Hello! As promised, here’s the first segment in my giant series of book recommendations. Below you’ll find books helpful to the absolute beginner in the area of witchcraft.
Just starting out and unsure how to proceed? These books have you covered, from cover to cover! They’re also of interest for those just curious about magick or who would like to know about witchcraft practices and beliefs.
Another note: I finally set up affiliate links for these. I’m still a bit fuzzy on how it works, but if you were to buy these books through these links, I’ll be able to ultimately buy more books (or, maybe energy drinks). Hope I did the links right, but who knows?
Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, by Judika Illes. Even better than the Weiser Field Guide to Witches - this book is huge and chock-full of information. It’ll explain in easy-to-understand language how the concept has developed throughout time, why witches do what they do, and different types of witches.
The Weiser Field Guide to Witches, by Judika Illes. This gives an excellent look at the historical lore concerning witches, from the perspective of a witch herself. It’s kind of tongue-in-cheek, but it does have some information that won’t be found elsewhere.
The Modern Guide to Witchcraft, by Skye Alexander. Great book for those who’re really absolute beginners and are wondering what witchcraft is all about. Skye takes a very postmodern, utilitarian, and unfailingly honest approach, and it’s geared towards those of almost any belief system.
Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard, by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart. Attractively packaged and readible for almost all ages, this is a great (mostly) non-denominational look at the foundations of magical practice. It’s extremely detailed. Some of it only applies to Zell’s own tradition, but it’s quite useful, anyways.
Of Witchcraft and Whimsy, by Rose Orriculum. Written by Tumblr’s own @orriculum, this is one of the best, most modern an no-nonsense Craft introductory books I’ve seen. It’s unabashedly up-to-date and self-aware in its portrayal of the contemporary Craft.
True Magick: A Beginner’s Guide, by Amber K. This older (and quite classic) book has been reissued in new editions, and it’s well worth picking up. Amber K covers witchcraft as well as its ceremonial heritage. She provides practices and addresses important topics, all appropriately for beginners.
Where to Park Your Broomstick, by Lauren Manoy. I get requests for teen resources occasionally, and this one is pretty good. It’s balanced and skips drama in favor of realistic expectations and training. If you’d like to introduce your children to magick and they’re interested, this is a solid bet.
This is basically post one out of seventeen in this series. Next, I’ll be sharing books about spellcraft. I’m going to be ghost-tagging all of these as #annobib on my blog, so check that tag out if you want to see the rest of the series once I’ve posted it!
