Covens Covens Witchcraft - Occult World Posted by: Occult World in Witchcraft February 6, 2014 13 Views A Coven is the formal organization and working unit of witches and Wiccans. The origin of the word coven is not clear. Most likely, it derives from the verb convene, which includes in its variant convent, which once referred both to a religious meeting and the place of a religious meeting. Chaucer used the term covent in Canterbury Tales to refer to the meeting of 13 people. The term covine was used in 1662 in the trials of the Auldearne, Scotland, witches to describe the witches’ organizations. One of the witches, Isobel Gowdie, likened the covines to squads. The witches were divided into these subdivisions because there were so many of them, Gowdie said.

Sir Walter Scott, in Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft (1830), notes that the term Covine tree was the common name for the tree that usually stood in front of a castle, probably so named because the lord of the castle met his guests there: He is the lord of the hunting horn And king of the Covine tree; He’s well loo’d in the western waters But best of his ain minnie. Montague Summers referred to covens as conventicles, from the Latin coventus, (assembly or coming together) and also includes covey, coeven and curving as variations of the word. Historical Beliefs about Covens The existence of covens. References in literature to covens of witches date back to the 12th century. In Polycraticus, John of Salisbury describes organized groups of witches carrying on at wild sabbats but adds the caveat that they are merely deceptions created by the Devil and are not to be believed. A story popular in the late Middle Ages concerns an episode in the life of St.

Germain, the bishop of Auxerre (390–448), in which he encounters villagers preparing a dinner for “the good women who walked about coven 75 at night.” St. Germain, expressing the dominant view of the Catholic Church, discredited these sabbats of covens as deceits of the Devil. It was not until the Inquisition that the existence of covens was taken more seriously. Accused witches were tortured into confessing that they were members of secret, subversive organizations, and were forced to implicate others (see torture). British anthropologist Margaret A. Murray held that covens were far more prevalent and organized than the Church was willing to believe, though there is little evidence to support that contention. Many accused witches persecuted by the Inquisition were solitary old women, outcasts from society, who may have possessed special healing or clairvoyant powers. The earliest known reference to a coven in a witch trial occurred in 1324 in Kilkenny, Ireland, when Dame Alic e Kyteler was accused of being part of a 13-member group.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, more witches, though not a great number of them, confessed under torture to having joined covens. By the time witch-hunting died down in the early 1700s, the concept of the coven was firmly established. Among Wiccans, it was once commonly believed that witchcraft had descended unbroken from prehistoric times as a pagan religion. Some Witches claim to be members of covens that date back generations. Sybil Leek’s New Forest coven claimed to be 800 years old. Some covens may indeed be old, but there is little evidence to indicate that covens have existed in unbroken lines throughout history. As of the 1980s, most witches had abandoned the unbroken tradition theory in favor of the view that modern Witchcraft reflects a reconstruction of old beliefs and practices. Number in a coven. Traditionally, the number of witches in a coven is supposed to be 13: 12 followers plus a leader.

Murray stated this unequivocably in The God of the Witches (1931), concerning medieval covens: The number in a coven never varied, there were always thirteen, i.e., twelve members and the god. . . . In the witch-trials the existence of covens appears to have been well known, for it is observable how the justices and the priests or ministers of religion press the unfortunate prisoners to inculpate their associates, but after persons to the number of thirteen or any multiple of thirteen had been brought to trial, or had at least been accused, no further trouble was taken in the matter. The leader was believed to be either the Devil himself or a person, usually a man, who, witch-hunters said, represented the Devil and dressed himself in animal skins and horns at sabbats. The evidence for a constancy of 13 members is slim, however, and is referenced in only 18 trials (see thirteen).

At her trial in 1662 Isobel Gowdie stated, “Ther ar threttein persons in ilk Coeven.” In 1673 accused witch Ann Armstrong of Newcastle-on-Tyne stated she knew of “five coveys consisting of thirteen persons in every covey,” and of a large meeting or sabbat of many witches, and “every thirteen of them had a divell with them in sundry shapes.” Such “testimony” may have been the result of leading questions posed by inquisitors, combined with torture. Structure and activities of a coven. In The History of Witchcraft and Demonology (1926), Summers defined covens as: . . . bands of men and women, apparently under the discipline of an officer, all of whom for convenience’ sake belonged to the same district. Those who belonged to a coven were, it seems from the evidence at the trials, bound to attend the weekly Esbat. The arrest of one member of a coven generally led to the implication of the rest.

Cotton Mather, in writing on the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692, said “the witches do say that they form themselves much after the manner of Congregational Churches, and that they have a Baptism, and a Supper, and Officers among them, abominably resembling those of our Lord.” Murray also drew on witch trials to portray the alleged organization of a coven. According to old testimony, the titular head of each coven was the grandmaster, or deity worshiped. Most likely, this was a pagan deity with horns (see Horned God), but in the Inquisition it became the Devil himself. Usually, the god/Devil was represented by a substitute man or woman who conducted rituals in the god/Devil’s name. At sabbats, when the god/Devil was present in person, the grandmasters then became officers. Each coven reputedly also had a summoner, a person who secretly gave notice to members regarding the next meeting time and location. Sometimes the officer and summoner were the same person; not uncommonly, this person was a Christian priest who still participated in pagan ceremonies.

The duties of the officer/summoner included keeping attendance records, scouting for recruits and presenting initiates to the god/Devil. Covens also had a high-ranking position called maiden, a comely young lass with primarily ceremonial duties. The maiden served mostly as consort and hostess at the right hand of the grandmaster, or Devil, at sabbats and led the dance with him. The witches of Auldearne, Scotland, in 1662 claimed to have a “Maiden of the Covine,” described in Sir Walter Scott’s Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft as “a girl of personal attractions, whom Satan placed beside himself, and treated with particular attention, which greatly provoked the spite of the old hags, who felt themselves insulted by the preference.” In some accounts, this maiden was also called the Queen of the Sabbat. Murray contended that Joan of Arc was a witch and that her appellation “the Maid” therefore had special significance. 76 coven Each coven was independent yet supposedly was linked to other covens in a region through a cooperative network.

In the trial of the North Berwick witches in Scotland in 1591, three covens allegedly worked together to try to murder King James VI of Scotland (see North Berwic k Witches). There is scant other historical evidence for formal networks of covens. The Coven in Wicca Existence and formation of covens. Many Wiccans belong to covens, although it is estimated that many more practice alone as solitaries (see solitary). The number of covens is unknown, for most exist quietly, some even secretly. Most Wiccans do not proselytize or seek converts; prospective joiners must seek out a coven and ask for admission. Novices are admitted at the coven’s discretion; not everyone who wants to join a coven is admitted. Applicants are screened and trained in a “training circle,” traditionally for a year and a day. They are evaluated as to their reasons for wanting to enter the Craft and how well they fit with the group. A coven is a close working group, the effectiveness of which depends heavily upon the rapport and trust of its members. Successful candidates are those who are interested in healing and spiritual development.

