The internet has done some pretty great things for us witches. Sure, it’s a breeding ground for pointless arguments (both magickal and non-magickal), but for many of us, it’s also provided connections that would have otherwise been impossible. When I found my first coven, for example, it was through WitchVox.com, a hub of useful witchy resources like local coven listings. A lot of people have a similar story and I think I can safely say that many seekers would still be seeking without the help of “The Witches’ Voice.”
But then one day… WitchVox shut down. And for a while, it seemed like there would be no replacement. Seekers would be doomed to seek forever! Would no one find a solution?
Enter: Si from Mandragora Magika
If you’ve successfully found a coven over the last few years, chances are you just might recognize the above image. MandragoraMagika.com is, hands down, the best resource for finding out what’s in your area. Sure, there are Facebook groups for specific traditions, but nothing quite compares to the hundreds of groups that Si lists… from all over the world and across many traditions!
Si from Mandragora
Si is a graphic designer by trade. He’s also a third degree Gardnerian High Priest, part of the Minoan Brotherhood, and an initiate of Haitian Vodou.
You can also read his full bio here, where he talks briefly about his experience with each of these traditions.
If you haven’t figured it out by now, he’s the creator of Mandragora Magika!
Selene and I have had our coven listed on Mandragora back since it was a tiny teaching grove without any members. Over the years, and as we’ve grown, we’ve had to make revisions to our group description or contact information. There’s a quick form to fill out on the website when you want to add or edit a group. We always received a prompt email response back once revisions had been made.
At first, I assumed there was an entire team behind the operations of Mandragora Magika. But the emails were always signed the same way: “-Si.”
Well… I decided to have a chat with Si. I asked him some questions and he gave me some cool answers, including tips on what seekers should ask potential covens. Read on to hear more! Oh, and I’m also going to litter this entire page with some of his designs — don’t worry, he gave me permission.
Q&A
Do you remember the good old days of WitchVox?
Yes! WitchVox was THE hub to go for all things Witchcraft, Wiccan and Pagan for 23 years until it closed in 2019. It helped people like myself find a coven back in the very late 90’s. The amount of work and dedication from Wren Walker, Fritz Jung, Peg Aloi, Diotima Mantineia and Christina Aubin was immense. What a blessing it was for all that time.
What’s your background in witchcraft or the occult?
I became interested in Witchcraft very young and was a fixture at a few local pagan shops in the Central Florida area I grew up in. I read a lot of Scott Cunningham which had given me my first understanding of Paganism. Luckily my family was not overly Christian and kinda let their kids choose their own paths. I had a lot of early influence from Hoodoo and Southern Folk practices. My dad would bring me down to one of my favorite shops in Daytona owned by a man named Ralph Shelton, who was pretty famous around these parts back then as being the go-to guy for anything herbal, or maybe even a mojo hand.
There were jars of herbs stacked to the ceiling with crystals and live plants mixed in here and there. He often had a line out the door of people waiting to consult him about their problems whether it was health or anything else. I decided back then that I wanted to be like him when I grew up LOL. I eventually moved to South Florida to go to art school, once I graduated I started looking for a local coven to join. I joined a Gardnerian Outer Court, was initiated in 2001 and worked my way through those three degrees. While living in South Florida I also was initiated into Haitian Vodou as Houngan Sur Pwen, I’ve always been influenced by African religion and practices. In 2015 I moved back to where I grew up to be closer to my parents in Central Florida (Flagler County) where I reside now with my husband. I run a Minoan Brotherhood Grove (a Craft tradition for gay and bi men as well as group for those interested in Gardnerian Wicca. I now too have jars stacked to the ceiling filled with herbs, I’m no Ralph, but my path has been pretty awesome so far.
Why did you decide to start Mandragora Magika?
Well I am a graphic designer with a background in print design. I had a real desire to get into more web site building so I started Mandragora Magika as a place to put my art, it was just a menagerie of things I liked. Over time I built quite a few sites and applied what I learned to Mandragora Magika. It wasn’t until 2019 when WitchVox announced their closing up that a few friends in my community started voicing their fears that seekers would have a very difficult time finding them without WitchVox’s coven listings. Some of these people were not very tech savvy and had some very real concerns. I mentioned that I had this site and it really had no purpose but I had learned to write HTML, SEO, and knew how to get found on Google.
