The purpose of the coven is that there is strength in numbers. The combined mind power of the members can get much more accomplished than one working alone. A coven provides companionship, mutual enjoyment of the practices, camaraderie and is like a close knit family. A magickal operation performed by a group will often succeed remarkably, whereas a solo effort may achieve only moderate success. All Joy of Satan covens are for the purpose of spiritual warfare. Each coven works directly with a Patron Demon/ess who guides and instructs the coven as to the wishes of Satan. The coven is to operate in absolute secrecy.

The word "coven" is derived from the Latin "conventus" meaning "gathering" or "assembly" "to convene." It has the same root as "convention" "covenant."

The coven itself becomes an entity. The more magically powerful the members, the more powerful the coven. In time, with a strong rapport and deep ties between all of the members, the coven develops a powerful vortex of energy, of which individual members can draw upon to supplement their own power, like an energy bank. This is only possible with regular meetings and rituals where all of the members practice working their powers as a group effort.

The structure and requirements of a coven:

• A coven consists of 13 members or less. The 13 include the High Priest/ess, who is the leader of the coven. When the number exceeds 13, a new coven is formed, which splits away from the original one. This is based upon 13 full moons to a lunar year.
• Every coven must have a Patron Demon. This is nearly always the High Priest/ess’ Guardian Demon. This Demon should be asked if he/she agrees to be the Patron.
• The coven should have a regular meeting place. This can be out of doors or in the home of a member; preferably a temple that has been designed, consecrated and dedicated to Lucifer.
• Traditionally, there should be a space of three miles or more between individual covens' meeting points. The old custom of "territorial rights" applies here.
• The coven should have a hierarchy. Remember, though, the Priesthood is leadership, not power.
• Each new member must go through an initiation ritual and swear allegiance unto Lucifer and take the binding oath of absolute secrecy.
• Each new member must have already performed his/her dedication ritual to Lucifer before entering into the initiation rite. The dedication rite can be done under the supervision of the coven if the new person is comfortable with this. *All of the members should feel a strong kinship and rapport as the coven must work as a unit. Once an oath is taken, it is permanent.
• Each coven should have a magickal name. This can include the name of the Patron Demon and should be Satanic in nature.
• Each coven should have their own special insignia to be sewn upon the robe of every member.
• The Esbat: Ideally, the coven should meet during the cycle of the full moon (Esbat). Regular monthly meetings should take place, with a special rite or Black Mass said unto Lucifer. Afterwards, anything of importance is discussed and the group works on their powers together as a unit. This is best done through telekinesis, where all of the members work together move or levitate a single object as a group effort.
• If any member is in need, the entire coven comes together for a rite to help. In time, the coven should be closer knit than one’s own family.
• The Sabbat: Holidays/Holy Days, the coven comes together to celebrate. Greater Sabbats are for celebrating. Rarely, if ever, will any workings be done at these times.
• The most important purpose of the coven is, that each is a medium of Lucifer, to do his work. This is nearly always in the area of spiritual warfare. The Patron Demon is the one to give the orders here. There is to be utmost secrecy. This is a gift to Lucifer, from the coven. These workings traditionally take place during Esbats. Afterwards, during both Greater Sabbats and Esbats, feasting and celebration are to take place. Coven members are encouraged to bring food and beverages. The meetings should always be a positive experience.
• The second male/female in hierarchy (under the High Priest/ess) is known as the officer or executor of the coven and is responsible for the membership, passing out of information to members about the time and place of the next meeting, what to wear, what food, music, and so forth, to bring. If the High Priest/ess is absent, the officer fills in.