Book recommendations?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 09 Oct 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Rhiannon	09 Oct 2002
Hey all. Having read and posted a list of questions under the thread "What is your next step..." I have decided there are certain things that I need to study more closely. I'm not sure where to begin on some of these, so I thought I'd ask for your help! Here are some of the questions/answers where I feel I need some more work. I'd like some book recommendations on these subjects so that I can advance my studies. Do you know how to create your own spells, charms and rituals using sound magical constructs and correspondences? No, not really Do you have the capacity to meditate without being easily distracted for more than 20 minutes at a time? Only done this one time... too many distractions at my house! Do you understand how to pattern, direct and follow magical energy to your spiritual event horizon and release it toward your goal from this point? I don't even understand this question! Do you know how to invoke the directional and elemental powers for assistance in things other than ritual work? Other than invoking the directions and the elements they are associated with, No. I've bought a book called Elemental Power by Amber Wolfe... but it wasn't quite what I was looking for Do you know and practice magical and psychic self-defense, and also know how to wield elemental, visualized, verbalized banishings when needed? No, I don't really know much about this Do you know how to control personal auric energy, how to sense and work with the energy of others, and how to use this awareness in the context of group workings? While I think I'm pretty good at picking up on people's moods/personalities I don't think it's really what one would call "aura reading". Ok, I know that all that seems like alot, but I didn't realize how much I still had to learn I guess. I've just sort of been winging it and not really knowing what I'm doing. I just do what it feels right to do at the time. I would like to have some more concrete knowledge behind me for the future though... I'm not looking for a pagan bible, just some sort of foundation to build on. I appreciate the help! R :)

RedWood	09 Oct 2002
Secrets of Shamanism by Jose Stevens

Fiona Blackwolf	09 Oct 2002
Witchcrafting by Phyllis Curott It has excellent exercises for the areas you are looking to work more with

Phoenix	09 Oct 2002
I am not sure if you have studied magick very much, but you may want to check out anything bu Scott Cunningham. He is very good! For your elemental question, check out "Earth Power" by Cunningham. DJ Conway is also good as well.

AmounrA	09 Oct 2002
I would recommend- "In search of Schrodingers cat" by John Gribbin, also its sequel "In search of Schrodingers kittens". also a book by Douglas Hofstader " Esher, Bach & Godel.an enternal braid" and "six easy pieces", &"six not-so-easy pieces", both by Richard Feynman. Robert Anton Wilson and Dr John Lilly books are excellent..."the scientist" by Dr Lilly (now dead) is a masterful. Jung is well worth reading ,as is Nietzsche. (for rituals, Crowleys book 4, parts I-IV is expensive, but worth its weight 333 times in Gold) These books would set you in good stead in realising what real magick is all about, and give you a firm foundation, in which to create your own reality tunnel, in which the questions listed become anothers persons goals and expectations, and not your own. Experiment :-)

Sulis	10 Oct 2002
`Magic without Peers` by Ariadne Rainbird and David Rankine published by Cappal Bann books. It`s a course in progressive solitary witchcraft. Especially good for meditation techniques which relate well to magical practice. Not your average Wicca/Witchcraft 101 book. Love and light Crystalmynx xx

Moongold	10 Oct 2002
[quote]Originally posted by Rhiannon Do you know how to create your own spells, charms and rituals using sound magical constructs and correspondences? [quote] Fascinating. There is so much to learn. Pardon my naivety but does one have to be a witch to cast spells? Magical constructs? I may have to put this on hold until the next life. One thing at a time is all I can handle at this moment, so it is back to the Tarot for me right now. Moongold

Jewel	10 Oct 2002
I second the vote for Scott Cunningham books. I own a variety of them, and think they address your questions. He is also an easy read.

Rhiannon	10 Oct 2002
Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. I have read Cunningham's "Wicca for the Solitary Practicioner" and several other beginner Wicca books... but they are pretty much all the same and I was looking for something that dealt more with specifics. I will have to check out his "Earth Power". I'll keep you posted on the progress and if I come across any other good reads. And more suggestions from all of you are always appreciated! R :)

WhiteDrag0n	10 Oct 2002
Moongold, No you dont have to be a witch or such to use spells and such :) Heres a book for Rhiannon and moongold Modern Magick By Donald Micheal Kraig Its a little more advanced but he covers a lot of topics. Enjoy

Phoenix	10 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Rhiannon Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. I have read Cunningham's "Wicca for the Solitary Practicioner" and several other beginner Wicca books... but they are pretty much all the same and I was looking for something that dealt more with specifics. I will have to check out his "Earth Power" He also has another book called "Earth, Air, Fire Water" And it is a further guide to working with the elements. And Jewel, if ever you plan on tradingoff those Cunningham books.....;)

truthsayer	10 Oct 2002
you might want to check out silver ravenwolf's books. they aren't nearly as good as cunningham's books but you can read them w/o brain strain and learn a little in the process. i know some ppl here don't care much for her books b/c she is like fastfood wicca. plus there is our favorite teen witch rip-of...i mean kit. i think she has some good ideas in her books and i can read her when i'm too overwhelmed to read something heavier.

