| Human beings polarize towards other human beings | | | | six women led by a High Priestess or a High Priest. |
| who share interests, are likeminded, have similar | | | | This is rarely the case though. There are many male |
| philosophies and analogous beliefs. We define | | | | only and female only covens. There are also many |
| ourselves not only in isolation, but also in relation to | | | | more women practicing the craft than there are |
| others. Polarizing results in the formation of groups. | | | | men, so chances of a 50/50 split, is remote. In |
| The group creates a feeling of safety because of | | | | addition, some traditions prefer having both a High |
| the common grounds shared. Members in a group | | | | Priestess and a Priest. All of this makes it rare to find |
| often feel that they can rely on the other members | | | | a coven numbering thirteen exactly. |
| and that they can be depended upon in return. The | | | | There is - in addition to being an esoteric belief -, also |
| group dynamic creates a natural hierarchy in which | | | | a practical consideration surrounding the number |
| each member functions in a way to make the group | | | | thirteen. Common belief is that a number larger than |
| function properly. | | | | 13 is not very practical and can place unnecessary |
| This group hierarchy is common in most religious | | | | pressure on the High Priestess. As a result, the larger |
| systems and certainly no exception in Wicca. | | | | group normally splits into smaller groups. Those |
| Wiccan groups are called covens. The word "Coven" | | | | groups have to last one year and one day to be |
| or "covan" originated from the Scots about 1500AD, | | | | considered a true coven. |
| and describes any kind of gathering. In Wicca, the | | | | It also requires one year and one day of learning to |
| word "coven" describes a gathering of witches. The | | | | be initiated in Wicca. If the tradition makes use of a |
| first noted use of the word coven, in the context of | | | | degree system, additional time will be dedicated to |
| describing a gathering of witches, was at Isobel | | | | study to progress through the higher degrees. Most |
| Gowdie's heresy trial in 1662 when there was | | | | covens concur that students (sometimes called |
| mention of a witches' coven of 13 members. | | | | Seekers or Dedicants) should experience one turn of |
| The number of the members may vary, but anything | | | | the Wheel of the Year prior to dedicating themselves |
| above the number of two is called a coven. Ideally | | | | to the Goddess. |
| there will be thirteen coven members: six men and | | | | |