TOP 10 Famous Witch Covens Throughout History and Today

Witch covens have long captured the imagination—mysterious, powerful, and often misunderstood. Historically, covens were secretive circles where witches gathered to honor nature, cast spells, and practice their traditions away from persecution. Over time, some of these groups became well-known, influencing modern witchcraft and shaping how society views magical communities.

Today, covens exist both in person and online, with some becoming famous for their teachings, public work, or role in reviving ancient practices. This article explores some of the most famous witch covens—both historical and contemporary—that have made a lasting impact on witchcraft and spiritual practice.

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What Is a Coven?

A coven is a group of witches who meet regularly to perform rituals, celebrate the cycles of nature, and share spiritual teachings. Covens can range from a few members to large organizations, and each may follow different traditions such as Wicca, Dianic witchcraft, or eclectic forms of modern Paganism.

While early covens often remained hidden due to fear of persecution, the 20th and 21st centuries saw a rise in public covens that helped reclaim witchcraft as a legitimate spiritual path.

1. The New Forest Coven (England)

Location: Hampshire, England

Active: Early 20th century

The New Forest Coven is one of the most famous and mysterious covens in history. According to Gerald Gardner, the founder of modern Wicca, it was this group that initiated him into witchcraft in the 1930s. Gardner claimed that the New Forest Coven practiced a surviving form of ancient Pagan worship, preserved in secret through centuries of persecution.

Historians debate whether the coven was truly ancient or a more modern creation influenced by occult groups like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Regardless, its significance lies in sparking the Wiccan revival, which helped reframe witchcraft as a spiritual path rather than a superstition.

2. Gardnerian Wicca Covens

Founder: Gerald Gardner

Established: 1950s

Location: United Kingdom, now global

After his initiation into the New Forest Coven, Gerald Gardner published books that outlined Wiccan beliefs, rituals, and ethics. He formed the first Gardnerian Wicca coven in the 1950s with Doreen Valiente, one of the most respected High Priestesses in modern witchcraft.

Gardnerian covens follow a structured, initiatory system. They typically require training and have degrees of advancement. Gardnerian Wicca is one of the oldest and most widely practiced forms of modern witchcraft, with covens around the world.

These covens emphasize:

• Rituals aligned with lunar and seasonal cycles

• A duotheistic belief in a God and Goddess

• Ethical codes like the Wiccan Rede (“An it harm none, do what ye will”)

3. Alexandrian Wicca Covens

Founders: Alex and Maxine Sanders

Established: 1960s

Location: United Kingdom and international

Named after Alex Sanders, who was dubbed the “King of the Witches” by the British press, Alexandrian Wicca is a tradition closely related to Gardnerian Wicca but with a more ceremonial flair.

Alex and his wife Maxine Sanders founded their covens in London, incorporating Qabalah, angelic magic, and ceremonial ritual into their practice. Their covens attracted media attention, helping bring Wicca into the public eye during the 1960s and 70s.

Today, Alexandrian covens operate globally, often cross-initiated with Gardnerian ones, and remain an important part of modern witchcraft.

4. Reclaiming Collective (Starhawk’s Coven)

Founder: Starhawk

Established: 1980s

Location: San Francisco, California and worldwide

The Reclaiming Collective is a network of covens and activists grounded in eco-feminism and social justice. It was co-founded by Starhawk, author of The Spiral Dance, one of the most influential books in modern Paganism.

Unlike traditional Wiccan covens, Reclaiming covens:

• Emphasize non-hierarchical leadership

• Focus on personal empowerment and political activism

• Celebrate the Earth as sacred and interconnected

Reclaiming rituals are often public, inclusive, and centered around community healing and change. This tradition has inspired covens across the US, Canada, and Europe, blending magic with activism.

5. Covenant of the Goddess (CoG)

Founded: 1975

Location: United States (national and international chapters)

While not a coven itself, the Covenant of the Goddess (CoG) is a collective of independent Wiccan covens and solitary practitioners. It was formed to promote cooperation, legal recognition, and religious freedom for witches in the U.S.

