(Part 2) Best wicca, witchcraft & paganism books according to redditors
We found 697 Reddit comments discussing the best wicca, witchcraft & paganism books. We ranked the 289 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
Thanks for stopping by the sub, may I ask your age please?
If you are new to Heathenry perhaps you should begin with some core reading to better understand our relationship with the Gods? We don't (usually and generally) ask them for anything as individuals or pray to them like people do in other religions to their god(s). Expecting a gift like protection means earning it, through your deeds, reputation, and the gifting cycle of your Kindred and/or family. I suggest reading this book, to begin a better understanding
You have to remember that there is no single form of Hermeticism - it's not an organized religion. Historically speaking, it is a syncretic tradition. Each person ultimately creates his own internal religion/practice based on personal experience and the teachings of many authors from many time periods. Bardon's material consists of HIS version of Hermeticism, and his terminology is somewhat non-standard. Even so, his first book contains a wealth of exercises for the Hermetic student to develop his mind and energetic capabilities. The Kybalion is actually a modern text (most likely written by William Walker Atkinson) with links to the New Thought movement of the 19th c. It presents a few rather useful building blocks of philosophy in layman's terms to help the beginning student in constructing a new magickal worldview. The reinterpretation of one's self and the reframing of events around you in light of Hermetic principles is a requirement for walking this path. It's not easy to reinterpret every negative event in such a way so as to extract the lessons learned from it or to find the useful challenge/opportunity it presents.
To get an idea of how a more ancient form of Hermetic magick might look, here's Stephen Flowers' take on it based on the Greek Magical Papyri. That book provides interesting food for thought if you've never encountered the ancient texts before. There are plenty of books that discuss magickal practices from 2,000+ years ago. I highly recommend reading, cross-referencing, and looking for the common threads. You'll see many 'Hermetic' themes that keep popping up in every incarnation of Hermeticism.
Here's a book list I made some time ago that will help you make sense of the material and get started. There's a lot of ground to cover, and not everything is specifically 'Hermetic', but the practices/methods those books teach will definitely prove useful in Hermetic magickal work.
If you find yourself getting too confused, just pick up a copy of The Golden Dawn and study the knowledge lectures. Their practices will give you a good foundation for whatever you want to learn later, whether it be the works of Aleister Crowley, Renaissance Grimoires, Qabalah, or Enochian magick. They covered it all in some manner, though other authors (such as John Michael Greer) may be more helpful in providing practical examples.
Edit: Don't forget to read the earliest texts of the Corpus Hermeticum. Modern books are easier to digest, but the ancient texts are where it all started.
The reason so many go for the throat can be summed up in our feelings about syncretism and it's affect on our religion. Many, many Wiccans do the same with our religion as they do with so many others... They take and use the parts they like. This may be by using the runes, or calling to some of our gods (often as an aspect of the Wiccan Lord and Lady) or any other number of ways they can merely use some part of it without taking the whole. The problem here is that ours is not a syncretic religion... We believe that to remove a piece of it from the context of the whole, from the context of the culture that goes with it is to render it meaningless. Naturally, we find this offensive.
Compound this with the fact that any attempts to point this out, to try and explain why we find Wiccan use of our religious symbols, our gods etc... In their syncretic religion will almost without fail fall on deaf ears. Many of us have even been accused of intolerance for trying to stop Wiccans from using our religion piecemeal in some syncretic magpie spiritualism. The fact that we are religiously incompatible is laughed at by most Wiccans, who feel they know our religion better than we do.
And there's another one. When we see something being used incorrectly and try to point it out we're often shut down by the person using it and told some garbage about there being more than one way, or more than one understanding, or fed some lines about UPG. Sometimes we're even dismissed as being wrong about our own religion. That doesn't foster many feelings of goodwill.
So, the short of it is that a person, a religion or a culture can only be insulted so many times before they start to get automatically defensive.
As for good books to read as a starting place, I have lately been recommending A Practical Heathens Guide to Asatru by Patricia M. Lafayllve. It's a good basic text. It doesn't really get in depth on anything, but it can at least give a decent idea of how the modern heathen thinks.
And that's one thing to remember when dealing with us. It's not merely a religion, it's a culture. It's a different worldview. It's a different way of thinking about the world, and how we fit into it.
