The Spiral Dance (By Starhawk)~ I found this book to be very educational reading, many Pagans recommend this as one of the first books one should read, I disagree. For me, this wasn't very interesting writing, it was very factual, and graceful, but wasn't pretty. It didn't *take me to another level*, although I did learn much from it. It is not for the beginner per say, it's more for the person that understands already "What Wicca is" and it's basic structure, and who wants to enhance their knowlege. It is very feminine, and tends to lean more toward feminine practices. A good read, but not the best I've read.
**
To Stir a Magick Cauldron (By Silver Ravenwolf)~ I found this to be a book I could really *read*, it was full of personal stories, and ideas, which add to it's wonderfullness. This book is not for the beginner, it is more of an "intermediate" stepping stone. This was the first book I bought, and I thought it was great. It has some magnificent ritual ideas and workings, and wonderful "homework lessons" for one to work on. The only thing is that I wish I'd bought "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" first, because "To Stir" takes off where "To Ride" left off, and so I did not always understand what she was explaining. A must have for the Pagan bookshelf (Along with "To Ride", which I've never read)
****
Drawing Down the Moon (By Margot Adler)~ This is a fantastic, detailed book! I know, all Pagan booklists will tell you to read this book, and it's absolutely true! It is definetely the most detailed historic history of Witchcraft and Paganism ever written, and it's got some great modern curves to it. This is reading for anyone, beginner or advanced practitioner. It is not a "spell-book" and is not a guide to "ritual practice", it is a guide to the faith itself, it talks of Druids, Pagans, Wiccans and other Earth-based religions today. Another "must-have" for your library!
****
Embracing the Moon (By Yasmine Galenorn)~ This is not a "Wiccan" book, it is Witchcraft only. Needless to say, I am Wiccan, so was a bit apprehensive on what it would be about, but it is wonderful, although I have not read it's entirity as yet. It could be classified from "beginner" to "intermediate", but it has great ideas anyone could use. It has more spells and rituals then I'd like to see, but they are tested by the author first, and many of them are beautiful. It has things from love-magick, and herb-magick to animal-magick and hex-craft. This is a great resource book to add to your library!
***
Dancing With the Sun (By Yasmine Galenorn)~ Another book by Yasmine, "Dancing" deals with the turning of the wheel of the year and gives a basic description of each Sabbat as well as ideas for celebrating, such as decorations, colors, and a ritual. It also includes "lesser known" Pagan holidays and ideas on celebrating them, and even Handfasting ceremony ideas. This is definetely a keeper!
***
Trancing the Witch's Wheel (by Yasmine Galenorn)~ Can ya tell I like Galenorn? This is a book on meditation and trance. It's main focus, is, of course, the wheel of the year. But it also includes meditations on other subjects, such as the elements, Goddess Pele, and more! A great book for anyone who loves to try meditations!
****
American Folk Magick (by Silver Ravenwolf)~ This is a *VUNDERFUL* (yes, vulderful) book that I'm so very glad to have purchased. It goes into Pennsylvania Dutch Magick. Very well researched, much useful, interesting and ORIGINAL information. I loved it!
***1/2
Book of Shadows (by Phyllis Curott)~ A great book to read, dealing with a personal look at the author's life. It is in autobiography form, so is not a "how-to" book of Wicca. It shows how the author found Wicca and how she has employed it in her life, and the changes she went through. A lovely story as well as a teaching experience, worth the read!
***1/2
Angel Animals (by Allen and Linda Anderson)~ This book is full of stories about inspirational animals and how they changed their owners lives, teaching them many lessons. Kind of like a "Chicken Soup for the Pet Lovers Soul", I suppose, but not quite as good. Some of the stories lack substance and it almost seems like the author's chose the first stories they received, not bothering to see if better would arrive. Some of the stories are very good but the book as a whole kind of dampens them down to nothing.
**
The Once Unknown Familiar (by Timothy Roderick)~ I really like this book! It's done in workbook form, so as it doesn't let the reader just "read through the whole thing" and get nothing done (which is, normally, what I would do). It forces the reader to experience and experiment, which is what I needed! It has some wonderful thought provoking questions (what animal do you associate yourself with when you are angry? etc.) and wonderful meditations! It even has a list of animals and what they're associated with! A little gem!
****
Animal Wise (by Ted Andrews)~ I haven't read this yet (it's sitting on my bookshelf) but here's the low-down... On the back it says "discover your spirit animals and totems", "learn new techniques for attuning to animals and Nature", "awaken the inner totem pole by uncovering the spirit animals of your chakras" and "explore the meaning and significance of more than 150 animals, including birds, mammals, insects, arachnids, repitiles, amphibians, fish and other sea life". This is a large book! (438 pgs.) And wow! Has TONS of information! Including illustrations making the book look interesting. Has some workpages as well. COOL! Can't wait to read!
No Stars as Yet
Books I'm hoping to get to...
"To Light a Sacred Flame"~ by Silver Ravenwolf
"A Witch Alone"~ by some woman
"The Witches' Bible"~ By Janet and Stuart Farrar
And so many more! Check out your local bookstore or Amazon.com for little known Pagan books, they are sometimes the best, little gems, not well known! I have a whole list of them I want to read!
