In Wicca and other similar forms of modern neopagan witchcraft, such
as Stregheria and Feri Witchcraft, a coven is a gathering or community of
witches.
It is composed of a group of believers who gather together for
ceremonies of worship such as Drawing Down the Moon,
or celebrating the
Sabbats. The number of persons involved may vary. Although thirteen is considered
ideal, any group of at least three can be
a coven.
A group of two is usually called a
"working couple" (regardless of their sexes). Within the community,
many believe that a coven larger than thirteen is unwieldy, citing unwieldy
group dynamics and an unfair burden on the leadership. When a coven has grown too large to be
manageable, it may split, or "hive". In Wicca this may also occur
when a newly made High Priest or High Priestess, also called 3rd Degree
ordination, leaves to start their own coven.
Wiccan covens are generally
jointly led by a High Priestess and a High Priest, though some are led by only
one or the other. In more recent forms of neopagan witchcraft, covens are
sometimes run as democracies with a rotating leadership.
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