IIRC, there was a woman in this sub a while back that said she married a Navajo and went to live on the res with him and she was given two copies of this book by some other people there. It's an interesting read.
These are all must-read books:
Candles from anywhere are fine to light the altar and the room. I recently got a huge pack of candles for $2 at ikea clearance.
Must-read books:
These are all good books on the topic, and cover it effectively to some degree. The most famous book is probably the examination of Skinwalker Ranch which just takes it's name from the creature, and which doesn't necessarily explore the creature by itself too deeply.
https://www.amazon.com/Some-Kind-Power-Skinwalker-Narratives/dp/0874802385/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468140712&sr=1-1&keywords=Some+kind+of+power
https://www.amazon.com/Skinwalker-Witchcraft-Related-Spiritual-Phenomena/dp/0965601404/ref=pd_sim_sbs_14_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41E9Ejlcj5L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR240%2C320_&psc=1&refRID=BKS7D7CQDBVJ39H6FQ5T
https://www.amazon.com/Navaho-Witchcraft-Clyde-Kluckhohn/dp/0807046973/ref=pd_sim_sbs_14_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=316K5XDNPWL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR214%2C320_&psc=1&refRID=XX423BBAX3MPJFMDGVZH
https://www.amazon.com/Witchcraft-Sorcery-American-Native-Peoples/dp/0893011274/ref=pd_sim_14_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51QgGUKd1EL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR224%2C320_&psc=1&refRID=EQ8757NR2RMZQVACXQF4
https://www.amazon.com/Native-American-Tribes-History-Culture/dp/1492195227/ref=pd_sim_sbs_14_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=419fuLUq%2B0L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR214%2C320_&psc=1&refRID=XX423BBAX3MPJFMDGVZH
How deep do you want to go?
Here is a quality tomb regarding the landvaettir, and this book will help you in understanding house wights.
At the end of the day, it's about respect and discovering what works for you and yours. [UPG] Wights seem to be unique in their personalities, wants and desires. A lot like people are. Sometimes it can take some experimentation to find what works. At times, honoring some spirits can be a simple as leaving offerings of whole foods, or milk. Other wights seem to prefer something a little more formal. In either case, a regular routine seems to be about the only commonality. [/UPG] That's just my experience though. Your mileage may vary.
Maybe this can help?
Disclaimer: I have not spawned. I cannot account for the veracity of items designated for children. My mother used to tell me that the mannequins in the department stores were misbehaved children that the stores stole, grew up, killed, and forced to wear their own clothes. This just goes to show you what type of parent I'd ever be.
Navaho Witchcraft https://www.amazon.com/dp/0807046973/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5tRNDbKSS3JX0
This book is pretty good.
Yes!
Check out Cathy Strain's book.
Giants, Cannibals, & Monsters.
She is an anthropologist and works for the National Park Service, liaising with Native American tribes.
Plants are living things, so I don't see why not.
I haven't read this book myself, but from the reviews, it sounds like it could be helpful for you.
True Magic: A beginners Guide by Amber K: Llewellyn Publications, is probably still the best easy to read beginner book out there. There are many used copies available for not much.
I agree with what some of the other people said about balancing the feminine and masculine but I can understand if you're maybe looking for something that comes from a more feminine perspective. You might be interested in Gemma Gary and
Marian Green. You also might like Pam Grossman. There's a lot of women involved in witchcraft so I would look into more of that.
Edit: I meant Marian Green not Ann Moura
Here is a book that covers only Yule. It'll give you the history, modern practices, rituals, recipes, activities, etc. that surround Yule. I haven't read it, but I've read the Samhain book in the collection. They have one book for every sabbat.
Cunningham's Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner, Janet and Steward Farrah's A Witches Bible Compleat, Marian Green's A Witch Alone, Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft are all decent intro books IMO.
You can also find a "buttoad of Wiccan/Pagan/Magic E-books" in this thread
My advice is to read everything you can about it. Some books are better than others, some authors know what they're talking about whereas others are full of it, but not everyone agrees on who's "right." So, just read them all and realize that some may be great sources whereas some books ought to be taken with a grain of salt. Make on your own decisions on what is or isn't correct.
