BOOK LIST

Title: Power of the Witch
Subtitle: A Witches guide to her craft.
Author: Laurie Cabot with Tom Cowan
Details: 1989, Penguin Books (Arkana Books). ISBN 0-14-019368-5

"Persecuted through the ages, feared and much misunderstood, Witches are the joyful keepers of the Earth, dynamic seers and seekers of a higher consciousness."

"Eager to dispel the myths surrounding her faith, Laurie Cabot, a practising Witch for over forty years, invites the reader into the enchanting world of the Wicca . Exploring the history and science of her faith and its powerful roots in feminine mythology, she breaks with the secretive tradition of the 'Craft' to share the magic in her Witch's Book of Shadows. Here, in fascinating detail, she describes the techniques and rituals involved in charging tools such as wands and crystals, brewing magical potions of herbs and plants, creating powerful recipes to protect friends and family from harm and casting vigorous, tantalizing spells to attract health, prosperity and love."

"This is a book that is destined to have notable social impact. Cunningham has presented a complete system for the solitary practitioner. It integrates both the magical arts and the religious aspects of Wicca into a harmonious whole. The book is user-friendly, with an easy writing style and rituals that are usable and practical."

"It makes Wicca accessible to the many hundreds of thousands of individuals who would naturally be drawn to it, but who have no means of contacting or joining a coven."

"Wicca is an excellent book, a top-notch primer for beginning students, providing a solid grounding in Craft philosophy, yet his invocations are very meaningful and poetic. Scott teaches the student how to achieve a magical rapport with the life-energy of the Universe."

Here are some of the books in my library. The reviews are mine, and I take responsiblity for the opinions put forth in them. Short quotes from the books are occasionally included, as are lists of the chapter headings where appropriate.

This book was a true pleasure to read. I found myself linked with the past, and with other indegenous religions, through the simplicity of it’s presentation of natural earth connections. Rhiannon Ryall, a hereditary Witch, gives a written account of the practices of Pre-Gardnerian Wicca in the West Country of England. Being married to a West Country Englishman, and having our wedding held on the farm of his parents, in their 450+ year old home, I was drawn to the book, and found it true to the people, the land, and customs I married into. Ryall gives insight and meaning to the rituals that have been handed down for generations. Humans linked to the seasons and the earth - as the ebb and flow of life blood, this is the definition of farming as a way of life. This book connected me to that feeling, and those people.

This was THE book that introduced me to Wicca, and the concept of earth religion. It was the book that made my heart sing with recognition for my lost self. It is a simple book, very well written, and I highly reccomend it as the starting point for those who have no experience (or very little) with the basics of Wicca. It includes information about the cycles and holidays of the year, a simple book of shadows, and lots of philosophical information. Excellent!

As the title says, it is the continuation of the first book “Wicca - A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner.” This book took me from my thoughts of Wicca as a nice idea, and the direction I knew my life would take - and brought me into the actual practice of Wicca. All the basic technical stuff is in here. How to create a ritual, magick, everyday practices, beliefs, rules, symbols, teaching, prayers & chants, etc, etc. These two books could really get you started off!

This is not Wicca or Witchcraft - it is a concise outline of folk magick -the magick of common people. It is not a book of rituals as such, but of spells and everyday work with the engergies of the earth itself. Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Stone, Tree, Image, Knot, Candle, Wax, Mirror, Rain, Fog, Storm, Sea, Color, Rune, and Herb Magick. A very useful book. Also see “Earth, Air, Fire and Water: More Techniques of Earth Magic,” which is part II of this work.

This book teaches you to bring out the magic that is in your personal world. It requires nothing more than the book itself, and what is already in your home. There are spells for prosperity, love and health. There are simple rituals to help purify the home and safeguard its occupants. Magic can be more than just something you occasionally do - it can be part of your life 24 - 7! You will learn magic for the kitchen: alchemy. You will learn magic for the bedroom: prophetic dreams, nocturnal healings, love attraction. You will learn magic with furniture, the woodwork, the windows, and even how your beloved pets can magically improve your life.

