WHAT WITCHES DO - The Modern Coven Revealed

by Stewart Farrar

Farrar - author, journalist and witch - describes in non-sensational terms the activities and practices of modern-day witches. Healing, clairvoyance, rituals, invocations and initiation rites are covered as Farrar invites the reader to share the secrets of his own coven.

Genres: Witchcraft, Wicca, Nonfiction, Paganism, Occult, Religion, Spirituality

Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

Stewart Farrar, along with Janet, wrote many books on witchcraft and was a well known witch appearing frequently in the media. He lived in Ireland and regularly toured the U.S.A. giveing lectures and workshops.

Reviews

[Charity Bedell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Witches Do is an awesome introduction to the world of British Traditional Wicca. The author wrote this book during his time as a first degree initiate till he earned his second and third degrees and became a High Priest of the tradition. In many ways this book reflects part of the authors training as he explored the religion of Wicca from the inside out.

For those more familiar with Wicca as styled by Scott Cunningham, Edain McCoy or even Raymond Buckland this book takes some serious adjustments. Most people forget that Wicca when it was founded by Gerald Gardner and then the Alexandrian Tradition founded by Alex and Maxine Sanders was a coven based religion and continues to be so today.

This book is a perfect text for those who are interested in Traditional Wicca but are not quite ready to contact a coven. This text was my introduction to Traditional Wicca several years ago and remains to be one of my go to books when I need a refresher on Traditional Wicca. There are several practices that are discussed in many books on Wicca that I feel this book covers the areas that are "missing".

If you are interested in Traditional Wicca this book is perfect for you. If you are looking to learn more about the early forms of Wicca prior to the solitary traditions this book will cover that. If you are interested in what religious witchcraft looks like this book is for you. If you are looking for instant initiation, solitary rituals and spells this is not your book.

There are some spells and rituals in the book. In this book they provide context to how Wiccan coven rituals may run and what sabbat rituals could entail. None of the rituals or spells within this book can really be performed solitary. It comes from a coven based tradition so it will have a different feel than other books.

[Jenni Paulsen Buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is almost 50 years old, and with a few minor exceptions, it is still relevant to interested witches. I’ve been a practicing witch for 20 years and still learned plenty from this book. As a journalist, Farrar writes in a clear and concise manner, without any of the hyperbole or unnecessary mysticism you find in many other books on witchcraft. I appreciated his direct style, his journalistic observations as a newcomer in a coven, and his thoughtful research into history and traditions.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very straight forward and understandable book with non of the thrill seeking elements of more modern books on the subject. Written by a practioner of the craft with help from the founder of the modern Alexandrian Craft movement. It may seem a little dated now but still a very informative book

[Alora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly informative read. I really enjoyed the laid back tone of the writing. I'd absolutely recommend this to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Witchcraft.

[Christopher Orapello · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very dated work and reflective of the author's limited experience with the religion of Wicca. Not something I would I recommend to a seeker or newcomer. I read this sporadically over a period of months along with other books, but eventually found myself skipping most of the final chapters because the information became less valuable.

[Josephine Pennicott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A re-read. A classic for anyone interested in Traditional British Witchcraft and Alexandrian witchcraft. In 1969 young journalist Stewart Farrar was sent to cover a witchcraft coven operated by charismatic duo, Alex Sanders and his glamorous wife, Maxine. Steward became so impressed by the coven he ended up becoming initiated in 1970 into their coven. Stewart eventually hived off from the Sanders forming his own coven with his wife, Janet Farrar who remains influential in witchy circles. This book has some great black and white shots of the coven operating and some fascinating anecdotes about the Sanders. I especially liked the chapters relating to Alex's healing work.

[Eva Muhlhause · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic, must have for a neo-pagan.

[Desiree' · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Farrar's are trained under Alexander Sanders. Their explanation of Alexandrian witchcraft doesn't differ from Gardnerian witchcraft; the tools and rituals remain the same as well as the BOS.

[Chels S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Witchcraft is for total losers. And this book shows why hahaha

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it a refreshing read, even in 2023. Stewart's style doesn't coddle but explains in clear terms what his observations and experiences are all about.

[Morgan M. Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blessedly short and amusing personal account of the early days of Alexandrian Wicca .

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

First published in 1971, this book describes, simply, what witches do.
Stewart Farrar wrote the book in his first year as an initiated witch: most of what is contained in the book was written while he was studying witchcraft with his partner, Janet, who he later married. They were both studying with Alex and Maxine Sanders, so the book features practices mainly from Alexandrian Wicca.
The book is an eye-witness account of Wiccan practises, with entire rituals making it to the page.
What got me the most was probably the early mentions of such rituals taking place in a London flat: in many books there’s great emphasis, for obvious reasons, on connecting with nature while practicing, but let’s be honest, not everyone has this chance or, even when you have it, maybe going into the woods (or even in your local park) in the middle of the night is not the safest option.
I feel like this would be a great book to give to the people in your life who don’t have any idea what it is you’re doing as a witch, but would like to know more or maybe you feel ready to let them have a glimpse, but don’t know how to word it. Sure, this book is dated and there are probably more recent accounts out there, but I do feel like most of the stuff it contains is valid to this day, even if you don’t necessarily identify as a Wiccan (to be honest, I don’t, but I still find a lot of useful material in books about Wicca).

[Lise]

I bought that book a long time ago after reading Jean Plaidy's novel "Isobel" which was about an Inverness witch Isobel Jean Plaidy. I've always been fascinated by the supernatural and witches. This book was written by a writer who became a witch while investigating modern coven. My question ab out white witches is do they also believe in God? I don't see why they wouldn't as they do believe there are strong forces out there. After all white witches do not cast spells to harm but will do anything to protect nature and the universe. More later on.

I won't be able to update you further as my only copy of the book was lost during my move on January 25th. It is one of the many books I lost thanks to unprofessional movers whom I intend to sue.

[Charity Washko · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look into Wicca and some of the traditional aspects of the occult.

[Liss LB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trata sobre los principios de la Wicca alexandrina en los años 50-60, contado a través de un miembro del coven.

[Tommy Eliot · Rating 5 out of 5]

witchy !!!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book when it came out in the '70's, but now rather dated.

[Colleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why can't I give this 0 stars?? Sexist, dogmatic crap.