When covens “hive unhappily,” it usually means a group splits or fractures, often due to conflicts within the coven, or the need for a new group dynamic. This can happen if the coven grows too large to manage effectively, or if members have disagreements about practices, beliefs, or leadership. The split can lead to new covens forming, sometimes with members from the original coven branching out.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Coven Growth: Many believe a coven of more than 13 members becomes unwieldy, making it difficult to maintain group dynamics and leadership structure.
- Leadership and Initiation: In Wicca, a High Priest or Priestess (3rd Degree initiation) may choose to leave and start their own coven.
- Disagreements: Disagreements about practices, rituals, or interpretations of beliefs can also lead to a split.
- New Groups: Splitting can result in members forming new covens with different approaches and focuses.
- Conflict Resolution: While some may prefer to leave, other conflicts may require open communication, mediation, and compromise to find a solution.
- Initiation Requirements: In Alexandrian Wicca, only a second or third-degree witch can initiate another into witchcraft, and only a third-degree witch can initiate to the third degree.
The Grove Coven 