predominate function is to allow a safe space for sabbats (seasonal festivals recognised by modern Pagans) and esbats (a meeting other than a festival) to take place. It can also be a place to worship the gods and goddesses, to conduct the various rituals and to hold witchcraft classes. It is also often used as a location for communal celebration and various social gatherings. An example of a ritual that can take place in a covenstead is an esbat rite. This rite involves the process of the priest or priestess initiating the proceedings, members of the circle giving their thanks, making requests to their gods and goddesses followed by the ringing of a bell. The ritual can also involve music, song and chanting. Types of covensteads Depending on the location and residence of coven members and the size of their group, a covenstead can be established in a number of spaces both indoor and outdoor. As a predominant function of a covenstead is to provide a safe space to conduct rituals it is typically found somewhere coven members can remain uninterrupted and able to concentrate. This space can be either permanent or temporary. A room in the house of a priest or priestess is a common location. Other possible spaces include rooms of other coven members’ homes, public parks or rented spaces in community buildings. Another alternative option some covens resort to is an astral temple - a shared non-physical place for coven members to access if they are unable to attend the physical covenstead. The surrounding community can also be a contributing factor when deciding where to establish a covenstead as there is often suspicion and prejudice surrounding the term ‘witch’. Gerald Brosseau Gardner registered his Brickett Wood covenstead under the name of the Ancient British Church - into which he was ordained - as a response to this prejudice and with the aim of making it appear more reputable. A successful example of a coven's integration into a community is the establishment of the House of Oak Spring's covenstead in Decatur, Georgia in 2000. The group purchased a secluded home with surrounding acreage with the intention of remodelling the property to act as their common meeting place and to serve their various needs. The group also began developing walking paths through the surrounding land to be accessed and utilised by the coven's members as well as residents of