Born Orrell Alexander Carter in Birkenhead, England, Sanders grew up in a working-class family that eventually moved to Manchester. Much of his early life is shrouded in colorful, sometimes contradictory, stories he told later:

Despite the drama, his tradition became one of the main branches of Wicca worldwide. Many influential leaders in the craft, such as Janet and Stewart Farrar, were originally trained by the Sanders. Historical Controversy

Unlike other secretive practitioners of the time, Sanders actively courted the press. He appeared in documentaries, tabloid exposes, and even performed public rituals, which earned him the "King of the Witches" title but drew sharp criticism from other Wiccans who preferred to remain hidden.