I started studying and practicing Witchcraft in high school. It was an honor to become trained in the Georgian tradition of Wicca by its founding Priestess, Zanoni Silverknife. From there, I branched out to study other branches of Western Paganism as well as metaphysical and mystical systems ranging from Hermeticism, Tarot, and esoteric Qabalah (Kabbalah) to traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Over 20 years and 10 traditionally published books later, I’m as Witchy as ever and am thrilled to share a list of essential books that aided in my early development as a Neopagan Witch. Enjoy!
There’s no doubt about it: this is an incredible “forever book” for Witches of all ages. This compendium has guided every single one of my Witchy years from teenagehood onward, and I still discover something new with every read. Drawing on the Irish authors’ training in Alexandrian Wicca, which developed shortly after Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente developed the Wiccan religion itself, this book journeys across cultures, traditions, and magickal practices, both old and new.
Although the book is a product of the 70s, it was incredibly progressive back then and certainly continues to be. Also, keep in mind that the terms Wicca and Witchcraft, in a Western Pagan context, were synonymous at the time. I find this book’s information (and accompanying photographs throughout) both timeless and perpetually invaluable!
This collection includes two books in one volume, Eight Sabbats for Witches and The Witches' Way and is the most comprehensive and revealing work on the principles, rituals and beliefs of modern witchcraft.
This is a brilliant scholarly examination of the Neopagan movement. What differentiates this book from other Witchy titles is that, although Ms. Adler was, in fact, a Pagan herself, this is not a “how-to” book. Instead, the author uses her background in anthropology, journalism, and historical academia to offer much-needed perspectives.
I was fortunate to have met the author at a large Neopagan convention called PantheaCon back in 2008, where I expressed profound gratitude for this book and for her poignant journalism. Not only was she an incredible journalist for NPR (National Public Radio), but her book was imperative in my early years of realizing and recognizing myself as a natural Witch. During my early Pagan studies, this book helped offer me a well-rounded approach to the Craft, even having influenced my future calling to pursue a degree in cultural anthropology!
The essential text and classic study of Neo-Paganism
Since its original publication, Drawing Down the Moon continues to be the only detailed history of the burgeoning but still widely misunderstood Neo- Pagan subculture. Margot Adler attended ritual gatherings and interviewed a diverse, colorful gallery of people across the United States, people who find inspiration in ancient deities, nature, myth, even science fiction.
In this edition, featuring an updated resource guide of newsletters, journals, books, groups, and festivals, Margot Adler takes a fascinating and honest look at the religious experiences, beliefs, and lifestyles of modern America's Pagan groups.
A modern Witch should never be without this book! This was the first-ever published encyclopedic reference of herbs, trees, and flora in an exclusively magickal context. The author researched herbal folklore and cross-cultural histories far-and-wide to discover this glorious list of classic esoteric correspondences and practices. I continue to find the book useful, practical, and educational.
The historical uses of the herbs presented in the encyclopedia are fascinating, and many of them are downright hilarious! That aside, I love this book because it’s filled with practical information and correspondences for modern magickal practitioners of all varieties. If I had to pick only three books about magickal herbalism, it would easily be this one, alongside The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl and Hoodoo Herb & Root Magic by Catherine Yronwode. We Witchy types need our reference books, and this one is hugely important!
Expanded and revised, this comprehensive guide features magical uses of over 400 herbs and plants from all parts of the world. With over 500,000 copies in print, this reference book is a must for all who perform natural magic. It features illustrations for easy identification of every herb, in addition to common names, use, and rulership.
Nothing compares to this book when it comes to esoteric wisdom of the animal kingdom. Animals are all around us and can appear in various forms: physically (often as familiars), in dreams (often as omens), and by way of synchronicity, such as finding feathers, bones, or carcasses. The world of Witchcraft has always been tied to the animal realm because animals are living extensions of Mother Nature herself.
Being a metaphysical encyclopedia about animal medicine, this is where it’s at! Its faunal associations were compiled from both Indigenous wisdom and modern interpretations, spanning time and culture, to craft this rightfully best-selling gem. Although the amazing author was both Native American and a practicing occultist, I love the fact that this book is not written exclusively for Witches. The accessibility of this book is remarkable and is a lifelong asset for Pagans and mystical folks of all stripes.
Open your heart and mind to the wisdom of the animal world.
Animal Speak provides techniques for recognizing and interpreting the signs and omens of nature. Meet and work with animals as totems and spirit guides by learning the language of their behaviors within the physical world.
Animal Speak shows you how to:
Identify, meet, and attune to your spirit animals
Discover the power and spiritual significance of more than 100 different animals, birds, insects, and reptiles
Call upon the protective powers of your animal totem
Create and use five magical animal rites, including shapeshifting and sacred dance
This book is, hands-down, one of my top “Stranded on a Desert Island” books. Why? Let me count the ways! For one, the author himself is a walking encyclopedia—trust me, I’ve spent time with him! John-Michael is also a practicing Druid and is a member of various occult orders and fraternal lodges. Basically, he’s a genius.
I adore this monumental book’s approachability and depth of knowledge. The information is academic but easy to read. Regardless of a person’s mystical, metaphysical, or occult leanings, there’s a rabbit hole of wisdom waiting to be uncovered. The investigation of one topic quickly leads to another. In fact, I’ve found myself (on numerous occasions) researching one occult term, only to realize that hours had passed; studying one fascinating entry led to another, and another, and another!
This is an indispensable book for spiritual seekers of all ages and all varieties. Without question, I’ll continue to utilize this phenomenal resource for the rest of my life!
With this one text, you will gain a thorough overview of the history and current state of the occult from a variety of Western European and North American traditions. Its pages offer the essential knowledge you need to make sense of the occult, along with references for further reading if you want to learn more. You will find here the whole range of occult tradition, lore, history, philosophy, and practice in the Western world.
My book is the follow-up to the bestselling Goth Craft and is the predecessor of the Gothic Witch’s Oracle deck. Originally published in 2008, the revised and expanded 15th-anniversary edition is filled to the brim with bits of lore, history, meditations, and exercises that the Witch can employ to embrace their own inner darkness. Shadow work is a necessary part of any legitimate spiritual path.
The book covers topics such as occult ethics, the nature of darkness, the issue of cursing, navigating the internal shadow, mysticism, fasting, drug use, divination, working with dark emotions, dark plant and animal allies, shamanic soul retrieval, flying ointments, spirit cleansing, dark moons, the magick of autumn, blood magick, death energy, necromancy, and much more.