Candidates who are accepted are formally initiated into the Craft and the coven. Most covens follow a tradition that has its own book of shadows, a set of rules, ethics, beliefs, rituals, songs and administrative procedures for running a coven. It is customary for new covens to be formed by “hiving off” from existing covens. Wicca is fluid, and any witch can start a new tradition, as well as a coven. Smaller ones abound, even onecoven traditions. Some of them are short-lived. Some covens choose to be eclectic, blending various traditions together or incorporating elements of shamanism or other religions. Even within traditions, covens vary in the emphasis given to aspects of the Craft (see witchcraft). Some covens join together and incorporate in organizations that serve as sources for networking or as advocates in legal issues (see Covenant of the Goddess ). The regular, working meeting of a coven is the esbat or circle, which usually occurs at the full Moon but may be set at other lunar phases. Covens also meet to celebrate eight seasonal festivals (see Wheel of the Year). The covenstead is the location of a coven’s temple and the place where a coven meets.

It may be an outdoor site or the basement or spare room in the home of one of the coven members. The covenstead is the epicenter of a circular area called the covendom, which extends out one league, or three miles, in all directions, and in which all coven members are supposed to live. Traditionally, covendoms are not to overlap, but this rule is not strictly observed. Number in a coven. Gerald B. Gardner considered 13 to be the ideal number of a coven, which would include six “perfect couples” of men and women, plus a leader. Ideally, the couples would be married or be lovers, in order to produce the best harmony and results in magic. Sybil Leek also said that all New Forest covens had 13 members: six men and six women plus a high priestess. Thirteen is traditional, but not a rigid rule. Many covens vary in size from three to about 20 members. Size is important, for too few members means ineffective magic. Too many become unwieldy. Some witches consider nine to 13 the ideal range. Much depends upon the group rapport and harmony.

Most covens have both male and female members, which is in keeping with the male-female polarity required for a fertility religion. Some covens are all-women or all-men. History of a coven. Members of a coven are called coveners. All are priests and priestesses, save the leaders, who are the high priestess and/or high priest. Some traditions call the leaders the Master and the Lady. Most traditions have a three-degree system of advancement that calls for a minimum of a year and a day at each degree. As the Witch advances, she or he learns more secrets of the Craft and is entrusted to perform higher-level duties and rituals. Third-degree witches are eligible to become high priestesses and high priests. In most covens, the high priestess is the ranking leader of a coven and represents the Goddess. The high priestess is sometimes called the magistra (and the high priest the magister). If a coven has both male and female members, the high priestess shares leadership with a high priest; however, she is still viewed as the titular head of the coven.

A Witch may become high priestess by leaving a coven to start her own, or by group consensus, should a high priestess leave a coven or step down. The high priestess is responsible for the smooth running of the coven so that all members can work in spiritual harmony with one another. Besides good leadership qualities, the high priestess should possess strong psychic powers and sharp intuition. Much of a coven’s magic work involves the sensitive use of psychic abilities. The high priestess must be able to build and shape the group psychic powers and sense when they are at their peaks. In addition, she helps individual coveners develop their own psychic abilities. It is usually the role of the high priestess to cast and purify the magic circle and invoke the Goddess and the spirits of the four quarters and elements. She also directs the chants, rituals and magic work. The high priestess may “pass the wand” or delegate these duties from time to time to other coveners, as part of their training. The high priest represents the Horned God, who is the consort to the Goddess and performs certain rituals with the high priestess.

In most traditions, only high priests and high priestesses may initiate others into the craft; men initiate women and women initiate men (see initiation). There are no appointed or elected “kings” and “queens” of Witches, though some individuals have adopted those titles. A high priestess from whose coven others have hived off is entitled to be called a Witch Queen, which is entirely different. Many covens have a maiden, who is at least a seconddegree Witch and is the personal assistant of the high priestess. The maiden can substitute for the high priestess in certain tasks; she also handles various administrative duties. She is likely to be in charge of a “training circle” of potential initiates. According to tradition, the office of maiden is held by one woman, until she succeeds the high priestess or leaves to form her own coven. In some covens, the position may be rotated as a means of training for third degree. Many covens have a summoner, also called a fetch, who is in charge of scheduling meetings and notifying members. How Do I Find a Coven? How Do I Find a Coven? Before we talk about finding a coven, let us talk about covens in general.

Traditionally, a coven consists of thirteen people. If you talk to some people you will be told that there should be a balance of men and women. This means that there will be six couples and the thirteenth will be the High Priestess. These couples will often be married, but could be engaged, dating or just close friends. In most cases it is important that these couples be close, since they are considered woking partnerships. Other covens pair the High Priestess with a High Priest. Often there are unpaired people in the group too. This is the type of coven we are. We, like some covens, will do what feels right as far as coven membership goes. If we have working pairs, this is great. If someone fits well with our personalities and energies, we'll accept them without a working partner. We have no firm rules on numbers, maximums, etc. Some covens feel right having only one gender, such as Dianic Witches. There are no hard and fast rules. Membership in a coven should not be taken lightly by either side. Good covens are closer knit than many families. Your acceptance is far from guaranteed, regardless of how good a person or witch you are.

If this was a dating type relationship, we might refer to this as chemistry. This is why covens don't advertise publicly for new members. Don't expect to become a full member in a short period of time, even if you are right for the group. Decisions about who can join are up to every covener. In most groups it takes just the objection of one member to keep out a new prospect. These decisions usually aren't made until time has been allowed to get to know the new prospect. Next we will talk about finding a coven in your area. The first step is to find a witch who is a member of one. The only way that this will happen is by networking. Try some of the web pages that have this feature, such as 'The Pagan Webweaving Page' or 'The Witches Voice. (See our Suggested Links page.) These pages have posted messages, usually organized by states and towns, from pagans and witches looking to correspond, and/or meet, others in their area. (Please remember that these are basically not dating services, so conduct yourself accordingly.) You can read the postings of others, and reply to them. To increase your chances of meeting other witches, you should post your own.

