What is a Coven?

The word "coven" originally comes from the Latin word for "come together", and was used in the Middle Ages to describe gatherings of all kinds. Covens became particularly associated with Witches starting in the 1600s, and especially in the early-to-mid 20th century, as the interest in reviving "the Old Religion" was gathering steam. But what is a coven?

The traditional notion of a coven is a 3 to 13 member group of Witches who meet in secret to worship their deities and work magic. In the early forms of Wicca, this group included a High Priestess and High Priest, who represented the Goddess and the God. There are still many traditional Wiccan covens around today. Many covens tend to be eclectic in their practices, borrowing from a number of different traditions, leadership, and organizational structures.

Regardless of tradition, most Wiccan covens will hold a formal ritual of initiation for new members, who will spend considerable time in study and preparation before undergoing initiation. Many also follow traditional degree systems, which offer opportunities for more advanced study once a person is initiated. The first degree is obtained upon the initial initiation, and after further study and practice, one can move on to the second degree, and then the third. The specific requirements for each degree will depend on the tradition one is following.

Typically, a Wiccan coven meets to observe Sabbats and Esbats, and may also gather more informally in between these occasions. If a coven is looking to add new members, they will want to spend time with potential initiates as well. Coven members often form very close bonds with each other, and may even consider the coven to be like a family. As with any group, the overall energy will change with the addition of new people, so all involved should take their time deciding whether a given person would be a good fit—including the person seeking to join! Again, there's a big difference between this situation and joining another type of religious organization—your presence or absence in a church makes less of a difference to the whole group than it does at a Sabbat or Esbat ritual. So you really need to be willing to make a dedicated commitment to reliable participation.

If you're brand new to Wicca, however, it's unlikely that you'll be joining a coven right away. Most covens require at least a year and a day of studying Wicca—and possibly longer—before you can be eligible for initiation. This is a good thing, since it means you'll be prepared to participate in group ritual, and it keeps you from making such an important decision too soon.

What is a Circle?

If coven membership seems too big of a step, but you'd still like to meet and socialize with other Wiccans in your community, consider finding an informal Wiccan circle—or start one of your own! A circle is a more informal group whose members meet to discuss and learn about the Craft, and may experiment with an eclectic blend of practices in terms of ritual and magic. A circle may or may not involve a regular Sabbat and/or Esbat schedule, but if these holidays are observed, attendance is generally not mandatory.

Depending on the overall preferences of the group, there may be many members, some of whom drop in and out as it suits them, or just a few regularly involved friends. The structure of a circle is generally loose and doesn't require official initiation or involve an established hierarchy. Beginners are often welcome, and you're likely to find a wide range of knowledge and experience levels in a circle, where everyone contributes their own perspective.

So, What is Amethyst Dragon?

The Coven of the Amethyst Dragon, in spite of it's name, we are not just a Coven, we are an open Circle. We are an up and coming, newly assembled group of Witches in New Castle, Delaware. As such only the "core" founders are officially Initiated into the Coven currently. Anyone who wishes to learn more about Wicca, Witchcraft, Paganism, The Path of the Green Man, Urban Witchcraft, and/or Reiki are welcome to join in any of our celebrations or teachings.

Amethyst Dragon is an LGBTQ+ friendly, non-profit open circle. There are far too many Practitioners, Instructors, Shamans, Gurus all who say they will help you learn Wicca and Magick but ask you to pay for classes or membership dues. Amethyst Dragon will not ask you to "buy" anything. A generous and fair Donation for services, such as Reiki or other Cleric duties, would be greatly appreciated, however it is NOT required. Having to survive paycheck to paycheck myself I completely understand the desire and need for spiritual growth and help without the burden of inflated debit.

Anyone who would like to have a larger more formal Coven experience, we may not be the place for you. However if you are looking for a small, but growing, group to celebrate and learn with, please feel free to make contact and we can discuss what you are looking for and how membership may benefit all.

About this Site

This site is a Membership Information Portal, and Coven Digital Book of Shadows (Digi-Tome). To access this portal please use the login information that was provided to you by Coven Leadership. Once you log in you will be able to access the Member Message Board, the list of upcoming Events, shared files, and the Members Directory. You will also have access to the Digital Book of Shadows that has a wide range, and ever growing, library of Rituals, Spells, Herbology, and any other topic of study to help you on your Magickal Journey.

* Please Note: based on your Degree, some topics in the Digi-Tome may be restricted until you are initiated into the appropriate Degree.