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Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham
This is Cunningham’s classic introduction to Wicca. This book is about how to
live life magically, spiritually, and wholly attuned with nature. Not only does it
explain the practical basics (tools, Sabbats, ceremonies, altars, circle casting,
etc.), it also explores the deeper spirituality of Wicca. It is geared toward
informing the solitary practitioner who may have trouble finding this sort of
information elsewhere.
NOTE that Cunningham wrote a LOT of books on the subject of Wicca, and many
of them are excellent reference books on subjects like herbs, crystals, and
aromatherapy. A couple other classics of his are:
The Truth About Witchcraft -- A very short booklet that presents the basic truths
about the nature-based religion of Wicca. Quick, clear, concise.
Living Wicca – in this book, Cunningham emphasizes the importance of making
Wicca a part of your everyday life while again focusing on the solitary
practitioner. This guidebook takes a philosophical look at the questions,
practices, and differences within the Craft.
Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler
Adler's ambitious volume is a sort of field guide to Paganism in America. It is
encyclopedic in scope and is considered by some to be the definitive overview on
the various beliefs and religious practices that fit within the broad term
"Paganism". It is a rather slow read largely because it presents a lot of detail
about ceremonies and practices.
Spiral Dance by Starhawk
This is the classic book that brought Goddess worship to the public eye. The tone
is feminist, and Goddess worship is the central theme, but there is still a solid
foundation of basic Wiccan principles.
This is Cunningham’s classic introduction to Wicca. This book is about how to
live life magically, spiritually, and wholly attuned with nature. Not only does it
explain the practical basics (tools, Sabbats, ceremonies, altars, circle casting,
etc.), it also explores the deeper spirituality of Wicca. It is geared toward
informing the solitary practitioner who may have trouble finding this sort of
information elsewhere.
NOTE that Cunningham wrote a LOT of books on the subject of Wicca, and many
of them are excellent reference books on subjects like herbs, crystals, and
aromatherapy. A couple other classics of his are:
The Truth About Witchcraft -- A very short booklet that presents the basic truths
about the nature-based religion of Wicca. Quick, clear, concise.
Living Wicca – in this book, Cunningham emphasizes the importance of making
Wicca a part of your everyday life while again focusing on the solitary
practitioner. This guidebook takes a philosophical look at the questions,
practices, and differences within the Craft.
Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler
Adler's ambitious volume is a sort of field guide to Paganism in America. It is
encyclopedic in scope and is considered by some to be the definitive overview on
the various beliefs and religious practices that fit within the broad term
"Paganism". It is a rather slow read largely because it presents a lot of detail
about ceremonies and practices.
Spiral Dance by Starhawk
This is the classic book that brought Goddess worship to the public eye. The tone
is feminist, and Goddess worship is the central theme, but there is still a solid
foundation of basic Wiccan principles.
| As a caveat, I want to note that I have not read all of the following books, so some of the provided comments about them are second-hand. Take from them what you will. |
SOME OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:
Buckland's Complete Book Of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland
This is a great reference book, although it lacks depth on the subject of Wiccan
spirituality. Note that it is rather Gardnerian and coven based.
Coven Craft by Amber K
This book is about creating and maintaining a coven -- networking, group
dynamics, the possibilities of incorporation, community service, open rituals
The Witch's Coven: Finding or Forming Your Own Circle by: Edain McCoy
Another book about covens -- what to expect in one, what it takes to start a coven
and get it running, and ways to improve your coven.
Wiccan Magick by Raven Grimassi
This book focuses on the mystery tradition of witchcraft ... like the magical
properties of herbs and crystals and the primal forces that empower ritual magic.
Modern Magick by Donald Michael Kraig
This book is quite voluminous! Quite informative, but not something to easily read
through. Note that it is mainly based on Kabbalistic, ceremonial/high magick.
An Alphabet of Spells, by Elen Hawke
This book provides practical information about spell-crafting, and advice on
magical ethics and safety. This positive little spell book also recognizes an
essential but oft-forgotten tenet of magic — true magic transforms not only your
outer circumstances, but your spirit and character as well.
To Ride a Silver Broomstick by Silver RavenWolf
This book was written with a younger audience in mind, and covers Wicca in a light
and (some would say) somewhat superficial manner, but it may be a helpful first
book. (I have not read this one, and have found that it has both enthusiastic fans
and equally passionate detractors.)
