Can anyone recommend a good beginner Wicca book?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 17 Jul 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Starfish	17 Jul 2002
I was wondering if you guys could recommend some good Wicca beginner books. :T7W Starfish

Liliana	17 Jul 2002
Wicca:A guide for the Solitary Practioner by Scott Cunningham Anything by Scott Cunningham is good, I love his work :THP

Dragonfly	17 Jul 2002
I agree any thing from Scott Cunningham is great for someone just starting out. His books are very easy to understand. :)

niah	17 Jul 2002
Teen Wicca by Silver RavenWolf. It's for teens, but it's packed with TONS of info. It's my current favorite. :TCHAR

the hermit	18 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Liliana Wicca:A guide for the Solitary Practioner by Scott Cunningham Anything by Scott Cunningham is good, I love his work :THP Starfish-- Liliana and Dragonfly are right about Scott's stuff. "Wicca" and his second book on solitary practices "Living Wicca" are two fine books and designed specifically for a good intro into the solitary practice of the craft. I have nothing against Silver Ravenwolf... I just like Scott's stuff better, especially for beginners looking for solitary help. After digesting "Wicca" and "Living Wicca", I might recommend reading his other books "Earth Power", "Earth, Air, Fire & Water" two great books on natural magick, and also "Spell Crafts" on creating magickal objects. One other book that I always recommend to beginners AND experienced students of the craft as a 'one of the first things you should read' book is "Positive Magic" by Marion Weinstein. Originally published in 1978, it's the first 'occult' book I read after Anton LeVay's stuff. I think it deals with the subjects of magick and the occult very well, and gives the student some background and viewpoints of these subjects from a non-sensationalist standpoint.

wavebreaker	18 Jul 2002
What do you all think about Phyllis Curott's book as beginner books? I've been told that her book Witch Crafting is very good.

jema	18 Jul 2002
hi, i am gonna sound quite hopeless here, but i think that most 101 wiccan books are awful. they do take away your curiosity and dampen that joy of finding out things yourself. sure - read one or two but then realize you don't need anymore wicca 101. what i find best is to journal and think about what you want to express by your spirituality. do you want some kind of structure? just what do You believe? don't just follow what other wiccans believe, but listen to your heart. does the three folded law of returns feel right to you? if it deos - keep it, write it down and live by it - if not, scrap it and find your own way. wicca is just one face of something much bigger. study but do it with the best books. do you want to read about ritual? then i suggest you do it properly and read either the witche's bible by Farrar or something more generic like Beck & Metrick - The art of ritual. want to read up on a pantheon? dive into a riches that your local library holds of mythology books. don't buy into the whole Llewelyn deal. sure they do some great books but they are only 1 stop on a long long road. i write this because i know by experience how easy it is to get stuck in those 101 books for beginners. they can be seductive but in the end they take up a lot of time and money you can spend on a lot of better books booklist coming up:)

jema	18 Jul 2002
Adler - Drawing down the moon Beck & Metrick - The art of ritual Budapest, Z - The holy book of women´s mysteries (funny and feministic and just a delight to read) Crowley, V - Principles of wicca (good overview of the subject) Cunningham, S - Wicca: A guide for the solitary practitioner (i think this first book is a lot better then any other he made) Cunningham, S - The complete book of incense, oils and brews (this is cunningham at his finest a book you will use for many years) Farrar, J - A Witche´s bible (classic wicca) Frazier - the golden bough (myths) Green, M - A witch alone (wonderful book!!!) Henes, D - Celestially auspicious occasions (not really wicca - but about time, tides, seasons and here and now and then and later) Starhawk - The spiral dance (a classic) Weed, Susan S - Healing Wise (if you love herbs and weeds) Weinstein, M - Earth magic: A Dianic book of shadows Weinstein, M - Positive magic (good general book) Worth, V - The crone's book of words(for the poetry of it all)

Sulis	18 Jul 2002
Hi Another vote here for `The Spiral Dance` by Starhawk. Another couple of books which I love and return to again and again are `In The Circle` and `The Sacred Round` by Elen Hawke - loads on meditation, chakra work, correspondences, the Esbats and Sabbats. She writes beautifully as well. Blessings Crystalmynx xx

catlin	18 Jul 2002
I'd do not count Z. Budapest among a book for beginners as her too feminist and Dianic approach might shed a false light on Wicca in general. I'd like to add "True Magick" by Amber K. amd "Celtic Magic" by D. Conway, then the Llewellyn's Magical Almanach (just to get an idea what all ranges among "Magic") and I think P. Curott's "Book of Shadows" may also be of interest to beginners.

