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The life & times of a modern witch
Life and Times of a Modern Witch
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1987
About the author
Janet Farrar
47 books148 followersJanet Farrar, along with Stewart, is author of many books on witchcraft, and a well known witch who has appeared frequently in the media. She currently lives in Ireland and regularly tours the U.S.A. giving lectures and workshops.
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October 4, 2026
After having read later works by Janet and Stewart Farrar prior to reading “The Life & Times of a Modern Witch,” I can see how their ideas changed over time, such as their move away from a belief in strict duotheism to the more all-encompassing pantheism. First published in 1987, this 1988 edition is great for people studying the history of witchcraft to understand how Wiccan and pagan thought has changed over time.
Years ago, many Wiccans believed that all goddesses were one goddess and all gods were one god. For example, if one coven worshipped Isis while another worshipped Diana, it was believed that they were both worshiping the same goddess just with different names. Today, however, many understand that the numerous deities worldwide are all different in nature.
Another change can be seen in the authors’ discussion of gendered polarity (i.e., male-female), with even the tools taking on gendered roles. For example, a “female” chalice and a “male” sword to mimic human sexuality.
Anthropologists understood (and continue to understand) that many cultures recognized more than two genders (e.g., male, female, non-binary, etc.). However, when this book was written, third and fourth genders weren’t a topic for most members of the Western public.
Simultaneously, the public believed that, without a doubt, there were only two sexes—male and female (and some continue to mistakenly believe this). But anthropologists and medical doctors understand that biological sex isn’t a strict male-female binary opposite. But in 1987, neither hermaphroditism nor cases with extreme delayed puberty was publicly discussed (for example, a child is born with what looks like female genitalia and is raised as female only for the child’s testicles to descend at age twelve during puberty, at which time they begin living as males). And this isn’t even considering modern DNA testing where instead of the XX (female) and XY (male) chromosomes, a whole host of research has revealed some individuals with XXY, XYY, or other chromosome combinations.
In 1987, society was completely different. However, Wicca is a religion that is so malleable that it has been able to adapt and absorb this new knowledge. It’s fascinating seeing how the Farrar’s and other early Wiccans were/are able to easily refine religious beliefs.
This book is actually for the curious and helps neophytes to understand how this religion works. The authors accurately dispel and correct common misconceptions about Wicca. What I really love about this book—and the authors in particular—is how Wicca is presented as eternally non-homogeneous; just like the rays of the rainbow, there are many ways of practicing. Overall, this is an excellent book and perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about this religion.
Years ago, many Wiccans believed that all goddesses were one goddess and all gods were one god. For example, if one coven worshipped Isis while another worshipped Diana, it was believed that they were both worshiping the same goddess just with different names. Today, however, many understand that the numerous deities worldwide are all different in nature.
Another change can be seen in the authors’ discussion of gendered polarity (i.e., male-female), with even the tools taking on gendered roles. For example, a “female” chalice and a “male” sword to mimic human sexuality.
Anthropologists understood (and continue to understand) that many cultures recognized more than two genders (e.g., male, female, non-binary, etc.). However, when this book was written, third and fourth genders weren’t a topic for most members of the Western public.
Simultaneously, the public believed that, without a doubt, there were only two sexes—male and female (and some continue to mistakenly believe this). But anthropologists and medical doctors understand that biological sex isn’t a strict male-female binary opposite. But in 1987, neither hermaphroditism nor cases with extreme delayed puberty was publicly discussed (for example, a child is born with what looks like female genitalia and is raised as female only for the child’s testicles to descend at age twelve during puberty, at which time they begin living as males). And this isn’t even considering modern DNA testing where instead of the XX (female) and XY (male) chromosomes, a whole host of research has revealed some individuals with XXY, XYY, or other chromosome combinations.
In 1987, society was completely different. However, Wicca is a religion that is so malleable that it has been able to adapt and absorb this new knowledge. It’s fascinating seeing how the Farrar’s and other early Wiccans were/are able to easily refine religious beliefs.
This book is actually for the curious and helps neophytes to understand how this religion works. The authors accurately dispel and correct common misconceptions about Wicca. What I really love about this book—and the authors in particular—is how Wicca is presented as eternally non-homogeneous; just like the rays of the rainbow, there are many ways of practicing. Overall, this is an excellent book and perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about this religion.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review