Recipes for making 125 magical incenses, 60 magical oils, 10 magical brews, 15 magical ointments, 15 magical herb baths, 15 magical sachets, 8 magical inks, etc. These recipes come primarily from European sources, but some are original, some from very old manuscripts, some passed down from teachers, and some are indeed ancient. A very good reference work to keep on hand.

The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews
(different from “The Magic of Incense, Oils & Brews - as reviewed above)
Magical Herbalism
Magical Aromatherapy: The Power of Scent
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Foods
The Magic of Food
Spell Craft: A Guide to the Magical Arts
The Truth About Witchcraft Today
The Oldest Spells: Sumerian and Babylonian Magic
Earth, Air, Fire and Water: More Techniques of Earth Magic
And On Video: Herb Magic

The author has endeavored to create a work that presents yet another view of the religion of Wicca for those solitaries and budding covens who are searching for additional sources and viewpoints on the craft. It provides a working base, to provide a starting point. In this way both the learned, and novice witch is equipped to write his or her own rituals, spells, and celebrations. This book presents a grounding knowledge from which to work. The author states: “Only thorugh the passing of knowledge can we hope to achieve the unity that is required to fix this planet. Pagans, whatever tradition they follow, are the ones to show by example.” The contents include chapters on: Coming to Wicca, The Witch at Work, Of Ritual and Spell, Your Book of Shadows, Time Away from Ritual, The “Spooky” Side of Wicca, The Witch Each Day, The Sabbats, etc.

This is a great reference and guide for creating rituals. Chapters include:
Ritual and the Unconscious, A Shopping List for Ritual Construction, What’s Different About a Ritual?, The 8 Steps of Ritual Building, Applying Your Skills and Knowledge, Through the Looking Glass, Be Careful What You Invoke, The Greatest Ritual of All Is Called Life!, Diana’s Bow Ritual Set, Installation of a High Priestess Ritual.

This publication is published annually for the each year. There is a page for each day, and room to write impressions, etc. Each day’s page also includes: A seasonal focus (e.g. “Brooks run free and buds appear” for a day in spring), A daily meditation, The blessing, An opening, The phase of the moon, The position of the sun, etc. Also included in the book are readings at each turning of the season, philosophy, the solar and lunar cycles, the wheel of the seasons, spiritual practice, the quarters and cross quarters of the year - including celebrations. A helpful book to get you through the year without forgetting the cycles of the year, the esbats or sabbats.

How the cycles of the moon affect us, and how to successfully ride their tides of power. Includes dozens of ways to work with the moon constructively channel energy instead of expending it uselessly. Also includes a month by month guide to the various dieties, their days of power, and notes about the culture they came from. An excellent guide.

This is one of the best books on the subject I have come across, despite its “corny” cover art. It is broken down into 4 sections, each with 5 or 6 chapters. The sections are: 1 - Background Shadows, 2 - Building Shadows, 3 - Performing Shadows, 4 - Challenging Shadows. For me this book was a real “Witchcraft -101” course. Each chapter has suggested further reading, quiz questions, note taking suggestions for developing your own book of shadows, suggestions on how to keep useful records of your efforts, etc. The appendix includes A Guide to Pagan Newsletters and Other Services. It is very well written and organized. A marvelous course of study, and a valuable reference work. I highly reccommend it.

This is the follow up book to “To Ride a Silver Broomstick” reviewed above. More practical information, same great writing and organization. Includes “homework” assignments - called “Your Work” organized by project. Basic outlines for rituals, sabbats, esbats, and other more detailed specific rites. An excellent book that I have not yet finished reading myself. Nine chapters: Conjuring Your Courage, Conjuring Your Sacred Space, Conjuring Laughter, Focus, Triggers, and Salutes, Conjuring the Mechanics of the Quarters, Casting Circles, Conjuring Power and the Aspects of Divinity, Conjuring Minor ad Major Magicks, Conjuring by Circumstance, Conjuring Your Inner Self. The appendix includes “A Wicca 101 Test - Take it if you dare”. Lots of suggested reading lists. Lots of great stuff!

