Please tell us your name, maiden and married.  Where you were born and where presently reside (basic area) and if you find solitude in your present residence.

My maiden name was Morris; today I am known as Maxine Sanders. I was born in Prestbury Cheshire, which is not too far from Snowdonia in North Wales where I now live in the National Park. Bron Afon is a tiny stone cottage in the Vale of Ffestiniog; it is rather isolated, wild and extremely beautiful. A wood burner and an open range in the kitchen heat the house. The people here are kind, naturally telepathic and deliberately slow to embrace the modern world. The first language here is Welsh. After many years living in the centre of London, Notting Hill Gate, one would have expected the move here to be a shock; it wasn’t. I love the solitude, working the magic, walking the mountains, exploring the rivers and using their purifying energy.

What is it like to have the title “The Queen of Witches”?  Did you ever think that you would ever be as well known as you are now?  Can you help us understand what it means to be a High Priestess to the Goddess?

‘The Queen of the Witches’ is not a title any human, priestess or otherwise should use. At my initiation, the ceremonial titles ‘Priestess and Witch Queen’ were bestowed on me.  Initiation into Witchcraft was a conscious step on to the path of spiritual evolution; I wanted to learn the magical arts. I had no desire for fame or popularity. The responsibilities of those titles were a privilege that had to be earned by total dedication to the training and working the magical rites where the worship of the God and Goddess were the means to my spiritual awareness. The love of Witchcraft has grown and my dedication to it is a joy that fills every moment of my being.

Your deceased husband, Alex Sanders was called the “King of Witches” and his reign was known as “Alexandrian”.   Is there something you would like to share about how you hope this remains a positive influence in what is now the 20^th century witchcraft?

Witchcraft is a fertility cult and as such was bound to grow and evolve; the Craft is practiced all over the world in many ways. I believe the practice of Witchcraft has always existed and in the last century was formalized by the creation of covens rituals and magical training. Alex helped the Craft to become accessible, releasing it from those who wanted to rule their circles of witches without question thereby blocking the Craft’s evolution. That evolution will continue regardless of traditions and so called Witchcraft celebrities.

You and Alex had two children, Maya and Victor.  Are they also practicing witches today?  Like many celebrity parents your children seemed to have been shielded from the press.  Would you mind sharing if they are married and if you have grandchildren?

Our children, Maya and Victor do not practice any religion although they tend to lean towards Buddhism. I am thrilled by their freedom. Maya is a successful businesswoman, married with six-year-old James and three year old Millie. Victor was in the music business, married with an eleven-year-old daughter, Aishah. Victor’s marriage came to an amicable end; they are still a beautifully close family. He recently suffered a stroke and is now severely brain damaged.

Is there a difference between the wide variety of names associated with witchcraft?  Examples: Wicca, the Craft, Neo Pagan, etc.  How do you refer to the Religion you practice?

I am sure there are differences in the practices of those who choose to be known by certain titles or traditions; however, I practice Witchcraft as I was taught, changing only as my understanding of the magic has evolved. I endeavor to abide by occult law. Quite often, it is assumed that I am an authority on worldwide Witchcraft practice. I am delighted to tell you, that is not the case. I am a priestess of the Goddess who practices the magical arts of Witchcraft. Witchcraft is my art and the religion I practice.

Can you please tell us what is a book of shadows?  Why are they necessary? 

The practice of Witchcraft entails the wheel of the year where we acknowledge the changing of the seasons. We work the magic’s that are appropriate to the natural tides of the studied heavens coinciding with the seasonal changes of Mother Earth. We are a fertility cult working with a conscious desire to experience to the full, life, death, and rebirth whilst abiding by the disciplines contained in our sacred book of Shadows. Observance of these practices makes us aware of Occult law, which in turn we choose to abide by.

The newly Initiated witch has to study the basics of Witchcraft for a minimum of two years before they begin to aspire to the higher Initiation degrees and high priesthood. In that time, they learn how to use the eight magical weapons of the Witch. They gain knowledge of the use of herbs, poisons, dance, trance, etc. The art of healing and cursing, it is wise to know both sides of the moon, and even wiser to know when not to put knowledge into practice.  Witches are obliged to keep several journals if they wish to advance in their magical abilities i.e. specific magical workings, dream memories, magical affects/results, everyday diary etc. These are just some of the basics the witch has to study/practice. The book of Shadows contains the rites, dogma and disciplines the Witch chose to practice when seeking and accepting Initiation into the circle of Witchcraft. The hand written copying of the book is one of the more simple disciplines.  The training in Witchcraft is never ending; the more we learn the less we know which means that I am personally enjoying a constant magical adventure.

