A collection of witches is commonly referred to as a coven. The word "coven" has its roots in Old English and it originally meant "gathering" or "assembly". In the context of witches, a coven refers to a group of individuals who practice witchcraft or engage in magical rituals together. Traditionally, a coven consists of a specific number of witches, often thirteen, although this number can vary. The members of a coven typically share a common belief system and work together to perform rituals, cast spells, and celebrate pagan holidays. Covens can vary in their structure and organization.
coven, basic group in which witches are said to gather. One of the chief proponents of the theory of a coven was the English Egyptologist Margaret Murray in her work The Witch Cult in Western Europe (1921). According to her a coven consists of 12 witches and a devil as leader. The number is generally taken as a parody of Christ and his 12 disciples. (An alternate theory, stressing the Murray view of a pre-Christian tradition of witches, explains 13 as the maximum number of dancers that can be accommodated in a nine-foot circle.)
Each member of a coven is said to specialize in a particular branch of magic, such as bewitching agricultural produce, producing sickness or death in humans, storm raising, or seduction. The actuality of covens was also accepted by Montague Summers, a well-known Roman Catholic writer on witchcraft in the 1920s and 1930s, and more recently by Pennethorne Hughes in his Witchcraft 1952, 1965.
Covens can vary in their structure and organization. Some covens are led by a High Priestess or High Priest who is responsible for guiding the group and leading rituals. Other covens may have a more democratic structure, with leadership positions rotating among the members.
Coven
A coven is a gathering or group of witches who get together and practice witchcraft and magic. A complete coven of witches is four members, one to represent each cardinal point: north, south, east and west. This is regarded as making a complete witch's circle, which is required for performing spells effectively. The more witches a coven has, the more powerful it will be, though it's implied that a coven must have at least four members. Prior to the arrival of Sarah Bailey, Bonnie, Nancy Downs and Rochelle's attempts to perform spells were unsuccessful. As Sarah is also a natural witch, it is implied that the presence of a witch born with their abilities can enhance the power of the others, though it is not strictly necessary for a natural witch to be a part of a coven for it to be successful.
Covens can provide a sense of community, support, and spiritual growth for witches. They offer a space for learning, teaching, and practicing witchcraft in a group setting. Covens also allow witches to share their knowledge, experiences, and magical practices with one another. It is important to note that not all witches are part of a coven. Some witches choose to practice solitary witchcraft, meaning they practice their craft alone without being a part of a group. Solitary witchcraft can be just as valid and fulfilling as working in a coven, and it allows witches to explore their spirituality and magical abilities in their own unique way. In summary, a collection of witches is called a coven. Covens are groups of individuals who practice witchcraft or engage in magical rituals together. They provide a sense of community and support for witches, and offer opportunities for learning, teaching, and practicing witchcraft in a group setting. However, not all witches are part of a coven, as some choose to practice solitary witchcraft..
Reviews for "The Witch's Network: Connecting the Threads of a Collection of Witches"
1. Emma - 2/5 Stars
I was really disappointed with "What is a Collection of Witches Called". The storyline felt disjointed, and I found it hard to connect with any of the characters. Additionally, the writing style was not engaging, and I often found myself skimming through pages. The lack of depth in the world-building made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
2. Lucas - 1/5 Stars
This book was a complete letdown for me. The plot was confusing, and it felt like the author was just throwing random ideas together without any clear direction. The characters lacked development, and their actions didn't make sense most of the time. The prose was choppy, and I struggled to stay engaged throughout the book. I'm honestly not sure how it received positive reviews, as I found it to be a disorganized and unenjoyable read.
3. Sarah - 2/5 Stars
I had high hopes for "What is a Collection of Witches Called," but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the story dragged on without any significant developments. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters or feel invested in their journey. The book lacked a clear central conflict and resolution, leaving me unsatisfied with the overall reading experience. I would recommend looking for other witch-themed novels that offer a more engaging and well-crafted narrative.