With the new divisions between Houses (True lineage, Mystery Cult and Societas), it raises a question. The description of the Societas type house seems to imply that they accept from other Houses Magi who are already trained. Am I misunderstanding this?

Since I am at work, I don't have my book with me, and as I have been busy, I've been unable to finish reading the book. Does it discuss movement of membership between Houses?

For instance, say I wanted to create a Magus with the virtue Strong Faerie Blood and have him apprenticed as a Merinita, but then he later realizes that Flambeau fits his personality and abilities more. In essence, he does have Faerie Blood, but he's more interested in using the abilities he has rather than getting deeper in touch with his Faerie nature. Is this possible? Did I misunderstand the concept of Flambeau as a Societas House? Is it mentioned somewhere in the book.

I can only imagine there would be a plethora of story ideas as a result of such a move: distrust by his new House, feelings of betrayal by the old, etc.

What help do any of you have for me?

//For instance, say I wanted to create a Magus with the virtue Strong Faerie Blood and have him apprenticed as a Merinita, but then he later realizes that Flambeau fits his personality and abilities more. In essence, he does have Faerie Blood, but he's more interested in using the abilities he has rather than getting deeper in touch with his Faerie nature. Is this possible?//

Yes, this is possible - and there are many ways to build such a character. For example:
(1) A Flambeau maga may well have found a gifted boy with Strong Faerie Blood and trained him herself instead of 'selling' him to a Merinita.
(2) The apprentice of a Merinita maga could be handed over to a Flambeau after her death, disappearance or disgrace.
(3) A Merinita magus finds that he is more aggressive than the other Merinita of his Tribunal approve of, hence changes house.

For a published 5th edition legal procedure to change house you will still have to wait. But 4th edition HoH p.149 has a procedure for an apprentice to join a house different from one's parens even at his gauntlet.

Kind regards,

Berengar

Many thanks. I shall have to locate that and read it. And then find people near me who play Ars Magica...that's important too.

Thanks again

// And then find people near me who play Ars Magica...that's important too.

You can always try what I do, and make your own ArM players by teaching people.