I'm interested in witchcraft. Where should I start? Any books for begginers you'd suggest?
2006-12-20 19:48:47 · 17 answers · asked by Death.Note.fan 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Are Raymond Buckland's books helpful?
2006-12-20 19:57:42 · update #1
Read above! For WITCHES!
2006-12-20 19:59:01 · update #2
The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft - Ronald Hutton
Witchcraft Today - Gerald B. Gardner.
Witchdom of the True - Edred Thorsson
Wicca: the Old Religion in the New Milennium - Vivianne Crowley
Advanced Wiccan Spirituality - Kevin Saunders
The Elements of Ritual: Air, Fire, Water & Earth in the Wiccan Circle - Deborah Lipp
Witch Crafting: A Spiritual Guide to Making Magic - by Phyllis W. Curott
Positive Magic - Marion Weinstein
The Circle Within: Creating a Wiccan Spiritual Tradition - Dianne Sylvan
Book of Shadows - Phyllis Curott
The Second Circle - Venecia Rauls
The Heart of Wicca: Wise Words from a Crone on the Path - Ellen Cannon Reed
Evolutionary Witchcraft - T. Thorn Coyle
The Wiccan Path: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner - Rae Beth
21st Century Wicca - Jennifer Hunter
Witchcraft: A Concise Guide - Isaac Bonewits
Way of Four - Deborah Lipp
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Avoid anything Silver RavenWolf, "Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft by Denise Zimmermann", and Anything by Gavin and Yvonne Frost.
2006-12-21 09:55:31 · answer #1 · answered by AmyB 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For Wicca, Raymond Buckland and Scott Cunningham are good places to start. If that's what you're looking for. For Witchcraft, well, that's a little harder. I suppose starting with Wicca will get you there in the end. It's the simplest route, anyway.
Starhawk is GOOD, but she's not Wiccan at all. Very good of Earth based Witchcraft in general though. She does get a little crazy on the feminism, and most of the "history" she quotes is not only unproven, but oftentimes disproven. Her methods, however, are very solid and very good. The Science of the Craft is a good book, can't remember who wrote it, assuming you know enough about science to wade through the nonsense about what is proven (nothing is proven). And you could also try the Grey School's book for Apprentices, I can't remember the name of it, but you'll find it if you do a search. That should give you a very solid start.
Stay away from Silver Ravenwolf. She's a loony. DJ Conway is rediculous, and I don't know where he/she gets his/her information. Stay far away from these two authors. Further, stay away from anyone who claims there was once an Irish Potato Goddess. I can't believe how many times I've seen this! (Potatos are Native to the Americas and didn't make it to Ireland till well after conversion. No Potato Goddess. If you see one, quit reading.)
Keep a journal of what you read and the exercises you do. Also, keep a dream journal. Learn to meditate. Keep a journal about that too. And check out http://sacredhearth.gemoot.com/
2006-12-21 11:25:16 · answer #2 · answered by kaplah 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was told to steer clear of Silver RavenWolf, and it's good advice. Scott Cunningham, Buckland, and Starhawk are good. Oh, and finding a coven isn't mandatory, lol. I'm kinda new to the craft too and I found that studying along for a while did a lot of good. I made Wiccan friends that I can discuss my studies with, and that helps too.
I believe Drawing Down the Moon is by Margot Adler. Another good read. And DON'T LISTEN to those bible-thumpers who tell you it's the work of the devil. Witches don't believe in a devil. They're just trying to sway you into their hate group. Remember to adhere to the Wiccan Rede. I advise you to not follow Marianne's advice about cursing people. That's not what being a Witch is about at all and it's people like her that give us a negative stereotype.
Good luck and blessed be, sister.
2006-12-21 04:12:48 · answer #3 · answered by Sebastian 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Aren't the comments made by so many ignorant, close-mided people irritating? Sorry, off topic!
Buckland is pretty good, but also pretty rigid. He is the founder of the Seax-Wica. Pretty much Coven based. For solitary I would recommend Scott Cunningham. I have been a solitary for over 40 years and most of my knowledge comes from experience, not books. But they have come in handy from time to time. I have always (since birth) had a special connection with nature, some innate understanding. Have you started your "book of shadows" yet? It will be invaluable to you as time passes.
Have a Blessed Yule!
BB
)O(
2006-12-21 16:48:41 · answer #4 · answered by Enchanted Gypsy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure if you want to learn about different non-religious magic or the religion of Wicca. Not all witches are Wiccans.
If interested about Wicca, I like this recommended reading list. I've read many of the books on it and liked them.
http://www.tangledmoon.org/reading_list.htm
Personally, my first recommendation would be "Wicca: A Comprehensive Guide to the Old Religion in the Modern World" by Vivianne Crowley. I'd also recommend anything written by Janet and Stewart Farrar, Marian Green, Gerald Gardner, or Ellen Cannon Reed.
I would not recommend anything written by Silver Ravenwolf, DJ Conway, Stepanich, or Edain McCoy.
2006-12-21 06:17:23 · answer #5 · answered by Witchy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My grandmotherwasa witch and her ancestors before her. I suggest you start with looking old herbologies in the library. Witchcraft is really about the use of herbs and other 'olde' remedies in healing. First you learn the healing arts, then the spells andchants. If you are looking to be wiccan, any book on the subject is as good as the next.
2006-12-21 04:00:35 · answer #6 · answered by judy_r8 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Drawing Down The Moon
Anything by Scott Cunningham
2006-12-21 03:57:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
the best way is to start slowly, with paganism, then wicca, then witchcraft, scott cunningham is a good author,
you can also get books at bookstore "paganism for dummies, wicca for dummies etc"
also go to website www.azuregreen.com
they have books, ritual items, amulets, great bumper stickers etc
2006-12-21 05:34:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you ever can be a witch you won't ever need a book. Some things can't be taught. You just know. Start small and keep your own grimoir. Record what works and what doesn't. When people threaten you with their petty beliefs, thats the best time to practice your curses. Good luck! =)
2006-12-21 04:04:29 · answer #9 · answered by Marianne 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
anything by scot cunningham. but you cant really learn anything of use from a book the best way is to find a real witch to mentor you into the craft. happy yule everybody
2006-12-21 03:53:49 · answer #10 · answered by lucifer 3 · 3⤊ 3⤋