Alex Sanders Lectures with commentary by Maxine Sanders. Book release & soiree.

The end of October saw us attend a book launch & soiree.

The event being held & filmed at the Art Workers Guild in London, hosted and put together by Sharon Day & those at Rose Ankh publishing. The book lavishly produced by that company.

The work itself a reproduction including new text, artwork & original facsimiles of The Alex Sanders lectures. This new book has a fascinating commentary by none other than Maxine Sanders. The finished result is a thing of rare beauty, illustrated throughout by Artist Jason Atomic who, along with John Callow author of Prospero's Isle-Gerald Gardner on the Isle of Man, gave a talk and answered questions on their work.

The venue itself was lovely & the atmosphere magickally charged. In the hall we met with friends & initiates old & new, it was so lovely to have been in such company.

Sharon Day introduced the first of the evenings talks, this being by John Callow on his book 'Prospero's Isle-Gerald Gardner & Witchcraft on the Isle of Man.' This is the second time we have heard john talk on this fabulous book, which was great! The work focuses on Gerald on the Isle, bringing these hitherto neglected early days of Craft to life. Gerald shines through the books pages as a thoroughly counter-cultural figure & by the accounts of those who knew him an equally decent & well liked man. We must add here John has another work 'Gerald Gardner & the Creation of Wicca' by Cambridge University Press. This is an important book looking at Gerald & those around him, including his early High-Priestesses, a truly fascinating & much needed reassessment of Gerald.

The evenings second instalment was by Jason Atomic, who had illustrated the new addition of The Alex Sanders Lectures. Jason had obviously thoroughly researched his subject, drawing upon the early days of images of Alexandrian Craft. Much of the style is somewhat of a cartoon style, something we would admit would not capture our attention, but here though Jason's work & creativity does capture an essence of magick that aids the book. This makes it even more interesting to pick up & delve into!

The third instalment & finale of the night was a question & answer session by Maxine Sanders. This was really special & did feel like a slice of Craft history! For near on an hour Maxine answered questions of Craft & of her history within it. She answered on occasion in an almost self depricatory manner saying she was a 'size 10 on Alex's arm' & admitting she sometimes 'did'nt say much'. This though (as beautifully expressed on the night by Geraldine Beskin) was surely at odds with Maxine's bravery, being the figurehead of the Craft whilst newspapers & magazines sought salacious stories of Witchcraft & scandal!! Maxine had & still has an elegance, poise & dignity and Craft presence about her. She was willing to stand up & answer any questions, which is to be admired. Her love of magick of Goddess & Horned God shined through. It was really a truly special evening, thronged with such magickal people. An event we shall never forget!

Maxine, John & Jason were fabulous, signing books & answering questions. We must thank Sharon day & those at Rose Ankh for putting on such an event. Getting to meet Elders, Authors, Artists, Initiates & friends old & new was truly wonderful!

Maxine's question & answer session can be seen on youtube.

'The Alex Sanders Lectures-with commentary by Maxine Sanders'

'Prospero's Isle-Gerald Gardner & Witchcraft on the Isle of Man'

can both be found & purchased at Rose Ankh publishing website.

Also 'Gerald Gardner and the creation of Wicca' by John Callow. Cambridge University Press can by bought direct from that publisher or online.