What Witches Do
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What Witches Do
Stewart Farrar’s "What Witches Do" remains a starkly functional manual, less a poetic exploration of magic and more a blueprint for coven operations. Its strength lies in its clear, almost procedural, breakdown of Gardnerian Wicca, demystifying elements that were, and to some extent still are, guarded secrets. Farrar articulates the structure of ritual, the ethical framework, and the initiatory path with an earnestness that commands attention. However, the book’s directness can also be its limitation; it offers little room for personal interpretation or the subjective experience of magic, presenting the system as a complete and closed entity. A notable passage details the "Great Rite," explaining its symbolic importance and practical application within the coven structure, which is crucial for understanding the tradition's core sacrament. This work serves as an invaluable, albeit dry, record of an organized magical system in the mid-20th century.
📝 Description
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Stewart Farrar's 1971 book, 'What Witches Do,' offers a clear look at Gardnerian witchcraft.
Published in 1971, 'What Witches Do' introduces the practices and philosophy of modern witchcraft, focusing on the Gardnerian tradition and its subsequent developments. Stewart Farrar, a prominent figure in the Wiccan revival, details the rituals, ethics, and worldview central to initiated witchcraft of that era. The book explains the structure and goals of covens and the role of the witch within this spiritual path. It covers the progression of magical training and the theoretical basis for spellcasting.
This book is for individuals interested in understanding organized, initiatory forms of witchcraft. It will appeal to students of Western esotericism, comparative religion, and occult history who need a clear explanation of a specific magical system. Those considering an organized, coven-based approach to witchcraft will find its descriptions of ritual structure and ethical guidelines useful. It also serves those interested in the historical growth of Wicca and its early public statements.
Emerging in 1971, 'What Witches Do' appeared as the counterculture fostered interest in alternative spiritualities. Wicca, already known through figures like Gerald Gardner, was solidifying into more structured groups. Farrar's work provided a coherent framework for a tradition previously confined to secret covens. It codified practices evolving from Gardnerian roots, distinguishing itself from broader occult systems and presenting a defined magical path to a growing audience.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Understand the precise structure and ethical code of initiatory witchcraft as articulated by Stewart Farrar in 1971, offering a clear contrast to modern eclectic practices. • Grasp the symbolic significance and practical application of key rituals like the "Great Rite," central to the Gardnerian tradition's practice. • Learn about the foundational concepts of coven structure, the roles of officers like the High Priestess, and the progression of magical training within this specific lineage.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical significance of "What Witches Do" in the context of Wicca?
Published in 1971, "What Witches Do" was one of the first comprehensive public expositions of organized, initiatory witchcraft, specifically detailing the Gardnerian tradition and its evolution. It provided a clear framework for a spiritual path that had previously been largely secret.
Does Stewart Farrar's book cover solitary witchcraft practices?
No, the book primarily focuses on coven-based, initiatory witchcraft, detailing the structure, rituals, and ethics for group practice within traditions descended from Gerald Gardner. It is less concerned with solitary or eclectic magical paths.
What are some key rituals explained in "What Witches Do"?
The book explains significant rituals such as the "Great Rite," the consecration of tools, and various forms of spellcraft and initiation ceremonies, outlining their purpose and execution within the coven setting.
What ethical principles are emphasized in the book for witches?
Farrar highlights the "Witches' Rede" (e.g., 'An it harm none, do what ye will') as a central ethical guideline, emphasizing personal responsibility, the importance of consent in magical workings, and the avoidance of harming others.
Who was Gerald Gardner in relation to the practices described?
Gerald Gardner is presented as the foundational figure whose traditions heavily influenced the practices described by Farrar. Farrar's work helps to codify and publicly explain the system that Gardner largely established and initiated.
Can "What Witches Do" be used as a practical guide for starting a coven today?
While it offers a detailed historical blueprint, modern covens may have evolved practices. However, its explanations of ritual structure, ethical foundations, and the "Witches' Rede" provide essential historical context and theoretical understanding for contemporary practitioners.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Coven Structure and Hierarchy
The book meticulously outlines the organizational framework of a traditional witchcraft coven. This includes the distinct roles of the High Priest and High Priestess, the initiation process for new members, and the progression through different magical degrees. Farrar emphasizes the importance of this structure for maintaining tradition, ensuring proper training, and facilitating effective group magical work. The coven is presented not merely as a social gathering but as a sacred space for ritual and spiritual development, governed by established protocols and ethical considerations.
Ritual and Magic
Central to "What Witches Do" is the detailed explanation of witchcraft rituals and magical practice. This encompasses the consecration of ritual tools like the athame and wand, the casting of circles to create sacred space, and the execution of various ceremonies, including the "Great Rite." Farrar explains the principles of raising and directing magical energy, the use of spells for specific aims, and the significance of timing aligned with lunar and solar cycles. The emphasis is on practical application within a structured, initiatory context.
Ethics and the Witches' Rede
The ethical dimension of witchcraft is a recurring theme, primarily articulated through the "Witches' Rede." Farrar presents this ancient dictum ('An it harm none, do what ye will') as the core moral compass for practitioners. The book explores the implications of this principle, stressing personal responsibility for one's actions and magical workings. It highlights the importance of consent, the avoidance of harmful intent, and the understanding that magical actions have consequences, framing witchcraft as a path that requires ethical maturity and self-awareness.