Starfish	18 Jul 2002
Wow! You guys are the best :) I am printing these all off and going to check out my local libraries first and the books sellers next. :T3C Starfish

PurpleGoddess	19 Jul 2002
hi, wanted to add The Craft by Dorothy Morrison. It's a good book for the lone practicioner like ourselves. It also comes w/a workbook that can be a book of shadows of sorts or just a journal of your experiences w/spells etc. exercises are very interesting. love and peace

Starfish	19 Jul 2002
Thanks, PurpleGoddess - I'm off to check that book out at Amazon. :T4W Starfish

PurpleGoddess	19 Jul 2002
starfish, it's got alot of good things in it about the basics of wicca. i'm also collecting books from scott cunningham from what i heard he's the best. i've gotten most of the books from amazon.com...i recommend trying the used section whenever possible. the craft came as a set w/special pricing from amazon...saved some money brand new! peace and blessed be's! :TQC

mondk	21 Jul 2002
Starfish: fellow book-a-holic!!! I can't believe no one here has yet mentioned Ellen Cannon Reed's "Heart of Wicca". I have this book and it is excellent, especially if you are training as an initiate. She is a high priestess of a coven herself and she outlines the training program that she has her Wiccan initiates follow....it will cover your entire "year and a day" thing to the T. Here is what the back cover of the book says: "The Heart of Wicca opens invisible doorways that lead toward a deeper understanding of the mystery-filled world of Wiccan beliefs and practice. It takes us far beyond popular images and superficial understanding into a world that few are privileged to enter. Ellen Cannon Reed guides us into the lifestyle, mind set, and religious dedication to spiritual growth that lie at the heart of this life-transforming practice. She talks about life in a coven, the magical family of brothers and sisters who love and care for one another, who work together magically, circle together, study together, celebrate and laugh together, and lift each other up when one falls. From the wisdom developed through many years of Wiccan practice, she talks about the nature and complexity of symbols, and explains how their layered, deeper meanings are vehicles of communication that bypass ordinary conscious thought. She talks about developing a relationship with the Deities, for that is the very soul of Wicca. Learning to honor the Gods and Goddesses through study, meditation or other forms of ritual dedication opens direct communication, that leads to ever-increasing levels of healing and guidance. Reed discusses practical issues--finding a teacher, coven leadership and tradition, training, rituals, the various types of initiation, the ethics of spell casting, and the importance of the Wheel of the Year (the 8 Sabbats)--and includes material from Skytoucher and Sandy Kopf. The Heart of Wicca is like having a personal conversation with a wise crone!!" Excellent book; easy to read; I highly recommend it!!! Michelle

PurpleGoddess	21 Jul 2002
Michelle! I too am a book a holic! i can't get enough reading material on wicca and tarot and diving into my education as a solitare wicca. for the moment anyway, am considering a coven that teaches because i'm one of those people who need that, i've got a very short attention span! peace and blessed be's!

Starfish	21 Jul 2002
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the hermit	21 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by PurpleGoddess am considering a coven that teaches because i'm one of those people who need that, i've got a very short attention span! Perhaps we could use a forum here that is more specific than "Spirituality"? For those with questions and advice on things related to wicca, magick, ritual, other paths that relate to the 'W' word(s). Not all of us are wicca or witches or whatever, but I sense many on the solitary path (yeh, yeh, it's not psychic, I just read the posts :D) that have questions. Since I'm still relatively new, how might we explore this possibility?

