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booksWICCA
Book reviews are by Lady Bridget, unless otherwise noted.


book cover"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.



book cover"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.



book cover"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.



book cover"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.




book cover "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.




book cover"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



book cover"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.



no pictureWhen, 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.



Books You Can Give To Non Wiccans To Explain Your Beliefs

book 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.







book 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.




A Word to the Wise -

Amazon.com gives you new books at reduced rates, so even with shipping and handling, you save money. It's also a good idea to visit a bookstore or library in your area and browse through the books mentioned to see which of these author's styles match your tastes. You don't need to buy every book on this list - many authors say the same things, but simply in a different way. Or order with a friend, and trade.


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