coven

A coven is a term used to describe a group of witches who gather for ritual practice and magical work. The word is often associated with both historical folklore and modern Pagan traditions, particularly modern Wicca, where it denotes a small, cohesive community that rituals together. The etymology is uncertain; the term is usually traced to Old French covine or covene, meaning an assembly or gathering, and is sometimes linked to the Latin convenire, to come together.

In many contemporary covens, leadership is shared or arranged as a hierarchical pairing, commonly with a High Priestess (and sometimes a High Priest) guiding the group. Membership is frequently by invitation or initiation, and covens may operate with defined roles such as elder, apprentice, or teacher. Sizes vary, but many covens are described as small, often ranging from a few members up to a dozen or so.

Ritual practices within covens can include circle casting, invocation of deities, and the performance of rites related to the seasonal cycle, known as Sabbats, as well as phases of the moon, known as Esbats. Tools such as a ritual blade (athame), wand, cauldron or chalice, and pentacle may be used. Covens may emphasize ethical guidelines, magical training, and shared responsibilities for ceremonies, which can cover rites of purification, blessing, and cleansing, as well as the education of initiates.

Historically, the concept of covens appears in folklore and later became central to many modern Pagan and Wiccan communities. In the 20th century, covens were integral to some traditions, such as Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wicca, though many practitioners also work solo or in informal groups. The term has since entered popular culture, where covens are depicted with varying degrees of accuracy.