Covens: The Witch’s Circle

A coven group of witches gathers together to practice their craft. Covens can be small, with only a handful of members, or large, with hundreds of members. Some covens are exclusive, while others are open to anyone who wishes to join.

Pop culture is mainly responsible for the current popularity of covens since nearly every movie or TV show that represents witches involves some coven. Often, covens are depicted as mob-like or downright orgiastic.

But the roots of covens are much more humble. Long story short? Even witches need to socialize!

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History

The word “coven” comes from the Old English word for “gathering” or “meeting.” In modern English, a coven is simply a group of witches who regularly meet to practice their craft. (Though it is sometimes mistaken for a witch cult.)

But the history of covens dates back centuries to medieval Western Europe. At that time, a witch’s most excellent safety was the secret support of her sister witches.

It’s difficult to track the proliferation of the coven tradition because it was dangerous to practice magic openly for much of history. Even witches that practice white and healing magic could be oppressed and attacked by religious zealots.

Salem Witch Trials

Covens in North America date back to the Salem Witch Trials, which were famous for condemning and executing women in New England that neighbors suspected of witchcraft.

In reality, many strange events and visions locals experienced resulted from mold in the grain supply. However, without scientific explanation, they could only account for the peculiar behavior and sickness by pointing fingers at dark magic. Any women who did not show signs of disease were accused of practicing evil.

Historians believe that many of the women killed as part of the trial were never guilty of anything.

But for those who did practice magic, new of the witch trials meant that they were in more danger than ever before. The best safety was in numbers, so witches who practiced alone in their villages often came together to keep track of other witches.

What do Covens do?

Covens do what witches do, but they do it with numbers on their side.

A singular witch can be mighty, but they can constantly strengthen their magic by combining it with the magical energy of others.

Covens can cast spells together and pull resources to make potions and bit jars. They can also celebrate seasonal holidays together and perform rituals while keeping physical contact with each other to amplify their magic.

Covens are a vital part of the witchcraft community. Magical practice can be insulating because it requires you to focus inward on your power and be highly self-aware. As a result, you can quickly isolate yourself from others, especially if you’re not ready to be open about your practice and spirituality.

Types of Covens

There are many different types of covens, each with its own beliefs and practices. Some worship the traditional gods and goddesses of witchcraft, while others follow their unique path.

Deity-based

Many groups recognize some divine figure that they can invoke during rituals. But some covens even go so far as to base their membership or centralize focus on a particular deity.

In some ways, this is a holdover from pagan cults of gods like Dionysus and Aphrodite (among others). But modern witches are more likely to revere Hecate, the triple goddess, the goddess mother, and the Horned God.

Other covens are strictly secular or atheistic and do not recognize any divinity. Their power comes exclusively from within and among themselves.

Magic-type

At the very least, most covens will distinguish whether they practice white, grey, or black magic.

Aside from that distinction, they may also focus on one type of magic or a cluster of similar magic types. Some covens focus on divination, others on herbalism and green witchcraft, and others still prioritize astrology and cosmic witchcraft.

Alternatively, some covens are purely eclectic, welcoming witches of all sorts based on their spirit and attitude rather than their expertise. This is the most vital type of coven in many ways because everyone can bring their strengths.

Online

Sometimes called a virtual coven or cyber cover, that gathers online is one of the easiest ways to enter the witchcraft community.

As with all virtual matters, online covens come with some drawbacks. You can’t always be sure that you know the intentions of those you’re communicating with, and it can be hard to get an energy read without a physical presence.

But video calling and live streaming have made the online more viable than ever, as you can see and speak to other witches in real time.

How to Find a Coven

As with most social groups founded on a shared philosophy, you’ll have the easiest time finding a within a larger city, especially socially progressive ones.

Covens can be hard to locate if you live in a rural area, so you may want to consider an online coven.

You can start your coven if you know enough solo witches who want to practice together. Groups exist all over the world in varying levels of formality. But there’s absolutely nothing stopping you from starting your community.

Self-starters are great for baby witches just starting, especially if you have an experienced mentor to guide you.

Not sure if a coven’s right for you?

That’s no problem! Plenty of talented, fulfilled witches practices their craft solo. You’re no less of a witch if you don’t belong to a coven. Like any social group, there are pros and cons to formalizing a practice. The wrong group can, admittedly, make your craft unenjoyable.

But if you’re looking for like spirits, a is a great place to start.

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