Respecting the Earth is a very big part of the Pagan Religion.  Would you agree that we need to start listening to the Earth so we do not destroy it?

Witches have always been aware of the need of self-nurturing and this includes receiving and accepting the gifts Mother Earth bestows upon us. We are also aware of the law of return, which obliges us to care in an appropriate manner by interacting with one another in a wholesome respectful way.  Mother Earth demands respect; She responds to our behavior, accordingly.

Is it true that you were brought up Catholic?  What if any effects does this have on you since you are a witch?

As a child, I converted to Catholicism and attended a convent school. I loved the ritual, incense and sense of awe the ceremonies inspired within me.  I did not enjoy religious pious, ego, politics, nor the hypocrisies practiced by the priesthood and the congregation. However, the principle is good. All of those faults are within every aspect of life; age and experience enables me to choose the path, people, and priesthood practices that fulfill me. 

There is little to regret in my life experiences.

Halloween or Samhain (pronounced sow-in) is celebrated this time of year and is known for being a pagan holiday.  Would you share something (s) concerning this holiday that makes it special for you?

Halloween used to be my favourite magical time of year when the outer appearance of the life force seems to die and the inner mystical realms are more accessible. The ritual can be dramatic when we remember those whose shoulders we stand upon, those who passed on their wisdom and those we have loved who have passed into other realms. Invariably, emotions are evoked, Initiated priesthood are obliged not to be ruled by emotions but acknowledge the power they raise and use it to the benefit of those who request our help or offer it as a sacrifice to the God and Goddess through the ritual and worship therein. 

These days I find every moment, ritual, and sense of anticipation or realization is precious and powerful; there is always a feeling of joyful anticipation.

Do you think that movies such as “Harry Potter”, “Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe”, “The Golden Compass”, etc are detrimental, of no consequence, or glamorize witchcraft?  Do you personally find them entertaining?  If so, what are some of your favorites?

Very occasionally, I get pleasure from watching a movie and was thoroughly entertained by the first couple of Harry Potter books; my grandchildren love watching fantasy films, fortunately they are intelligent enough to know they are for their amusement.

Witchcraft is not a fantasy so there is no comparison.

I have seen many photographs of you in the early years and present day.  You are very beautiful.  Do you have a secret to share preserving your youthful look?

As for beauty, that is in the eye of the beholder; thank you for your kind words, they are appreciated.

You came to the United States a few years ago, I believe to Atlanta, Ga.  How did you find your reception by the people in the Bible Belt?  Were there any memories about this trip that you would like to share with us?

When visiting Atlanta there were people waving banners objecting to the practice of Witchcraft. They were sincere in their belief and felt it necessary to be there. Whilst gleeful in the fact that my life was so full, I respected them for their sincerity. I felt no ill affect; indeed I have suffered far worse at the hands of religious bigots in England. The Gathering was a wonderful experience provoking the need to write the book ‘Fire Child’ that came out in November 2007. I felt the youth of the Craft had a right to know some of the history of modern Witchcraft and how it was practiced in the early sixties.  I later visited Connecticut and found more joyous laughter and the wonderful enthusiasm and sincerity for which American pagans are so renowned.

Your latest book, Firechild  has been in print for over a year.  Are you pleased with the biography?  Is Firechild named such because your birth element is Fire?

‘Fire Child’ is very popular and sold very quickly; fortunately, my publishers were able to put to right the editing, which was rather remiss in the first copies. I am glad I wrote ‘Fire Child’; emails are constantly dropping into my inbox regarding the book and in the main, the comments are kind. My publisher named it ‘Fire Child’ believing that most initiation challenges in my life seemed to be of a fiery nature; originally, the book was called ‘Dancing with Destiny’.  My birth element is earth, fire ascendant, water moon.

Note of Interest:  “Firechild” by Maxine Sanders is The Life and magic of Maxine Sanders, “Witch Queen’.  Published by Mandrake of Oxford.  1^st Edition 11.2007 and 2^nd Edition 4.2008.

Do you have a dream that you would like to be fulfilled yet?  If so what is it and how do you hope to fulfill it.

I miss the discipline of writing and am considering starting a book covering magical work, its disciplines, affects and the delights and dilemma’s suffered and enjoyed in the training and practice of Witchcraft. It will be rather opinionated due to experience; fence sitting is not in my nature.

Destiny is once again taking its course; I choose to make it magical and look forward with joyful anticipation.

You can learn more about Maxine Sanders at her website:  

Maxine, I thoroughly enjoyed researching you for this interview.  I admire your tenacity and the woman you have become.  Thank you for the opportunity of this interview.  May the God and Goddess keep you well. 

INTERVIEW BY MYSTIC/ART BY CINDY