...How exactly did you find out about this book?
I looked into it, and it looks like this is his first ever book, published just two days ago, and the only things I can find online about the author are an Instagram with less than fifty followers and a half-finished website. The guy doesn't even have a blog as far as I can see, so I'm surprised you were able to find the book among the hundreds of beginner witchcraft resources floating around on Kindle.
I'm not trying to be a jerk, but this seems suspiciously like a plug, and unless this guy has some seriously groundbreaking advice, $10 for a 52 page book is pretty pricey.
If it's not a plug, and you're looking for an affordable beginner book that's available for Kindle, I'd recommend either Grovedaughter Witchery ($8.99, 226 pages, non-denominational) or A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner ($10.99, 240 pages, slightly modified Wiccan).
Or heck, a lot of the basic beginner info can be found for free online! If you have any specific questions about different areas of witchcraft, there are lots of us who'd be willing to share our thoughts/experiences with you. :)
True Magic, a Beginner's Guide is probably the most popular beginner book ever. Its small, easy reading, and the used copies are now very inexpensive.
But here is the advice I give teens. The underlying meaning of "witchcraft" is the trade or practice of being wise. The village witch is always someone who knows more than others. For a young person of scohlol age you need to spend your time learning all the school topics in great depth. Study everything you can of literature, mathematics, science, philosophy, biology, etc. You have a once in a lifetime opportunity to study in school rather than working a job. Become the most knowledgeable person you know. Become the wise one. Read at least 2 books per week in addition to your school work. When you graduate from school you will have plenty of time to learn the rest of witchcraft.
There is quite a tulpa community in Japan, but they are largely non-communicative outside Japan (my opinion) :
***
Here is a 2014 map of tulpa-makers from :
***
About Russian tulpa-makers see:
***
Edit: For a historical perspective see:
(Pages after the first page require a computer, not a phone, to view.)
> one of the main obstacles is terms that they use that I'm not quite sure of the meaning of.
Perhaps the Glossary would help?
> Whether the current techniques and beliefs are different is one of the things I'm most interested in
Further references available in my research library. (I am the secretary to the owner of Tulpa.info and this research list was compiled [at his request] to help those researching the topic of tulpas.)
***
>In addition, I am not sure whether foreign communities use instant messaging to communicate?
See the Chat list.
When I started I was closeted too, but I didn't even have the courage to post anything so you're awesome!
I used this book alot when I got started. Its smaller so easier to hide, and I really liked how it taught me things that were inconspicuous.
https://www.amazon.com/Wiccapedia-Modern-Day-White-Witchs-Guide/dp/1454913746/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=wiccapedia&qid=1566538597&s=gateway&sr=8-1
If you can manage a bigger book this one is amazing!!! It walks you through exercises and educates about holidays and traditions. It gave me alot to go off of when creating my own spells.
https://www.amazon.com/Wicca-Year-Spiritual-Practice-Craft/dp/0738706213
Don't be afraid to trust your instincts and forge your own path. Blessed be!
Look harder. It's out there, it's just not so easy to find as it doesn't sell well to a more general market. Amazon is a better bet than local spirit stores, which tend to be very 'white light'.
Slightly off-topic for r/wicca, but you might find this interesting if your curiosity runs that sort of way. A fascinating read.
Okay this is something I wrote that explains some of the origins of Wicca and British paganism in general that you might find interesting.
The only 'beginners' book that I would recommend is Where to Park your Broomstick by Lauren Mannoy. This is actually an excellent book written in a very accessible style.
After that, then you should try Doreen Valiente's stuff. She's the most important figure in Wicca and modern witchcraft, as she wrote much of its material and despite wanting to find ancient sources, was completely honest about what she did and didn't find. I'd start with Witchcraft for Tomorrow which is a massively interesting book even if you're not Wiccan.
If you want something that's really in depth about Wicca and what it is and where it came from, the only thing worth looking at - and something that's utterly essential is Professor Ronald Hutton's Triumph of the Moon. This is a very academic book, however, so maybe you can leave it for a while. If you want to take Wicca seriously though, it's absolutely essential. There are some people who claim to be Wiccans who don't like it and can't accept what it says, but I'd stay away from them, as they tend to prefer the fantasy of it being an ancient religion rather than being willing to be open minded about where it really came from and what it is.
