(Part 3) Best witchcraft religion & spirituality books according to redditors

Absolutely! Rituals that arise from your mind and heart will be more effective.

A few caveats for you, however:

1. As both an art and a craft, magic(k) has a certain set of “rules” that must be learned, just as in any other art/craft, before they are broken, otherwise we’re just playing with candles (not that that isn’t magical in itself, albeit a bit dangerous). If you raise power really well by having a bad ass homemade ritual, but you can’t effectively direct that power, then the ritual on the whole wasn’t magically effective. Said ritual might be mystical for you and put you in an altered state, but real magic requires willful, boldly directed power.
   
   
2. Take time to find rituals in print that you find inviting. Take these rituals and copy them down, leaving a double space between each line. Use the spaces between the lines to completely rewrite the text in your own words, while still staying true to the overall form and structure of the working. Most witchcraft rituals have a common configuration, i.e. first the preparation of body, mind, and space; then consecration of items; then creating the sacred circle or holy space; then the raising of power/energy and directing it to its target; then grounding yourself; then closing. If you’re celebrating something or invoking divinity then that needs to find a comfy home somewhere in there, too.
   
   
3. No matter what ritual you create, PRACTICE IT until the dialogue and gestures are fully memorized or familiar to such a degree that they flow easily from you, so that your mind and will power can properly accompany the ritual without (too much) distraction.
   
   
4. Here’s a reliable book about how to understand and create Wiccan ritual, but you can use it to apply to other traditions as well:
   
   The Elements of Ritual
   
   
5. Also, because you’re broke, use this online database to find what you need to learn:
   
   The Eye

Seconded. I read this, as well as Cunningham's Guide for a Solitary Practitioner at first. They are both very helpful, but different. Here is the Amazon Link for Wicca and Witchcraft for Dummies and here is the Amazon Link for Cunningham.

You have a tiny fraction of the bases covered, but you're better off than many people. Some people only read Scott Cunningham's Wicca: A Guide and call it a day.

You really ought to learn of the history of religious witchcraft in the 20th century, the many layers of symbolism and tradition in Gardnerian and Alexandrian witchcraft of the 50s and 60s, then the spread and change of the newly arrived Pagan and witchcraft scene of the 70s and 80s in America, which leads to Dianic Wicca, Eclectic Wicca, and finally the form presented in Scott Cunningham's books and most, if not all books published in the past ten years (and continuously) by Llewellyn.

Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler: https://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Down-Moon-Witches-Goddess-Worshippers/dp/0143038192/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469827845&sr=8-1&keywords=drawing+down+the+moon

Then eventually learn of the history not of the religious traditions of witchcraft which have caught on by many, but the figure of the witch as a religious follower (as opposed to an evil baby-killer, a Halloween decoration, or something dreamed up in the minds of the Catholic church with no foundation in actual religion).

Aradia: Gospel of the Witches by Charles Leland: https://www.amazon.com/Aradia-Gospel-Witches-Charles-Godfrey/dp/0982432356/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828055&sr=8-1&keywords=aradia

Ecstasies: Deciphering the Witches' Sabbath by Carlo Ginzburg: https://www.amazon.com/Ecstasies-Deciphering-Witches-Carlo-Ginzburg/dp/0226296938/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828085&sr=8-4&keywords=carlo+ginzburg

The Witch Cult in Western Europe by Margaret Murray: https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Cult-Western-Europe/dp/1515244024/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828141&sr=8-2&keywords=witch+cult+western+europe

and then, in a timeline-fashion,

Witchcraft Today by Gerald Gardner: https://www.amazon.com/Witchcraft-Today-Gerald-Gardner/dp/0806525932/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828213&sr=8-1&keywords=witchcraft+today

Then learn how religious witchcraft, as presented by Gerald Gardner and his covens, was and is practiced, the meaning behind the practices, and why the meanings matter.

A Witches Bible by Janet and Stewart Farrar: https://www.amazon.com/Witches-Bible-Complete-Handbook/dp/0919345921/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828310&sr=8-1&keywords=witches+bible

Also inserted in this section might easily be Buckland's Book of Witchcraft, but I don't personally recommend that book as it does stray from Gardnerian tradition in many respects, sometimes changing whole chunks of traditional texts to a more Pagan or celtic format, and conveniently brushes over the use and symbolism of an important tool, the scourge, in witchcraft. But there are many good pieces of knowledge in that book.

Its also important to read up on influential figures in the Craft movement, and their thoughts, opinions, and reasonings behind their beliefs.

Firechild by Maxine Sanders: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Child-Magic-Maxine-Sanders/dp/1869928784/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828518&sr=8-1&keywords=maxine+sanders

King of the Witches by June Johns: https://www.amazon.com/King-Witches-World-Alex-Sanders/dp/B000NT7OYI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828547&sr=8-1&keywords=king+witches+june

And there's so much more, probably more books than anyone could ever read and find all of.

And one of the best sources of knowledge of the Craft is an experienced High Priest(ess) within a coven that knows their stuff. Much of witchcraft's knowledge comes from its mysteries, which must be experienced to understand.

Good luck on your journey.

A few things...

You can look at The Troth, an Asatru organization: http://thetroth.org You don't have to be an Asatruar to worship Freyja, but you may want to look into it.

You may also want to look into Seidr (basically Norse shamanism). Here's a link to a Katie Gerrard book you may be interested in on that topic: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0079LCRTA/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

(Edit: Note, this painting is ever so slightly NSFW)

Here's a modern painting of Her I really like: https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/sebmckinnon/freyja/

And, prepare to read a lot.

]Wicca differs from mainstream notions of religion. Traditionally, it's more of a religious order with no laity, an initiatory pagan priesthood that maintains a body of knowledge and rites that is kept intact and handed down from initiate to initiate. It also differs in that it's not an orthodoxy but an orthopraxy.