Mandragora Magika logo
I said that I would start listing covens listed by region before WitchVox closed up. It happened so quickly that I had put very little thought into all the problems that would arise. Over time I think I have streamlined the process and made a list of rules for myself to follow.
What does the name mean?
Well honestly it is because I love plants. I grow a lot of poisonous plants with Mandrakes being a big one. Plants were the open door that set me on the path of the Great Mother. Hopefully others will pass through that open door just as I did.
Since we’re on the topic of names, what does your name mean?
Si? LOL. Si (pronounced like ‘sigh’) is actually an abbreviation of my Magickal name. I at one point found myself with seven different names and said this is crazy, everyone just call me Si.
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Sorry, I’m going to interrupt this list of questions and answers a few times — That’s my privilege as the site admin. SEVEN names? Well, now I’m just curious.
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How did your site explode into being such a huge resource for coven listings?
I think it was because I started it just before WitchVox closed up and I had enough people share what I was working on, that it took off from Day 1. I never expected it to be what it is today. The site gets over 10,000 hits a month. It causes me a ton of headaches but I am never more pleased when someone says “thank you, I found the perfect coven because of your site.” That keeps me happy.
You’re a graphic designer, right? Can we see some of your art? Can I post a piece?
Yes sure, take anything you’d like from here https://www.mandragoramagika.com/design or any of the designs from my shop.
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Another interruption: See? I told you he gave me permission. “Take anything you’d like.” Also… here’s a link to what I think is my favorite.
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Some of Si’s designs on shirts…
How big of a range of traditions have you seen across Mandragora Magika?
Gosh I think we have a little bit of everything from the typical Wiccan traditions like Gardnerian and Alexandrian to Satanic groups. We list all magical traditions that fall into this realm.
What other cool stuff is listed?
Well besides listing covens all around the world, we have a bunch of resources. We list Pagan Media like blogs, organizations, publications, podcasts, streaming radio, websites etc. We also list stores in your area or if you are traveling you can see who is operating in any given area. Other resources include a listing of pagan festivals. Our newest addition is listing Services for pagans. We found a need to list this separately for pagans that were looking for mental health/therapy services from providers that would understand their spirituality. We also list interfaith ministers, handfasting and funeral rite providers there as well.
What are YOUR top tips for someone who is trying to find a coven?
First, when applying to any group, introduce yourself. Don’t write an email that says “I want to join, call me”. You won’t get a response from serious leaders that way. Compose a thoughtful email telling the leaders of that group who you are and what your interests are.
It’s easy to say “this coven is closest to me so I will join this group” but that isn’t always the best thing to do. As a seeker you are looking for a place that will provide a positive place for you to grow and experience the Craft. While coven leaders will interview you as the seeker, you are also interviewing them. You might have to travel some but good coven leaders will work with their students to the best of their ability.
Do your research on different traditions, talk to others about your prospective teachers .
Ask as many questions as you can think of before making any commitments.
Ask yourself what it is you are hoping to get out of joining a Coven and be honest with prospective leaders.
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Alright, last interruption. I promise. As a coven leader, I can attest to the high number of emails from seekers that say “I want to be in a coven. Here’s my number.”
Guys, please stop doing that.
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What are the best questions for seekers to ask a potential coven?
Today I think it’s important that seekers know as much as they can about their possible new coven. Some coven leaders will be cautious sharing too much info about members or practices of the coven but as a seeker you can ask anything. They might tell you ‘I can’t answer that’ but teachers will be pleased if you ask questions. Most importantly what are the expectations of the coven and can you meet those expectations? What is their schedule and can you commit to the schedule etc.? What is that coven’s policy on marginalized groups of people?
These questions will be personal to each person but you as the seeker should ask as much as you can up front. As a seeker always remember you are asking coven leaders to join their spiritual family, you will be coming into their home in many circumstances so be respectful of their time and commitment to training you.