If you have concerns about others in your household reading this type of e-mail, get a private e-mail account on the internet from Yahoo, Hotmail or one of the many others. Many of these accounts are even free. After corresponding for a period of time, you may end up deciding to meet someone in person, who you met on the internet. Don't be pushy about this since many that are posted, only desire to be e-mail friends. If you do wind up planning to meet someone you've met on the net, or you are just concerned with protecting your identity from some people, click here to get some security tips. Be careful meeting someone for the first time that you met on the net. Another thing you can do to increase your chances of meeting witches is to attend festivals and other events. Wander through our Suggested Links page and visit some sites. Sites, like 'The Witches' Voice' and 'Circle Sanctuary', often post upcoming festivals and events. Don't limit attendance to just festivals. Try attending psychic fairs, open circles, or anything else in your area. Another source for these events is your local pagan or new age shop/bookstore. Drop by regularly to inquire about these.

Let the owner know that you are looking for a coven in the area to study with. They, or one of their customers, may be the person you are looking to hook up with. The idea here is exposure. I'm not talking about at work, school or home. I'm talking about places that are frequented by witches. Also remember that pagan periodicals often have personals in the back for networking purposes. While you are waiting to meet someone, learn all you can about Witchcraft. If it begins to feel right to you, begin your practice in the Craft as a solitary witch. Read the books in our Suggested Reading List to learn how. Many people practice Witchcraft alone for years prior to finding a coven. When you meet a coven, the extra study will be to your advantage. It will also show that you are more than just idly curious. Be careful of over doing it though. Don't brag or show off your knowledge. Most covens keep a low profile and they may avoid someone who is loud and boisterous. You will go farther with being humble. Remember that they are probably the experts. That is why you sought them out anyway. After you have found a coven, be careful.

Not all covens are good ones. Beware of any of the following situations: Leaders who seem to be on a power trip. These leaders boss people around. Beware of systems where you are to obey someone without question, especially if that person isn't even the group leader. Groups that seem overly anxious to get you to join. After all I've said about covens, you must wonder about one that is anxious to get you in. Are they desperate for people and why? Good covens are usually the opposite. You have to prove to them that you are the right person. Groups that seem to have trouble getting along. There may already be poor group dynamics. Why would you want to become a part of that? Groups that perform negative magick or rituals. Please read these pages carefully to learn the difference between good and bad magick. Remember your Wiccan Rede and Threefold Law, and don't join groups that don't seem to practice it. Groups or leaders who ask you to break ties with families and friends. Most initiations require that the candidate take on a new name and begin a new life. This does not mean breaking your old ties to family and friends.

Don't have anything to do with people who try to make you break those ties. When this happens, it is usually cult activity. Don't walk, RUN to the nearest exit. This isn't true Witchcraft. Any group that does anything to hurt animals. Again this isn't true Witchcraft. In fact, most witches love animals and find this kind of behavior abhorrent. WITCHES DO NOT SACRIFICE ANIMALS (OR PEOPLE FOR THAT MATTER.) I'm going to talk a little bit about sex now. There are never any requirements for you to do anything sexual in order to join a coven. This should not be confused with a couple of other practices however. Some covens work skyclad, which means covered with nothing but the sky. In other words, they perform their rituals naked. This isn't done for sexual reasons though. Those that work that way believe it to be more natural and less inhibitive to the flow of energy. Many covens, including ours, do not work skyclad, but work wearing robes. Another thing that is a part of normal Witchcraft rituals are the embrace and kiss.

These are performed as people enter the Circle, when some items are passed around, and during other special parts. Since we have a sibling type relationship with our fellow coven members, it is in that spirit that these embraces and kisses are performed. Sometimes when you are working skyclad, someone may anoint you with oil or something. This should also be non-sexual. These practices, working skyclad, anointing and embracing, are acceptable and not sexual in nature. If they go further, it is now getting sexual. There are some sexual rites in witchcraft, but they are not required of anyone. They are optional and only performed by couples for whom sex is a normal part of their relationship. They are also restricted to people who have had some considerable experience in the Craft. It is never performed in front of anyone else. It remains private and only between the two individuals concerned. Stay away from any groups who try to coerce you into doing something sexual. Be wary of anyone who seems to be manipulating you into a compromising position. You should not need to be seduced or violated in order to join a coven or become a witch. Other little things can be done to enhance your chances of finding the right people.

If you have been studying witchcraft for a while, why not perform a spell. This could be done as sort of a magick beacon to draw others of like mind to you. You can also wear some jewelry to hint that you may be a witch. You could wear crescent moon earrings or a Celtic pentagram. Celtic pentagrams are done with Celtic knots and do not seem to be pentagrams, unless you look closely. If you can be a little more open about your beliefs, try wearing a small pentagram outside of your clothing. Whatever you wear, don't over do it. I tend to shy away from people who loudly advertise, since often they are only attention-getters. The last thing many of us want is attention. If I see something subtle, I will often strike up a conversation and steer it to the subject of a holiday such as Halloween or Christmas. A discussion about pre- Christian beliefs, leading up to the eight Solar Festivals, is natural. By the time the conversation gets there, I usually know if the person is a fellow witch. If you can't strike up a conversation, try a greeting like "Merry meet." Many witches use this to greet each other, but those outside of the Craft won't understand.

The will just look a little puzzled at you choice of words. Covens, Circles, & Solitary Wicca Practice * Wicca-Spirituality.com What's the point of Covens? Do you really need one to be a Witch? What's the difference between a Coven and a Circle? What about solitary Wicca practice? Especially when a witch is just beginning her journey in Wicca, she may wonder whether she's missing out on something . . . Should she practice solitary? Should she join a group? Just what do those mysterious others do? Do Real Witches Practice Alone Or In Groups? Either. Often both. Witches are not great believers in black-and-white divisions. So there's a lot of fluidity in how Wiccans practice. There are three basic forms for the practice of Wicca: Coven, Circle, and solitary Wicca practice. Much is made in the media - and Christianity - of Wiccan Covens. In contrast, few Witches make any fuss about it. There are as many ways to practice Wicca as there are Witches. Some people practice with others.

These groups can be "closed" or "open." And some people practice on their own. What Are They Anyway? Generally, Covens are Wiccan ritual groups where the membership is fixed. Only those initiated into the group can attend the rituals, and attendance may be mandatory. Each member generally practices on their own as well, coming together to celebrate the Moon and High Holy Days, as well as occasions like blessings and purifications. Wiccans who work in such groups are likely to be very committed to the practice. They may have been formally trained and formally initiated into something like British Traditional Wicca. Such groups are likely to be hierarchical, with degrees of initiation, High Priestesses and High Priests leading the group. In most, new members may join from time to time. This usually involves some kind of initiation, particularly since those who pass on a "tradition" of Wicca tend to work in these closed groups. Those who place a high value on following a tradition often highly value initiations. There can be rules about how many people can be in one group. Traditionally the number is set at 13, or sometimes 9. While not all groups insist on specific numbers, a small group is desirable.

