Essentially a coven is a group of witches who work together. They develop a group mind and each individual, being unique, contributes differently to it, thus each covens group mind is different. The number of members in a coven can be anything, traditionally thirteen but any smaller number is as valid. Any larger and the numbers get too unwieldy. The diameter of a traditional circle being nine feet also limits the number of people fitting comfortably. It also becomes difficult to maintain a group mind with a large group as it requires a close relationship between members, the larger the group the harder it is to establish a close relationship with all members. A coven is in a way an extended family group.

When a coven becomes too big, it is common for it to split. This is known as "hiving off". The original group becomes the parent coven and maintains contact with the new coven. Usually when members of a coven advance to third degree they can form their own group although they don't have to if they so wish. It is possible to have a coven consisting of only thirds. However, members may have their own ideas of how they want to develop a group and so form their own coven.

When this happens those who wish to, go with the new coven, and both covens then rebuild memberships.

Outer courts are runs by covens to recruit new members for the coven. Essentially an outer court is used to teach the basics of witchcraft and the covens tradition to interested people and gives the coven time to evaluate potential members and weed out people who would not be suitable. Each coven is autonomous and practices the craft in it's own unique way but they all follow the basic tenets of the Craft. The Craft has a set of laws governing covens and their management in the Book of Laws. The Craft is a living breathing religion and continues to adapt and change, each new coven develops it's own way of doing things and as long as this is not destructive it is as valid as any other groups way.

The Crafts basic knowledge and rituals are contained in the Book of Shadows. When a member is initiated as a first degree witch, he or she makes their own copy from another members. They then continue to build on the basics from their own experience and study. Covens usually meet on a weekly basis, for study, outer courts and general socialising and bonding. They also meet for the sabbats and full moons which are celebrations and working nights. Other working is undertaken as and when necessary. The coven usually maintains a covenstead which is usually where the temple is located and covens often have an outside working area.

No money is ever taken for the Craft, however responsible coven members will usually at least bring the occasional impedimenta for the temple, candles, incense, charcoal blocks etc, though the high priest and high priestess will always ensure the temple is supplied. Of course, munchies and drinks should always be brought by each member.

A coven is basically a democracy. Even though a HP and HPS who have a vision of how they wish to practice usually form a coven, they should be working with people who are of like mind. Generally they should work on the principal of first among equals. Each coven member should have a voice in the running of the coven and what it does. The craft has three degrees of initiation. After an outer court a person can ask for initiation and members of the coven will decide if they will accept the new member. If initiated, they as a first degree witch are considered to be a priest/ess in training. Usually after a year and a day second degree initiation takes place and this confirms them as a priest or priestess. Third degree initiation makes them a high priest/ess and they can then form their own coven if they so wish.

Although each member has a say in the coven, it should of course be acknowledged that as with anything some people have more knowledge and experience and as such should be accorded the respect that this deserves. Provided that by their actions they are deserving of this. In a normal coven there is a hierarchy. The coven is managed or led by the high priestess and high priest. They set broad policy and undertake training of members, and usually do the initiations within the coven. They also liaise with HP's and HPS's of other covens.

A covens HP and HPS will also appoint a Man in Black and a Maiden who are deputies. Their job is to support the HP and HPS and act in their place when necessary. This job may be rotated between members of the group to give each one experience before they form their own covens.

A coven may also have what is known as a Council of Elders. This is made up of long standing members, usually third degrees who in conjunction with the HP and HPS set policy for the group. Of course any member has a say and if they find themselves completely at odds with the group they are free to leave and join another coven, or form their own group if they so desire. Any new members will only be admitted to a coven if all current members agree. After all, a coven is adding to its group mind and the new member needs to be acceptable to the entire mind. Otherwise frictions can develop which can inhibit or lead to a breakdown of the group mind. If someone is not acceptable to the coven the HP and HPS will usually find another coven who will take the new member on. That person may still be acceptable as a witch but just not that group. As a general rule a coven should maintain a balance of males and females and as much as possible working couples.

Now having said that a coven is a democracy, there is an exception to this. Within the circle the HPS rules. As the manifesting Goddess her word is law in the circle. As the manifesting God the HP may also at times be in charge, though the HPS will usually rein him in if necessary.

Of course, people being people, some HP's and HPS's can develop megalomania and will rule their covens without giving the members a voice. Other covens can also be very rank conscious so when it is a good idea when visiting other covensteads to adopt a "when in Rome" attitude with other covens to avoid friction. If they go the wrong way round don't buck the system, follow. If they bow to the HP and HPS do the same. When you have your own coven you will be free to do what you want and can run it your way so respect their right to run their coven their way. Generally if something confuses you go to your Hp and HPS and seek their advice. Remember that if their members didn't really like it they could leave and go elsewhere.