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My Booklist
My Booklist
I have read few books on the Craft. Most of my knowledge comes from others I speak to and webpages.
I must stress that I personally do not recommend using the rituals and spells found in any book word for word. Some authors include their personal spells and rites for teaching purposes, to demonstrate how they can be written and performed. Other authors publish books containing only spells and rites, with no explanation of the magick itself, the Craft itself, or the history or anything. Personally, when I am looking for a good book, I look for one that doesn't have a large amount of spells or rituals, but lots of history, ideas, and other important info.
Another point is ethics. Most witches do not harm others. Wiccans abide by the Rede, summed up by 'An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will'. Love spells, death spells, or any type of control spells are not ethical. Any book on the Craft that contains spells like this you should be wary of, as well as any book that speaks of worshipping Satan, sacrifice of living animals, or even anything that you feel uncomfortable with. Make sure to really look at the content of a book before living what it says. Any religion is open to interpretation. Just cause one book says something does not mean it's law! They are all just one person's beliefs, their religion, thier ideas.
- Adler, MargotDrawing Down the Moon
It took me awhile to get through this book, it's so chock full of historical info on the Craft! Not so historical like the beginnings of the Craft, but alot of the coming up of the Craft in the last few decades. Although it's long, it is well worth it. Lots of info about differnt trads of the Craft, some of the first people to speak out about it, just way too much amazing info to talk about here.
- Cunningham, Scott Earth Power Llewellyn Publications, Minnesota. 1983.
This book focuses on the magick of it all. It is very nature oriented, including information on elemental magick, candle magick, and sea magick. Definitely feels Wiccan-influenced to me, but a great read for all interested in magick. - Cunnginham, Scott The Truth About Witchcraft Today Llewellyn Publications, Minnesota. 1988.
One of the first books I read, this is a great starting point. It talks about magick and Wicca, but mostly it explains how Witches aren't devil worshippers, evil, etc. It dispels alot of the myths that any believe, and gives great information. Not only a good jumping point, but a good book to hand to a loved one to help them understand your path. - Cunningham, Scott Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner Llewellyn Publications, Minnesota. 1988.
I cannot say enough about his book! Very informative, even for the non-Wiccan Witch. Great info on tools, rituals, and has exercises to help achieve things like visualization. It includes Cunningham's own "Standing Stones Book of Shadows", which had his altar layout some of his rites, recipies for cakes and ale, incense, and oils, and some herb and crystal info. Great read! - Cunningham, Scott Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner Llewellyn Publications, Minnesota. 1993.
This, to me, is the book of all books. Love it! This book goes deeper into the tools of learning, actual practice, and carving your own path. It has a great section on ritual design and a chapter on magickal names. I highly recommend anyone possibly interested in the Wiccan path to read this book and it's predecessor, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. - de Angeles, Ly Witchcraft: Theory and Practice Llewellyn Publications, Minnesota. 2000.
I have only read this book through once, and am still slightly confused by it. I will definitely say that is has some great info, but some of it seems hard to understand. I don't think I'd recommend it to someone just beginning their journey. If you already know what you're doing, and have a decent handle on your Craft, go for it.
- Horne, FionaWitch: A Magickal Journey
I wasn't going to buy this at first, because it was really pretty and the author appears nude in the book. But when I actually read it, it was great! Alot of very personal stories and information. Kind of a 'hip' witch book!
- K, Amber True Magick Llewellyn Publications, Minnesota. 1990.
This is a good book for anyone. It is definitely a Wiccan veiwpoint, but it still covers everything from an honest place. It feels to me a little cold and impersonal, but that doesn't take away from the good, solid information in the book. It covers some of the history of magick, and explains tons of practical info for starting out.
- Morrison, DorothyThe Craft: A Witch's Book of Shadows Llewellyn Publications, Minnesota. 2001.
Even though I've only read it through once so far, I can guarantee that this is a great book! I really enjoyed the book itself, and the way she explains things is easy to understand. She includes great excercises for things like meditation, attuning with your besom, and more. More advanced Pagans might not be so interested in this; it is a beginners book. But it's a good one!
- Moura, AnnThe Origins of Modern Witchcraft
A very detailed, although possibly theoretical, book about religion's starting point hundereds of thousands of years ago. Alot of the info is based on archeological studies and findings. Kinda tough going, the author jump aroung a bit, but it really is a remarkable and though provoking book. Really opened my eyes to things I hadn't thought of before.
- RavenWolf, SilverSolitary Witch
The subtitle of this book is 'Witchcraft for a New Generation' and I was highly skeptical, especially since I have never really liked or respected much of her work aka Teen Witch and the accompanying kit. But I have been very pleasantly surprised by this book! There is a lot of historical fact/speculation in this book, alot of details, and alot of information. Even if you're not an SRW fan (like I wasn't) this book is SO worth picking up!
- StarhawkThe Spiral Dance
Oh, man. Another amazing book on the coming up of the Craft, alot of it from a feminist point of veiw. Some of her personal rituals are included. Alot of info about the girly side of the Craft, as a Goddess worshipping religion, not just a pantheistic one. Definitely a must read!
Other authors I have not yet read, but have heard others mention good things about, are Doreen Valiente, Raven Grimassi, Raymond Buckland, Edain McCoy, Janet and Stuart Farrar, and Laurie Cabot. Go to a bookstore and check the New Age section, and flip through a few books. See what they say and how they feel. If they feel right, and you agree with the basic idea, go for it! Happy Hunting and Brightest Blessings!
Border graphics courtesy of ShadowMoon Graphics
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