Symbolism and Cosmology
Beyond the practicalities, Farrar touches upon the symbolic language and underlying cosmology of witchcraft. This includes the representation of the Divine through the God and Goddess, the sacredness of the natural world, and the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth mirrored in the Wheel of the Year. Rituals themselves are imbued with symbolic meaning, serving to connect practitioners with these archetypal forces and cosmic patterns. The book thus provides a glimpse into the spiritual worldview that informs the magical practices described.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The Witch must know the correct way to use the tools of the Craft.”
— This statement underscores the practical, skill-based nature of witchcraft as presented by Farrar. It suggests that the efficacy of magical workings is tied to the proper understanding and application of ritual implements, emphasizing training and knowledge over mere intention.
“A coven requires structure and leadership for effective practice.”
— This interpretation emphasizes Farrar's view that organized group magic necessitates defined roles and hierarchy. The leadership of the High Priest and Priestess is crucial for guiding rituals, maintaining tradition, and ensuring the spiritual development of members.
“Magic is the art of causing change in conformity with Will.”
— This is a concise definition of magic as presented in the book, focusing on the directed application of personal will to manifest desired outcomes. It frames magic as a deliberate craft rather than an accidental phenomenon.
“The "Great Rite" is symbolic of union and sacred marriage.”
— This interpretation points to the deep symbolic meaning within witchcraft rituals. The "Great Rite," involving the ritual union of the Priest and Priestess, represents fundamental concepts of divine polarity and cosmic creation.
💡 Key Ideas
Editorial paraphrase of the work's core concepts — not direct quotes.
The "Witches' Rede" is the guiding principle for all actions.
This highlights the ethical framework of the Craft. The Rede, often paraphrased as 'An it harm none, do what ye will,' is presented not as a rigid law but as a fundamental ethical directive that governs magical and personal conduct, emphasizing responsibility.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
This work is deeply rooted in the Gardnerian tradition of Wicca, itself a significant branch of modern Western witchcraft. It represents an effort to articulate and codify practices that evolved from Gerald Gardner's initial formulations. Farrar's approach aligns with the initiatory, coven-based model, positioning it within the broader stream of Western esoteric traditions that emphasize ritual, symbolism, and the invocation of divine forces, particularly the polarity of the God and Goddess.
Symbolism
Key symbols explored include the athame (ritual knife, representing the element of fire and the masculine principle), the wand (representing the element of air and the feminine principle), and the circle cast for ritual space. The "Great Rite" itself is a potent symbol of divine union, representing the cosmic marriage of the God and Goddess, which is central to the Wiccan cosmology and fertility themes inherent in the Craft.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary practitioners of Gardnerian and other traditionalist Wiccan paths continue to draw upon "What Witches Do" for its foundational explanations of ritual structure, ethical guidelines like the "Witches' Rede," and the symbolic importance of coven leadership. It remains a reference point for understanding the historical development and early public articulation of organized witchcraft, informing discussions on tradition, initiation, and practice within modern Neopaganism.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Aspiring practitioners of initiatory, coven-based witchcraft seeking a foundational understanding of Gardnerian principles and structure. • Students of Western Esotericism and occult history interested in the development of modern Wicca and its early public documentation. • Comparative religion scholars examining the emergence of Neopagan movements and the codification of ritualistic practices in the 20th century.
📜 Historical Context
Published in 1971, "What Witches Do" emerged during a period of significant resurgence and public interest in Western esotericism, fueled by the counterculture movement and a growing dissatisfaction with mainstream religions. The work offered a structured exposition of Gardnerian Wicca, a tradition that had been developing in relative secrecy since the mid-20th century, largely thanks to the pioneering efforts of Gerald Gardner. Farrar's book provided a coherent, accessible account of coven practices, rituals, and ethics, differentiating it from earlier, more generalized occult systems like Theosophy or the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. While figures like Aleister Crowley were also influential in occult circles, Farrar's focus was on a specific, initiatory form of witchcraft. The book helped to solidify and disseminate the Gardnerian model, influencing subsequent generations of Wiccans and contributing to the broader Neopagan landscape that was beginning to take shape.
📔 Journal Prompts
The structure of the coven as described by Farrar.
The meaning and application of the "Witches' Rede."
The symbolic significance of the "Great Rite."
The role of the High Priestess within the coven.
Personal reflection on the ethical implications of "causing change in conformity with Will."
🗂️ Glossary
Athame
A ritual knife, typically double-edged and used for directing energy, casting circles, and invoking elements, but not for physical cutting. It represents the element of fire and the masculine principle in ritual.
Wand
A ritual tool, often made of wood, used for invoking, directing energy, and symbolizing the element of air or the feminine principle, depending on tradition and context.
Casting the Circle
The ritual act of creating a sacred, protected space for magical workings. It involves delineating a boundary, often invoking elemental and divine guardians, to contain energy and provide a focus for the rite.
Witches' Rede
A core ethical guideline in witchcraft, famously summarized as 'An it harm none, do what ye will.' It emphasizes personal responsibility and the principle of non-harm in all actions and magical workings.
Great Rite
A significant ritual in some Wiccan traditions, often symbolically representing the union of the God and Goddess. It can be performed sacramentally or symbolically by the High Priest and High Priestess.
High Priestess
The female leader of a witchcraft coven, responsible for guiding rituals, teaching members, and embodying the Divine Feminine. Her role is central to the coven's spiritual and practical functioning.
Raising Energy
The process of gathering and intensifying magical power within a ritual setting, often through chanting, dancing, or visualization, to be directed towards a specific magical goal.
