Why am I passionate about this?

I have been a witch since I was 21 years old—more than four decades ago! It has been my lifelong passion—you might say it’s my calling. I’ve written twelve books, almost all on witchcraft and related subjects. As a writer and a reader, I am often frustrated by the shoddy quality of books on the subject. It thrills me when really good ones come along. 


I wrote...

The Elements of Ritual

By Deborah Lipp ,

Book cover of The Elements of Ritual

What is my book about?

This book explores the underlying structure of the Wiccan circle: Believe it or not, there is a structure, and understanding…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Witch's Path

Deborah Lipp Why I love this book

Thorn Mooney blows me away because she’s both an academic, studying witchcraft, and a practitioner. She’s also totally accessible. I never feel, reading Thorn, that she’s talking over me; she’s the opposite of stuffy.

Thorn Mooney is one of the best representatives of the new generation of witches, and she knows her stuff!

By Thorn Mooney ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Witch's Path as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Witch's Path is all about taking your witchcraft practice to the next level whether you're a beginner who feels overwhelmed, a disillusioned adept, a jaded coven leader, or anyone in-between. This book shares specific, hands-on tips for what you can do to move forward spiritually today, no matter what your starting point. Author Thorn Mooney explores the most common themes a witch may explore to work their way out of a rut: sacred space, devotion, ritual and magic, personal practice, and community. Each chapter features four separate exercises, organized by element and designed for four different types of readers,…


Book cover of Queen of All Witcheries

Deborah Lipp Why I love this book

I honestly think this is the most important book on witchcraft and Wicca in the past twenty years. It is absolutely groundbreaking. I have been a witch for forty years, and even so, I feel like I learned so much about the Goddess by reading this book; I feel like it changed me.

Almost every book on witchcraft talks about the Goddess, and at last, here she is, knowable in a brand new way. 

By Jack Chanek ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Queen of All Witcheries as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover historical writings and hands-on rituals that show how the Goddess became such an important component in today's Pagan, Witchcraft, and Wiccan practices. Jack Chanek explores the development of her mythology using nine well-known texts written between the 1800s and the 1970s by famous practitioners and historians. He offers insights on The Golden Bough by Sir James George Frazer, The Book of the Law by Aleister Crowley, The White Goddess by Robert Graves, Witchcraft Today by Gerald Brosseau Gardner, and others. By presenting these titles alongside each other, Jack shows how the Goddess movement progressed with each text building upon…


Ad

Book cover of Old Man Country

Old Man Country by Thomas R. Cole,

This book follows the journey of a writer in search of wisdom as he narrates encounters with 12 distinguished American men over 80, including Paul Volcker, the former head of the Federal Reserve, and Denton Cooley, the world’s most famous heart surgeon.

In these and other intimate conversations, the book…

Book cover of The Woman Magician

Deborah Lipp Why I love this book

I don’t think I knew, at least consciously, that magic and witchcraft needed to be revisited from a woman’s perspective until I read this book. It was so influential on my thinking! Williams takes on unspoken assumptions that underlie many of the theology, ritual, and ideas in magic and witchcraft, and she reconsiders ritual in that light.

I love that she is scholarly but explains everything simply and straightforwardly. I love that she cares about the impact of magic and witchcraft on us as human beings. 

By Brandy Williams ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Woman Magician as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"The Woman Magician" is a thought-provoking and bold exploration of the Western magical tradition from a female perspective, celebrating the power of women's spirituality and their vital role in the magical community. Drawing on thirty years of study and personal experience, Brandy Williams reframes magic around women, examining and challenging traditional Western notions of women's bodies, energies, and spiritual needs. She discusses women's roles throughout magic's history, gender issues, and honouring the voice within to live authentically as women and magicians. Part two features personal and group initiatory rituals based on Egyptian cosmology, created by the Sisters of Seshat, the…


Book cover of Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

Deborah Lipp Why I love this book

I pull this book off my shelf all the time. It is so beloved that I might need a new copy; some of those pages look old. This is the oldest book I recommend and the only reference book, but if you’re practicing witchcraft, you need reference books.

I find that the internet can be very helpful for research, but also weirdly unreliable. You just don’t know what you’re getting. But I know I can trust Scott Cunningham, I know he researched every word in his books and that the information is grounded in that research. So when I’m doing a spell and I need an herbal concoction, or I just want inspiration, this book is my go-to.

By Scott Cunningham ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

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.


Ad

Book cover of Old Man Country

Old Man Country by Thomas R. Cole,

This book follows the journey of a writer in search of wisdom as he narrates encounters with 12 distinguished American men over 80, including Paul Volcker, the former head of the Federal Reserve, and Denton Cooley, the world’s most famous heart surgeon.

In these and other intimate conversations, the book…

Book cover of Transformative Witchcraft

Deborah Lipp Why I love this book

This is an amazing and ambitious book. I had it sitting on my shelf for a while before I read it. One day I wanted to look something up, opened to the middle, and got totally sucked in. It’s so thoughtful, I was completely absorbed. Mankey explores ideas about witchcraft that people just don’t discuss.

Despite shelves out there being full of books on the subject, there are so many things people don’t seem to think about. But Jason Mankey is thinking, and that inspires me. I love his willingness to experiment and to talk about witchcraft in a personal way. It’s almost a diary of his own experiences, while at the same time being useful for any reader. I love this book!

By Jason Mankey ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Transformative Witchcraft as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The rites and rituals of Witchcraft are life-changing experiences, but they are also steeped in mystery. Transformative Witchcraft delves into some of the most persistent mysteries of the Craft and provides insightful guidance for raising energy with a Cone of Power; dedications, initiations, and elevations; Drawing Down the Moon; and the Great Rite. Direct experience with the divine and the powerful energies of magick are defining elements of Witchcraft. Filled with powerful personal stories, a fascinating history of modern Wicca and Witchcraft, striking original rituals, and a wealth of tips and techniques, this book provides the beginning or intermediate Witch…


Explore my book 😀

The Elements of Ritual

By Deborah Lipp ,

Book cover of The Elements of Ritual

What is my book about?

This book explores the underlying structure of the Wiccan circle: Believe it or not, there is a structure, and understanding it better will make your circles more effective and satisfying. 

This book is for those who already know the basics; it brings more detail and background to each step. The circle is explored theologically, mythically, mystically, and pragmatically. While other books provide instructions for witchcraft and Wicca, this book breaks down the details of how and why. Its detailed, accessible approach has made it a classic for over 20 years, with a brand new, updated edition now available. 

Book cover of The Witch's Path
Book cover of Queen of All Witcheries
Book cover of The Woman Magician

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in witchcraft, occult, and goddess?

Witchcraft 364 books
Occult 103 books
Goddess 27 books