Maan	22 Jul 2002
I strongly recommend the books by Phyllis Currot!!!! I have a lot of books about wicca but this one is my all time fav!

the hermit	22 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Maan I strongly recommend the books by Phyllis Currot!!!! I have a lot of books about wicca but this one is my all time fav! She is a good writer (by the way her last name is spelled Curott) but... I have a problem with her exclusion of anything male in her books (Book of Shadows & Witchcrafting). If you're looking for a start down the path with a goddess only perspective that's fine and I do understand that view, I just don't hold it personally. But if you're looking for a balance of goddess & god (I feel any book aimed at beginners should contain balanced views) I don't recommend her books. The other quibble I have is that she doesn't believe in the Three-fold Law that many craft folk do. I especially disagree with her premise (which is her basis for her tossing the Law) that all magick is divine and that divine can't possibly hurt anyone. While I can buy the first permise (magick is divine) I know that anything one does can be harmful regardless of the motivation. Magick itself, to me, is neutral, but there are moral and immoral uses of magick. And even seemingly moral choices can sometimes hurt or do damage. This is a choice that one must personally make. I realize this is a personal choice, but it just bothers me to see this advocated by an otherwise good author in books aimed at those just beginning their own journey. For these reasons I don't recommend her books to beginners. But for more experienced readers, she has many interesting ideas to offer.

Maan	22 Jul 2002
Hi hermit( i always like to debate books :) ) Here books make you think! Here first book is indeed "manless". Here second book isn't she includes alot of rituals for the god and even has a chapter dedicated to him. But maybe i did not notice the lack of the god because i'm a women and read it from my perspective What i like the most about here second book is that she does not pretend to have the truth she just gives you stuff to think about. Maybe you are right about it being a little to difficult for the absolute beginner. Its hard to invision myself as an beginner again so maybe i overestemate them As for the law of three. As a read it she opposes it because she does not like the idea that you do something or don't do something because of the reward or the ponishment and not because of something from within. Doing good things so you get the reward in three fold. Or not doing something because you scared for the three fold law If she ment that than i agree with here. I don't agree with everthing in here book thought. But i seldom do argree with a book entirely ;) Love and light Maan

the hermit	22 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Maan Hi hermit( i always like to debate books :) ) Here books make you think! Here first book is indeed "manless". Here second book isn't she includes alot of rituals for the god and even has a chapter dedicated to him. But maybe i did not notice the lack of the god because i'm a women and read it from my perspective You’re absolutely correct, I read her “Book of Shadows” last and it’s devoid of the male perspective and that colored my recollection of her work. BAD hermit! NO biscuit! Quote: Originally posted by Maan What i like the most about here second book is that she does not pretend to have the truth she just gives you stuff to think about. Maybe you are right about it being a little to difficult for the absolute beginner. Its hard to invision myself as an beginner again so maybe i overestemate them I do still believe that her work is best read by the more experienced who have already been exposed to a more balanced or ‘mainstream’ (never thought I’d use that phrase when writing about the craft :D) perspective. Quote: Originally posted by Maan As for the law of three. As a read it she opposes it because she does not like the idea that you do something or don't do something because of the reward or the ponishment and not because of something from within. Doing good things so you get the reward in three fold. Or not doing something because you scared for the three fold law If she ment that than i agree with here. I don’t have both books here (loaned Witch Crafting to a fellow seeker) but I recall her being very specific about magick work being of the ‘Divine’ and that the ‘Divine’ could not possibly hurt anyone. And going on to say that was why she denied the Three-fold Law. This was a case where she seemed very adamant and I just don’t agree. I don’t necessarily agree or believe in the Three-fold Law myself, but I do believe in the portion of the ‘Rede’ that says “if it harm none, do what you will”. Because I do believe that though the act of magick is neutral, the use of it is not. Quote: Originally posted by Maan I don't agree with everthing in here book thought. But i seldom do argree with a book entirely ;) Neither do I! :D Quote: Originally posted by Maan Love and light Maan Thank you and the same to thee!

Diana	22 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by the hermit Perhaps we could use a forum here that is more specific than "Spirituality"? For those with questions and advice on things related to wicca, magick, ritual, other paths that relate to the 'W' word(s). Not all of us are wicca or witches or whatever, but I sense many on the solitary path (yeh, yeh, it's not psychic, I just read the posts :D) that have questions. Since I'm still relatively new, how might we explore this possibility? Then we'd also end up by having forums for all the other religions that people are interested in, and we would end up sort of in separate sections, and the whole point of the Spirituality section would be defeated, which is to talk about universal spiritualities, altogether. People would end up sort of in compartments. Divided and not united. Well, that's how I see it at the moment.

