The Coven of the Yellow Rose is not necessarily a formal organization but instead is a name used to describe the variety of
Witch covens that follow the ideals of the tree's yellow rose. This coven has its own
Coven Leader, but a variety of lesser covens exist under the title of the Coven of the Yellow Rose.
Covens
Covens are the closed communities that teach
Witches how to forge a connection with the natural world far before it became civilized and settled. These are more than places of knowledge and enlightenment; they act as extended families that remain close to their members. Their daily pursuits can range from solemn and strict like that of a monastery or center of religion, but they can also be vibrant and full of intensity depending on how they decide to serve the goddess
Libra.
Covens are not commonplace, but the lesser covens of the Coven of the Yellow Rose are more open and welcoming than most. These women, while somewhat secretive, will welcome outsiders into their villages if a connection can be made, friendship established, and the merit of one's heart weighed in favor of
Libra's teachings. Most knowledge of
Witches comes from these covens.
Coven Leaders
A sacred rite of all
Covens of the Tree is the passing of the
Coven Leader. This passage is often rare, occurring upon the death of the previous leader, and is not something that is taken lightly in this culture. The oldest or most powerful of the
Witches is rarely chosen. It is believed that only those who have been touched by
Libra and have received her blessing can become the next
Coven Leader.
Lesser covens of the Yellow Rose pass the mantle of
Coven Leader more frequently than most, but this is due to leaders in these covens having the ability to move on to another calling if they are of longer-lived races. Because the Coven of the Yellow Rose is seen as the most open to outsiders, a
Coven Leader can serve for a time and then choose to step back in the pursuit of knowledge or some other purpose.
Villages & Lands
As friendship and knowledge are our callings, our homes and villages are open to those who wish to learn or to open themselves to Libra's teachings. Rarely will we turn someone away, but we will also not endanger ourselves for someone else's gain.— Unknown
The
Witches of the Coven of the Yellow Rose are often scattered, but they are not as hidden as others might be. These women keep villages that can number nearly a hundred in population and will bring in friends from other places if their research allows. It is not difficult to stumble upon one of these villages wandering through the
Fairy King's Wood, especially if one is lost and looking for sanctuary.
I like the sound of this coven. They sound cosy and they love knowledge.