what is the best book to read for someone that wants to learn wiccan or witchcraft?

Answer 1

So many! Good beginner books:

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, by Scott Cunningham

The Complete Book of Wicca and Witchcraft, by Raymond Buckland

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft (don't be fooled by the name -- it has a lot of great info in it!)

A Wiccan Bible, by AJ Drew (not quite a beginner book -- but a great read!)

Spiral Dance, by Starhawk

Living Wicca, by Scott Cunningham (the sequel to the first book mentioned)

The Complete Book of Shadows for the New Generation Solitary Witch, by Silver Ravenwolf

(a lot of witches dislike this author because she is too 'fluffy' and has a very bad habit of bashing Christianity and publishing spells who go against the Wiccan Rede that we should 'Harm None'.)

That's a good list to start

If you want anyone to talk to about it, or to help guide you through the learning process I'd love to help if I can.

Feel free to message me!

Blessings and Light

~RW

Answer 2

There is no one book. Wicca are called "The Wise Ones" because they read EVERYthing. Pick up Scott Cunningham's works for a start, though. Move into some ancient mythology. If you can manage it, read a little of Stephen Hawking (yes, the physicist in the wheelchair). And don't ignore the Holy works of the major religions. Part of being a Wise One is knowing that wisdom and power can be found everywhere, not just within your own faith. The Rosary Prayers are a remarkable meditation exercise-- and it has a wiccan bent to it. Praying to the Mother and the Father of the Prince of Heaven... hmmm.

Answer 3

Like in Christianity, there are differing 'denominaitons' interior Wicca. The differing 'denominations' are in accordance to their human being 'orthodoxies'. certainly, what a particular team says is ideal. There are some wiccan traditions that say ya favor to be in a coven, a collection, yet there are some traditions that are nicely-called solitary practioneers. education and information derived from books or loosely shaped team institutions. there is one such team in Minnesota, pronounced as the Covanent of the Goddess. Its made from more often than not 'solitary' witches, which will come mutually for the Sabbaths to celebrate, which take place like once a month. Discussions and friendships type those conferences, in which later chats can convey forth more effective information or introductions to more effective formalized team settings. people can study about the numerous traditions and communities on-line, yet an excellent source for education is frequently printed at your community witchy or new age shops both on bulletine forums on the keep or from the persons operating in them.

Answer 4

Books by Scott Cunningham are usually pretty good.

I wouldn't recommend Silver Ravenwolf.

For historical perspective, read Raymond Buckland, Doreen Valiente, Farrar, etc.

And while some consider her too feminist, I personally like Starhawk's "The Spiral Dance" and "The Earth Path".


(Edited to add: I posted my response before reading the other replies. I find it interesting that we all pretty much recommended the same things, and for the same reasons...!)

Answer 5

Scott Cunningham - Living Wicca

I've read a lot, and he is by far the most grounded and smart of all the writer. Living Wicca is a good start, but he has a lot of books and you can continue from that one. After that, just use your common sense. Not everyone has ideas you will agree with.

Answer 6

Firstly, you need to clarify what you actually are interested in learning about. Are you actually interested in Wicca (a specific variety of Neo-Pagan religious Witchcraft), another form of Neo-Pagan religious Witchcraft, or non-religious witchcraft (i.e. magic or sorcery)? Depending upon the context in which you use the word "witchcraft," Wicca and Witchcraft are not necessarily the same.

My personal book recommendations for learning about forms of *Neo-Pagan religious Witchcraft* at at this location:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/guides/guide-display/-/2X24Q2M6B8S0/ref=cm_aya_av.sylt_sylt/104-3437454-6362305

Answer 7

Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler is a great reference on Neo-Paganism in North America,

From a practical stand point. The Spiral Dance by Starhawk is top drawer.

BB
Pabs

Answer 8

Scott Cunningham is great, simple, direct and everyone started with Cunningham. Stay away from Silver Reavenwolf, no one takes her seriously. Try the old guys too like Buckland, the Farras, and Gardner himself. Starhawk is great for the feminist/enviromentalist types.

Answer 9

None there is no "book" to learn something that any Demon spawn will give you for free. Just forsake eternal life and turn your back on Jesus and eventually some thing will find you. Or you could read the Bible and get REAL truth life and eternal freedom.

Answer 10

Don't listen to the first guy. I don't know which books are good, but STAY AWAY from Silver Raven-Wolf. From what I've always heard, she provides false information at times, and tends to bash christianity like there's no tomorrow