CoG helps covens connect, gain clergy credentials, and organize public rituals and conferences. Many famous covens operate under its umbrella, and its influence has helped shape modern witchcraft as a recognized spiritual movement.

6. The Temple of Witchcraft

Founder: Christopher Penczak

Established: 2000s

Location: New Hampshire, USA (and online)

The Temple of Witchcraft is a modern organization founded by Christopher Penczak, a well-known author and teacher. It began as a training program and evolved into a full-fledged spiritual community with both local and online covens.

The Temple blends traditional witchcraft with healing arts, mysticism, and modern metaphysics. Its covens often focus on:

• Psychic development

• Elemental magic

• Shamanic practices

• Ritual healing

Through its Mystery School, the Temple has trained thousands of students worldwide.

7. Sisterhood of Avalon

Founder: Jhenah Telyndru

Established: 1995

Location: United States, Wales, and online

The Sisterhood of Avalon is a spiritual organization and network of covens inspired by the myths, history, and traditions of Avalon and Celtic women’s mysteries. While not all members identify as witches, the group embraces magical practices, seasonal celebrations, and deep spiritual transformation.

Covens within the Sisterhood are known as Hearths, and they often focus on:

• Goddess spirituality

• Women’s empowerment

• Welsh mythology

• Devotional and magical work with the land

The Sisterhood maintains an international presence with a strong online training program and occasional in-person retreats.

8. The Minoan Brotherhood and Sisterhood

Founder: Eddie Buczynski

Established: 1970s

Location: Primarily United States

These covens were formed to provide inclusive magical spaces for LGBTQ+ practitioners. The Minoan Brotherhood honors male-male deity worship and same-gender initiatory lines, while the Sisterhood creates similar space for women and nonbinary members.

Their traditions are inspired by Minoan Crete, Wicca, and ancient Mediterranean religions. These covens were among the first to challenge gender exclusivity in traditional Wiccan covens.

Today, many Minoan covens continue to operate, especially in urban areas with active LGBTQ+ Pagan communities.

9. Dianic Wicca Covens

Founder: Zsuzsanna Budapest

Established: 1971

Location: California and beyond

Dianic Wicca is a feminist spiritual tradition focused exclusively on the worship of the Goddess. Founded by Z. Budapest, Dianic covens often center on women’s empowerment, healing from patriarchal trauma, and ritual work aligned with the moon and female cycles.

These covens typically include only women (or assigned female at birth), though some newer Dianic groups are trans-inclusive.

Dianic covens gained fame (and controversy) for their focus on gendered spirituality, but they were instrumental in the rise of feminist witchcraft in the 1970s and beyond.

10. The Witches of Salem (Historical)

Location: Salem, Massachusetts

Active: 1692 (accusation period), but modern legacy continues

Though not a formal coven, the accused witches of Salem—including Tituba, Sarah Good, and Rebecca Nurse—are among the most famous figures in witchcraft history. The Salem witch trials were a tragic example of mass hysteria and religious extremism, leading to the deaths of 20 people and the imprisonment of many more.

Ironically, modern witches have reclaimed Salem as a hub of witchcraft. Today, the city hosts:

• Public covens

• Witch museums and festivals

• Stores and temples dedicated to modern magic

Groups like The Temple of Nine Wells and The Witches Education League carry on the legacy of Salem’s complicated history, transforming it into a center for empowerment and remembrance.

Final Thoughts

Witch covens have evolved from secret gatherings in forests to influential spiritual communities with global reach. Whether preserving ancient traditions or forging new ones, the covens on this list have shaped how modern witchcraft is practiced, understood, and celebrated.

Some are quiet circles of friends working magic together; others are public institutions changing laws and culture. What they all share is a commitment to spiritual growth, magical practice, and community.

As interest in witchcraft continues to grow, so too does the diversity and richness of covens worldwide. Whether you're drawn to traditional Wicca, feminist spirituality, or eclectic online groups, there’s a magical community out there for you.

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Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.