Janet Farrar

Janet Farrar, born Janet Owen in 1950, is a prominent British teacher and author recognized for her significant contributions to Wicca and Neopaganism. Alongside her husbands, Stewart Farrar and later Gavin Bone, she has co-authored a substantial body of influential work in the field. Her early life included a background in modeling and reception work before her spiritual path led her to Wicca. Farrar was initiated into Alexandrian Wicca by its founders, Alex and Maxine Sanders, in 1970. She and Stewart Farrar soon established their own coven and went on to publish extensively on Wiccan practices and theology. Farrar's public profile was further enhanced by her appearances as a model in numerous influential books on the subject, and she has frequently lectured internationally on Wicca and Neopaganism. Her later work, particularly with Gavin Bone, explores "Progressive Witchcraft" and trance-based ecstatic ritual.

Born Janet Owen in Clacton in 1950, Farrar's early life was marked by a mixed English, Irish, and Welsh heritage and membership in the Church of England. After attending schools in Leyton and Wanstead, she worked in modeling and as a receptionist. Her spiritual journey took a significant turn when she met Alex and Maxine Sanders, founders of Alexandrian Wicca, in 1970. Initially accompanying a friend to observe what she perceived as a "weird cult," Janet instead became a member of the Sanders' coven. It was within this coven that she met Stewart Farrar, who would become her first husband and a frequent co-author.

Janet and Stewart Farrar were initiated into the second degree of Alexandrian Wicca in October 1970 and achieved the third degree in April 1971. They began leading their own coven prior to their final initiation. After legally marrying in 1975, the couple relocated to Ireland in 1976, eventually settling in County Meath. Together, they published numerous books on Wicca and coven practices, including "Eight Sabbats for Witches" (1981) and "The Witches' Bible" (1981). Farrar also contributed to the visual landscape of Wiccan literature, posing for illustrations and book covers, notably for Margot Adler's "Drawing Down the Moon." This period saw them engage with controversial decisions, such as publishing material claimed to be from the Alexandrian Book of Shadows, arguing it was necessary to combat misinformation, a move supported by Doreen Valiente. Janet Farrar has indicated that some rituals in their books were created by them, and that they eventually left the Alexandrian tradition, developing their own path referred to as "Reformed Alexandrian."

In 1993, Gavin Bone joined Janet and Stewart Farrar, leading to a polyfidelitous relationship and further co-authored works like "The Pagan Path" (1995) and "The Healing Craft" (1999). Following Stewart Farrar's death in 2000, Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone married and continued their collaborative work. They have lectured extensively worldwide and authored books such as "Progressive Witchcraft" (2004), which describes their current religious practice. Their recent focus has been on trance-prophesy, trance-possession, and ecstatic ritual, with plans for a major book on the subject. They are also founders of The Alliance of Progressive Covens, connecting groups in the US, Ireland, and Italy.