There is no required attendance. The group as a whole decides when and where it will meet. It is, in my opinion, best to meet at night on each holiday, not during that week. But again, this is up to the coven’s discretion, taking into consideration other obligations, and how many members are able to attend. Time and space become flexible with this work. There is no judgment on those who cannot attend—all you have to do is set the approximate time for the work to begin and invite the absent members to “plug in” mentally. Some groups work over the Internet or by phone.

If, over a linear time period, any members drift away from the group, this is a natural process and usually has mutual consent, with no blame or guilt. If, however, any personal problems between any members arise, the matter should be blessed by the entire group for peaceful and loving resolution, to Turn It To Good (unless the involved members wish to handle it by themselves). Personal philosophy, styles of work, or individual harmonies may sometimes cause a coven to split into two separate ones. Ideally, there is no rivalry between members or covens, and there is certainly no slander or gossip.

The coven as a whole decides what to do about the attendance of outsiders. Secrecy was once essential to Witchcraft for obvious reasons of safety, but times have changed immeasurably for the better. For this we give thanks. However, as a general guiding principle, it is still best not to have non-Witches present at the Sabbats. In some covens, an exception is made in the case of spouses or close loved ones. In general, it is a better idea instead to hold Esbats at specific times—such as on the Full, or New Moon—and use these times to include such outsiders. There are always exceptions, but when outsiders are present, their lack of belief and/or understanding could interfere with the work. It cannot stop or negate the work, but it could slow it down in linear time, or act as an inhibiting influence.

It is generally the responsibility of the High Priestess or High Priest to arrange each meeting, to call the members, and either bring the tools or to designate someone to do so.