Covens to the most part run individually and independently, and create their own books of shadows, rituals etc. However if they were to go completely their own way then their would be no common tradition, and no opportunity to learn from each other.
There is no head office of the water witches, or the equivalent of a diases palace.
The leader of a established coven we have already said is a queen witch or king witch (or wizard if they have an area of expertise as well), and these will work with all the high priests/esses within their own coven and other local covens that do not have a leader yet. Their role in relation to the other covens is that of respected advisor, they do not run or control them.
Any coven can only have either a single king or queen witch, and have to have had more than 7 members for a year and a day. In practice only large covens that meet is sections or where there is a definite need for a leader do we consider there is a need for a king or queen witch.
Some traditions have rules about how near covens can be geographically, and while this is fine in country areas it is very limiting in larger villages, towns and cities. For this reason we have no geographic limits to covens. Some other traditions also tend to have king and queen witches running a number of covens, a sort of area manager, while we consider these to be a single oven meeting in sections. The difference is that all expertise and help, as well as many celebrations are coven wide.
Wizards are the equivalent of professors and are respected teachers and problem solvers in a particular field. They can wear patterned clothing and a pointed hat if they choose, however in many coven meetings not connected with their specialty they may choose to wear the same as other witches.
Points you should note are that a witch of any grade can also be a wizard in one or more chosen topics, and that both witches and wizards can be both male and female. See also the coven page for more details on wizards.
The head of all the water witches is the High King or High Queen, all members of the water witches as part of their commitments undertake to take notice of and respect the high king or queen.
Within our tradition the high king or queen always changes their witch name on appointment to Aqua. Therefore there will be many different Aqua's over time, and always be an Aqua. No other water witch would of course call themselves Aqua. Although in theory, high kings and queens can keep their original witch name it has become traditional to honor previous high kings and queens by taking over the name of Aqua. From this viewpoint Aqua could be considered a hereditary title.
They are not involved in organizing and running individual covens, or interfere with the way that your coven is run. They do not pass down laws, or give orders. The high king or queen who is responsible for both setting the path for all water witches and at the same time encouraging diversity. Anyone who cannot agree with them should choose your own path for themselves or their coven.
The current Aqua, High King of the water witches is a very respected, kind, wise and knowledgeable wizard.
The next high king or queen is chosen by the current one, or if non was nominated in this way then a committee of all queen and king witches would meet and decide who the next high king or queen should be.
As a water witch you should treat the high king or queen with the respect and honor that you would as the supportive subject, however within the physical dimension we exist in they are a man or woman and not a god or messenger of a god They will normally make recommendations and it is your choice as to if you choose to do as recommended or not, however it would usually be wise to follow the recommendation.
Neither the high king or any other officer within the water witches would suggest any influence over members of any other tradition or path, and likewise would suggest no member of this tradition should consider any officer from any other tradition, path or religion relevant to the operation of our covens. We of course welcome an exchange of views and are keen to hear and explore any experiences we hear of.
These are not hereditary from any other grade and can be the sons and daughters of individual witches. Some witches due to having parents who are water witches and satisfying some other criteria, may if they choose, undertake a special course and ritual, to become a prince or princess witch for life. There are very few of these They act as respected advisors and help out with covens throughout the country, and stand in for the high king. The high king can also promote a maximum or seven people to be princesses or princes for a year and a day, and unless renewed this role then will cease.
These are performed by a member who is at least one level above the grade being introduced therefore:
| Ritual to create | Minimum |
| Witch | High priestess |
| High Priestess | Queen witch |
| Queen Witch | Princess |
| Princess | High Queen |
Or the male equivalent of any grade
The High King or queens appointment is for life and either appointed by the will of the outgoing high king or queen or is elected from all of the high priestesses and above who are called together to make their choice, and appoint them. the person selected must have been a water witch for at least a year and a day prior to appointment.
Gateway rituals usually occur two days after a full or new moon, this is at the time of the spring tides, when tides are higher.