Llewellyn puts out several valuable annuals such as:
** Witches’ Spell-A-Day Almanac
** Herbal Almanac
** Witches’ Calendar and Witches' Datebook
** Annual Tarot Reader (note: I have an article in the upcoming 2007 edition)
The Sabbats: A Witch's Approach to Living the Old Ways by Edain McCoy
Pagans celebrate the changing of the seasons and the "turning of the Wheel" each
year is marked by 8 Sabbats, each with its own history, meaning and traditions.
This book is a practical guide to these festivals providing fresh ideas on how to
celebrate each Sabbat.
Power of the Witch by Laurie Cabot
This book was written by one of the world's best-known Witches. It is her first and
perhaps best work, offering not only her personal story of becoming a Witch, but a
history of Witchcraft and Goddess cultures, how to use altered states of
consciousness to achieve magical awareness, and the use of Witchcraft as a
science to effect change in your life and the lives of those around you. Also
included are spells from the author's personal collection, and recipes for potions,
and other concoctions.
A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches Handbook by Janet and Stuart Farrar
This reference book (which is geared towards covens rather than solitaries) may be
a little too 'heavy' for beginners, but it contains valuable information.
Buckland's Complete Book Of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland
This is a great reference book, although it lacks depth on the subject of Wiccan
spirituality. Note that it is rather Gardnerian and coven based.
Coven Craft by Amber K
This book is about creating and maintaining a coven -- networking, group
dynamics, the possibilities of incorporation, community service, open rituals
The Witch's Coven: Finding or Forming Your Own Circle by: Edain McCoy
Another book about covens -- what to expect in one, what it takes to start a coven
and get it running, and ways to improve your coven.
Wiccan Magick by Raven Grimassi
This book focuses on the mystery tradition of witchcraft ... like the magical
properties of herbs and crystals and the primal forces that empower ritual magic.
Modern Magick by Donald Michael Kraig
This book is quite voluminous! Quite informative, but not something to easily read
through. Note that it is mainly based on Kabbalistic, ceremonial/high magick.
An Alphabet of Spells, by Elen Hawke
This book provides practical information about spell-crafting, and advice on
magical ethics and safety. This positive little spell book also recognizes an
essential but oft-forgotten tenet of magic — true magic transforms not only your
outer circumstances, but your spirit and character as well.
To Ride a Silver Broomstick by Silver RavenWolf
This book was written with a younger audience in mind, and covers Wicca in a light
and (some would say) somewhat superficial manner, but it may be a helpful first
book. (I have not read this one, and have found that it has both enthusiastic fans
and equally passionate detractors.)
Llewellyn puts out several valuable annuals such as:
** Witches’ Spell-A-Day Almanac
** Herbal Almanac
** Witches’ Calendar and Witches' Datebook
** Annual Tarot Reader (note: I have an article in the upcoming 2007 edition)
The Sabbats: A Witch's Approach to Living the Old Ways by Edain McCoy
Pagans celebrate the changing of the seasons and the "turning of the Wheel" each
year is marked by 8 Sabbats, each with its own history, meaning and traditions.
This book is a practical guide to these festivals providing fresh ideas on how to
celebrate each Sabbat.
Power of the Witch by Laurie Cabot
This book was written by one of the world's best-known Witches. It is her first and
perhaps best work, offering not only her personal story of becoming a Witch, but a
history of Witchcraft and Goddess cultures, how to use altered states of
consciousness to achieve magical awareness, and the use of Witchcraft as a
science to effect change in your life and the lives of those around you. Also
included are spells from the author's personal collection, and recipes for potions,
and other concoctions.
A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches Handbook by Janet and Stuart Farrar
This reference book (which is geared towards covens rather than solitaries) may be
a little too 'heavy' for beginners, but it contains valuable information.
| A FEW MORE BOOKS OF INTEREST: |
The Way of the Shaman by Michael Harner
This is an introduction to Shamanism in general as well as a guide to the art of
shamanic healing.
Psychic Development for Beginners by Bill Hewitt
The author writes: "This book is not about esoteric theories that have no practical
application -- here you'll learn psychic techniques that can be used every day to
solve problems, psychically shield yourself from harm, (and) attain superior
listening and reading comprehension..."
Survival of the Pagan Gods By Jean Seznec
This book is a valuable study of Myth and Symbolism.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This delightful little novel indirectly expresses much of the esoteric beauty of pagan
spirituality. For example, see its interesting discussions of the value of omens.
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