Everglades Moon Local Council (EMLC) is an affiliation of covens and solitary members of the Covenant of the Goddess (CoG) who live in Florida.
The Covenant of the Goddess, founded in 1975, is an advocacy organization that seeks to foster cooperation amongst Wiccans and Witches, secure legal protection, provide education through outreach, and nurture its members through dialog and community. The Covenant publishes a newsletter; issues ministerial credentials; sponsors a national festival; stands as a resource for information on Witchcraft and Wicca; engages in interfaith work, and local community outreach through its Local Councils.
A Local Council is a smaller branch of the Covenant, consisting of at least three member covens of at least two different traditions, in reasonably close geographic proximity to each other. The Local Councils meet at least twice a year and usually more often. They may choose to initiate independent projects, sponsor local festivals and workshops, and generally work together for common goals close to home.
EMLC was formed by a consensual hiving from Dogwood Local Council, which served Alabama and Georgia. CoG’s National Board ratified EMLC during its July 14, 2002 meeting. In September 2002, our delegates to CoG’s annual meeting received the affirmation of the entire membership and terrific feedback for a relatively smooth creation.
During CoG’s 2003 Annual Meeting, EMLC delegates made a splash by participating fully in the annual meeting, helping with off-site runs for food and beverages, ensuring that the hot tub didn’t get to be a lonely place to network, and bringing some extra Florida sunshine to the Tea Dance.
EMLC’s mission is to represent and expand the presence of the Covenant of the Goddess in Florida, provide a sense of community, and encourage communication between the various groups and individuals of our religion.
Since our founding in 2002, we have dedicated a significant amount of time and energy to reaching out to support local organizations that help others. Find out more about our philanthropic work.
EMLC participates in community events such as Pagan Pride Days and hosts an annual festival, Turning the Tide. Held during the Yuletide season, Turning the Tide is an intimate gathering of Wiccans and Witches in South Florida. It is a camping weekend filled with rituals, workshops, drumming, and more. Find out more about Turning the Tide.
EMLC also presents Reaching for the Moon, a podcast released eight times a year at each Sabbat. You can listen to it on our website, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. Find out more about Reaching for the Moon.
Our members offer a variety of arts, goods, and services, including pre-marital courses for couples, ministerial services, life coaching, divination, handcrafted products, and more. Find out more on our Arts & Services page.