Benefits The power of practicing with others this way is the level of intimacy and trust built between the Witches over time. This requires consistency, getting to know the people and how they work. It also requires a small membership. Too many people makes a group cumbersome, and sub-groups tend to form -- which inhibits the communal energy. Provided there is a foundation of respect for all, such a spiritual community can be advantageous for those who go deeply into the soul. Closed groups create a safe environment for authentic self-expression. As the members open their souls in ritual together, a deep intimacy forms and bonds the group. And the most important benefit: with experience together, a group can learn to achieve greater results and deeper connection with the Divine. It’s always true that it’s easier to raise power and to connect spiritually within groups, and that’s as true in Wicca as any other religion. Limitations There are risks in having a closed group, though. One is becoming dogmatic. Everyone reinforces the accepted beliefs and set patterns. Lacking fresh views - or disdaining them - religious "ruts" can develop. Another hazard is that they seem to set the stage for ego battles and personality cults.

This is the downfall of the hierarchical system of the old Wicca. As people jostle for status and power, the group can become an arena for self-aggrandisement. (Which, by the way, is the opposite of spirituality.) Circles A Circle is a (fairly) open gathering of Witches. It differs from a Coven in that the membership is more fluid, and the level of commitment and attendance required of each Witch is generally less. This is not a strict definition. A Circle in the broadest sense is simply a gathering of people in order to practice Wiccan ritual. But with the development women's spirituality and the new Wicca, there came a different kind of ritual group. One for people who want to circle with others, but don't like the rigidity or style of Wicca practiced in Covens. There is no set term for such groups. But they often refer to themselves as Circles, because that's what they gather to do. Why Circles Instead Of Covens? Some Circles are very loose, meeting only occasionally. Other Circles meet regularly, with different people in attendance each time. This kind of flexibility is important, especially to women with family and other intensive commitments.

And for many of these Witches, inclusivity is a vital part of Wicca. For them, the exclusivity, hierarchy, and elitism of traditional Covens is more than distasteful. It's a violation of the philosophy of Wicca. These groups are generally accepting of a wide range of personal beliefs and practices. Within one group, you can have some people who consider it a Coven, others who think of it as a Moon group or Circle, others who don't really have a name for it but value the community of spiritual practice. Some may call themselves Witches, some Wiccans, and some Goddess- worshippers. And no one minds how the others choose to think about it. But they will have a certain common set of beliefs, which they can celebrate together. How Open Is Open? There may still be some limits on how and when new members can join. Each Circle will have its own level of comfort with openness. There may be certain times or ways new members are welcomed in, or they may have a completely open-door policy. Whatever works for the individuals in the group. These Circles are less likely to emphasise formal initiations, and may welcome new members with little if any ceremony.

Benefits Of An Open Circle One benefit is a constant influx of fresh ideas and enthusiasm. There's always a new group ready to take on organizing the next ritual. And questioning the established patterns keeps Wicca alive and grounded in reality. Another benefit is that inclusivity is healing to the individual soul, and the soul of the Earth. Inclusivity is a practice of compassion, and a recognition that there really is no separation between us. Limitations Of An Open Circle When membership is very fluid, it is - at best - difficult to develop the sense of trust and community that enables deep spiritual work to take place. And the group energy has to shift and reweave itself every time the membership changes. This can create a sense of "not going anywhere," as the group energy never gets a chance to gel, and evolve. Without some form of initiation into the group, this problem is intensified. A very informal initiation can make a big difference. For instance, offering a group blessing of the new Witch to welcome her, and her blessing of the established members. This goes a long way to maintaining group cohesion and a smooth transition. This article continues in Solitary Wicca.

Coven Articles: Coven - Tradução Inglês do Inglês coven A coven or covan usually refers to a gathering of witches. See more at Wikipedia.org... 1. an assembly of witches; usually 13 witches (hypernym) assembly Book of Shadows Wiccan A group of witches led by a High Priest and/or a High Priestess who meet to worship and practice magic. Traditionally limited to 13, though most are significantly smaller. Glossary of religious terms a local group of Wiccans or other Neo-pagans. During the &quotburning times" when Christian groups were tracking down and exterminating Witches, it was believed that each coven held 13 members. This was and is not true; covens can be of any size, but are most often perhaps about a half-dozen. Occult101 An organized group of Witches, led by a High Priestess and/or a High Priest who meet regularly for worship and fellowship. The traditional membership is 13, but in fact most covens number considerably less.

In Middle English, "Covin" a group of confederates; In Old French "Covine" a band or group with a single purpose; Latin "Com"-together, "Venire"-to come or move. Reclaiming: Witchcraft FAQ Can visitors come to a Witch's religious service? 1. What is Witchcraft or Wicca? Witchcraft is a religion. Historically, Wicca is one type of Witchcraft, but recently the term "Wicca" is sometimes applied to Witchcraft in general. These days in the United States, people who practice this religion may call themselves Witches or Wiccans. It is an earth-based religion, in some ways similar to Native American spirituality. The religion of Witchcraft or Wicca is recognized by most state governments, the federal government, and the United States Armed Forces. Courts have recognized the right of prisoners to practice this religion on an equal basis with other religions. Return to Top 2. Is Witchcraft new? Yes and no. It is a modern religion, but it is partly based on what we know about the beliefs and practices of people in Old Europe, centuries before Christianity, Judaism, or Islam.

Many Witches are very interested in reaching way, way back in human history -- as far as 25,000 years ago, because they believe that in those times, religion in the Middle East and Europe was based on the idea the earth itself is sacred, and that divine power exists in everything in nature. But modern Witches also blend ideas and practices from many times and cultures, which is a modern thing to do. Also, we add our own understanding and new interpretations to old traditions, and create new forms of religious practice that are appropriate for today. Sometimes people call Witchcraft, "the Old Religion" because they believe it is connected to the beliefs of people in pre-Christian Europe. Witchcraft is part of what is called "Neo-Paganism," which is a modern trend in Canada, the United States and Europe. Neo-Pagans are people who are exploring nature-based religious traditions which have historical roots in pre-Christian European culture. Other modern Pagans include, for example, Druids, Church of All Worlds, Feraferia, and Radical Faery. Return to Top 3. Why do you call yourselves Witches? The word 'Witch" is a very powerful word.

Witches have chosen to use it, even though we realize that it sometimes causes misunderstanding. The attitude toward the word "witch" in wider society is paradoxical. On the one hand, most people will say they do not "believe in witches." Yet they react strongly, even fearfully, when they learn that someone is a Witch. Some of the explanation must be the influence of Hollywood and certain fairy tales that describe witches as ugly old women with evil intentions and supernatural powers. Although there is debate among scholars about this subject, most Witches believe that for thousands of years in Europe, the people in a village known as "witches" were highly respected women whom everyone consulted for advice about illness, injury, childbirth, and even emotional troubles. They were mainly women, and they had special knowledge about herbs and various kinds of remedies. They were protectors of human life, and also loved, protected and respected animals and plants. Using the word "Witch," then, reflects admiration for the role that modern Witches believe these people of ancient times played in the life of their communities and a desire to be like them.

