Coven or individual magick?

What are the benefits of practising magick in covens and individually? Which is the preferred method?

[norseman]

No straight answer to that one. Those few who are in covens will say Coven Magic, the majority who are Solitaries will say Solo Magic - however, it is not unknown for solitaries to form working groups [sort-of special projects and for social reasons]. Ordinarily, I would not dream of working with others - my relationship with Gaia is too personal for that - but on Festival days I do join in group work. For example Beltane which [ in my patch ] is celebrated at Thornborough Henge [ old as Stone Henge and older than the Pyramids ]. This can involve a large circle of up to a hundred. And the last two years, I have been in a small group of friends and we celebrated Samhain [ The Day of the Dead ] when the veil is at it's thinnest and the doorways to Underworld stand open.
So, take your choice ! I suppose, to some degree, it depends on how much formal ritual you can stand.

Originally Posted by norseman

No straight answer to that one. Those few who are in covens will say Coven Magic, the majority who are Solitaries will say Solo Magic - however, it is not unknown for solitaries to form working groups [sort-of special projects and for social reasons]. Ordinarily, I would not dream of working with others - my relationship with Gaia is too personal for that - but on Festival days I do join in group work. For example Beltane which [ in my patch ] is celebrated at Thornborough Henge [ old as Stone Henge and older than the Pyramids ]. This can involve a large circle of up to a hundred. And the last two years, I have been in a small group of friends and we celebrated Samhain [ The Day of the Dead ] when the veil is at it's thinnest and the doorways to Underworld stand open.
So, take your choice ! I suppose, to some degree, it depends on how much formal ritual you can stand.

Francesca,
I tend to agree with norseman. Go for what feels good and fits your needs the best. Both can have their beneifits and drawbacks. Sometimes one can be better over another for awhile, then you switch, sometimes you just don't know until you experience both.

nightowl

I am in a Coven, but we are still encouraged to do individual work as well. I think there is definitely a difference in the flow of energy between the two, though I don't think one is more powerful than the other. So I think it's whatever you feel is best for what you want to accomplish.