Sybil Leek

By: Lisa Telfer Brunton

Sybil Leek, born in 1917 in Staffordshire, England, was a flamboyant and self-described witch, astrologer, and occult author who rose to fame in the 1960s as one of the most prominent—and controversial—figures in modern witchcraft. By 1969, she had become an international personality, frequently appearing on television and in newspapers, known for her sharp intellect, dramatic flair, and distinctive image: flowing black clothes, piercing eyes, and often with her pet jackdaw, Mr. Hotfoot Jackson, perched on her shoulder. Though she drew criticism from both sceptics and more traditional occultists, Leek was a serious practitioner with a deep knowledge of astrology, folklore, and the occult.

She walked a fine line between entertainer and esoteric scholar, using her media savvy to challenge misconceptions about witches and promote a more spiritual, nature-based worldview. Charismatic, confident, and unbothered by scandal, she relished public attention while maintaining an air of mystery. In a world suspicious of women with power, Sybil Leek was unapologetically herself—fierce, wise, and unafraid to be called “witch.”