Also, using this word reminds everyone that long ago, in European culture, there were women with special knowledge and skills and the power to heal and help -- so as the word, "'Witch," is reclaimed, we hope at the same time to reclaim some of this very positive power of women. Note that both women and men are called "Witch," and most Witches do not generally use terms such as "warlock" or "male witch" for men. Return to Top 4. Do Witches believe in God? Yes and no. We do not believe in a father-figure who lives in some place other than earth, and who rewards and punishes people. But we do use the word "god." More often, though, we use the word "goddess." For Witches these two words mean something very different from how people in the Christian, Jewish, or Muslim faiths use them. The earth is the most familiar and beloved part of the universe to humans, spinning in the sky like all the planets and stars, its origins and destiny unknown and possibly unknowable.

The earth is literally the source of life and when we die our bodies return to the earth, so it is through the earth that we are connected to the mystery and beauty of the cosmos. We believe that our most important lessons come from nature, since that is what surrounds us, and we are part of it. For us, the earth is sacred, meaning something to be cherished and given our highest respect, and worth dedicating our lives to protecting. We call the earth "the Mother," and "the Goddess." The "God" is a very different concept; it means all that lives, grows, and dies -- so that includes all plants and animals. Sometimes the sun represents the God because every year it grows bright in the summer, and fades (or dies) in the winter. Obviously, both men and women have both God and Goddess energy in them. Many things in nature are associated with aspects of the Goddess and the God. A mountain may represent the Goddess and the power to endure, to sustain strength. A snake, which can shed its skin, also represents the Goddess and the power to transform, while an egg may represent the eternal cycle of life, death and rebirth.

The "Horned God" refers to animals with horns and antlerssheep, goats, deerand represents that aspect of our own natures which is wild and untamed. The "Green One" refers to the young God, the new grasses and plants in springtime, and represents our own powers of tenderness and vulnerability as well as the miracle of rebirth and rejuvenation. Often, Witches today call on the Goddess or the God using names that come from other historical periods, and other cultures, especially Celtic, Greek, and Roman -- but some Witches also use the names of Egyptian, African, Scandinavian, Native American, Chinese, and Indian gods and goddesses. This is a very modern phenomenon, since obviously, a woman living in a small village in Scotland 500 years ago would probably not have known about the religions of these other cultures. But for modern Witches, discovering the many connected concepts in various spiritual traditions, and feeling that we are sharing an understanding of the sacredness of nature, and of spiritual power, with other cultures and other times has become a basic part of our religious life.

We try to be extremely careful not to "rip off" other people's spiritual practices: we do not imitate other religions, but we recognize that different cultures always affect each other when they come in contact, so we are open to the influence of other religions which are harmonious with ours. Return to Top 5. Do Witches worship Satan? No. Witches don't even believe in Satan. It might be that, during the Inquisition, the Inquisitors confused their idea of the Devil with the Witches' idea of the Horned God  but that concept is actually related to animal life and has nothing to do with an evil god or spirit who causes harm. (Satanism is a completely different religion from Witchcraft, but articles in newspapers and magazines often confuse the two, or think they are the same thing. Some of the confusion may arise from the fact that the symbol of the pentacle, a five-pointed star enclosed in a circle, is an important symbol in both religions. Most witches use the pentacle with one point at the top, although a few use the "inverted" pentacle, with two points of the star at the top.

The "inverted" star is generally used in Satanism.) Return to Top 6. Do Witches have a Bible? No. There is no single sacred text that all Witches read or believe contains divine truth. Some specific Traditions within the Craft may have a particular book or text which is used by adherents of that Tradition, or which contains authoritative teaching, or is required reading. However, any book calling itself a "Bible" for Witches is not an especially sacred book for all witches, like the Bible for Christians, or the Koran for Muslims, or the Torah for Jews. Generally it is just a title that the publisher or author hoped would sell books. Many Witches have read and been influenced by books written by various authors about Witchcraft and magic. (A Bibliography page for the Reclaiming Website is currently under construction.) Some Witches also draw on the research and writings of people in other fields of study, including history, anthropology, philosophy, feminist theory, and even biology and other sciences. Since Witchcraft is a nature religion, many Witches study plant and animal life. But many Witches do not rely on reading at all for learning about their religion.

They may learn from other Witches, or may draw on their own direct experiences and what they learn through their own religious practice, either alone or with their covens or with their wider community. Many Witches or covens have their own personal journal, usually called a "Book of Shadows" in which they record things that are important to their religious understanding and growth. Return to Top 7. Do Witches sacrifice animals or humans? No. There are religions that do animal sacrifice, but Witchcraft is not one of them. Most Witches love animals, and have beloved pets. Many Witches work for animal rights, and are against using animals in experiments. Many Witches are vegetarians. As for sacrificing people - that's ridiculous - of course not. Return to Top 8. Do Witches believe in good and bad? Yes. One of our most basic rules is: Harm no-one, and you may do as you wish. (The traditional words are: "An (meaning "if") it harm none, do what ye will.") It sounds simple, but this law requires us to consider the consequences of our actions very carefully.

Under this principle comes one of our favorite sayings of the Goddess: "All acts of love and pleasure are my rituals." In the natural order of things, a person is born, grows to become adult, and eventually dies in old age. Anything we do that protects this natural order is good. So this includes things like: taking good care of our children; doing scientific research to find better medicines; driving safely; protecting our bodies; protecting the environment. When something interferes with the natural cycle of birth, maturity, and natural death, it is bad - for example: starvation; war; murder; drug or alcohol abuse; car accidents; pollution. Return to Top 9. What do Witches mean by spirit? The Spirit is the Center of the Circle: it is life, which is created by the elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth. In our belief system, life is part of a continuous circle with death. We sing, "Air I am, Fire I am, Water, Earth and Spirit I am." We also sing, "We are a Circle within a Circle, with no beginning and never ending." Many Witches also believe the Spirit is our consciousness that exists independent of our bodies, and that lives forever.

Return to Top 10. Do Witches believe in an afterlife? Yes, most Witches believe in some form of reincarnation, or rebirth -- either in the sense that we all get recycled because everything comes from the earth and our bodies go back into the earth when we die, or in the sense that our individual identity, our spirit, becomes connected to a new person or life-form. Witches do not believe in heaven or hell. Most Witches would acknowledge that they cannot prove their beliefs one way or another, so we call this area of belief an area of Mystery. But most Witches would agree with this song: "It's the blood of the ancients that runs through our veins, and the forms pass, but the circle of life remains." We are all aware of our connections with our ancestors, and of the fact that, in some sense, we will live in our descendants. Return to Top 11. Are there different kinds of Witches? Yes.

