Being stuck at home through the pandemic has been stressful for everyone, but one of the best ways I’ve spent my time has been reading and learning. As a result, I thought it would be the perfect time to share a few of my favorite books about witchcraft.
There are a plethora of amazing books out there – and plenty that I haven’t read yet. These books are just a few of the ones I’ve read and often recommend!
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Classic Witchcraft Books
Firstly, there are a few books that are staples in the community. Oftentimes, these books are held in high regard. And I think it’s important to learn from some prolific authors who impacted our modern craft. Not only to learn from but also to see how far we’ve come and the ideas that shaped the craft.
1. “Wicca a Guide For the Solitary Practitioner” by Scott Cunningham
Cunningham’s book is one of the most highly recommended books about Wicca that I know of. Beyond that, Cunningham wrote dozens of books about Wicca and natural magick. In fact, his works were very influential in the field of natural magick.
Personally, I have several books by Cunningham, including his encyclopedia of magical herbs, which I regularly consult when using herbs in my craft!
One of my favorite things about Wicca a Guide for the Solitary Practitioner and Cunningham in general is his simplicity. It’s easy to see that he knew his craft and beliefs. But he also explained Wicca in a way that felt down-to-earth and real. I never felt overwhelmed by the wisdom of his writing.
Cunningham shows us how simple our spirituality and magick are. Truly, he revealed a path that anyone could follow.
Everyone interested in Wicca should read this book – for beginners, it’s a great introduction and a beautiful reminder to all of us that magick and faith don’t need to feel complicated.
Most of all, Scott Cunningham made it clear that you can take part in a “joyous religion springing from our kinship with nature.”
For Wiccans of all experience levels, this book really brings you to the care of what Wicca is all about. If you haven’t read it, why not give it a try?
2. “Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft” by Raymond Buckland
Notable Wiccan author Raymond Buckland studied under Gerald Gardner, whom most view as the father of Wicca. But it’s through Buckland that Wicca found its rise to popularity in the U.S.
Where Cunningham’s book appears small and simple, ‘Uncle Bucky’s Big Blue Book’ lives up to the name by size alone.
One of my favorite aspects of Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft is that it’s a workbook! At the end of each chapter is a full self-exam of the lesson where you can test how much you learned. By working through the self-exams,, I found it a great way to journal about what I’d learned in my Book of Shadows.
According to Buckland, studying the entire book is equivalent to studying to be a 3rd degree Wiccan in a traditional coven format.
Certainly, this book is a long read. But it’s definitely not one to rush through. I believe it’s an excellent resource for learning about more traditional forms of Wicca.
Although I myself am not Wiccan, I learned a lot through this book. Both things to incorporate in my practice as well as important knowledge about how others practice.
If you want to build a solid foundation for your practice as a Wiccan, it’s a valuable book. As with most things, you don’t have to fully adhere to its teachings though.
3. “The Spiral Dance” by Starhawk
The Spiral Dance is a wonderful and inspiring book about Witchcraft that reads quite differently than many other books I’ve read. Starhawk’s voice as a writer was personal and authentic, captivating me while reading.
Prior to reading the book, I’d only heard bits and pieces, and it sounded like it was heavily feminist writing with a sole focus on the goddess approach to the craft. Honestly, while I welcome this idea and have no issue with it, I was nervous that I wouldn’t find it as valuable as others. Not only as a gay man but also because I’ve read books on the craft that claimed to be feminist and liberating but turned out to be homophobic and claim men aren’t capable of magick…
Luckily, when I read The Spiral Dance, Starhawk showed a great perspective on the goddess and god. Most of all, her commentary on equality and the need for us to recognize the divine’s masculine and feminine within ourselves really resonated with me.
Frankly, many of Starhawk’s ideas capture what I believe is the core of my own spirituality, “The Spiral Dance” revitalized my own practice and truly shows how spirituality is a celebration of all facets of life. The feminist approach to the craft is a key part of its liberating powers as a spiritual practice.
