The initiation itself will involve some sort of physical or mental endurance. The new Initiate will then be plunged straight into an intensive training programme. In other words, membership of a specific Coven is not a prerequisite of initiation. If the Coven is large, the Scribe will appoint one or more Ringleaders as assistants. The OAM uses a lunar calendar known as the Kroder to determine the dates of new and full moons.
Covens tend to meet together for ritual purposes once a month, at new moon.
Nowadays it is just as common for Ophidians to use the standard eight festivals of modern Paganism. Particular mention should be made here of the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, which takes place on the Monday following the first Sunday after Old St Bartholomew's Day. Since 1993 the OAM has held its annual council meeting during the Horn Dance weekend, at a location in or around the village. This gives OAM members from all areas a chance to meet up and discuss issues relating to the Order as a whole. The primary emphasis, however, is on having a good time and entering into the spirit of the occasion.