Alex Sanders 1926-1988   Alex Sanders was the founder of the Alexandrian Tradition. He claimed to have received initiation from his Grandmother at an early age. The story goes that he walked in on her unexpectedly performing a ritual and was sworn to secrecy. His Grandmother then took him on as a student, bringing him into the Old Religion. Alex saught initiation with the Gardnerian Covens, but was unable to accomplish it. Eventually he founded his own coven and by 1965 he claimed to have 1,623 Witches practicing the Alexandrian Tradition. Two of these members were Stewart and Janet Farrar.Alex claimed that his Book Of Shadows was his grandmothers and that he copied and embellished it. During the 60's Alex Sanders met Maxine Morris then aged 16 and initiated her in to the Craft and made her his High Priestess. In 1965 they Handfasted and then in 1968 they married in a civil ceremony. Maxine served as his High Priestess for several years. According to Alex his Title was "The King Of Witches". This caused many in the craft community to view him with scepticism. His Book Of Shadows turned out to be largly of Gardnerian writings, some copied incorrectly. It was then revealed that a Gardnerian named Pat kopanski, one of Patricia and Arnold Crowther's initiates, had initiated Alex. In 1971 Maxine and Alex soon split up and many of their initiates left the tradition. Whatever the "truth" was behind Alex's claims, he made it possible for many people to enter into the Craft Community and to learn ritual and magickal skills. On 30th April 1988 Alex Sanders passed away after suffering from lung cancer. Maxine continued as a High Priestess of many training covens for many years while living in Notting Hill Gate, London. She now lives in Snowdonia in Wales in her cottage. Maxine still studies Witchcraft and when she is not travelling or giving talks, celebrates and practices the Crafts rituals in the mountains or at home in her cottage.   Maxine Sanders

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