Avoid Silver Ravenwolf's books completely. They're rubbish and contain some very bad advice, especially for young people. Despite what she might claim, she's not highly regarded by actual Wiccans at all.
Other advice - well... don't believe anyone who promises you anything or says they can sort out problems for you using Wicca or Witchcraft. If they claim to be part of a group of a High Priest or Priestess or anything like that, then ask what their lineage is or for proof of this and to talk to other people who can back it up. If they're genuine, they won't mind in the slightest. If they're a bullshitter, they'll take offence, but that's when you walk away. If they know who Doreen Valiente and Ron Hutton are and can get into a conversation with you about their books, they've probably got a clue. If they dismiss them or don't know who they are, then they probably don't.
The other thing to say is that even though it's secretive and private, there's a massive difference between privacy and secrecy. You can and should tell someone else whereabouts roughly you're going, if you're going to meet up with groups, or people.
In the main, Wiccans and pagans are pretty nerdy, pretty friendly, but occasionally somewhat damaged, which can lead to interpersonal issues within groups that aren't much fun to deal with. The Wiccan and pagan scene can be a playground for attention seeking folk with ego issues and the problems relating to that are far more likely to cause difficulties than the chances of running into any dangerous animal-sacrificing sex-cult that'll put your soul and life in danger.
So - do a lot of reading, and make sure you establish some boundaries of your own before getting involved with anything or anyone else.
93 - These articles are most likely relevant to you:
Also, there is a book by Sam Webster called Tantric Thelema that you might be interested in.
93 93/93
I need to make a few points before I start:
I'm a Chinese user, and I use about four translators when I read（Including Google translation.）.To be honest, all four translators are different for the same sentence. This is very common.
Let me start. I only read this book at the moment.
The article gives a brief summary of the development of Japanese tulpa from David neal to the 1980s. In the 1980s, relevant books about tulpa began to appear in Japan. Different authors had different understandings of tulpa, which paved the way for tulpa on the Japanese Internet today.
It is worth mentioning that Japan's tulpa is not quite the same as the English community's tulpa understanding.
Later, the author began to explain that the tulpa he introduced was not the tulpa on the Japanese Internet, which was closer to David neal. You can see some buddhist terms there.
The author thinks that tulpa is just one stage of something that can develop into a better existence. He then introduced this method of creation by tulpa, in which the concept of "thoughtform" was mentioned several times. I just wanted to learn about history, and I didn't have much interest in it. So I'm not going to go into specifics.
Welcome to the community! There's really no right or wrong way to start, but as far as a "newbie"/beginner goes, there are a couple beginner's guides that I'd recommend any interested novice pick up. Wicca For Beginners is a great place to start for a general overview of the practice. A more extensive guide would be A Witch's Bible, and if you're looking for more Druidic/"Green Witch" type material, the Grimoire for the Green Witch is pretty extensive.
That should about cover basic/introductory stuff. I've been practicing Wicca my entire life, so feel free to PM me if you've got any questions. I'd be more than happy to introduce you to Paganism.
The picture of Ra Hoor Kuit in the Lotus from that video is by artist Kat Lunoe
I don't think it was used with permission... her website is: http://nondualelf.com/home.html.
That picture is from the cover of Tantric Thelema by Sam Webster, and can be purchased here: Tantric Thelema
Also apparently there's an actual Wiccapedia book, haha!
I have found Amber K's True Magick invaluable. Books on herbology would probably also suit you well, as it can't hurt to be a green witch growing medically viable herbs as part of your practice. If you have any other questions, I'm never far from reddit, so PM me. c: I'd be glad to help.
I would recommend Hermetic Magic:
http://www.amazon.com/Hermetic-Magic-Postmodern-Papyrus-Abaris/dp/0877288283
Full of Graeco-Egyptian stuff plus translations and commentaries of the actual Papyri.
Yes. Here are my favorites:
1 - Thus Spoke The Plant
2 - Sacred Plant Medicine
3 - Plant Spirit Healing
4 - Plant Spirit Shamanism
5 - The Plant Spirit Familiar
The whole dialogue between humans and plants is always taking place. The trick is to learn the language.