What are the best questions for covens to ask a seeker?
What is their experience? Have they been part of another group like this? Do they have a criminal record? Can they meet the commitments of the coven’s schedule? Will they respect the rules of the coven? What are they wishing to gain by joining a coven?
Have you encountered any difficulties with hosting a giant resource of coven listings?
Many, everyone’s a critic, right? I am a pretty down to earth person that likes his peace and shuns controversy so starting this project hasn’t always brought me peace. I have had to remove people for not following the rules of usage which has created a lot of headaches. I have a set of rules that I created for myself that I follow and are listed on the site under the disclaimer. I don’t want to control any narratives. I am not judge, jury or executioner, I am one person trying to create a safe place for people to find spiritual groups to join. That is my only goal.
Have you noticed any trends in seeker traffic? (has it ever started to decline?)
Some trends but never a decline. I get more hits every month. It just goes up and up. Certain months like October we are generally getting a lot of hits.
You’ve obviously done a huge favor to the community by hosting this website. If people want to help share the financial burden of hosting, is there a way they can help?
Well, people wanted to donate from the beginning and I do have a donate button on the site but this is not a money making venture. I decided to add a small shop with some of my art on it. The way that works is my art is printed on t-shirts and things through a third party printer and mailed to them. We make dollars on each item but it adds up through the year and they get a tangible item in their hand. I honestly love seeing people wearing my t-shirts too. I use any of those proceeds to pay for the cost of the actual site and make up the difference personally. My time is given freely for the sake of the community and the Old Gods. It is my service back.
Is there anything else you hope to accomplish with Mandragora Magika in the future? Or within the community?
I would like to get more resources added that are directed towards pagans. One of the things I get asked a lot for are resources for incarcerated people that want to practice and don’t have materials. I would like to find people that do that kind of work so that I have a place to direct people. Also, funeral and handfasting rites. I would like to get more people listed on the site that offer those services.
What’s your favorite way to combine your magick with sound or music?
Finding coven/grove members that know how to play instruments LOL!!I have a terrible singing voice and very little rhythm with instruments but I love vibrating sound to empower objects or direct energy. In a group setting I love to hand out rattles or simple noise makers so that everyone can chant and dance themselves into a frenzy!! Nothing is better than a good drummer but it’s unfortunately not a skill I have.
Navigating The Site
There are three main sections linked from the homepage.
This is the place to go if you’re looking for a coven or group in your area.
This is the place to go if you’re looking for witchy podcasts or blogs. My website is there!
This is the place to go if you’re looking for witchy stores or gifts.
Take some time and explore. There’s lots of interesting things listed.
Expanding Resources
Speaking of things that are listed… maybe you have something to add!
Si is always looking for more resources. Specifically, he’s trying to find people who do handfastings, funerary services, or can help out incarcerated pagans. Hmm… I have quite a lot to say on that last one. While you’re at it, you can check out my Guide to Wiccan Prison Ministry.
Giving Back
Si doesn’t really ask for anything in return for keeping this site up and running for the entire community. In fact, he says it’s part of his service to give back.
However, if you’d like to help out, you can visit his shop and buy something with one of his designs on it. I mean, you probably already noticed since I included a bunch of his designs in this article, but he makes some pretty cool stuff. All of those proceeds go back to site maintenance and upkeep. Remember, websites and hosting aren’t free.
There’s also a donate button. It’s kind of tiny, but you can find it in the bottom left hand corner if you scroll all the way down on one of the pages.
Want to do something for free? Go follow some of these social profiles:
- Instagram @mandragoramagika
- Facebook @mandragoramagika
- Twitter @MandragoraMagik
Conclusions
Mandragora Magika is an awesome resource for the community. There’s no better place to find covens or other groups in your area.
On top of all that, Si seems like an great dude… and we sincerely appreciate everything he does for the community! It was a pleasure to get to know him a little better.
Do you know of a cool witchy shop or someone who provides an excellent service to pagans? Perhaps they deserve a community spotlight article. You can always contact me and let me know.
Cheers!
Aerik Arkadian 
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