Coven number of persons involved may vary. Although some consider thirteen to be ideal (probably in deference to Murray's theories), any group of at least three can be a coven. A group of two is usually called a "working couple" (regardless of the sexes). Within the community, many believe that a coven larger than thirteen is unwieldy, citing unwieldy group dynamics and an unfair burden on the leadership. When a coven has grown too large to be manageable, it may split, or "hive". In Wicca, this may also occur when a newly made High Priest or High Priestess, also called 3rd
Witches (Discworld) witch, Nanny the village wise woman and Magrat the modern romantic Wiccan. It has been explained in the books that three witches are required for a coven. Two witches get on each other's nerves; the third one can get them to make up, so they can all get on the nerves of everyone else. If a coven has more than three members, they "all" get on each other's nerves. (It is also mentioned that the true collective noun for a group of witches is not "coven", but "argument".) Magrat Garlick (pronounced "Magg-rat") is the daughter of Simplicity Garlick, granddaughter of