Podcast sources#
Related#
(a) The DNA Study In A Nutshell
(b) Sasquatch Genome Project Press Conference - October 1, 2013
(c) Coast to Coast AM - Dr Melba Ketchum - source
(d) How the Bigfoot field has discouraged serious scientific inquiry
(e) David Paulides talking about the reception of the paper (Coast to Coast, March 17, 2013)
(f) Melba saying it was "angel" DNA
(g) The Ketchum DNA Study - One Year Later - by Christopher Noël
(a) Author info - "Kathy Moskowitz Strain received her B.A. in Anthropology (1990) and M.A. in Behavioral Science (emphasis Anthropology; 1994) from California State University, Bakersfield. She is currently the Forest Heritage Resource and Tribal Relations Programs Manager for the Stanislaus National Forest. Kathy has been a professional archaeologist/anthropologist for 20 years, and conducting research and fieldwork on 'Hairy Man' for nearly as long."
(b) Where to buy: Amazon, Hancock House (publisher)
(c) Endorsement by David Paulides:
"[can you point us to a definitive source for the Native American myths you discussed earlier in the thread?]
Yes; Giants, Cannibals and Monsters, by Kathy Strain.
She is an archeologist for the Department of the Interior and a good friend.
She spent years developing the book, its good!"
About the people interviewed#
(a) https://harveypratt.com/
(b) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_Pratt
(a) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Paulides
(b) https://twitter.com/canammissing
The Following list is taken from the Witches & Warlocks FB page. (This is Christian Day's group)
Witches and Warlocks Recommended Reading List
This is a collection of books recommended by our admins and participants in the group. Books must be approved by the admins so if you'd like to see one added to the last, please post it in the comments at the bottom of this list and, if it's something we think is appropriate, we'll add it! We provide links to Amazon so folks can read more about the book but we encourage you to shop at your local occult shop whenever possible! :)
BEGINNER'S WITCHCRAFT BOOKS
Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft
by Raymond Buckland
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0875420508
Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America
by Margot Adler
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0143038192
Grimoire of the Thorn-Blooded Witch: Mastering the Five Arts of Old World Witchery
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635500
The Inner Temple of Witchcraft: Magick, Meditation and Psychic Development
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738702765
The Kybalion: The Definitive Edition
by William Walker Atkinson (Three Initiates)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1585428744
Lid Off the Cauldron: A Wicca Handbook
by Patricia Crowther
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1861630328
Mastering Witchcraft
by Paul Huson
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0595420060
Natural Magic
by Doreen Valiente
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0919345808
Natural Witchery: Intuitive, Personal & Practical Magick
by Ellen Dugan
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738709220
Old World Witchcraft: Ancient Ways for Modern Days
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635055
The Outer Temple of Witchcraft: Circles, Spells and Rituals
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738705314
Power of the Witch: The Earth, the Moon, and the Magical Path to Enlightenment
by Laurie Cabot
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385301898
Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation
by Silver RavenWolf
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738703192
Spirit of the Witch: Religion & Spirituality in Contemporary Witchcraft
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738703389
Witch: A Magickal Journey
by Fiona Horne
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0007121326
Witchcraft for Tomorrow
by Doreen Valiente
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0709052448
Witchcraft Today
by Gerald Gardner
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0806525932
The Witches' Craft: The Roots of Witchcraft & Magical Transformation
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/073870265X
The Witching Way of the Hollow Hill
by Robin Artisson
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982031882
WITCHCRAFT HISTORY AND RESOURCE BOOKS
Aradia or The Gospel of the Witches
by Charles Godfrey Leland
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982432356
Encyclopedia of Mystics, Saints & Sages: A Guide to Asking for Protection, Wealth, Happiness, and Everything Else!
