Wicca 101: Circles & Covens

Is a coven just a circle by any other name? Many who are not familiar with the Wiccan religion and witchcraft confuse some of the terminology. Two important aspects of the practice of Wicca are circles and covens. People often confuse one for the other or use the terms interchangeably, without realizing they have two different meanings within the craft. So what is the difference between a circle and a coven?

A coven is a group of witches who gather together to worship, celebrate, and practice magic. Often they have the same or similar beliefs, but not always. A coven is like a family, with all of the members treating each other as sisters and brothers. Secrecy may or may not be demanded, but loyalty is always expected. Membership in a coven is similar to membership to a church, but not the same by far.

Covens are all different and have their own rules and traditions. There are all-male and all-female covens, as well as covens of both males and females. They are usually led by either a High Priest or High Priestess, who often represent the Lord & Lady in rituals. Each member may also be considered a priest or priestess. Covens may be strict and formal or laid-back and casual. Some covens will accept anyone, and others are very picky. Some will let you join straightaway, and others require years of training. Some are open, and others are very secretive. In some traditions, it is customary for covens to have 13 members. Other covens want to represent each gender, or element, equally, or have no set guidelines at all.

Covens were very important long ago when prosecution was common for practitioners of witchcraft. Covens have always been closely-knit and placed high value on loyalty, but this was even more true in centuries past. Betrayal to your coven was a very serious crime, considering witches could be burned and tortured if discovered. Some covens placed a penalty of death on betrayal. Secrecy was of utmost importance, and covens had to be able to trust that their members would not reveal the names of their brothers and sisters. Even today, many traditions cling tightly to their secrets and share very little with new initiates.

Covens are sometimes called circles, but a circle is actual very different. 'Circle' is a magical term, referring to a sacred and clean space for conducting magic and important rituals. The circle keeps the magic within, so that it does not escape until the witch or coven has finished the rite. The circle protects the outside world from the raw magic being raised inside the circle. The circle also protects the witch or coven from evil spirits and interfering energies outside of the circle. This keeps the witch from being influenced or harmed by outside forces during the ritual. Circles are perfect for this, because they have no weak points and are infinite.

Circles are cast as protection and as a means of concentrating magic. Magic by itself is neither good nor evil; it has no real purpose until the witch gives it one. The magic is conjured from within and around, allowed to build up by raising a cone of power, and then charged and focussed towards a goal. Circles provide magical boundaries so that no stray magic escapes during the ritual. The witch can fully charge, bind, and direct all of the energy towards her purpose. This way, more power goes into the spell. No magic escapes and creates unintended change in the world, for even neutral energy can have a negative impact if not directed properly. Creating a clean, sacred space for magical working prevents anything from interfering with the spell. The circle protects the coven or witch from evil spirits and negative energies.

Before casting a circle, the chosen space is sanctified by sweeping away psychic debris with a broom, smudging with incense, and other means. Circles may be visualized, drawn in chalk or salt, or created using a combination of methods. The Wiccan Rede instructs that witches "Cast the circle thrice about." Everyone has their own individual method. Some will visualize the circle using an athame or wand, then draw it with chalk or salt, and finally pace the circle with incense to further cleanse and close the circle. Others will cast the circle three times with a symbol of each element, usually by walking it. A cord may be laid down. A nine foot diameter is traditional, but circles may be larger or smaller depending on the participants and the purpose. Large covens may need more space, and solitary practitioners may need less. The direction the circle is cast in varies, with some preferring widdershins and others deosil. Which direction the circle is cast from will depend on the coven or witch casting it.

Once the circle is cast, an alter may be set up within it, or a circle may be formed by the coven holding hands. Candles may be placed to designate the four corners. An incantation may be sung or simply spoken to further consecrate the circle, like a prayer. Magic is then worked, or a ritual may be conducted--either simple or elaborate. The coven may simply be gathering to celebrate a Sabbat or Esbat. Afterwards, the circle is opened by performing the casting ceremony backwards in the opposite direction the circle was cast. If someone needs to leave before the circle is opened, a door can be drawn. Leaving the closed circle without drawing a door will break the circle, allowing the magic to scatter and ending any protection. This is not as big of a deal when small, simple spells are being cast or when the group has only gathered to celebrate or worship. However, when much energy is being raised (using a cone of power, for example) to achieve a serious purpose, it is important that the circle not be broken.

Covens may sometimes be called circles, but these are two different things. A coven is a family of witches who are loyal to each other. A circle is simply a protective barrier around a sacred space, where magic is being raised by a coven or solitary witch. Covens may be formal or laid back, and there are as many covens as there are individuals. Circles may also be used to protect witches while celebrating--or when communing with a spirit conjured. Circles and covens are both in place for protection, but they are two different concepts. It should also be said that while covens and circles are a part of the Wiccan faith, not all witches are Wiccan, and therefore covens and circles are not strictly Wiccan concepts.