WolfSpirit	11 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by truthsayer you might want to check out silver ravenwolf's books. they aren't nearly as good as cunningham's books but you can read them w/o brain strain and learn a little in the process. i know some ppl here don't care much for her books b/c she is like fastfood wicca. I'm glad to find out I'm not the only one who's not crazy about her... I bought her To Ride A Silver Broomstick because someone suggested it to me. He had read a lot of books on witchcraft and thought this one was very good, but I find it disappointing. However, being fairly new to the subject I will indeed learn something from it before I go on to something better, and I can always put it up for trade later right ;)

Violet Gargoyle	11 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by truthsayer you might want to check out silver ravenwolf's books. they aren't nearly as good as cunningham's books but you can read them w/o brain strain and learn a little in the process. i know some ppl here don't care much for her books b/c she is like fastfood wicca. plus there is our favorite teen witch rip-of...i mean kit. i think she has some good ideas in her books and i can read her when i'm too overwhelmed to read something heavier. Bwaaaahahahahaaaaaa!!!!!! Too funny! *Remembers going through Adler's "Drawing Down the Moon"* Stats, reports. Hmmm. Truthsayer, you may have a point. Actually, my own suggestion is for a re reading of folk tales. No, really. Get an original ending version of the Brothers Grimm works and see if you can hunt down older versions of the same tales or books about the phychology or symbolism behind such tales. Eventually you'll get into musings about how Little Red Riding Hood in its original telling is symbolic of a witches initiation into a coven. And that the 3 little bears tale was symbolic of Imperialism. Or Bluebeard and a connection to Alchemy. Or how the tale or the Gingerbread man has lots of mystic connections for a couple of religious paths. You may not necessarily believe all that (I find holes in many of these theories myself unless I have had too much Nyquil), but it is interesting to think about fairy tales in an adult perspective. And perhaps apply them to a religious perspective. Its about perspective and finding what right for you after all. VG (the folklore graduate who cant help it)

jmd	12 Oct 2002
In terms of spiritual development and reasonably easy-to-read (not just by my account!), I would rate the following book as the most recommendable book: Rudolf Steiner's Knowledge of the Higher Worlds: How is it achieved? (Rudolf Steiner Press, 1993) isbn 1 85584 002 2 (hardback) isbn 0 85440 221 7 (paperback) (Also translated as How to Know Higher Worlds Anthroposophic Press, 1994) isbn 0 88010 372 8) (original German language title: Wie erlangts man Erkenntnisse der höheren Welten? [ga 10] ) __________ In terms of my personal favourite, it remains another of Rudolf Steiner's: Philosophy of Freedom (also translated as Philosophy of Spiritual Activity and as Intuitive Thinking as a Spiritual Path - of these three translations, I would personally recommend the first listed (in yellow) above especially the last listed)

jema	12 Oct 2002
i don't care too much about wicca 101 books. but Adler is ok. if you want something more - here are a few i like: Marian Green - a witch alone; 13 moons to master natural magic. like a crash-course over 13 months for the solitary witch. Beck & Metrick - The art of ritual on how and why to write your own rituals. this is not a book of already written rituals - it tells you what to think about when you make your own. Starhawk - spiral dance ok, it is a classic - and i think it deserves its status. it is inspiring more then anything. starhawk has such a great mood and she can really lift you. and with hesitation i mention Marion Weinsteins book Earth Magic, a dianic book of shadows. or any other of her books. she is a feminist witch and oh so "white" i lean towards a craft that is more filled with shadows too - and her horror for something like that is slightly off-putting. but she has written some nice stuff too. just read and discard what feels off. and i am a fan of going to the sources. read up on mytholigy and religion. my fav there is Walter Burkerts book "Greek Religion" if you are into the greeks that is (but who isn't?) hehe oh and before i leave off... you can find spiritual things everywhere - like in the dandy lion. just ask Susun Weed. she wrote about it in her "Healing Wise" which is one of my fav herbal books.

Rhiannon	12 Oct 2002
The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley Holland is really great. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in Norse mythology/asatru. R :)

The Book recommendations? thread was originally posted on 09 Oct 2002 in the Spirituality board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Spirituality, or read more archived threads.