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062009575
The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft and Wicca
by Rosemary Ellen Guiley
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0816071047
Etruscan Roman Remains
by Charles Godfrey Leland
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1494302519
The God of the Witches
by Margaret Murray
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0195012704
The Weiser Field Guide to Witches, The: From Hexes to Hermione Granger, From Salem to the Land of Oz
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578634792
ADVANCED BOOKS ON WITCHCRAFT AND MAGIC
Blood Sorcery Bible Volume 1: Rituals in Necromancy
by Sorceress Cagliastro
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1935150812
The Deep Heart of Witchcraft: Expanding the Core of Magickal Practice
by David Salisbury
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1780999208
Teen Spirit Wicca
by David Salisbury
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1782790594
Enchantment: The Witch's Art of Manipulation by Gesture, Gaze and Glamour
by Peter Paddon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936922517
Initiation into Hermetics
by Franz Bardon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1885928122
Letters from the Devil's Forest: An Anthology of Writings on Traditional Witchcraft, Spiritual Ecology and Provenance Traditionalism
by Robin Artisson
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1500796360
Magical Use of Thought Forms: A Proven System of Mental & Spiritual Empowerment
by Dolores Ashcroft-Nowick and J.H. Brennan
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567180841
Magick in Theory and Practice
by Aleister Crowley
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1500380679
The Plant Spirit Familiar
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982774311
Protection and Reversal Magick
by Jason Miller
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1564148793
Psychic Self-Defense
by Dion Fortune
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635098
The Ritual Magic Workbook: A Practical Course of Self-Initiation
by Dolores Ashcroft-Norwicki
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578630452
The Roebuck in the Thicket: An Anthology of the Robert Cochrane Witchcraft Tradition
by Evan John Jones, Robert Cochrane and Michael Howard
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1861631553
The Satanic Witch
by Anton Szandor LaVey
http://www.amazon.com/Satanic-Witch-Anton-Szandor-LaVey/dp/0922915849
Shadow Magick Compendium: Exploring Darker Aspects of Magickal Spirituality
by Raven Digitalis
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VS0N5K
The Tree of Enchantment: Ancient Wisdom and Magic Practices of the Faery Tradition
by Orion Foxwood
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578634075
The Underworld Initiation: A journey towards psychic transformation
by R.J. Stewart
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1892137038
HERBALISM, CANDLES, INCENSE, OILS, FORMULARIES, AND STONES
A Compendium of Herbal Magic
by Paul Beyerl
http://www.amazon.com/dp/091934545X
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
by Scott Cunningham
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0875421229
The Enchanted Candle: Crafting and Casting Magickal Light
by Lady Rhea
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0806525789
The Enchanted Formulary: Blending Magickal Oils for Love, Prosperity, and Healing
by Lady Maeve Rhea
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0806527048
Incense: Crafting and Use of Magickal Scents
by Carl F. Neal
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738703362
Magickal Formulary Spellbook Book 1
by Herman Slater
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0939708000
Magickal Formulary Spellbook: Book II
by Herman Slater
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0939708108
SPELLCASTING AND SPELLBOOKS
Crone's Book of Charms & Spells
by Valerie Worth
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567188117
Crone's Book of Magical Words
by Valerie Worth
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567188257
Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0061711233
Everyday Magic: Spells & Rituals for Modern Living
by Dorothy Morrison
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567184693
Pure Magic: A Complete Course in Spellcasting
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578633915
Utterly Wicked: Curses, Hexes & Other Unsavory Notions
by Dorothy Morrison
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0979453313
The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook
by Denise Alvarado
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635136
The Voodoo Doll Spellbook: A Compendium of Ancient and Contemporary Spells and Rituals
by Denise Alvarado
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1578635543
THE ANCESTORS AND WORKING WITH THE DEAD
The Cauldron of Memory: Retrieving Ancestral Knowledge & Wisdom
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738715751
The Mighty Dead
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982774370
Speak with the Dead: Seven Methods for Spirit Communication
by Konstantinos
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738705225
The Witches' Book of the Dead
by Christian Day
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635063
_____
TAROT
78 Degrees of Wisdom
by Rachel Pollack
http://www.amazon.com/dp/157863408
The best information comes from personal experience. That said, there is significantly more useful information in printed books than on the internet: Try books by Marian Green, Ronald Hutton, and others (disregard pretty much anything published by Llewellyn unless it was written by Scott Cunningham [who despite "fluffy bunny" leanings knows his stuff, herbally] or another author you know to trust).
