Does any one know good wiccan authors, or really good books for begginers?

Question

me and my best friends are starting a coven so i need to know the rules and things like that...i know all the history though MM&BB

Answer 1

get a bible

Answer 2

It is VERY obvious that you are clueless! Do you have any idea of what ANY of the Wiccan traditions incorporate? You just can't decide to make it up as you go along, there are specific guidlines for each tradition.

If you are really interested in becoming Wiccan I have a couple of questions for you to really ponder.
1. Why do you think you might want to be Wiccan?
2. What lead you to this path?
3. What do you expect to gain from it?

If your answer to ANY of these questions is "power", forget it. This isn't Harry Potter or Charmed, it is rather mundane and not that exciting.

READ!!! Find out which tradition you would prefer. You may find your answer in, Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft.

I would not bother with any type of initiation or gathering of ritual tools until you find which path you are going to follow. Most tools are not necessary in all traditions. I have much more than most, but then, I have been practicing for a very long time. My particular path essentially needs only a Staff, Dirk (athame) and a Keek-Stane (or crystal ball). Other tools can be acquired as needed.

I am Pecti-Witan (aka Hedge Witch, not Wiccan) a "solitary" practitioner of "the Old Religion", and have been for many, many years. Being a "Witch" is nothing like what is portrayed in movies or on Television. There is nothing flashy about it. we are fairly simple people with "abilities" that everyone has, ours are just honed and utilized. Lots of research and practice. There is a lot to learn when you are dealing with herbal, mineral and candle magick.
I read tarot cards, rune stones and utilize a number of other tools for divination but would NEVER charge anyone for anything I do! Besides, I do not do "readings" or "cast spells" for others on demand. That sounds more like a con game to me! Though I am often asked.
Now as for what I did to start, well, it seemed to come naturally to me, (my mother was a witch and my great grandmother was the daughter of a Comanche medicine man) and I believe this is not my first life (nor the last) as a witch. I have always had a deep respect for nature and have an innate ability to communicate with animals. When I was very young my parents encouraged me to learn about all religions, so I did. And I encourage you to do the same to find your true path. Books are an excellent source, providing you get the right ones, there are some I would avoid (Ravenwolf). I prefer Scott Cunningham. If you can connect with other practitioners that would also be a good way to learn. One question you must ask yourself is are you looking for the structured system of a Coven (you will have to wait until you are 18, unless your parents are part of an established coven) or would you prefer the life as a "Solitary"? Buckland has some very good books outlining both. But my favorite book is still Cunningham's "Wicca, a Guide for the Solitary Practitoner". It is a good place to start (or affirm).
The reason I suggest avoiding Ravenwolf is her blatant disreguard for honesty and her intolerance of other faiths and even different sects in Wicca/witchcraft. I think she is the Goddess of Fluffy Bunnies! One trait you will find among honest witches is a respect and tolerance for others faiths, we do not judge people by what they believe or don't believe but by what they say and do. Most of us can embrace the differences.
As you may notice by so many of the answers you may get, you also have to have a thick skin, because even in this "advanced" civilization there are still those who believe we worship the devil (LMAO), and would rather turn a blind eye to the world around them. Some will even admit that they think we should be burned at the stake! Ignorance knows no bounds.
Since you are very young, expect ridicule and really stupid requests to do "Magic" like they do on TV or in movies. It is not going to make you cool. Expect people to tell you that you are going to Hell. You will probably lose friends. Just being honest with you.
I hope you find the answers you were looking for whether they are mine or the wisdom of another.
BB
)O(

Answer 3

How can someone who doesn't know the basics start a coven? You would be better off starting a study group.

Covencraft - Amber K
Wiccan Belief & Practices - Cantrell
To Ride A Silver Broomstick - Ravenwolf
When, Why, If - Wood
any of the books by Scott Cunningham
Witch's Guide to Life - Trobe
Drawing Down the Moon - Adler

Answer 4

Several authors I would recommend for a wide spectrum of reading, in no particular order, are:
Scott Cunningham
D. J. Conway
Patricia Telesco
Margot Adler
Silver Ravenwolf
Raymond Buckland

There's also a very good young adult fiction series that is both entertaining and educational regarding studying to be a Wiccan. The series is titled "Circle of Three" and it is by Isobel Bird.

Taking everything you read with a grain of salt, since religion is all about opinions, not written-in-stone facts. Use what you read to form your own.

Answer 5

Covens aren't started based on BOOKS.

You're not ready to start a coven if you need books for "rules and things like that."

Start a study group, and see if you can find a teacher or mentor to guide you.

Answer 6

Somehow I doubt you know "all the history" if you're looking for beginner books on the religion.

My first three recommendations for beginners are Thea Sabin, Scott Cunningham, and Deborah Lipp.

When you're looking for history, I suggest Issac Bonewits and Ronald Hutton.

I strongly suggest you avoid Ravenwolf, Conway, McCoy, and Horne because they commercialize the religion, have horrifically bad facts, sometimes express really bad ethics, and sometimes appear to just be making it up as they go along.

Answer 7

well, you don't just "start a coven" if you know nothing of wicca. that only insults the religion. start with scott cunningham's guide for the solitary practitioner. get yourself a wiccan teacher and after a couple of years decide if you'd like to start a coven

good luck