I want to learn more about the Wiccan religion, what would be a good book to start with?

Question

i grew up as a Catholic & that doesnt work for me

Answer 1

For those that answer the bible: yeah right, like the bible has stuff about wicca in it.

1) Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
By Scott Cunningham. This is the book most Wiccans have read first, and for good reason. Scott Cunningham is one of the most respected Wiccan writers, and this book is a prime example. Not only does it explain the practical basics (tools, Sabbats, circle casting), he also explores the deeper spirituality that many witchcraft books lack. Not sure where to start? Start here!

2) Spiral Dance
By Starhawk. This book is an absolute classic. The tone is clearly feminist and Goddess worship is the central theme, but there is still a solid foundation of basic Wiccan principles. Each chapter contains exercises or examples of rituals that you can do as you are learning each concept.

3) In the Circle: Crafting the Witches' Path
By Elen Hawke. This book hasn't been around as long as some of the other classics, but it's a gem nonetheless. The author uses personal examples from her own life and coven to illustrate rituals and Sabbat celebrations. This book has more of a spiritual component than most, but still explains the basics.

4) The Witches Bible
By Janet & Stewart Farrar. This book is a serious work, and may be a little too 'heavy' for some beginners, but still contains valuable information. It's geared towards covens rather than solitaries, too. Consider it a reference book. (Note: this book isn't a bible in the Christian sense. It does not contain any scripture nor is it considered to be the official 'rulebook' for all Wiccans)

5) To Ride a Silver Broomstick
By Silver Ravenwolf. This book was written with a younger audience in mind, and covers Wicca in a light and somewhat superficial manner. Further reading will be necessary to really understand all that Wicca is, but this can still be a helpful first book.

6) Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft
By Raymond Buckland. This book is sometimes called "Uncle Bucky's Big Blue Book". Even though we tease it, it's still a fine and helpful book for the beginner. It's arranged like a workbook, with quizzes and exercises throughout.

7) True Magick: A Beginner's Guide
By Amber K. Though this little book may seem too simplistic, but it really does have a good collection of information. It's also quite inexpensive, so a good choice for those on a budget.

8) A Witch Alone
By Marian Green. This book is less about Wicca and more about the practice of witchcraft, for the solitary. There is less hands-on or practical information compared to the other books, but it does explore the spiritual side of magick to an excellent degree.

Ignore the ignorant that say it's not a religion. There are hundreds of religions that are not Judeao-Christian and Wicca is one of them.

Answer 2

Before studying any religion make sure you know what you believe in first. Unless you are searching for something to believe in.
In that case try to look at the whole picture. Research different religions and find the one that you feel deep down is right for you. And the one you feel deep down is truth.
To answer your question I would like to say the Bible, because I am a christian, but that wouldn't be the answer to your question. Unfortunately I don't have any knowledge of any books on wicca. The best answer I can give you is to research it online.
Wikipedia has a good page on it. And I am sure there's other informative websites. There are some good articles on the Christian Answers website about Wicca.
I wish I had more rescources to give you but I don't.
But if you were to ask for my advice I would say stay away from wicca. No offense intended to anyone. But that would be my humble advice.

Answer 3

Skip anything by Ravenwolf; she writes feel-good fluff, with not enough religious depth to build a spiritual foundation for a lifetime.

Cunningham's "Wicca for the Solitary" can be a good start, if you keep in mind that it's very limited--Wicca's a lot more complex and diverse than he could cover in a simple intro book, and many of his statements directly contradict other practitioners, in part because he was writing to a limited audience.

Starhawk's "Spiral Dance" is a great book, which may-or-may-not be "Wicca," technically, depending on how you define it. But it'd definitely be considered Wicca by all those bible-thumpers who call it "devil worship."

You can also read the articles and essays at http://www.witchvox.com
That'll give you an introduction to the online witchcraft communities, and you can read their recommendations for books and websites before spending real money on anything.

Answer 4

I wouldn't dabble in that in I were you. I too have had an open mind to that stuff but I will tell you this, the bible may say not to dabble in it but it never said it wasn't real. And I know from experience, alot of freaky things happen when you invite that into your home.
It seems like it could be fun but it will turn on you especially if you grew up under knowledge of Gods word.
It will bring on depression, things will start to go wrong and you will experience spiritual conflict which can cause you to have experiences of strong senses like the feeling of being watched all the time and even see demonic images. It can make you crazy.
I use to cast spells and hex people all the time til I actually had a creepy experience. I actually thought I was going to die one night and I straightened up real quick!

Answer 5

Don't listen to the Christian bible thumpers that responded.

The Craft by Dorothy Morrison

Paganism an introduction to earth-centered religions by Joyce and River Higginbotham

I have read a number of Silver Ravenwolf and she is a good read as well. The great thing about Paganism or Wicca is that you mold it to your own beliefs. I was raised as a Methodist and a lot of what was taught didn't sit well with me either.

Answer 6

The King James Bible..1Corinthians 6:9

Answer 7

Anything by Silver Ravenwolf is good. I think if you are out of high school or have a more advanced understanding or are even seeking more in depth answers the Solitary Practitioner by Silver Ravenwolf is very good and very detailed. Its a great place to start.

Answer 8

Wicca 101 by Scott Cunningham. I suggest you read either books by Scott Cunningham and Silver Ravenwolf.

Answer 9

Wicca: a Practical Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
by Scott Cunningham

I got it from Amazon.com; from there you can find MANY other resources to learn from.

Answer 10

I like the recommended reading list found here:
http://www.tangledmoon.org/reading_list.htm
My personal favorite is "The Heart of Wicca" by Ellen Cannon Reed.

Personally, I would not recommend anything by Ravenwolf.