Just as there are Catholics, Baptists, Presbyterians, Russian Orthodox, Quaker, Pentecostal, and many other sects of Christianity and there are Conservative, Reform and Hassidic Jews, and Shiite, Fundamentalist, and liberal Muslims, Witches belong to dozens of different sects, which we call "Traditions." Just to name a few, there are: New Reformed Order of the Golden Dawn; Gardnerian; Faery; Celtic. The Reclaiming Tradition is a feminist and relatively non-hierarchical tradition which began on the West Coast of California. [For more information, go to our " About Reclaiming " page for two articles on Reclaiming Tradition history.] Return to Top 12. Do Witches practice black magic? No. When people say "black magic" what they really mean is "evil magic." It is unethical for a Witch to use magic to do something that she could not ethically do by other means if they were available. Most Witches do not generally think of magic itself as "black" or "white." What we do believe is that a person's intention is the most important thing.

And most Witches are extremely reluctant to put out harmful energy, because of the Threefold Law, which says that "everything you do comes back to you three times." What about "putting a hex" on someone? Well, if there is a rapist in the neighborhood, a group of Witches might want to restrain him, to keep him from doing further harm, or even to assist the authorities to arrest him. They might get together to try to use their psychic energy to do that. This is a form of hexing because it is trying to keep the rapist from doing something he wants to do. Actually, the "magic" Witches would do in those circumstances is not very different from Christians or Jews "praying" for the same purposes. In both cases, we are using our minds to call on the spirits and powers we believe in, with the intention of affecting something in the world. During the Inquisition, thousands and thousands of innocent people were accused of "hexing" whenever anything went wrong -- if a baby had a birth defect, or the cows got sick, or the rains were late. Witches believe that such events were probably used as excuses to persecute and get rid of the powerful women in the villages.

People became so hysterical that many other people were also killed, even children. It is painful & sometimes frightening to modern Witches that such prejudice and ignorance are still alive today. Of course some particular person could have evil intentions and really do something bad, or even misuse this religion. This is unusual, and tragic when it happens. It is important to remember that usually, when somebody who commits a crime turns out to be Catholic, or Protestant, or Jewish nobody thinks it is because of their religion they did something bad. Usually the religion of a criminal is not mentioned. Generally, if you hear of somebody making a dramatic public display of being a "Witch" with evil powers, that person is not accepted by real Witches as a sincere and responsible member of the religion. Most real Witches are embarrassed by such people, and upset about the harm they cause by encouraging negative stereotypes. But they are not considered powerful or dangerous otherwise. Return to Top 13. What is a coven? A coven, or a circle, is a small group of Witches who meet regularly to practice their religion. It may be that traditionally a coven had 13 members, but nowadays it could have fewer or more.

Some Traditions have strict rules about how covens are organized and others have no rules at all about this. Some covens are all women, or all men; others are mixed. Some are hierarchical with priests or priestesses or leaders with other titles; some are lineage-based; some are affinity-based; and some make their own rules about who can join. Many covens prefer to keep their own way of doing things secret. Members of a coven often become extremely close to each other, and may consider each other as family. Return to Top 14. Does Witchcraft have priests or ministers? Yes. In some Traditions, everyone is considered to be a Priest or Priestess, and in others only certain people are given that title. Some traditions have a hierarchy and recognize only a few people, or one person, as High Priest or High Priestess, or equivalent title. There is no uniform system of training or accreditation which is used by all Traditions. The Covenant of the Goddess (called "COG") is an organization of many covens and circles and is officially recognized in most states as a church or religious organization. It issues legally recognized clergy credentials to qualified people and a Priestess or Priest with these credentials can perform a legally recognized marriage.

Priestesses and Priests also lead many other rites of passage, celebrations and rituals, for example: Funerals; Healing Rituals; Welcomings and Naming Ceremonies for babies; Coming of Age rituals to honor girls when they begin to menstruate, and for boys when they are old enough to be recognized as young men. A "Handfasting" ritual is a ceremony of commitment and/or marriage (legally recognized or not) which may be performed for a mixed-sex or same-sex couple or for alliances of more than two people. Return to Top 15. What kind of People are Witches? It is just as difficult to say who the Witches are, as to say who the Jews, or Muslims, or Catholics, or Protestants are. We are waitresses, secretaries, carpenters, lawyers, prisoners, mechanics, soldiers, grandmothers, computer programmers, theologians, gardeners, teachers, etc. We are men and women, young and old. Most Witches are of European descent, but some are African-American, Asian-American, Pacific Islanders, Chicanas, mixed race, etc. Some are disabled, some are athletes or dancers. Basically, anybody can be a Witch.

Return to Top 16. How do people join? Everyone has to find her or his own spiritual path, and often the path into the Craft is difficult to find. Although there are hundreds of books available and many websites, most Witches are very quiet about their religion. They do not believe in trying to convert people. Those who find their way into the Craft have generally made a significant effort to do so. Return to Top 17. Can visitors come to a Witch's religious service? Coven meetings are almost never open to outsiders, although some may, rarely, allow outsiders to attend by invitation. Larger religious services are generally called "rituals" and most are private events open only to those personally invited. Some Traditions do have rituals that are open to the public and held in a public place. Public rituals in the Reclaiming Tradition are announced on the Reclaiming website. Visitors are welcome to public rituals as long as they come with a respectful attitude (see Ritual Etiquette - ecell), and especially if they would welcome a Witch to visit their own worship service. They will understand more if they read a little first, but it is not necessary. Visitors must be willing to participate with an open mind and heart.

It is not usually appropriate just to stand around and watch, unless they are disabled and physically unable to participate. Basic Guidelines for Satanic Covens Basic Guidelines for Satanic Covens The purpose of the coven is strength in numbers. The combined soul/mind power of the members can accomplish much more than one person working alone. A coven provides companionship, mutual enjoyment of the practices, camaraderie and is like a close-knit family. A working performed by the group will usually succeed remarkably, whereas one working alone may only realize moderate success. All Joy of Satan covens are for the purpose of spiritual warfare. Each coven works directly with a Patron Demon/ess who guides and instructs the coven as to the wishes of Satan. The coven is to operate in absolute secrecy. The word "coven" is derived from the Latin "conventus" meaning "gathering" or "assembly" or "to convene." It has the same root as "convention" and "covenant." The coven itself becomes a powerful unit. The more powerful the minds and souls of the individual members, the more powerful the coven will be as a whole.

