WICCANS: Can you reccommend a good book to get started?

Question

All the sites I was reccommended to say study on my own first...so what book would you reccommend and where can I get them?? Maybe the library?? I am really poor.

Answer 1

Those sites that say study on your own first are wrong. Self study should be after formal training. However I hope this helps.
My first recommendation would be to get a teacher. If that is not possible then I would start with Drawing down the moon by Starhawk and the other would be Coven Craft by Amber K. They should be in libraries provided they are not too uptight about the subject matter. Also please please do not stop with just those books, after that you can look for the Witches Bible by the Ferrars. DO NOT get Raymond Buckland's Big Blue Book of Witchcraft or witchcraft for dummies. They are poor sources of reading. Please try to find some one to instruct you. A true teacher will not charge you for the lessons, if they say you need to pay then walk away. The reason being is this, knowledge is power, however a little knowledge is dangerous. A teacher will be able to show you how to use your knowledge in a practical manner so you will do no harm. Also I will list a website or two below that has good reference materials online. Good luck. And Blessed Be.

P.S. If you are truely serious about studying Wicca, do not stop reading. Be careful in what you choose to read. Ask those who have studied for years for recommendations and such. And be prepared to study for the rest of your life. Wicca and witchcraft is not just a religion it is a lifestyle. We don't just go to rituals and then do as anyone else, We live it and believe it in our very being. I am an initiated witch in the NROOGD tradition and have had my year and a day training. I have been practicing for over 6 years now. I do know what I am talking about.

Answer 2

Any library should (and that's a very indefinite term, as there is an unfortunately high amount of theft in the terms of pagan/Wiccan books from libraries) have books such as "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham or "Spiraldance" by Starhawk.

BTW, don't listen to idiots who think that there is no valid religious alternative to their own. Wicca, like Hinduism, acknowledges that there are many paths to the Truth, which is actually unknowable anyway, so how can any one be considered completely right? While some Wiccan covens and solitaries do prefer to do rituals skyclad (nude), it is not necessary. You may do whatever you find comfortable. Personally, unless my house is above 75 degrees fahrenheit, I'm not likely to want to be nude, and same goes for outside as well, although if you do that, you might want to find something VERY off the beaten path!

Isn't there some poem about two paths diverging in a wood, and I took the path less traveled? I love that poem, and it's a very good discription for anyone on a pagan path. No easy way for us!

Answer 3

While there are tons of books out there that would suitable for your needs, I highly recommend Scott Cunningham's "The Truth About Witchcraft Today". It's an introduction into Witchcraft, Wicca and Paganism in general. It also dispels a lot of misconceptions, which is really helpful when learning about the Craft. I've also provided some links below that have helped me.

Usually, learning about Wicca is very hit and miss. Some points-of-view will be more appealing than others. The secret is to keep looking for the path that fits you.

Good luck and blessed be!

Answer 4

I would most definitely recommend "Ray bucklands complete book of witchcraft". its great! it explains everything.books by Scott Cunningham are great too.
Also do research on different websites. I like this one, personally,http://www.magickalpair.net/ the people there are really nice and are alot of help.
try this also. its completely free!http://www.wiccacourse.co.uk/intro.htm
the Internet is the next best thing after books when they are unavailable. just keep researching.
_____further notes_______
Studying on your own is an excellent way to start there is nothing at all wrong with it. Teachers are good but not completely necessary. Just try and read EVERY book you can get your hands on (INCLUDING ray bucklands book). that way you will have the knowledge to be able to shape your new found path to how it suits YOU later on. KEEP AN OPEN MIND; if someone tells you somthing is "wrong" do not take their word for it. See, there is no true right and wrong in Wicca (that is why there are so many different forms of it) there is only what suits the practitioner and only THEY can choose what suits them. If something doesn't quite feel right to YOU then just don't use it.
Good luck on your new path and Blessed Be!

Answer 5

Your profile says you live in the Bay Area - why not check out Ancient Ways or Changemakers on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland? There's a bulletin board where you can find out about classes, events, rituals, workshops, etc., and they've got a pretty decent used book selection.

If you're interested in Reclaiming, check out this website: http://www.reclaiming.org or get yourself a copy of Starhawk's "Spiral Dance."

Answer 6

wicca, a guide for the solitary practitionary... by scott cunningham. and then only consider it for practical purpose... a real witch's spirituality is not always or even usually in harmony with the majority of Wiccandom.... real Craft is much more base and less cheerful than is represented by contemporary Wiccan books and groups.

Answer 7

Don't bother with that garbage unless you want to chant naked with potions and spells. Join a normal church that you feel comfortable with. Do you really wanna be a freak for some trendy stupid cult?

Answer 8

Get your head out of that trash now. Read the bible. GOD's word says it's a sin to be into that and all that other junk.

Answer 9

there are alot of good books at the library, they usual have large sections on diffrent types of religions

Answer 10

Deuteronomy 18:10 Holy Bible? its up to you.