Honor, Respect, Love, and Personal Discipline. These principles are not only central to our rituals but are also expected to be embodied in everyday life.

As practitioners who have walked the dedicant path ourselves, we understand that this journey demands time, energy, and patience. Through shared experiences and consistent practice, a bond of perfect love and trust naturally forms among members. Each individual brings unique strengths and challenges, and our teaching approach honors this diversity while remaining rooted in the traditional Gardnerian framework.

Outer Court Education

Our Outer Court classes are designed to support personal growth and sincere exploration of the Craft. Offered without financial cost, these sessions rely on an energy exchange, students are asked to contribute their time, dedication, and necessary supplies.

The structured curriculum includes foundational subjects such as:

Craft Theology and Ethics

Ritual Tools and Circle Structure

Elemental Work

Herbal Lore

Cosmology and Myth

Magickal Practice and Energy Work

Optional classes on specialized topics are offered periodically to expand understanding and skill within specific areas of interest.

Ritual Practice and Membership

Rituals are reserved for active members who have built a trusting relationship with the leadership of the Coven. These sacred gatherings serve as the heart of our spiritual work and are conducted in alignment with the established practices of the Gardnerian tradition.

Path of Initiation

The Dayton Coven follows the three-degree system of the Gardnerian Tradition. Each degree marks a deepening of commitment, knowledge, and responsibility. Initiation is not guaranteed, it is a sacred act that reflects both readiness and dedication. All initiations are affirmed by Craft Elders and carried out in accordance with lineage standards.

Student Expectations

Students of The Dayton Coven are expected to:

Live the Values: Honor, Respect, Love, and Personal Discipline should guide behavior both within and outside the Coven.

Commit to Growth: Consistently invest time, energy, and focus into personal and spiritual development.

Build Trust: Cultivate perfect love and trust as a lived practice within the group dynamic.

Honor Individuality: Recognize that each journey is unique and support one another with empathy and adaptability.

Engage Fully: Attend classes regularly and set aside time daily for study and spiritual work.

Offer Energy Exchange: Provide time, effort, or materials in place of monetary contributions.

Participate Actively: Contribute meaningfully to discussions and group activities while maintaining accountability for assignments and preparation.

Explore the Craft Deeply: Take initiative in studying the Mysteries and asking thoughtful questions.

Respect Ritual Space: Understand and uphold the boundaries around member-only rituals, maintaining a respectful connection to Coven leadership.

Approach Initiation with Integrity: Treat the possibility of initiation with seriousness, understanding its weight and requirements.

A Living Tradition

The Dayton Coven remains dedicated to preserving and evolving the Gardnerian Tradition with integrity and intention. Through study, ritual, and relationship, we strive to pass on the Mysteries in a manner that honors both our lineage and the spiritual needs of today’s practitioners.

The Dayton Coven’s Outer Court was founded in 2022, by its former name “Buckeye Grove”. It has since evolved into the Moonfeather Grove. We are a training Circle serving the Miami Valley and Cincinnati Tri-State areas. Rooted in the practices of British Traditional Witchcraft, our Pagan Circle offers structured education and community engagement for serious seekers on the path of initiatory Witchcraft. 

Our work draws upon extensive experience in public ritual facilitation, community education, and interfaith dialogue. Since 2014, members of our leadership have taught classes and workshops on Witchcraft and Paganism, and contributed to academic discussions, including guest lectures at the university level. This balance of scholarship and lived tradition informs everything we do.

Our lineage follows the Olwen/Long Island line through Queen Lady Arachnis of Salem, Massachusetts. This connection offers a respected and well established foundation for training, grounded in the authentic practices of Gardnerian Witchcraft.

Moonfeather Grove, emphasizes precision, tradition, and mutual respect. Our goal is to foster capable, wellrounded Witches through a formal yet nurturing approach to Traditional Craft education. We are committed to supporting individual growth while maintaining the integrity of our tradition.

For those seeking dedicated, traditional training within a structured and supportive environment, the Dayton Coven offers a path of depth, discipline, and devotion.

Outer Court Seeker Application

Thank you for your interest in The Dayton Coven. This application helps us get to know you, your background, and your intentions in seeking training within the Gardnerian tradition. Please answer each question thoughtfully and honestly. All responses are kept strictly confidential.

Personal Information

Full Name:

Preferred Name/Nickname:

Pronouns:

Date of Birth (must be 25+):

City/State of Residence:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Personal Background

1. What is your current spiritual or religious path (if any)? How has it evolved over time?

2. How did you first hear about Wicca or Witchcraft, and what drew you to it?

3. Have you previously studied or practiced Witchcraft or any Pagan tradition? If so, please describe your experience.

4. What is your understanding of Gardnerian Witchcraft, and what specifically draws you to it?

5. Do you currently belong to any other groups, covens, or spiritual communities? If yes, please explain.

6. Why are you interested in studying with The Dayton Coven? What are you hoping to gain from Outer Court work?

7. What do the values of Honor, Respect, Love, and Personal Discipline mean to you, and how do you practice them in daily life?

8. How do you respond to structure, expectations, and long-term commitment in a learning environment?

9. The path toward initiation can take time, often a year or more. Are you prepared to invest consistent time and energy into study, group participation, and self-reflection?

10. Our rituals and classes are typically held in or near Dayton, Ohio. Are you able to regularly attend in-person meetings? (Please explain any limitations.)

11. Do you have any physical or mental health, mobility, or accessibility concerns we should be aware of in order to support your participation? (Please be aware that some medications and allergies may have bad effects with somethings used in ritual).

12. Do you have any current legal issues, unresolved conflicts, or other circumstances that may impact your ability to commit to Coven work?

13. Do you have any experience with energy work, meditation, spellcraft, or ritual that you would like us to know about?

14. Are you comfortable with nudity in ritual settings?

15. What strengths do you bring to a group working in sacred space? What challenges do you hope to overcome?

16. What does “perfect love and perfect trust” mean to you, and how do you embody that in relationships?

17. Is there anything else you would like to share that you feel is relevant to your application?

Signature and Consent

By submitting this application, I affirm that the information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that completing this form does not guarantee training or membership, and that participation in the Outer Court is based on mutual trust, compatibility, and consent.

Full Name (Printed):

Signature (Typed or Handwritten):

Date: