(Part 2) Top products from r/Wicca

Read read read. When I started my journey four years ago, I started finding books on witchy topics that resonated with me: cat magic, herb magic, native American deities, Egyptology, Elder Futhark runes, general books on Wicca and witchcraft, etc. I also hit the Internet to learn more about the goddess aspect, Hindu gods, chakras, and spirit guides. I added each bit of knowledge that jumped out at me to a notebook that evolved into my first book of shadows. I made connections between ideas and formed a path that resonates well with me, but I’m constantly changing, just like nature.

Two books I would suggest off hand are The Goddess is in the Details and Everyday Witchcraft, both by Deborah Blake.

https://smile.amazon.com/s?k=the+goddess+is+in+the+details&sprefix=the+goddess+i&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_13

The very first book that set me on my path, however, was a good staple on any witch’s shelf, Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. I’ve heard mixed reviews on Cunningham from various witches, but the truth to me is that he’s just a little more traditional, and most of the rituals in his book on Magical Herbalism don’t have to be taken so literally.

https://smile.amazon.com/Cunninghams-Encyclopedia-Magical-Llewellyns-Sourcebook/dp/0875421229/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=encyclopedia+of+magical+herbs&qid=1558376960&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://smile.amazon.com/Magical-Herbalism-Secret-Llewellyns-Practical/dp/0875421202/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=Cunningham+herbal+magic&qid=1558377220&s=gateway&sr=8-2

As far as Tarot goes, the best advice I ever got from another practitioner is to throw away the rule book. Divining tools are meant to distract the left brain so that the right brain and third eye can open to the universal consciousness. Don’t always just read by the textbook definition of a card, but also by what you “see” and feel, and by its placement in the pattern. Some people (like me) are only able to read well for others, so if you’re not feeling it reading for yourself, practice on willing friends and strangers. Maybe avoid family right now. That can open some dark doors.

I went on way too long, but I’ve done so much research and continue to learn. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have if you want to message me. Merrily met and Blessed be.

1. You end up interacting with the spirit world as part of Wiccan practice. The Gods are part of the spirit world so we don't "believe in" so much as work with them.
   
   
2. Probably the best easy to read beginning book ever, True Magic: A beginners Guide by Amber K: Llewellyn Publications; , 2nd Edition (2006). For more complete and extensive reading our coven has a recommended book list we want our witches in training to read.
   
   
3. Tarot cards from good artists are better than most hand made cards. A hand made athame or other item is really good. However do not turn away from those who make and sell their art and craft work. But, do not haggle over the price.
   
   
4. Doing magic together is a big part of being in a coven. A coven is a group Wiccan friends who celebrate, party, and do magic together. A bigger group of witches makes more powerful magic.
   
   
5. Wiccan altars are a place to put your working tools during ritual. They are NOT a sacred shrine. In the last few years quite a few solitary wiccans are creating shrine altars which are really not from traditoinal Wiccan practice. It helps the solitaries feel connected since they have no other connections.
   
   
6. I've never found those monikers useful. Witches I know all do some of this or some of that depending on what's going on this week.
   
   
7. Don't wear a big silver pentacle to your day job, especially if the company owner is of another religion.
   
   
8. Many questions is one of the reasons I always recommend finding a local coven (group of Wiccan friends). Those who have been practicing for a few years can answer your questions and guide your path.

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!

Here’s a list of books I generally recommend to...everyone. Scott Cunnighams book was my absolute favorite for learning about Wicca specifically, while the other books are more generalized witchcraft practices.

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft and Buckland's Book of Spirit Communications are good books for getting a decent understanding of what could be (subjectively speaking) considered “traditional” witchcraft. I myself am NOT a fan of the Llewellyn branch of magick, as it is heavily based around forming structured groups and covens and much of the information seems more ceremonial than anything. That being said, these books give a great basic rundown into alot of different styles and tools you will most likely be using or want to use.

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner is great if you want to go down the Wicca path AND it’s made specifically for solitary practitioners along with having some of Scott Cunninghams own spells in it as well.

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs is a good rundown of many common and uncommon reagents used in witchcraft along with their metaphysical uses. Reader's Digest Magic and Medicine of Plants despite the name is a more practical and scientifically written book on the historical and medicinal used of many N. American plants.

Inside the Mirror Box: Spells and Theory for All Practitioners was actually written by a friend of mine. His book gives alot of information on actual spellwork, along with a large selection of Mirror Box spells and a short section on other uses for mirrors (such as divination).

And finally the Encyclopedia of Spirits is a great reference guide for those of us who want to work with specific entities. The author covers the full gamut of spirits and deities from the ancient gods to christian saints and archangels to lesser known spirits.

Usually, for every magickal endeavor you want to make incense for, there is a household correspondence that you can use to make it. We wouldn't be Witches if we weren't crafty, right?

Some texts that will help you find correspondences (If you can't buy them yourself, you can always browse them at a bookstore and take notes. Places like Barnes and Nobles carries these kinds of books. They are worth buying secretly and sneaking home, imho.) :

• Cunningham's Magickal Herbs
  
  
• Cunningham's Incense, Oils, and Brews
  
  
• Cunningham's Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise
  
  and while you're at it, for extra sneakyness:
  
  
• Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Wicca in the Kitchen
  
  There are other books out there about herbalism, but Cunningham's books are simple and effective primers to get you started down the road towards Herbalism. Just remember, there is WAY more advanced stuff out there, and if you care to learn it, you can.
  
  For more immediate help regarding making incense, A video about Herbalism from Cunningham: [Herb Magick] (http://youtu.be/Mn6B2m1pLoE). The video may not have an extensive correspondence list, but it'll get you down the road.
  
  PLEASE DON'T POISON YOURSELF.

Well there are two that I recommend. Since you are going with the Raider-Waite-Smith deck, you could actually get Aurtor Waite's book on his deck. Him and Pamela Coleman Smith worked on very specific meaning and symbols and while she drew the pictures he wrote the book on what he felt that they meant. It's called "The Pictorial Keyto the Tarot" -- There's actually a really nice commemorative set meant to honor Pamela Coleman Smith that has his book included. I bought it as a gift and it was beautiful you can find it here: http://www.amazon.com/Pamela-Colman-Smith-Commemorative-Set/dp/1572816392/

The second book I would recommend is The Complete Guide to the Tarot by Eden Gray found here: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Tarot-Eden-Gray/dp/0553277529/ -- This is my favorite book on tarot and is the one I still use to teach my students.

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.

My favorite herb book is The Compendium of Herbal Magick by Paul Beyerl. Cunningham's is really good, too, but Beyerl goes into a lot more detail about the herbal properties and the lore behind them.

For crystals, this is the book I recommend with five stars. In addition to fabulous descriptions of crystal properties, the sheer number of crystals and stones she talks about is unparalleled in any book I've yet to see. The only downside is that it doesn't have any photos but if you have access to google that isn't too much of a set back.

Good luck with your studies!

The Goodly Spellbook is a good one because it talks about magical theory, not just the spells. I have Judika Iiles' Encyclopedia of Spells, though I don't use it often, it's a good starting point.

I just recently purchased a correspondence book. It's pretty interesting, though I haven't had much need of it just yet. Something like this might help you write your own spells. IME those work much better.

I love your dreams. They both seem very feminine to me. I think you might find a more general pagan approach helpful. The symbolism carries on through out all beliefs in slightly different ways but similar core understanding. There's a book I find really helpful, it might be a bit much for a novice but then again it might be helpful too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0738732532/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527082760&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=correspondences&dpPl=1&dpID=51-FRJV-cGL&ref=plSrch

Satan is a demigod of the Christian religion. Most serious Wiccans do not waste our time on Christian divinity. Pentagrams are a very ancient symbol, probably because they are easy to draw. The link between the Christian demigod and a pentagram of any kind comes out of THEIR religion. It has nothing to do with Wicca.

I don't see burning your drawing as "foolish." Magic is all about intention, and your disposal of the drawing had no harmful intention.

We have had some very dark nights lately do to heavy clouds and rain. If she had used the bathroom light and then turned it off before looking out her eyes would be open for the bright light and not see dim light outside very well at all. It takes several minutes to readjust.

As for your son, he may need further education in Wicca so he doesn't become more confused of freightened. I suggets a book called, True Magic: A beginners Guide by Amber K. Its simple, easy reading, and covers all the basic Wiccan information such as pentagrams.

Can't recommend the Robin Wood Tarot highly enough.

Amazon has been a really good place to buy tarot decks.. I found a neat site that gives nice reviews of tarot decks with lots of pics, Aeclectic Tarot and then when I find one I really like, I go look at Amazon.

No worries, "the devil's hour" is a modern fabrication, I wrote a post on it here. :)

If you're drawn to Hellenic deities and feel her identity is Gaia, a good place to start research (on any Hellenic deity) is theoi.com.

If you want to ask more about venerating her in a traditional way, r/Hellenism would be a good place to visit and inquire.

If you're looking for more in a Wiccan perspective, a good book would be "The Witches' Goddess" by Stewart and Janet Farrar (they also wrote "The Witches God").

The arms of the Goddess encircle thee, greenwand. The arms of the God are open and welcoming. Hail and welcome, seeker of the old ways. Ask your questions, and you will find them answered.

Allow me to explain one or two of the principles of magic, and bear with me, this takes up an entire chapter in The Inner Temple of Witchcraft, which I highly recommend you purchase as the first piece of your library. And let me say before I start, I was there. I came to Wicca because I too wanted to regain my spirituality.

So here's the principle you're kind of hinting at for yourself. The Principle of Vibration. Everything vibrates, because everything is made of atoms. What we understand in Wicca/Witchcraft is that these vibrations are unique and that they can be read. Your brain, being made of atoms, knows its pattern of vibration. When that vibration changes, you can tell. It's the feeling in the pit of your stomach and things like that. The vibration changes because of wave interference from other sources of vibration. (Amazing how this stuff is actually grounded in science, idnit? The only thing that's hard for science to grasp is how we can know our own vibrations and read others). A vibration that interferes with yours too much is the idea behind people who "clash" and can't seem to get along. Objects vibrate too and can be read, but I think this post has gone on long enough. I'll let you ask a question or two for a while.

Al

Not sure what resources you need. Just get out there and worship Her. She is Nature.
If you're looking for books to read, I quite like Starhawk's books, like The Spiral Dance. Although she is of course a feminist, she was never (as far as I know) exclusionary.

This book by Raymond buckland I found helpful

And also This one by Penczak is good for further research into ancestors and other spirits

I think you are using terminology in a different way from that which is most commonly used. u/ACanadianGuy1967's definition is the one I most often hear.

For more details on possession - a perfectly legitimate technique - I suggest reading this book.

It’s the Commemorative Edition of the Rider Waite Smith. It came in a big box with two books, additional artwork by Smith, and a small sheet of spreads. I used to have the facsimile edition, which had the blue and white flowers on the back. The only difference between this and the regular Rider Waite is that they tried to stay true to the original colors so they’re muted and just overall more appealing for me.

In addition to the most popular books(Cunningham,Buckland, Ferrar...etc) we also use this as a reference as it has a lot of information in it and touches on multiple subjects.

https://www.amazon.com/Wicca-Bible-Definitive-Guide-Magic/dp/140273008X

I always suggest Spiral Dance its a good start.

There is a book about a Christian Wiccan.. Let me see if I can find it...

The Path of a Christian Witch This was the book I recalled. This may help.

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.

I got you.

Wiccapedia: A Modern-Day White... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1454913746?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The book I recommend is The Path of a Christian Witch.

https://www.amazon.com/Path-Christian-Witch-Adelina-Clair/dp/073871982X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

They wrote one of the most quintessential works on Wicca in the 70s. What Witches Do and Eight Sabbats for Witches were later combined into one work called A Witches' Bible, and it remains one of the gold standard texts of modern day Wicca.

The authors are/were initiates of Alex Sanders, who was infamous in Britain in the 60s for declaring himself/being declared in the media as the King of the Witches. He made phony claims of initiation by his grandmother, but as it turns out, he was either taught, initiated, or given the BoS by a Gardnerian priestess.