You might also want to hang around the magical blogosphere at places like Runesoup, Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom, Witch of Forest Grove, etc. The Lucky Mojo Curio Co. site is tacky as all hell (deliberately so) but an incredible resource, just bear in mind that Cat Yronwode (though very well-informed) is not the end-all be-all to conjure.
[Edited for Lucky Mojo typo and to add links]
I just picked up this book from the local library: Yule: Rituals, recipes, & lore for the Winter Solstice
It's a bit fluffy, but does have some historical explanation and lots of cute gift sharing ideas.
One of my grandmothers was a stickler for celebrating the Solstice rather than Christmas. For her it was all about lots of greenery, the Yule log (and no, chocolate doesn't burn well, but it tastes better!), lots of songs (the less Christian the better), and LOTS of food. She would pickle vegetables and make preserves for weeks leading up to the holidays, and then give them away as gifts. We've kept doing these things, and tried to keep it as much about the natural season and less about commercialism.
It's not necessary, and it's based on hermetics, thelema, whatever. It's been a while since I looked into it, and I'm honestly so tired of most of the information out there being only on one very specific, heternormative, type of Wicca. There are a lot of different perspectives on Wicca. There are even Wiccans who are not witches.
Wicca varies greatly by tradition, and if you are solitary, you can make your own practice.
Wicca is about practice, not belief. If the belief of male/female masculine/feminine doesn't jive with you, leave it out. I despise it, actually. My concept of the divine is everything. There is no split for me. Some Wiccans are polytheist, henotheist, monotheist, duotheist, even atheist.
Dianic Wiccans only have a goddess.
Yvonne Aburrow has a book and a group about Inclusive Wicca (https://www.amazon.com/All-Acts-Love-Pleasure-Inclusive-ebook/dp/B00W5WLBBS/ref=la_B00OYSZOMS_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1517782951&sr=1-1)I
This has even been asked before:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Wicca/comments/6lkjf9/question_about_the_gendered_deities_of_wicca/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Wicca/comments/695wvl/nonbinary_genderwicca/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Wicca/comments/4f44yx/sex_gender_and_the_divine/
Seriously, spend some time on a search engine. You can even type "gender" in the search bar for this subreddit.
I hope you find what you're looking for. Just be aware there are a lot "fundie" Wiccans online.
This might help. And this and definitely this
It depends on which hermeticism you mean. There are numerous iterations and branches.
I really enjoyed studying
Hermetic Magic by Flowers. Additionally, the Betz translation of The Greek Magical Papyri is indispensable.
I love working with the Greeks. First and foremost, you need a way in. For most people, this is the Agathos Daemon, ie. the good daemon, who is often depicted as a snake. The AG is sort of the Greek version of a "guardian angel". Make offerings to the AG every time you eat or drink. When you drink, spill the first few drops onto the floor. When you eat, offer the first and tiniest morsel of grain [you can try offering meat, but probably it would be best to stick with grain].
Here are a few useful books that I've read on the subject.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076GB568V/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
https://www.amazon.com/Mythology-Edith-Hamilton-ebook/dp/B00852YXU8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1VEM7QFB1VP7Z&keywords=greek+mythology&qid=1567193780&s=digital-text&sprefix=greek+mytho%2Cdigital-text%2C181&sr=1-4
Lastly, incorporate elements of planetary magic into your practice. Apollo is an easy one because he corresponds to the Sun, which means you should invoke him Sundays at sunrise. Hermes is Wednesday, Zeus and Poseidon and Hera on Thursday. I like to do Athena on Tuesday but Tuesday is also good for Aries, should you dare mess with Aries. Saturday is for Chronos, and Monday for Artemis or Hecate. Hecate is considered the Greek god of witchcraft, so if you want to get witchy, she's the one to go with.
You might also want to pick up a book about planetary magic in general, such as this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Planetary-Magick-Heart-Western-Llewellyns-ebook/dp/B004G8QLL4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Ok, having been down this road many years ago there are a few things I would do. First invest in this book. It will help answer a large amount of the questions you are about to get.
Two, remember that all paths are valid. With this in mind attacking your parents belief isn't going to win you points, rather explaining that "While Christianity may be right for you, I don't feel it's right for me." Will most likely get you a little farther.
