Covens, Covensteads, and Covendoms

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In Wicca and many forms of neo-Pagan witchcraft, a coven is a community of witches or Wiccans who gather together for meetings, rituals, or to perform magical ceremonies. It is a Priesthood comprised of both genders, usually in the same district or village, and presided over by a leader. The word “coven” originates from the Anglo-Norman word “covent,” and the Latin “conventum.”

Coven members are bound by law to attend weekly meetups called “esbat.” A covenstead is where members of a coven meet and store religious paraphernalia. Covendoms are territories where witches live, extending to a 3 to 6-mile radius in all directions from a covenstead so that the covensteads do not overlap each other. The distance halfway between one covenstead and the next is the covendom radius.

The uninitiated are called a “cowan.” Cowans are unable to attend Wiccan gatherings, although some sects give allowance for visitors to observe rites. They believe it is a great idea to allow cowans to sit in at religious ceremonies (not magical ones) to experience the true spirit of the Old Religion; get rid of any misconceptions they have about the faith; and maybe be enticed to join the path. After initiation, you become a witch and a Priestess or Priest, meaning you can conduct your magical rites and strike out alone. In Gardnerian Wicca, the High Priestess is referred to as Lady Her-Name-Here. Whichever coven you choose to belong to, you must take their duties and rites to heart. If any doubts arise about what these rights and responsibilities are, then the High Priestess or Priest should be consulted personally.

Neo-Pagan groups that are neither Druid nor Wiccan prefer the term “circle” or “temple” instead of “coven” because it is safe and non-specific. None of these terms are copyrighted, so it is possible under the law to call your group whatever you wish. Still, to avoid confusion, refrain from using the term “coven” unless your gathering
comprises Wiccans or witches.