Who are the most credible resources for learning Paganism through books?

Question

I've heard some Pagans recently say they disagree with Raymond Buckland and Silver RavenWolf. I've heard quite a few people also say that Cabot is for show more than anything else. I really like Paganism but don't know who to start with. I got some really good advice about the "follow your own path" thing earlier, but I'd like some help getting started with serious practice.
I'm open to suggestions outside of Wicca, too.

I guess a better way to phrase that would be, "I'm looking for books on Paganism written by people who really know their stuff."

Answer 1

Books are a legitimate tool; you do get some reverse book snobs who swear there's no such thing as a good book, but as long as you balance your reading with practice, and talking to others, you'll be fine. Books are merely a way of conveying information.

That being said, when you read a book, take it with a grain of salt regardless. Judge it for yourself. It's good to listen to others' suggestions, but in the end you have to decide what works for you.

I cut my teeth on Cunningham's works; they're excellent 101 guides; Buckland is good, though more traditional. However, I'd also highly recommend Jennifer Hunter's "21st Century Wicca". For more generalized info, pick up Margot Adler's "Drawing Down the Moon" and "Contemporary Paganism" by Graham Harvey, both of which go over the basics of a number of different paths. I'd avoid SRW, partly because she skims over a whole bunch of topics (and a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing!) but also because she's incredibly preachy and Christian-bashes a lot (which I find to be hypocritical--we don't like being bashed, why should we do it to others?) But these are just personal choices, of course--take them as you will.

A book a friend of mine has written which should be out in the next couple of weeks is "The Four Powers" by Nicholas Graham (it has an @mazon entry, but isn't actually in print yet). It's basically a guide for helping newcomers figure out where to start; he explains the different models of magic (psychological, energetic, etc.) as well as different religions and other paths (neopaganism, Afro-Caribbeean religions like Voodoo, ceremonial magic, etc.). The exercises are designed to help you narrow down the choices of study to things that interest you.

Finally a little personal suggestion: Check my book review blog, http://lupabitch.wordpress.com for suggestions on books I've read. I'm still transferring older reviews over to it, but should be done in a few days. Also, if you;re interested in totemism and animal magic at all, I've written a book, "Fang and Fur, Blood and Bone: A Primal Guide to Animal Magic". I talk about totemism, familiars, shapeshifting and a number of other topics. You can find more info at http://www.thegreenwolf.com/lupabooks.html

Answer 2

Pagans and the Law by Dana Eilers

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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I agree, stay away from Silver RavenWolf, until you're knowledgeable enough to know what of hers is crap. Trust me on this one, I was a student of her "craft". I spent a few years waiting for the wonderful things I thought she'd teach me, and I didn't learn anything, it was mish-mash crap.

Also, "Idiot's Guide to Wicca and WitchCraft" by Denise Zimermann is a bunch of crap too.

Gavin and Yvonne Frost advocate some messed up stuff, so don't bother with them.

Answer 3

It depends on you. I personally haven't read any of Laurie Cabot's books but I think she's really cool for putting herself in the spotlight. I have some of Raymond Buckland's writings but don't follow most of them. I think Silver Ravenwolf's books are very informative but don't follow everything she prints.

I trust most of what "Llewellyn" publishes but there are other reputable pagan publishers.

The best thing to do is to find a pagan store and look around. If you aren't in an area that "condones" such, try a large bookstore, or better yet, a college bookstore.

You can always check on line and glean through what looks promising.

Most importantly: meditate. You'll find what you need.

Answer 4

Scott Cunningham...... lots of folks knock him but he's been the starting point for many Wiccans, even if they don't admit it.

Dianne Sylvan...... "The Circle Within" this is a great book. It moves beyond the basic Wicca 101 books to help you develop your spirituality and your own rituals.

Deborah Lipp.... "The Elements of Ritual" this is another book that goes beyond basic Wicca. It gives an in depth of the mechanics of rituals, why things are done certain ways.

A site that I love has book reviews that are very helpful. Check out "Wicca For The Rest of Us". The whole site is full of information. I wish it had been around when I first started out!!

Blessings to you on your journey!!

Answer 5

Inside of Wicca, Silver is good for beginners, the books aren't all technical, but explain things so they can be understood but someone just starting out. It is also not dumbed down either. The first book I bought myself was Silver's "teen witch" I believe.

It all depends on what area you are interested in, and PS Pagan just means non-Christian.

Answer 6

Dion Fortune
Manly P Hall


I AM

Answer 7

Study the ancient Africans, especially the Egyptians and Ethiopians. That's what the Masons do. That's where it all came from.

Answer 8

bekkie: You don't want books ... try just leaning to your own understanding and relying on human nature. That should adequately suffice !!!