This book is a collection of letters written by an experienced solitary wiccan to two novice solitaries. The book takes you through a year cycle. Each holiday and season. It also brings you through the first year of dedication to the craft, leading up to self initiation one year and one day later, Imbolog to Imbolog. It teaches the old tradition, that of the solitary “hedge” witch. This is rather like the old-time village wisewoman or wiseman: one who ‘knows’ and worships the Goddess and her consort, the Horned God; one who practices spellcraft for the purposes of healing, and teaches the mysteries. It comes from England, and has that ‘flavour.’ I consider it a valuable addition to my library because of its slightly different perspective to that of American Wicca. There seems to be much more respect for tradition and a sense of connection to history than we have here. It is a gentle and loving little book.

This book is a classic tribute to the ‘holyest erthe in Englande.’ A delight for those who are drawn to ‘Keltic’ traditions, and Glastonbury of yesterday - and of today. It puts it all together: the grail & the chalice, Avalon and Atlantis, Merlin & Arthur, Wearyall hill, the holy thorn, etc. I have been to Glastonbury many times, at all times of the year. This book is one of the best accounts of the true magic of Glastonbury I have read.

This book, although targeted at women, is a brilliant gift of light to anyone drawn to the Native American forms of Spirituality and Magical Work. The 26 chapters include: Honoring the Circle, Honoring Our Elders, Honoring Our Children, Making Music, The Making of Prayers and Prayer Bundles, Ritual Cleansing, Dancing the Dance-Life as a Ritual Performance, Physical Prowess-A Sacred Act, The Making of Alters, Creating Sacred Space, Rituals of Prophecy, Dreaming Awake and Sleeping, Rituals of Respect-Honoring All Our Relations, Rituals of Passage, Ceremonial Objects, Women-The Moon-And Power, The Fire Woman, Women’s Healing Circles, Women As Warriors, The Making of Personal Medicine, The Medicine Wheel Walk, Story Telling, Entertainment as High Medicine, Earth Etiquette, etc. This book is the most charming of the Native American tradition books I have come across. Reading this had me wanting to build a sweat lodge in my back yard! It all seems very do-able, and I have incorporated many parts of it into my life. It is delightfully natural and obviously comes directly from the heart.

Although this book is not about Wicca, Witchcraft, or Magic - it is the best book I have come across about herbal healing. It is well organized, concise and informitive. Since many of us consider ourselves natural healers as part of being Wiccan, I decided to include this book in my listing. I highly recommend it.

Xina:

Some really great books that I would like to see on the Reading List are:

"A Wiccan Bardo" by Paul V, Beyerl
"Master Book of Herbalism" by Paul V. Beyerl
"To Stir a Magick Cauldron" by Silver Ravenwolf
"Invocation of the Gods" by Ellen Cannon Reed.
"Witches Heal" by Billie Potts
"Planetary Herbology" by Michael Tiarra

*All Women Are Healers by Diane Stein :

A practical, down-to-earth description of different healing "schools" and a healthy de-dramatizing of the many new age-thecniques that so many make business of today, but actually are old knowledge that everyone has a birthright to practice, should they be naturally drawn to them (as long as taking responsibility)... very relieving for all us witches who have always been, just not calling ourselves that...! A good historical perspective on women´s natural practices.

A very practical book, in which I believe every woman will find herself, and learn a lot more about the different aspects of womanhood, that steer us towards certain types of activities, experiences and relationships, using ancient mythological goddesses as psychological examples to find strength and recognition and guidance from. This book can really help any woman understand why her life looks as it does, and to feel that all differences are special powers and strengths to be used for great benefit to all, once recognized. Contains a practical test to find your own profile and advice on how to handle your unique inner goddess type (especially good for witches, to get in touch with the persephone aspect and communicate with her in magical work). There is a male version on this, but I don´t know the book title on that one - ask the bookstore.

