Those who have many years experience in witchcraft....?

Question

What books would you recommend to someone who wants to learn more about it?

I have been looking into different religions, practices, and philosophies and am interested in learning about witchcraft. I am in no hurry to choose a path as I want to make sure I choose the one that is right for me. Thanks!

(BTW - I put this here because I noticed that a lot of people seem to ask about witchcraft in M&F)

Answer 1

"Real Magic" by Issac Bonewits.  

"Witchcraft: An Alternative Path" by Ann Moura

"Witchcrafting: A Spiritual Guide To Making Magic" by Phyllis Curott  

Answer 2

Cool! There are a great deal of magical practices in this world. Most religions have their traditions of magical arts. Such as the laying on of hands to heal and speaking in unknown tongues done by the Christians  to the intellectual rituals of Judaism who abolish demons and call angels. There are also Hindu mystics that are known for the manifestation of various objects out of thin air as well as the Buddhist Yoga levitation.I however suggest that you start by trying to develop your own psychic abilities. Peace&Love be with you...~M~Folklorist/Good Witch

Answer 3

Your best bet would be to find some one who is a mature and experienced Witch, and get his/her recommendations. That way you have a person you can go to with questions.

Failing that you can check out the book lists at Witchvox.com

Answer 4

Witchcraft is not a religion in itself, but rather a practice. Wicca is what most people are thinking when they say witchcraft. In Wicca, you can choose whether or not you want to practice witchcraft, though most do. Here's some helpful starter books:

"When, Why...If" by Robin Wood

"A Witch Alone" by Marian Green

"Before You Cast a Spell" by Carl McColman

"21st Century Wicca" by Jennifer Hunter

Hopefully these will help. :) It's a religion in which one is free to choose their own path and requires much education. You can be solitary, practice in a coven, and connect with your patron God/Goddess of choice. Enjoy your research!

Answer 5

I recommend Scott Cunningham's Wicca; a guide for the solitary practitioner. Easy to understand,and well written.

Please stay away from Silver RavenWolf. She has poor scholarship, shoddy ethics, and a persecution complex , even with other Wiccans

Answer 6

There is a very wide range of subject matter involved with witchcraft in general, as well as varying forms of the wiccan religion... you may be studying for quite a while! There are so many good books to choose from, and some not so good. I know her books are very popular among new, young seekers of witchcraft and wicca, but I would encourage you to stay away from Silver Ravenwolf books if you're a serious scholar. Her research is shoddy, at best... and that's being kind. Although, as you become more knowledgeable on the subject, I do find value in reading most any book, even the bad ones. It gives a base of comparison for the really good ones.

Off the top of my head, I would recommend:

Marian Green -- A Witch Alone

Margot Adler -- Drawing Down the Moon

Scott Cunningham -- Wicca: A Guide to the Solitary Practitioner

Scott Cunningham -- Incense, Oils, and Brews

Scott Cunningham -- Earth, Air, Fire, and Water

Ronald Hutton -- The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft

Dorothy Morrison -- In Praise of the Crone

Dorothy Morrison -- Everyday Magic

Ann Moura -- Witchcraft: An alternative path

Clarissa Pinkola Estes -- Women Who Run With the Wolves

Amber K -- True Magick

Doreen Valiente -- Natural Magic

Starhawk -- The Spiral Dance

Starhawk -- Dreaming the Dark

Starhawk -- Truth or Dare

Ellen Cannon Reed -- The Heart of Wicca

Phyllis Curott -- Witchcrafting: A Spiritual Guide To Making Magic

Christopher Penczak -- The Inner Temple of Witchcraft

... but there are many, many more! I would also recommend checking out www.Witchvox.com for more book lists, reviews and information.

Good luck and enjoy your journey of discovery!

Answer 7

I am a practicing witch and am so very impressed with your question. The Craft really covers such a wide range of study. It's important that you focus on the area(s) you feel drawn to.  Healing? Reiki or herbal? Divination? Tarot, pendulums, scrying? I would definitely do some research on witchvox to see if there are any reputable teachers in your area. If not, there are some very well known and adept witches that hold workshops around the country. There are series of books that are written as step by step courses into the Craft and have the advantage of learning at your own pace. I would suggest Christopher Penczak, beginning with "The Inner Temple of Witchcraft".

Answer 8

As some of the others have mentioned, witchcraft is a practice but not a religion.  Most of the books you'll encounter will be geared toward the Wiccan religion.  Witchvox.com has book reviews you may be interested in reading.  There are thousands of books available, some are naturally better than others.  I've yet to read a book that didn't offer either useable information or at least a different perspective.  I've also never read a book that I've agreed with everything the author wrote.  BTW, I tend to read books that others say to avoid just to see what the fuss is all about.  I'm with Gianni on The Inner Temple of Witchcraft by Chris Penczak.  

Answer 9

The Spiral Dance- By Starhawk

Wicca For the Solitary Practitioner- by Scott Cunningham

The Great Cosmic Mother- by Monica Sjoo

When God was a Woman- by Merlin Stone

Mother Earth Spirituality- by Ed McGaa

These are just a few of my personal favorites, but you will get a long list here as everyone has their own views and favs. Read as much as you can get your hands own, even the stuff they tell you not to, just so you know WHY everyone doesn't really recommend them and be prepared to continue to read from here on out. I have been doing this for 24 years now and I still pick up a new book that catches my eye when I can. We are constantly evolving and growing as a community. It's been an interesting ride so far. I am curious myself to see where we are heading in the years to come. Good luck and blessings in your search.

Answer 10

Drawing Down The Moon by Margot Adler and Book of Pagan Prayers by Ceisiwr Serith. Both books are very good.