Three, your parents are going to be upset, but only if you make it a fight and dig your heels in. Approach it slowly, give them time to get used to this idea. Let them know you will still respect their holy days, if they insist that you go to church tell them that you are willing to go on holy days (Christmas/Easter) for the family, not because your christian anymore (after all if your secure in your faith what harm will it do to make your family happy?) In the mean time though do things that include your family in your choices, make a nice dinner for your family on December 21st. Use a yule log as the center piece at Christmas dinner. At Easter, play up the bunny and eggs.
I was a lot like you once. My mother and I both dug our heels in and fought about this for a long time. It was only later after years that my mother and I reconciled and it took her learning about Wicca, and me willing to accept that just as I loved craft, my mother loved Christianity and despite what the church has turned it into overall the original intent of Jesus was for everyone to try to get along and love each other even though sometimes people are jerks. Remember to see beyond today and tomorrow, take it slow, let people get used to it and don't become ridged, this is a time to be like the willow, not the oak.
Good luck...oh and a good book to get them is When Someone You Love is Wiccan
It is very helpful
I am a newbie also and currently reading: Hellenismos: Practicing Greek Polytheism Today, by Tony Mierzwicki and have found it extremely helpful.
Hellenismos
Also the very first book I read about the Greek Gods is still one of my favorites, Ingri and Edgar D’Aulaire’s book of Greek Myths. It’s a children’s book, but thoroughly enjoyable for anyone at any age.
D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths
I'm late to the party but I do have a suggestion for you. Carl McColmac did a book on probably exactly what you are looking to delve into. At least at the beginning. http://www.amazon.com/When-Someone-You-Love-Wiccan/dp/1564146227
Now not everything in this book is going to match her 100% but if you are interested it should give you a good overview and platform that you could ask her questions about.
The Basics of Heathenry- For Kids
http://www.amazon.com/Basics-Heathenry-Kids-Childrens-Book/dp/0692284990/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1458746400&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Jennifer+Lohr
This is fascinating, I don't really know much about Tantra especially as it relates to Thelema. There are a few texts, which I have not read but hope to pick them up at some point, that make the connection.
Tantric Thelema: https://www.amazon.com/Tantric-Thelema-Sam-Webster/dp/0984372903
The Magickal Union of East and West: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738740446/ref=rdr_ext_tmb
I've heard some good things about Grovedaughter Witchery. I know the author tried to make a book that was specifically non theistic, because they're hard to find.
Thanks! I just wanted to get some outside thoughts on the books since I'm kind of learning by myself at the moment.
Also, for reference, here's the other book. In it's essence it's a BOS but it also has a lot of commentary and explanation throughout making it a kind of hybrid book.
Like what?
My statement was probably overly strong, but the point is that chimeric legendary creatures are fairly rare. There's obviously tons of supernatural powers in North American Native mythology - shapeshifting, spirits, etc. But most creatures or spirits are man-like or animal-like or abstract (the wind, the dawn, etc.) Sometimes giant or otherwise unnatural, but rarely chimeric like winged horses, lions with man heads, etc.
A great example is Lakota mythology. Everything is spirit or ethereal or is represented by a known animal - eagles, frogs, beavers, bison, etc. The only abnormal ones are usually human - having two faces, for instance.
This runs directly opposed to a lot of Eurasian Mythologies that are full of fantastical creatures like the Manticore, the Chimera, Dragons, Qilin, Phoenix, Simurgh, etc. etc.
It would be very, very odd that 90%+ of the spirits, gods, etc. of native american tribes are represented by known animals except for ones that strongly represent Sasquatches.
The only other example I can think of off the top of my head are 'horned serpents' - snakes that have horns growing out of their head. And most of those, iirc, are tribes that were closer in proximity to Mesoamerican tribes which did have a lot of fictional creatures in their pantheon.
Lastly, I'm not an expert in Native American folklore and there are a lot of various tribes on the continent. Could definitely be some legends I'm not aware of. But I have heard the same argument before by people more knowledgeable than me, especially about tribes that traditionally inhabited places that are now strongly associated with 'bigfoot'.
Kathy Strain, an anthropologist, has a great book about the wealth of Native American legends that strongly tie into the Bigfoot legend.
I got you.
Wiccapedia: A Modern-Day White... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1454913746?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share