In time, with continued workings, the coven develops a powerful aura of energy, of which individual members can draw upon to supplement their own power. The coven becomes an energy bank. This is only possible with regular meetings and rituals where all of the members work together as a group effort. Consistency is always the key in building and establishing spiritual energy. The structure and requirements of a coven: A coven consists of 13 members or less. The 13 include the High Priest/ess, who is the leader of the coven. When the number exceeds 13, a new coven is formed, which splits away from the original one. This is based upon 13 full moons to a lunar year, and the 13 chakras of the soul. Every coven must have a Patron Demon/ess. This is nearly always the High Priest/ess� Guardian Demon/ess. This Demon/ess should be asked if he/she agrees to be the Patron. The coven should have a regular meeting place. This can be out of doors or in the home of a member; preferably with a special room functioning as a temple that has been designed, consecrated and dedicated to Satan/Lucifer.

Traditionally, there should be a space of three miles or more between individual covens' meeting points. The old custom of "territorial rights" applies here. The coven should have a hierarchy. Each new member must go through an initiation ritual, swear allegiance unto Satan/Lucifer, and take the binding oath of absolute secrecy. Each new member must have already performed his/her dedication ritual to Satan/Lucifer before entering into the initiation rite. The dedication rite can be done under the supervision of the coven if the new person is comfortable with this. All of the members should feel a strong kinship and harmony with each other, as the coven must work as a unit. Compatibility among all individual members is essential for the entire coven. Once the oath is taken, it is permanent. Each coven should have a magickal name. This can include the name of the Patron Demon/ess and should be Satanic in nature. Each coven should have their own special insignia to be sewn upon the robe of every member. This can be the Sigil of the Patron Demon/ess. The Esbat: Ideally, the coven should meet during the cycle of the full moon [Esbat].

The reason for this is that during the full Moon, astral energies are more favorable for success in workings. The Moon rules the female side of the soul, which provides the energy necessary to any working. The full Moon amplifies this. Regular monthly meetings should take place with a special rite said unto Lucifer. Afterwards, anything of importance is discussed and the group works on their powers together as a unit. This can be done through telekinesis, where all of the members work together to move or levitate a single object as a group effort. However the working together is to be accomplished and what certain exercises will be used is up to the coven as a whole. It is important to agree, but time should not be wasted in trying to make a decision. If any member is in need, the entire coven comes together for a working to help. In time, the coven should be closer knit than one�s own family. This comes from bonding with other members at the soul, which happens naturally when using individual powers together. The Sabbat: On Satanic Holidays/Holy Days, the coven comes together to celebrate. Greater Sabbats are for celebrating, but are also very important for workings and dedications.

Each Sabbat date aligns with important astral energies in the earth. This is why the ancients built Stonehenge and other monuments that focused upon the seasons, with their alignment to the sun. This is all based upon science. Certain energies within the earth and the earth's relationship to the other planets in the sky during these dates are very favorable for astral workings, which they greatly assist and augment. Celebrations always take place after an important working on a Sabbat. Misinformation has given the impression that these dates are only for revelry and feasting. This is not so. All of the Sabbats are very important dates for special success in spiritual workings that would not occur at other times during the year. These dates have a very important significance. Though this is only speculation, the word 'Sabbat' has a strong resemblance to the Sanskrit word "Sabda," "which means "sound." Vibration in harmony from a coven is much more pronounced and powerful than from an individual alone.

I have found many names of Demons have their origins in Sanskrit, as well as "Satan" which means "Truth." For more information concerning this, please see: The Roots and Origins of True Satanism The most important purpose of the coven is that each is a dedicated medium of Satan/Lucifer, in doing his work. This is nearly always in the area of spiritual warfare. The Patron Demon/ess is the one to give the orders here. There is to be utmost secrecy. This is a gift to Satan/Lucifer and the Powers of Hell from the coven. These workings traditionally take place during the Esbats. Afterwards, during both Greater Sabbats and Esbats, feasting and celebration take place. Coven members are encouraged to bring food and beverages. The meetings should always be a positive experience for all coven members. The second male/female in hierarchy [under the High Priest/ess] is known as the officer or executor of the coven and is responsible for the membership, passing out of information to members about the time and place of the next meeting, what to wear, what food, music, and so forth to bring to the gatherings.

If the High Priest/ess is absent, the officer fills in for him/her. What is needed for a coven celebration: The main focus of the coven is to work as a unit to accomplish magickal feats that are not normally possible through the efforts of just one person alone. Though the following items are an ideal, they are not absolutely necessary. The most important thing is the regular meeting of all the members together and their working as a unit, consistently. Just as an individual becomes stronger through consistency in his/her yoga and meditation practices in building energy and strengthening his/her soul, along with directing and focusing his/her mind, so does the coven as a unit. The coven is spiritual. The material items are ideal for celebrations and such, but if these prove too difficult to obtain for some, this will not prevent you from functioning as a coven. One or more small drums like bongo drums that can be used to get the group into a rhythm. Rhythm and dance have been known traditionally to build the energy of the soul. Optional musical instruments for a Satanic coven are: Tambourines, recorders, panpipes, flutes, rattles.

This is for the rhythmic dancing in a circle, which will be done to raise powers of the group as a unit. Dancing is often done in a line in a snake-like fashion, with the High Priest/ess at the front leading the others, making S's and other turning dance moves. For dancing that takes place after the rite, the above instruments can be played, or music of choice can be played over loud speakers- metal or any other lively beat is fine. A suitable Altar and Altar tools are needed. These can belong to the High Priest or can be separate for the coven. A group chalice will be needed and either wine or some other beverage will be used. [The entire group will sip from the chalice during the rite]. This is for formal rituals that make use of all of the props. As many already know, props are not needed for workings of the mind and soul. Props are only used to create a certain mood that is helpful to the working. For teens and others who are not free, props are not necessary. Only that everyone in the coven is dedicated to Satan and that the coven meets regularly.

Coming together and focusing your minds upon a specific working are the bare essentials for any coven. © Copyright 2005, 2012, Joy of Satan Ministries; Library of Congress Number: 12-16457 Coven | Article about Coven by The Free Dictionary Coven | Article about Coven by The Free Dictionary Coven; Covenstead; Covendom (religion, spiritualism, and occult) A group of Witches is referred to as a coven, from the word "convene." Within the Craft, a coven is a small group that meets together on a regular basis to practice their religion. To most members it is an extended family. In fact, many coven members feel far closer to their fellow coveners than they do to their own blood relatives. A coven is composed of Witches from one district or, perhaps, from just one family. The word "coven" was first mentioned in 1662 at the trial of Issobel Gowdie, one of the Auldearn (Scotland) Witches. Under questioning, Issobel said, "Jean Mairten is Maiden of owr Coeven. . .