Likewise, that liberation is something we can all experience. It’s necessary to honor the feminine in our lives. “The Spiral Dance” touches on the toxicity of the patriarchy and shows how the loss of Goddess worship created an imbalance. Witches of all genders are invited to experience freedom and personal authority through the craft; Starhawk celebrates this in her book.
Current Books for Beginners
4. “Wicca” by Harmony Nice
If you haven’t heard of Harmony Nice, I suggest you check out her YouTube Channel! Harmony’s videos were one of my earliest resources for learning about Wicca and Witchcraft.
Moreover, Harmony Nice recommended Cunningham’s book in one of her videos, which is why I ended up reading it. In fact, in the best of ways, her book reads much like his – she shares a very beautiful and comprehensive perspective of her Wiccan beliefs.
Uniquely, Harmony’s modern guide touches on mental health, self-care, and social media and how they influence our spiritual experience. Harmony shares her experiences with Wicca in an authentic, relatable, and comforting way.
Harmony Nice covers many of the core aspects of Wicca as well as giving advice on getting started, even practicing in secret. It’s a unique and special book that I think many young Wiccans, witches, and pagans can find great value in.
Simply put, Wicca by Harmony Nice evokes the same beauty, love, and simplicity in her teachings that Cunningham did. And it’s a great introduction to modern Wicca.
5. “The Modern Guide to Witchcraft” by Skye Alexander
At first glance, this book may seem like another “Basic Witches” and isn’t about actual witchcraft. But that’s not the case! In fact, this book is a great resource with valuable information in a concise, easy-to-read format.
Most of all, I appreciate that the book distinguishes that Wicca and Witchcraft aren’t the same. When I first read this book, I enjoyed it; I think it’s a great resource for anyone looking to get started.
On its own, The Modern Guide to Witchcraft gives you plenty to work with. However, it’s also part of its own line of books. Other books in the series cover different aspects of the craft, such as The Book of Shadows and Wheel of the Year!
If you’re curious about Wicca or Witchcraft, it’s a great way to get started with the craft, especially if you want to start practicing magick.
My Personal Favorite Books
6. “Witchcrafting” by Phyllis Curott
Honestly, I’m not sure how this book became part of my witchcraft reading list. But I’m glad I read it. Overall, I greatly enjoyed Curott’s definition of magick and her views on Immanent Divinity.
Notably, in the chapter titled “Witchcraft without rules” Curott challenges the notion of the Threefold law. Moreover, she explores other issues, such as fear and original sin, and how these subjects influence our feelings about magick and how it affects others as well. She proposes a different view of morality:
The real reason that Witches do not and should not harm, do baneful magic, or use magic to have power over others, is because they experience immanent divinity.
“Witchcrafting” pg. 181, Phyllis Curott
Witchcrafting covers all the key topics of Witchcraft as you craft yourself into a witch. Frankly, this book doesn’t seem to show up in people’s recommendations as often as other books, but it’s easily just as valuable in my opinion.
7. “The Inner Temple of Witchcraft” by Christopher Penczak
Last but certainly not least, The Inner Temple of Witchcraft was one of the best books I read about witchcraft when I first started. If “Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft” seemed big, this book is massive. ITOW is the first in Penczak’s six-book temple series of Witchcraft.
Penczak devotes considerable time in this book to what he feels it means to be a witch and exploring the philosophies of magick. Uniquely, Penczak is really in-depth about each of the topics he covers. This book inspired so much of my learning and affirmed that my practice was valid and logical.
Truthfully, I love Penczak’s teachings a lot. He covers so much in this book and the five that follow it, but he also has several other great books. Penczak has been a role model and someone I really look up to as a witch and author. After having read this one, I got copies of all six books. Now, I’ve read through most of them.
If there’s any book I think you should read, it’s this one. Not only because you can progress through each book but because this book speaks to me more than any I’ve ever read. I know it’s a big book. It can be hard to read. But it shows insight into so much and ignites the magickal spark inside us.
Conclusion
These are seven books that I’ve read in the past few years as I’ve studied witchcraft. Of course, these are only my personal recommendations. Have you read any of these? What was your experience? And what are some of your favorite books about witchcraft? Share yours below in the comments, or let me know on social media!
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