Also very practical advice on how to live in harmony with nature and the spirits, practices to follow, based on Native American wisdom and ways, now open for others also. Talks about the Goddess calling from a native perspective, and Rainbow Medicine, which is peace and community through all races and cultures around Mother Earth.

A great help for the one who opens very suddenly and perhaps dramatically to spirits and non-physical-realms and worlds, and need help in dealing with opening and shutting the psychic doors at own control - and soothing fears of "going crazy" if it happens, wich is not unusual when one begins using Magic and Wicca, perhaps not knowing beforehand how open or sensitive one is...

"To Ride A SilverBroomstick" Silver Ravenwolf
"To Stir a Magick Cauldron" Silver Ravenwolf
"The Sabbats" (Edain McCoy, I think)
"Moon Magick" DJ Conway
"Circle of the Cosmic Muse: A Wiccan Book of Shadows" Mary Kay Simms

Lynn V. Andrews

Janet & Stewart Farrar, specifically Eight Sabbats for Witches.

There is however a book that I feel is worthy of being here that you have not mentioned.

Title: The Way of Wyrd
Subtitle: Tales of An AnglO-Saxon Sorcerer
Author: Brian Bates
Publisher: Arrow Books Limited, 62-65 Chandos Place, London. WC2N. 4NW.

For some strange reason this book goes under the category of science fiction (its set in the past) and the copy I have was published by Arrow publications in London. My copy is from 1986. I don't know if there is a later reprint. Although the book tells the compelling story of a sorcerer and his apprentice it is not strictly a work of fiction, for the mission, historical settings, sequence of events, details of the teachings - even the teacher Wulf, the sorcerer - are reconstructed from research evidence.

The story is as follows:

Wat Brand is a christian monk who is chosen to go into the depths of pagan England to convert the poor souls to christianity. He is promised a guide on his journey :) What he doesn't know is that the guide is an Angle-Saxon sorcerer. The sorcerer, Wulf, takes Brand on a journey of discovery and instruction, teaching him the lore of runes, plants, fate and life force, until finally he journeys to the spirit world on a quest to encounter the true nature of his soul.

Here are some of the things that were said about the book:

"A compelling read ... the kind of book that I could not put down." Magnus Magnusson.
"Full of important and fascinating ideas." Colin Wilson.
"As a way of sychological and spiritual exploration it offers not just uncanny similarities with some of our present thinking but notions which we seem only now to be rediscovering." The Guardian (English Newspaper).

I hope more people read this book it is truly worth it.

Booklist omissions:

**authors**
Donald Tyson
Arthur Waite
Laurie Cabot

**titles**
"The Kybalion" by three initiates
"The Tao of Physics" Fritja Capra
"How to Tap into Your Own Genius" by Tom Cowan

Hey! Just a note, but Druids by Morgan LLwylen is an excellent historical fiction book of interest to Wiccans. The author did a lot of personal research to make the book accurate, as shown by his biliography. I feel it and maybe even some of his other books such as Bard, deserve to be included in your list.

