The Witches' Community

Suggested Reading

I know when I started studying the Craft it was hard for me to figure out where to start. What was real? What wasn't? What did I want to believe a real witch did? The following reading list includes books that shined a lot of light on the subject and kept me from losing my mind while trying to dig through fake Christian based ideas on what a witch was and the truth. There are several beginner's books on the list that all talk about the same thing; basics, beliefs, and so on. It is always a good idea to have several types of beginner's books by different authors so you can get each author's take on the subject; that way, you can piece together your own truth. The first thing you will learn in the Craft is that you don't just take one person's opinion and run with it. You make up your own opinion. Question everything, an inquiring mind is an open-mind which is a necessity in the Craft. So let's start my booklist!

Teen Witch: Wicca For a New Generation by Silver Ravenwolf This was the first book I started out on. My mom actually bought it for me despite her fear that I might sacrifice our cat BooBoo in the middle of the night. Once Mom read what Silver had to say she was 100% OK with me studying the Craft. She's even offered to help me in rituals before and rolls her eyes at the other Christians that think I dance naked in the moonlight with devils and demons!

To Ride a Silver Broomstick by Silver Ravenwolf This is the first in a trilogy of books written by Silver for the more mature soul. It goes over some basics and has many exercises for you to practice to strengthen your magick. If you follow all of the exercises the way they are laid out in the book (and give special attention to the parts you feel need work) you'll be ready for the next book.

To Light a Sacred Flame by Silver Ravenwolf This is the second in that trilogy I mentioned. Just like the previous book this one is filled with exercises for you to work at to strengthen your magick. All three of the books in this trilogy have valuable information that I feel everyone can benefit from. Follow the exercises and take in the information and you will be ready for the next book.

To Stir a Magick Cauldrron by Silver Ravenwolf This is the third and last book in the trilogy. This one is also filled with valuable information and wonderful exercises. When you finish with this book you'll be ready for anything!

The Craft:  Witch's Book of Shadows by Dorothy Morrison This is another really good basic book. A note on having several basics, don't get so many of them that you get bored. Once you feel you've gotten a good foundation look for some more advanced books. A big problem I had, in the area I'm in, was that I just didn't have a very rich selection to choose from. I finally got to move on to more advanced things when I turned 18, 3 years after I had begun my studies! Now we have so many options open to us, compared to just a couple of years ago! So try to keep your books entertaining. Bounce between advanced and basics after you have set your foundations and this will help you to stay focused and it will test your basic knowledge as well as your advanced!

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland This is a really good beginner's book as well, especially if you learn better in a textbook format. The chapters are broken up into lessons, i.e. Lesson 1, Lesson 2, etc., and there are quizzes at the end of each lesson to test your understanding of the lesson.

Witch by Fiona Horne This book I believe is an absolute must have for anyone interested in the Craft. Fiona goes through some of the basics but the most important part of this book is her 7 Day Magickal Journey which is designed to help you become a better witch. There are recipes for things such as soaps, toothpastes, and more, and a section that she calls Bitchcraft which goes over curses. She does give a couple of curses at the back of the book but the main reason she has them there is because she believes a balanced witch is a good witch. Yes, you may run around doing good deeds and the like but there are times when you will need to defend yourself and there are times when nothing but a curse will work. So please don't sit back and think "Oh no, Willow is a bad witch because she knows how to work a curse," that is definitely not the case. It's always good to know what's out there and what you may be up against at some point in time.

Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows by Silver Ravenwolf This is exactly what is says it is a book of shadows. It's a compilation of spells, herbal information, and general information you need to make your own spells. It's always good to have several different types of grimoires, books of shadows, and so on because once you start writing your own spells these become powerful and wonderful reference materials.

Green Witchcraft I, II, & III by Ann Moura These are terrific books that explain what Green Witchcraft is and how to utilize it. I haven't read II & III yet but I was really good.

Grimoire For The Green Witch by Ann Moura Is a good reference as well especially if your interests lie in herbalism, natural magick, and so on.

Wicca: A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham This is a terrific book for those of you that love your religion but you don't know how to mix it in with your everyday, mundane, life.

Living Wicca: A Further Guide For The Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham It's exactly what it says it is lol. Terrific read definitely worth your time!

It is important for seekers to understand that there are several different sects of the Craft. In Christianity there are separate sects such as Baptists, Protestants, Catholics, Methodists, Non-Denominational, and so on. The same thing go for Witchcraft. To name only a few there is Dianic Wicca, Gardenarian, Alexandrian, Celtic, and too many more to name! If Wicca by itself isn't everything you want it to be find an area that interests you and learn all you can about it.

If these books don't do it for you don't worry there are millions out there. Look for books by the above authors and D.J. Conway and Laurie Cabot.