There are lots of great lists of recommended books on Paganism and Wicca, but most of them seem to be rather overwhelming, and it's hard to know where to start. Here's my "Big Three" recommended books for anyone interested in Neo-Paganism, especially Wicca. Recommended Reading: Magdalene's Big Three
There are also several other books I would recommend for further reading:
- INTRODUCTION: any one of the following books (they're similar in focus, but each has its own flavor. If you have the budget, or a voracious appetite for books, like I do, read them all):
- "To Ride A Silver Broomstick" by Silver RavenWolf. Organized in an easy-to-follow format and uses friendly, familiar language. Has a little bit of everything, and is more "crafty" than the other books on this list. Some people are put off by the cover, but it's really quite good.
- "Wicca: A Guide For the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham. Cunningham has published many books on Wicca, magick, and other crafty things for witches. His books are very balanced, with equal emphasis on God and Goddess, and an easy style which can be applied to just about any pantheon or tradition. I find his writing a little bland, but it's still worth reading. Many people swear by this as the best book for newcomers to the Craft.
- "The Spiral Dance" by Starhawk. My first book on Paganism of any kind, so I have a special spot in my heart for it. Mystical, beautifully written and chock-full of great meditation and energy-work exercises. Focuses more on the Goddess, but it's written from a non-sexist, non-heterosexist point of view. Great stuff.
- "Wicca: The Old Religion in the New Age" by Vivianne Crowley. A good introduction to Alexandrian and Gardnerian Wicca, complete with initiation ceremonies. Written very concisely and cleanly. Approaches magick, the Deities and the need for initiation from a practical Jungian perspective, with plenty of excellent references and quotes.
- HISTORY: "Drawing Down the Moon" by Margot Adler. The most complete and accurate history of Neo-Paganism available. It was written in 1979, so it's not entirely up-to-date, but still unsupplanted by any other book. It's also mostly objective, although she does say some negative things about Asatru which I don't think are entirely true, at least not anymore. You may find the size a bit daunting (almost 600 pages) - but it's worth it.
- PEOPLE: "Children of the Earth" by Ellen Evert Hopman and Lawrence Bond. A delightful compilation of interviews with members of all branches of Neo-Pagan faith, including Margot Adler, Starhawk, Isaac Bonewits, and tons more. Gives an excellent and realistic feel for the true diversity within Neo-Pagan culture. I couldn't put it down!
- ETHICS: "When, Why... If" by Robin Wood. Most introductory books touch on the Wiccan Rede, but this one goes into depth on the subject of personal, magickal and global ethics. A must-read for all solitary and self-taught Pagans, and probably for those with teachers as well.
- ORGANIZATIONS: "Inside A Witches' Coven" by Edain McCoy. A fine book on the various types of study groups, circles and covens available to the Wiccan community. Includes tips on deciding which type of group is right for you, ways to find groups in your area, and guidelines for creating your own group, sprinkled with amusing anecdotes and stories.
"Creating Circles of Power and Magic" by Caitlin Libera. The biography of the first year of an eclectic Wiccan circle. Includes many excerpts told from the point of view of the women in Copper Key Circle. This book gave me the courage to start my own organization, and has been an essential resource along the way.
"Dreaming the Dark" by Starhawk. Crosses the bridge between feminism, Wicca and intentional community. Also goes into detail about problem-solving within groups. An excellent introduction to the idea of consensus leadership - read this if you're creating your own group, or if you want to learn how to help your group function more successfully.
- MAGICK: "Real Magic" by Isaac Bonewits. His first book, written when he was in his early twenties, but still a great resource. The physics, metaphysics and theory behind how magick works, and how to get yours to work better.
- SABBATS: "Ancient Ways" by Pauline and Dan Campanelli. Crafty and chock-full of information on the eight solar holidays of the Pagan year. An excellent resource.