Maan	22 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by the hermit I don’t have both books here (loaned Witch Crafting to a fellow seeker) but I recall her being very specific about magick work being of the ‘Divine’ and that the ‘Divine’ could not possibly hurt anyone. And going on to say that was why she denied the Three-fold Law. This was a case where she seemed very adamant and I just don’t agree. I don’t necessarily agree or believe in the Three-fold Law myself, but I do believe in the portion of the ‘Rede’ that says “if it harm none, do what you will”. Because I do believe that though the act of magick is neutral, the use of it is not. Neither do I! :D I agree with your toughts on the three fold law. I do believe that you can use powers negatively...but who will it harm yourself ore the people you ment it for? Anyway this book really makes you think doesn't it :) maybe thats why i like this book so much. Ist does not assume antything. ;) BTW you can have your biscuit if you want ;)

the hermit	22 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Diana Then we'd also end up by having forums for all the other religions that people are interested in, and we would end up sort of in separate sections, and the whole point of the Spirituality section would be defeated, which is to talk about universal spiritualities, altogether. People would end up sort of in compartments. Divided and not united. Well, that's how I see it at the moment. You've raised a perfectly logical point, IF all things craft were religious. But for me, at least, many, in fact most, are not (I suspect that there may be others from the questions I’ve seen). Neither are they spiritual in the sense of religiously spiritual which is, I believe, what you mean. Many of the threads I looked at contained questions and discussions that involved the practical application of craft, such as spells, books of shadow, tools, books, where they can be found, questions about definitions, etc. that have nothing necessarily to do with religion or spirituality. So, I simply asked if another forum, located in the Non-Tarot section, just like Astrology, that was for Craft questions, might be helpful to us. It’s not my decision, just my question. And I thought I’d ask.

Mermaid	22 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Diana Then we'd also end up by having forums for all the other religions that people are interested in, and we would end up sort of in separate sections... I agree that if we have a forum on Witchy/Wiccan spirituality we'd have to have one for each religion to be fair, which would rather defeat the purpose. But maybe we could just have a general forum on 'The Craft'? Candle magick, amulets, poppets, kitchen witch recipies, that kind of thing? (edited to say: Wooops, Hermit, I should have read your post before posting mine, sorry!)

the hermit	23 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Mermaid I agree that if we have a forum on Witchy/Wiccan spirituality we'd have to have one for each religion to be fair, which would rather defeat the purpose. But maybe we could just have a general forum on 'The Craft'? Candle magick, amulets, poppets, kitchen witch recipies, that kind of thing? (edited to say: Wooops, Hermit, I should have read your post before posting mine, sorry!) That's ok. I wasn't very clear in my original post as to what I was suggesting. I've clarified and you've agreed.

Diana	23 Jul 2002
hey hermit, I got the impression you were a little annoyed with me! I wasn't being nasty, I promise! It's just that I was a little scared that this may lead to a division in Aeclectic - Wiccans/non-Wiccans. But just 'cos I'm feeling doubtful, doesn't mean my doubt is valid. However, I understand your point of view (as usual) as well as Mermaid's, especially now that it's been clarified. Anyway, it's Solandia who decides on these things, and so far, she has provided us with all we need, so I trust her judgement absolutely.

the hermit	23 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Diana hey hermit, I got the impression you were a little annoyed with me! I wasn't being nasty, I promise! It's just that I was a little scared that this may lead to a division in Aeclectic - Wiccans/non-Wiccans. But just 'cos I'm feeling doubtful, doesn't mean my doubt is valid. Not at all Diana! You brought up a valid point and I realized that my original post was vague. I simply wanted to clarify that I meant Craft questions and advice that dealt with matters of a non-spiritual/religious nature. As I said, I saw many questions and answers that involved techniques, names, tools, books and other information that dealt more with the mechanics of the craft. And I certainly would not wish to see any division over Wiccan vs. non-Wiccan beliefs here or anywhere else. In fact, I would hope that such a forum will allow experienced students and others, especially beginners to share a broad base of ideas and knowledge about the craft in the helpful and friendly atmosphere of this environment. Quote: Originally posted by Diana However, I understand your point of view (as usual) as well as Mermaid's, especially now that it's been clarified. Good. Then I’ve accomplished my goal. Quote: Originally posted by Diana Anyway, it's Solandia who decides on these things, and so far, she has provided us with all we need, so I trust her judgement absolutely. Exactly… which is why I email Solandia with a clearer (I hope :D) question about the possibilities of such a new forum.

