Coven SF FAQ

About the spells

What is a spell?

A spell is a small ritual: A booklet that tells you what to do, plus the objects you need to do it. Light a candle, read the words, hold the crystal, ask for what you want. Each one is written for a specific kind of moment—manifesting, banishing, blessing, hexing.

What is a kit?

A kit is three or four spells gathered around a theme: New motherhood, grief, burning it down, surviving the wait. Same components as the individual spells, but with additional ritual objects, bundled in a custom-made box, and priced as a set.

Do I have to believe in magic for this to work?

No. Magic is what we call it when we focus our attention on what we want and follow through. The spell isn't the candle; the spell is your mindset. It's what you do after you light it. Belief helps. Action helps more.

Are these for real witches, or just for fun?

Both. The work is real even if the framing is playful. Some of our customers have practiced ritual their whole lives. Others bought their first spell on a Tuesday because their boss is awful. Coven welcomes both.

What if I do the spell wrong?

You won't. The booklet is a guide, not a recipe. The intention matters more than the order of operations. If the candle burns down before you finish the words, the spell still happened.

What's actually in a spell?

A booklet, a chime candle, a small crystal obelisk, a matchbox, and a black drawstring pouch to hold them. Everything you need to cast. Specific stones vary by spell—some come with smoky quartz, some with clear quartz, some with labradorite.

Can I reuse the kit after I've cast the spell?

The candle burns down. The booklet stays. The crystal is yours forever—you can use it for other rituals, carry it, set it on a shelf. Most people keep the booklet on their nightstand long after the candle is gone.

Can I do a hex or a curse on someone? Is that ethical?

Yes, and yes. We sell hex and curse spells because some situations call for them—a court that took your rights, an ex who earned it, Trump. Cursing the powerful or the harmful is not the same as cursing the innocent. We trust you to know the difference. The spells are written with that distinction in mind.

I'm in a hard moment—grief, infertility, illness. Will the spell work?

The spell isn't a fix and we don't promise outcomes. What it offers is a small, considered act in a moment that can feel overwhelming. We've written the kits with care for these specific kinds of difficult, but they aren't substitutes for medical care or therapy.

Are you affiliated with any religion?

No way. Coven is its own thing—drawn from witchcraft traditions and the golden rule. Written by humans, sold as works of writing and craft.

About the products

Who writes the spells?

Sara Steinberg and a curated circle of other writers craft every spell. We hope to have spell collaborations with even bigger feminist icons going forward. Coven was founded in San Francisco in 2026.

Where are the booklets printed?

By a small press in San Francisco. The paper is uncoated, the ink is oxblood red, and each booklet is saddle-stitched. They're meant to be held.

Where do the crystals come from?

We source from small wholesalers who supply naturally cut, hand-finished quartz. Stones vary slightly piece to piece—that's the nature of the material.

Are the candles made by you?

The chime candles are sourced from a small US candlemaker. They burn clean for about 2 hours, which is plenty of time for a spell.

Do you do custom spells?

Yes. We take a limited number of custom commissions each season—for weddings, big life moments, or specific situations no off-the-shelf spell quite fits. Email hello@covensf.com to ask.

Do you sell wholesale?

Eventually, but not yet. If you run a shop and want to be on the list when wholesale opens, email hello@covensf.com.

Gifting

Can I send a kit as a gift?

Yes. At checkout, choose "send as a gift" and we'll ship directly to the recipient with no pricing or invoice in the package.

Can I include a note?

Yes—there's a field at checkout for a short message. We hand-write it on a card and tuck it into the package.

Can the recipient return or exchange it?

Recipients can exchange unopened spells, kits, and shop items for store credit. The full Returns policy is here.

Shipping and returns

Where do you ship?

Within the US and to Canada. International shipping beyond that isn't available yet—email us at orders@covensf.com if you'd like to be notified when it opens up.

How long does shipping take?

Orders ship within 3–5 business days. Domestic delivery typically takes another 3–5 days after that. Canada: Plan for 1–3 weeks depending on customs.

How do I track my order?

You'll get a tracking number by email once your order ships. Domestic tracking updates frequently; international tracking can go quiet for stretches while a package is in customs—that's normal.

Can I return a spell or kit?

If the seal hasn't been broken and the spell hasn't begun, yes—within 14 days. Once the candle's been lit or the booklet's been read, the spell has been cast and we can't accept returns. Full Returns policy is here.

What if my order arrives damaged?

Email orders@covensf.com and we'll figure it out together.

About the brand

Is Coven a real shop in San Francisco?

Yes. We don't have a storefront yet, but we're working on it. For now, Coven lives online and in pop-ups around the city. Sign up for the newsletter to know when and where.

Who is Coven for?

The witch-curious. People who want a small ritual for a real moment. People who don't believe in magic but believe in intention. People who already practice and want something well-made. Anyone who's fed up with this shit.

How can I support Coven?

Buy a spell. Tell a friend. Tag us on Instagram (@thecovensf). Suggest a spell we should make next—there's a form on the homepage.

Still have a question?

Email hello@covensf.com.