Here are some books that I have either bought, or heard raved about and am planning to buy :-) Take your time to look around and see what's on offer at Amazon Books. They are extremely helpful and have a variety of things here.
WICCA & WITCHCRAFT RELATED
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner is the essential primer from one of the best known authors on Wicca. Focusing on the importance of individualism in your spiritual path, Cunningham explains the very basics of Sabbats (holy days), ceremonies, altars, and other nuts and bolts of Wicca that a solitary practitioner may have trouble finding elsewhere. While Wicca shouldn't be your sole point of reference when considering Wicca as your way of life, it is one of the best starting points. --Brian Patterson
A reader from Southeastern United States , April 6, 1999
My first pagan book
This was my very first book about witchcraft and when I read it I was both ecstatic and relieved to learn that there was a name to the beliefs I had and that I wasn't alone in my beliefs! I bought it solely out of curiosity--I was into astrology and other occult studies. Later I found out how barebones this book is, that witchcraft and paganism are so varied, but I am eternally grateful to the late author for having introduced this religion to me. (This was also my first book on Wicca, and I loved it! - LK)
Silver RavenWolf is one of the most widely recognized names in circles of witchcraft, and with good reason; she has written some of the best guides to contemporary Witchcraft available. To Ride a Silver Broomstick is a handbook aimed at the beginner, and doesn't get bogged down in history, dogma, or gender roles. It is a workbook for the individual, whether one is a solitary practitioner or part of a coven, that covers the basics of the craft--from useful vocabulary to setting up an altar--and briefly delves into more advanced concepts such as astral projection and telepathy. To Ride a Silver Broomstick may not be the most comprehensive single volume on the subject of witchcraft, but RavenWolf focuses on the aspects most important to a beginner, and keeps her introduction to the craft approachable and easy to follow. --Brian Patterson
In her sequel to To Ride a Silver Broomstick, Silver RavenWolf leads us to the next step in craft practice, focusing on intermediate-level magical practices, such as the proper mechanics of circle casting and 10 ways to raise power. However, To Stir a Magick Cauldron is not just a rule book, it is also a candid companion on the road to discovery. Sure, RavenWolf delves into the nitty-gritty of conjuration, but she also encourages us to see the craft as more than a dusty curiosity and reveals how to incorporate our newfound power into our 20th-century lifestyles. --Brian Patterson
For nearly two decades, Drawing Down the Moon, the only detailed history of a little-known and widely misunderstood movement, has provided the most authoritative look at the religious beliefs, experiences, and lifestyles of the neopagan culture. "A healthy corrective."--The New York Times Book Review
The original book that brought Goddess worship to the public eye has marked its 10th anniversary, yet it still remains an integral part of the Wiccan canon. The Spiral Dance leans heavily toward the feminist aspects of Wicca, but Starhawk's comments on the new edition make it clear that she is aware of the growing male presence in witchcraft. However, this edition is not some watered down, politically correct revision of the original. Very little is changed aside from the addition of Starhawk's observations on how the book has weathered its first decade, and what few changes she would make if she were writing it today. Readers interested in learning more about contemporary witchcraft, whether considering Wicca as a way of life or simply desiring to understand this earth-based religion, will find a wealth of information in The Spiral Dance, and will notice that it becomes one of the most frequently consulted books in their Wicca libraries. --Brian Patterson
This book is of great practical value in discovering and celebrating the transforming energy of the Feminine Principle of Divinity. Part I covers the myriad faces of the Goddess revealed, including: Her presence throughout history; Her Earth and Moon symbolism; Her Madonna and Magdalene disguises; Her revelation within the psyche; Her relationship with women; Her influence today; and much more. Part II covers ritual invocations of the Goddess in 13 guises: from Ishtar to Isis; from Hecate to Aphrodite; from Epona to Ma'at. Part III gives an alphabetical listing of more than 1000 goddesses including a brief history and the main correspondences of each. This is an important work by the Farrars providing an indepth exploration of the Goddess in her many aspects at a time when Western culture is awakening to the influence of Feminine Divinity, both individually and collectively.
This is an excellent book for the person who has moved beyond the "fluffy-bunny" aspects of current alternative spiritualities like Wicca and neopaganism. From the first page, the reader is asked to challenge her basic perceptions that "dark" means "bad". The author contends, quite rightly, that until we embrace the "shadow-masks" within, we cannot be complete human beings. Tapping the archetypes of the "sage" and the "crone" for inspiration, the author uses a wide variety of journaling exercises, guided meditation and artistic projects to get the reader to open her spirituality to the untapped power that we bury.
This book manages to get the essentials of the Craft across very well, in a totally understandable way. It offers good advice, explains the different traditions and recommends well chosen further reading. With it's exercises at the end of each chapter it's a great way to start exploring Witchcraft for yourself before going on to read more indepth books.