catlin	23 Jul 2002
Maybe a separate "Craft" section would be helpful, not only for us who are interested in discussion such matters but also for the Non-Pagans who just want to skip these threads.

PurpleGoddess	23 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by catlin Maybe a separate "Craft" section would be helpful, not only for us who are interested in discussion such matters but also for the Non-Pagans who just want to skip these threads. Hi All, this has been a great discussion. i'm relatively new here but concerned about the division of the spirituality thread into craft vs non-craft. what i've gained from having the spirituality forum is support and knowledge from other people w/beliefs different from mine. and though some who practice the craft may not see it as spiritual or a religion it is to me and others and it belongs under this one heading. i see it also as an opportunity for other to find what they are seeking spiritually. non-pagans may want to still explore the world of the craft to gain understanding. i also agree w/diana. if we suggest a craft/wicca forum, there will need to be one for every belief that others follow,ie: buddihsm, lutheranism etc. we will then be separate and not a true community that share's all it's knowledge w/everyone. just my 2 cents. peace and light.

the hermit	23 Jul 2002
Since the question I raised about a separate forum for craft questions really doen't belong in this thread... but I thought it would be interesting to continue the discussion... I created a new one. If you're interested... the Craft: Spiritual... or not?

Violet Gargoyle	23 Jul 2002
Sorry that I saw this late, there is another good book that I would recommend: Circle Round- by Starhawk, Anne Hill and Diane Baker It's written especially for families that want to raise children with knowledge in Goddess Traditions, so it is really written at a level that any beginner can follow, with stories, crafts (the art kind, really), songs, and recipes. Its a good hands on book.

lunar_rabbit	25 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by PurpleGoddess hi, wanted to add The Craft by Dorothy Morrison. It's a good book for the lone practicioner like ourselves. It also comes w/a workbook that can be a book of shadows of sorts or just a journal of your experiences w/spells etc. exercises are very interesting. I agree! It was the first Wicca book I bought, having heard an interview with Ms. Morrisson on NPR (Public Radio). I feel it is very good for serious beginners (i.e. people who want to get started... not just those who want to learn "What is Wicca"?) In fact, I just referred to again last night for ideas, and found exactly what I was looking for. The one thing that doesn't quite mesh with my own personal style is that she makes everything very long and rhymey. She is definitely a song writer and/or poet. LOL. Me, if I can come up with a 4-line rhyming spell it's quite a feat!! I tend to simply speak from the heart and do vivid visualizations. My advice for a beginner would be start with that book, and then come back and ask for more recommendations. Good luck!

lunar_rabbit	25 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Diana Then we'd also end up by having forums for all the other religions that people are interested in, and we would end up sort of in separate sections, and the whole point of the Spirituality section would be defeated, which is to talk about universal spiritualities, altogether. People would end up sort of in compartments. Divided and not united. Well, that's how I see it at the moment. Good point! I totally agree. I'd much rather all the religions be in one section. I have learned so much this way! And I love to hear opposing points of view as well as learn more about my own path. I think people should just be reassured that they can feel free to ask questions -- even "dumb" ones.

DarkElectric	28 Jul 2002
I personally would reccommend The Spiral Dance for a newcomer to the craft. Als, I find WICCA the complete craft by D.J Conway to be pretty informative. Positive Magic by Marion Weinstein is a good one too. I like the Scott Cunningham stuff, but I don't relate really well to his writing style. There's a lot out there. I suggest going to the local Barnes and Noble, or Borders and going through the New Age book section. Look at a bunch of different ones and see which "fit" you, so to speak. Good Luck!

The Can anyone recommend a good beginner Wicca book? thread was originally posted on 17 Jul 2002 in the Spirituality board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Spirituality, or read more archived threads.