Book Review: What Witches Do by Stewart Farrar, 3rd edition

As a feminist witch with a deep curiosity about all things magical and mystical, I recently found myself immersed in the pages of "What Witches Do" by Stewart Farrar as a part of my “Charm School” project with YouTuber (and friend) Cara Mia of cutewitch772 renown. This book, originally published in 1971 and later revised in 1990, offers a unique perspective on the world of witchcraft through the eyes of a man who, at the outset, could hardly be described as a seasoned practitioner. In this review, I'll share my thoughts on Farrar's work and whether it lives up to its goal of shedding light on a subject then shrouded in mystery.

Stewart Farrar's journey into the world of witchcraft began in a rather unconventional way. Initially, he approached the subject as a journalist, seeking to understand the enigmatic world of Wicca through the experiences of one of its most notorious figures, Alex Sanders. However, as the story unfolds, Farrar's role changes from that of an observer to an active participant.

Farrar's involvement with Sanders and Sanders' then-wife, Maxine, eventually led him to initiate into the world of Wicca and embark on a year-long study under the tutelage of this infamous couple. The book recounts his experiences and the knowledge he gained during this transformative period. In later years, Stewart Farrar went on to write several books on witchcraft, some in collaboration with his wife Janet, and became a key figure in several covens, which claim lineage through his teachings.

For a bit of context, I’ll share a bit about Alex Sanders. Born in 1926 in Manchester, England, Alex Sanders gained notoriety as a self-proclaimed witch and occultist during the mid-20th century. He was a charismatic figure known for his flamboyant and theatrical rituals. Sanders claimed to have been initiated into witchcraft by his grandmother, although this assertion has been widely contested.  Alexandrian Witchcraft is a modern pagan witchcraft tradition that was founded by Alex Sanders in the 1960s. It is considered a sibling tradition to Gardnerian Witchcraft, which was developed by Gerald Gardner. Alexandrian Witchcraft shares many similarities with Gardnerian Witchcraft but also incorporates elements from ceremonial magic, Qabalah, and other esoteric traditions. Like Gardnerian Witchcraft, Alexandrian Witchcraft places a strong emphasis on initiation and lineage. Practitioners are typically initiated into the tradition by a high priest or priestess who can trace their lineage back to Alex Sanders himself. This lineage is an important aspect of the tradition's authenticity and continuity. Alex Sanders and Alexandrian Witchcraft gained significant media attention during the 1960s and 1970s. This public exposure contributed to both the popularity and controversy surrounding the tradition. Some criticized Sanders for sensationalism and commercialization, while others praised his efforts to bring witchcraft into the public eye. After Sanders's passing in 1988, the Alexandrian tradition continued to evolve and spread. It has inspired numerous covens and practitioners worldwide. Today, it remains one of the many diverse branches of modern witchcraft, offering its own unique approach to the Craft. It's worth noting that while Alexandrian Witchcraft has its roots in the teachings of Alex Sanders, like many pagan traditions, it has diversified and adapted over time, with individual covens and practitioners interpreting and practicing its rituals and beliefs in their own unique ways.

One of the fundamental questions we must address is whether "What Witches Do" successfully accomplishes its objectives. At its core, the book aims to demystify witchcraft and present the "real story" behind the Craft. It's important to note that this book is not a step-by-step guide on how to practice witchcraft; instead, it seeks to provide insight into the world of Wicca and witchcraft as understood by Farrar during his time with Alex and Maxine. It did present a real story, but one that doesn’t hold up to rigorous scholarly scrutiny. Farrar's account of his experiences with Alex and Maxine offers readers a unique glimpse into the inner workings of a coven and the teachings he received. However, it's crucial to remember that his perspective is based on his experiences with a specific branch of Wicca, namely Alexandrian witchcraft. As such, it provides a limited view of the broader spectrum of witchcraft traditions.

The bulk of Farrar's argument and evidence is drawn from his personal experiences and training with Alex and Maxine. While some readers may yearn for more external research or historical context, it's important to remember that the book primarily serves as a firsthand account. The bibliography, though extensive, is largely a list of works that influenced Farrar's own understanding of witchcraft.

Farrar's evidence is convincing within the context of his own experiences, although it must be acknowledged that he appears somewhat gullible in fully trusting Alex's claims. Notably, Farrar's openness in addressing some of the bigger lies, such as Alex's supposed inheritance of the Book of Shadows from his grandmother when it clearly originated from the Gardnerian tradition, is commendable.

For the most part, the facts presented in the book align with Farrar's understanding during his period of study. However, it's crucial to recognize that the field of witchcraft has evolved since the book's initial publication. Consequently, What Witches Do will not serve as the most up-to-date or comprehensive resource for someone new to the Craft. There are now more authoritative texts available to guide beginners.

Farrar's primary source of knowledge stems from his direct interaction with Alex and Maxine. As a result, the book provides a historical account of the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca during the time when Farrar was involved. While it lacks the depth of historical analysis found in more recent works, it remains a noteworthy historical document for those interested in the evolution of modern witchcraft.

The book unfolds in a logical progression, starting with Farrar's initiation into the Craft and then delving into various aspects of Wicca. This structure, while appropriate for its time, may feel somewhat disjointed to contemporary readers accustomed to more structured and comprehensive guides.

In its era, "What Witches Do" offered a clear and earnest account of witchcraft, especially when compared to the limited resources available at the time. However, it should be noted that the historical accuracy and scholarly standards of the book may not hold up to modern scrutiny. The use of some awkward racial terms, while reflective of the era in which it was written, may also be unsettling for contemporary readers.

Perhaps the most captivating aspect of "What Witches Do" is that it provides insights from a beginner for beginners. The book could have shone even brighter had it leaned more into memoir-style storytelling rather than adopting a didactic tone. The personal stories and experiences shared by Farrar are where the book truly shines, offering readers a glimpse into the human side of witchcraft.

In conclusion, I recommend "What Witches Do" to anyone with a keen interest in the history of the Craft, particularly those intrigued by British Traditional Witchcraft and the Alexandrian tradition. However, I do not suggest it as a starting point for newcomers to witchcraft or as a practical guide for those seeking to practice. It serves more as a captivating historical footnote, capturing a snapshot of a specific time and place in the world of witchcraft. While it may not be the definitive guide to modern witchcraft, it offers a valuable perspective and a glimpse into the personal journey of one man's exploration of the Craft.

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