Alder, M: Drawing Down the Moon
Andrews, Lynn V.: All titles by this author
Bonewitz, I.: Real Magic
Buckland, R.: All titles by this author including:
Buckland, R.: The Complete Book of Witchcraft
Buckland, R.: Practical Candle Burning
Buckland, R.: Practical Color Magick
Buckland, R.: Witchcraft: Yesterday & Today (Video)
Budapest, Z.: The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries
Budge, E. A.W.: All titles by this author
Campbell, J.: All Titles by this author
Campanelli, P.: The Wheel of the Year
Connolly, E.: Tarot: A New Handbook for the Apprentice
Conway, D.: Magic: An Occult Primer
Crowley, A.: Book IV
Crowley, A.: The Book of the Law
Crowley, A.: Diary of a Drug Fiend
Crowley, A.: Magick: In Theory and Practice
Crowley, A.: Magick Without Tears
Crowley, A.: Moonchild
Culpepper, N.: Herbal
Cunningham, S.: All titles by this author including:
Cunningham, S.: Herb Magic (Video)
Cunningham, S.: The Truth About Witchcraft Today
Cunningham, S.: Wica: A Solitary Guide
de Beauvoir, S.: The Second Sex
Farrar, S. & J.: All titles by these authors including:
Farrar, S. & J.: What Witches Do
Fortune, D.: All titles by this author including;
Fortune, D.: The Mystical Qabalah
Fortune, D.: Psychic Self-Defense
Frazer, J. G.: The Golden Bough
Gardner, G.: The Meaning of Witchcraft
Gardner, G.: Witchcraft Today
Gawain, S.: Creative Visualisation
Glass, J.: Witchcraft, the Sixth Sense
Graves, R.: All titles by this author including:
Graves, R.: The White Goddess
Guest, C. (trans): The Mabinogion
Gurdjieff, G.: All title by this author
Harding, E.: Woman's Mysteries
Harrison, M.: The Roots of Witchcraft
Haskins, J.: Voodoo & Hoodoo
Hollander, L.(trans): The Poetic Edda
Huson, P.: Mastering Witchcraft
Hyatt, C.: Secrets of Western Tantra
Jung, C. G.: Man & His Symbols
Kraig, D.M.: Modern Magick
Kramer, N. & Wolkstein, D.: Inanna
Lady Rhea: The Enchanted Candle
Leek, S.: Diary of a Witch
Leek, S.: The Complete Art of Witchcraft
Leland, G.: Aradia
Lethbridge, T. C.: Witches
Luhrmann, T. M.: Persuasion of the Witch's Craft
Mariechild, D.: Mother Wit
Martello, L: All titles by this author including:
Martello, L: Witchcraft The Old Religion
Massey, G.: All titles by this author
Meyers, J.: The Herbalist
Michelet, J.: Satanism and Witchcraft
Murray, M.: The God of the Witches
Neumann, E.: The Great Mother
Noble, V.: Motherpeace
Regardie, F. I.: Garden of Pomegranates
Regardie, F. I.: Golden Dawn
Regardie, F. I.: Golden Dawn Tapes
Regardie, F. I.: Healing Energy, Prayer and Relaxation
Regardie, F. I.: Middle Pillar
Regardie, F. I.: The Tree of Life
Robinson, J. M. (ed.): The Nag Hammadi Library
Sanders, A.: Lectures
Skinner, S. & King, F.: The Techniques of High Magic
Slater, H.: A Book of Pagan Rituals
Slater, H.: Magickal Formulary I
Slater, H.: Magickal Formulary II
Smith, S.: Wylundt's Book of Incense
Starhawk: Dreaming in the Dark
Starhawk: The Spiral Dance
Starhawk: Truth or Dare
Stewart, M.: The Crystal Cave
Stewart, M.: The Hollow Hills
Taylor, T.: All titles by this author
Teish, L.: Jambalaya
Thompson, P.: Secret Life of Plants
Valiente, D.: All titles by this author incuding
Valiente, D.: Where Witchcraft Lives
Valiente, D.: Witchcraft for Tomorrow
Walker, B.: All titles by this author
Weinstein, M.: Earth Magic
Weinstein, M.: Positive Magic
Whippler, M. G.: Book of Spells and Ceremonies
Whippler, M. G.: All titles by this author on Santeria

If there are any books you have read that are listed and you recommend or others that you feel are inappropriate, any books you feel are omitted and need including please e-mail me and I shall include them. If you have read any of these books and have a short summary or report please feel free to submit for others perusal. Thank you in advance. - Yemanja

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Click to email Yemanja, all comments Welcome... I'm not sure I mean that.

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Last Update: 27th November, 1997
Created: 1995