Eclectic practices influenced by Wicca tend to be orthodox ("I'm a Wiccan because I believe ___") and tend to differ from one to the other as they're most often individual practices unique to the person.

Some suggestions:

Triumph of the Moon by Ronald Hutton

Wicca: A comprehensive guide to the Old Religion in the modern world by Vivienne Crowley

Modern Wicca: A History From Gerald Gardner to the Present by Michael Howard

Witching Culture, Folklore and Neo-Paganism in America, by Sabina Magliocco

Drawing Down the Moon, by Margot Adler (the late NPR journalist)

This book is like an unofficial follow-up to Adler's DDTM:

Voices from the Pagan Census: A National Survey of Witches and Neo-Pagans in the United States, by Helen A. Berger

Books from the mid-20th century:

Witchcraft Today by Gerald Gardner

The Meaning of Witchcraft by Gerald Gardner

https://www.amazon.com/Danza-Espiral-Spiral-Dance-Spanish/dp/8477209618 This (in English) was my intro to Wicca. It's pretty Dianic (Goddess focused), and some versions strongly view gender as a dichotomy, bordering on anti male. I am not sure which version this is. The 20th Anniversary English one has a lot of notes of how the versions have changed.

"Have You Been Hexed?" http://www.amazon.com/Have-You-Been-Hexed-ebook/dp/B00DUKASDQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380733765&sr=8-1&keywords=have+you+been+hexed

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

It's not entirely Wiccan, but I believe it serves as an excellent guide.

http://www.amazon.com/Grimoire-Apprentice-Wizard-Oberon-Zell-Ravenheart-ebook/dp/B005JC5NHO/ref=la_B001JRVJ8A_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1458164377

There's a companion book also. Both would be awesome to use for fiction writing.

Oh, and Scott Cunningham's 'Truth About Witchcraft Today' is a little dated, but still helpful for those not wanting to become a witch, but understand one.

http://www.amazon.com/Llewellyns-Truth-About-Witchcraft-ebook/dp/B00C5H33IM/ref=sr_1_28?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1458164608&sr=1-28&keywords=scott+cunningham

Two books that I recommend are "The Circle Within" https://www.amazon.com/Circle-Within-Creating-Spiritual-Tradition-ebook/dp/B00B1TCUIY/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1500307425&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Circle+Within and "Positive Magic" https://www.amazon.com/Positive-Magic-Revised-Marion-Weinstein-ebook/dp/B001D20VRG/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1500307483&sr=1-1&keywords=positive+magic+by+marion+weinstein

I also recommend going to http://www.wicca-spirituality.com and reading everything there.

I really loved Ann Mora's books, they're entertaining and insightful. I'll link two of my favorites from her :D

Green Witchcraft
and
Grimoire for the Green Witch: A Complete Book of Shadows

Depends on what you're looking for really. If you're looking into her myths, I recommend theoi.com (for all the Greeks, really).

This one Artemis : Virgin Goddess of the Sun, Moon & Hunt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078IKMAA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9W43Bb1B21NVQ is a good overview

I like this one Dancing In Moonlight: Understanding Artemis Through Celebration: Understanding Artemis Through Celebration https://www.amazon.com/dp/0615188184/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3Z43BbF5PWK5X

And this one is a good anthology written by her modern worshipers Unbound: A Devotional Anthology for Artemis https://www.amazon.com/dp/1442160799/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_l143Bb4C3W750

I hope those links work. I'm on mobile so they might not.

Not the right subject matter, but just to make sure you're not possibly conflating more than one book cover: The Witch's Heart: The Magick of Perfect Love & Perfect Trust by Christopher Penczak

Suggestions:
-Practical Protection Magick - Ellen Dugan

-Practical Prosperity Magick - Ellen Dugan

Dave co-authored several books with Sorita. I knew him from earlier when he lived in Wales.

WiccanTogether has been an amazing source of information and like-minded people for me.

Paganism is an umbrella term for anything that falls under non-Abrahamic or mainstream religion- so it's A LOT. I would highly recommend the book Toward the Wiccan Circle and Paganism: An Introduction to Earth Centered Religions.

I would also recommend searching the following YouTube channels:

• MoodyThursday (myself)
  
  
• CharmingPixieFlora
  
  
• Pagyptsian (especially the older videos)
  
  
• DragonFeather369
  
  Although some of the above resources have been labeled as "Wicca", they are a great platform from which to jump towards your own specific brand of Paganism :-)
  
  Blessed Be (And feel free to PM me)

Then try meditating for just five minutes at any given time, maybe in the morning and in the evening or when it is oppurtune for you to do so. Maybe you should if you live where it is possible go to a public ritual and see how it goes. I can only encourage you to read and to do research, maybe trough the Inet . Find something that fits you, your life and will to commit. Here are a few book recommendations for you:https://www.amazon.com/Pagan-Portals-Discover-Unlock-Natural/dp/1785350765/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1501097009&sr=8-15&keywords=pagan+portals

https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Magick-Twelve-Lessons-Magickal-ebook/dp/B004I8UYEW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1501097079&sr=8-3&keywords=ceremonial+magick

https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Ritual-Magic-Fundamental-Apprentice/dp/1578633184/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1501097153&sr=8-4&keywords=fundamentals+of+magick

https://www.amazon.com/Wicca-Beginners-Fundamentals-Philosophy-Practice-ebook/dp/B001JEPR5E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1501097153&sr=8-2&keywords=fundamentals+of+magick

Sorry if they are a bit basic but it is a good start. I have excluded Chaos magic and satanism as i dont have much knowledge in these fields and dont want to give you wrong infos.