Ther ar threttein persons in ilk Coeven. . . The last tyme that owr Coeven met, we, and an vther Coeven, wer dauncing at the Hill of Earlseat. . . . " (Robert Pitcairn Criminal Trials Edinburgh, 1833). There had been many references to groups of Witches before this was the first recorded use of the word. This was also the first time that thirteen was specified as the number of members of a coven, although that total could be found as early as 1567 in the trial of Bessie Dunlop. Bessie had spoken of five men and eight women in her group. Even earlier, in 1440, Gilles de Rais's group had eleven men and two women. Indeed, although not necessarily mentioned at trials, the number of Witches apprehended in any one district and taken to trial during the persecutions frequently totaled thirteen. Margaret Murray made a case that at a majority of the Witch trials, membership in covens was said to number thirteen, but as others have pointed out, she tended to manipulate figures to support her theory.

Thirteen was certainly mentioned in a number of the trial records, but not nearly as often as Murray suggested. Certainly not every coven had to have thirteen members. At the Alloa trial, in 1658, Margret Duchall declared that there were seven women in her coven. Today, there is considerable variation in coven membership. Smaller covens are more common. The size of a coven is constrained by the size of the meeting place. Traditionally, Witches meet in a circle nine feet in diameter, and thirteen is the maximum number of people one can squeeze into such an area with any degree of comfort. The circle can be increased in size to accommodate more participants, but this is not traditional and can create its own difficulties. When working magic, the relationship of the number of people to the size of the circle is important for building what is known as the "Cone of Power"; the kinetic energy that is the driving force behind the magic. Having a large group in a large circle may work well for a purely celebratory meeting, but if there is magic to do then a smaller number is better. If a coven has a large number of members, it is better to split them into two separate covens.

Chaucer speaks of a covent in The Canterbury Tales when referring to the meeting of a group of thirteen people, indicating that the word was, at one time, used for a group of non-Witches of that size. Doreen Valiente mentions a book of Ecclesiastic Memorials (1536), which says, "the number in any one house is or of late hath been less than a covent, that is to say under thirteen persons." Quite possibly, then, the word coven is derived from the older spelling covent, meaning simply, "no more than thirteen." In some traditions, thirteen is the maximum number of members in a coven, but it includes an "inner circle" of elders—those of high degree (where a degree system operates) and experience. They can number as many as eight. They make the major decisions affecting the coven and, perhaps, work the more strenuous magic. In speaking of the significance of the number thirteen, Doreen Valiente cites the fact that there are thirteen lunar months in the year. In astrology, there are twelve zodiacal signs, together with the sun.

Romulus had twelve companions (the lictors), and Hrolf, the Danish hero, had his twelve berserks. The Christian Jesus had twelve disciples, Odin had twelve lesser deities beneath him in Asgard, and Charlemagne had twelve Paladins. So the number thirteen, made up of a leader and twelve followers, seems to be significant for many groups of people. The coven is led by a High Priest and/or High Priestess. From the records of the early trials, it seems that the majority of groups at that time were led by a man, known as the Grand Master. To the judges of the trials he was equated with "the Devil." In cases in which he was identified, the local major landowner often filled the role. He would, however, have substitutes able to lead the individual groups in his absence. At the Grand Sabbats, where a number of covens would come together to celebrate, the substitutes would be known as "officers," when the Grand Master led the proceedings. It is possible that organized covens came into being during the persecutions, allowing the persecuted Witches to meet with the security of numbers.

Before then, solitary Witches were common, as were smaller groups of family (hereditary) Witches, with larger groups coming together only for the festivals. During the Witch persecutions it was necessary for the "hard core" of the followers of the Old Religion to band together, and this was done in the form of covens. The home of the coven, and the site of its temple, is known as the Covenstead. This is invariably the home of the High Priest and/or High Priestess. The temple may be outdoors but today is more commonly inside the home: in the living room, basement, attic, or a room dedicated specifically for that purpose. In order that one coven would not overlap the boundaries of another, the old rule was that the "covendom" was limited to one league (about three miles) radius from the covenstead, and coven members had to live within the boundaries of their covendom. Covens are autonomous. There is no central authority, no governing body or equivalent of the Roman Catholic Pope. Sometimes a number of covens do, over the years, hive or branch out from a central one.

The original coven's High Priestess then became known as a Witch Queen, or Queen of the Sabbat, ruling over her own group and those that had broken away. But she would help and advise the younger covens only if needed, and the newer covens would govern themselves. There are, then, no Kings or Queens of all Witches. At the Greater Sabbats, the covens stemming from one mother coven will frequently come together to celebrate, as was done in the past, with the Witch Queen—the High Priestess of the Mother Coven—playing the part attributed to the Grand Master in even earlier days. The priesthood decides how often a coven meets. In Aradia, Gospel of the Witches, Aradia, daughter of Diana and her brother the Sun, Lucifer, speaks to her followers and says, ". . . Once in the month, and when the moon is full, ye shall assemble in some desert place, or in a forest all together join to adore the potent spirit of your queen, my mother, great Diana. . . ." Modern Wicca uses this passage as part of the Charge of the Goddess, recited by the High Priestess at the ceremony of Drawing Down the Moon.

The words have been reworked by Doreen Valiente to read, ". . . once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, then shall ye assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of me, who am Queen of all Witches." Most covens therefore meet at least once a month, preferably at the full moon. Many groups, however, meet weekly, and a few celebrate only the major sabbats. The thirteen members of a coven are a mix of male and female, with many groups trying to achieve the natural balance of equal numbers of male and female members plus a leader. This balance is not always possible and, indeed, not always sought. There are covens, and whole traditions, today, that are totally Goddess or totally God oriented, and have all female or all male membership. The vast majority of groups, however, recognize that throughout nature there is a balance of male and female and consequently aim for that same balance within the coven. The balance of the two energies seems to be especially important for the raising of power to work magic.

The coven meets first and foremost to worship the deities, to ask them for what is needed and to thank them for what is received, as with most religions. Additionally, "work" may be done at the esbats—never at the sabbats, which are pure celebration—which is the Wiccan way of saying that magic (frequently healing magic) is performed, or divination accomplished. Initiations occasionally take place and there is much teaching of the coven members by the elders. Outside the coven meetings, teaching of neophytes may take place, preparatory to initiation. Within the hierarchy of a coven, the Maiden is second to the High Priestess and is training to become a coven leader herself. In a system with three degrees of advancement, she would be of the Second Degree. There is also a Summoner, who functions as the coven secretary.

Question: Traditionally a ‘coven’ traditionally refers to a meeting of how many witches?
Answer: 13