In some Pagan traditions, to “hive off” means to start a new coven derived from members of a previous coven. This is usually done when the original coven becomes too large or there are disagreements between members. While the new coven will have its own leaders (High Priest and High Priestess), they would still owe allegiance to the High Priestess of the original coven who is known as a Queen (as in “queen bee”).