WICCA
WICCA
"Wicca: A Guide
For the Solitary Practitioner", by Scott Cunningham.
Highly recommended by every teacher of the Craft that I know, including myself,
this book takes you step by step through the beliefs, the practices, and
the magick of Wicca. Informative, but not dictatorial, Scott teaches you
to trust in your own instincts and develop your own rituals. Geared
especially for those who are solitary, either by circumstance or choice,
this is equally useful for those who will be searching for a group or teacher.
"Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary
Practitioner", by Scott Cunningham.
The companion to the first book, this one takes you a few steps further and
answers questions that were not covered in the first book. If you are
already a practicing Wiccan, this book may not be as helpful to you as others.
If you are new to the Craft, this book, along with the first one, is a good
choice.
"The Sprial Dance", by Starhawk.
This book is probably responsible for more people discovering Wicca and
practicing Wicca than any other single source. I consider this book to be
a classic text, and a "must read" for my students. In addition to the
many explanations, personal experiences, and rituals given here, there are
also excellent exercises for your visualization skills, meditations, and
great magickal tables of correspondences. First published in 1979, then
republished in 1989, this has withstood the test of time, and is still
pertinent and accurate.
"Drawing Down the Moon", by Margot Adler.
An explanation of the differences between Druids, Witches, Goddess Worshippers,
and other Pagans in America today. Explains in general terms what each
believes, practices, and where some of these traditions come from. If you
are sure you are a Pagan, but not sure what path you want to choose, this
could help you to decide, or at least narrow the field. It takes a
serious, scholarly approach to Pagan religions and is well researched.
"To Ride A Silver
Broomstick: New Generation
Witchcraft", by Silver Ravenwolf.
An excellent beginner book on Wicca, with many of the same features as
Cunningham's, and written in an informal style. Many people prefer this
book because it has been written more recently, and contains newer sources
of information and networking lists.
"Buckland's Complete Book of
Witchcraft", by Raymond Buckland.
Here is the closest to an actual correspondence course I have seen in book
form. Each chapter is presented as a "lesson" with a test at the end of
the book. Buckland covers a variety of subjects, such as making your own
ritual tools, using herbs, palmistry, and other topics. There are patterns
for making your own ritual robes (even if you don't sew!), and also many
different runic alphabets. This book gives you the basics on many different
subjects related to Wicca, so that you can then choose which ones interest
you enough to go more into depth. A good workbook for solitaries, with a
traditional Gardnerian viewpoint.
"21st Century Wicca: A Young
Witch's Guide to Living the Magickal Life", by Jennifer Hunter.
"A well balanced overview of pre-dominant Craft practices in the US today.
Written from a femine viewpoint, it does an excellent job of covering all
basic aspects of Wicca as it has evolved to this point. It is mostly
Celtic in it's orientation, and very readable and informative."
- review by Lord Riekin
"Inside A Witch's Coven, by Edain McCoy.
This book is for anyone who wishes to find a teacher, find a group, or
start their own group. It gives a healthy checklist for what to look for
in a teacher or group, and what to avoid. Details what your options are,
what types of groups you can find, and helps you to choose the right kind
for you. Also gives tips on solving personality conflicts, and those
ego problems that are bound to arise whenever you are dealing with human
beings! As the High Priestess of a coven, I recommend this book to all
seekers as something you should read before you make a commitment
to any coven.
When, Why, IF..., by Robin Wood.
Finally a book on ethics, and not just magickal and religious ethics, but life ethics as well. This is a must read, and more than once! There are also exercises to spark your thought processes, and to bring up ideas and ideals you didn't even know you had. If you want to grow spiritually, in any tradition, this well written book is highly recommended.
True Magick by Amber K.
This is informative without being too in depth. A perfect book to give to teens or parents alike, it explains what our religion is about and also our ethical standards.
Pocket Guide To Wicca by Paul Tuitean and Estelle Daniels
I think the title says it! This book also has a very logical and non-threatening explanation of "the dark side" of the Craft - and just what is meant by that. Keep a copy on hand to lend to relatives or friends when they learn that you are a "witch" so that they won't flip out over it.