The Covenant of the Goddess is an international, cross-traditional Wiccan confederation and advocacy organization. Incorporated in 1975, it is one of the oldest and largest religious bodies dedicated specifically to Wiccan practice. Its membership includes both autonomous covens and solitary individuals.
The organization’s stated goals are to encourage cooperation among different Wiccan traditions, provide public education about the religion, and work toward ensuring that Wiccans receive the same legal recognition and protections afforded to members of other established religions.
The origins of the Covenant date to the spring of 1975, when Wiccan elders representing a range of traditions met to address growing public interest in witchcraft, feminism, and environmentalism. These leaders drafted a covenant and a set of bylaws intended to unite diverse traditions within a shared administrative framework.
On the Summer Solstice of 1975, thirteen member congregations ratified the bylaws. The Covenant of the Goddess was formally incorporated as a nonprofit religious organization in California on October 31, 1975, coinciding with the festival of Samhain.
From its inception, the Covenant emphasized the autonomy and sovereignty of its member covens. The organization does not operate under a centralized hierarchy. Instead, it relies on consensus-based decision-making at both local and national levels.
Administrative coordination is handled by a national board of directors elected annually. The primary governing body is the Grand Council, which convenes during the organization’s annual national gathering, known as Merry Meet. At this event, representatives from covens and solitary member caucuses address organizational business, elect officers, and discuss issues affecting the broader Wiccan community.
The Covenant also established a system for the recognition and credentialing of Wiccan clergy. It acknowledges two levels of clergy: priest or priestess, and high priest or high priestess. Credentialed clergy are authorized to conduct legal marriages, commonly called “handfastings,” as well as funerals and other rites of passage. The organization recognizes handfastings regardless of the gender of the participants.
Participation in interfaith initiatives has been a consistent part of the Covenant’s activities. The organization has sent representatives to the Parliament of the World’s Religions, including sessions held in Chicago in 1993, Cape Town in 1999, and Barcelona in 2004. The Covenant is also involved with interfaith organizations such as the United Religions Initiative and the North American Interfaith Network. Through these efforts, it seeks to address misconceptions about Wicca and promote accurate representation in public discourse and media coverage.
A notable achievement in the organization’s advocacy work occurred on April 23, 2007. Following an extended campaign involving the Covenant and other Pagan groups, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs approved the pentacle as an authorized emblem for placement on government-issued headstones and markers for deceased veterans. This decision marked a significant legal recognition of Wiccan religious identity within U.S. military and veteran contexts.
All members of the Covenant are required to follow a Code of Ethics rooted in the Wiccan Rede, “An ye harm none, do as ye will.” The code states that spiritual instruction and membership are gifts of the Goddess and must be offered freely.
Members are expected, however, to contribute to the normal operating expenses of their local covens. The code also emphasizes respect for religious secrecy, the independence of individual covens, and the diversity of practices within the broader unity of Wicca.
In more recent years, the Covenant has expanded its involvement in education and resource development. Members have played leadership and funding roles in institutions such as Cherry Hill Seminary and the Adocentyn Research Library.
Key Sources:
Adler, M. (1997). Drawing down the moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today. Penguin.
Ferre, L. (2017, July 25). Covenant of the Goddess. Occult World.
Greene, H. (2013, August 14). A Witch Convention in Salem: Covenant of the Goddess 2013. The Wild Hunt.
Pitzl-Waters, J. (2012, August 20). Why The Covenant of the Goddess is Vital to Wicca’s Future. Patheos.
Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religious Movements 