Throughout history, witches and wiccans have been the subject of countless books. These books have offered readers an intriguing look into the world of magic, spells, and mysticism. Many of these books have garnered critical acclaim for their insightful and mesmerizing exploration of witchcraft and wiccan practices. One such book that stands out is "Witchcraft Today" by Gerald Gardner. Published in 1954, this book is considered one of the cornerstones of modern Wicca. Gardner, a British civil servant and occultist, delves into the practices and beliefs of witchcraft, providing a comprehensive and scholarly account of the subject.
Goddesses: Mysteries of the Feminine Divine – Joseph Campbell
I learned to read when I was three and the first book I remember reading was Ozma of Oz, which featured some great witches even though they weren t called that. Written for Witches, Pagans, and other magickal people, this guide tells you how to build self-love and self-esteem, then how to use that energy to find a partner or rekindle passion in your current relationship.
Gardner, a British civil servant and occultist, delves into the practices and beliefs of witchcraft, providing a comprehensive and scholarly account of the subject. "Witchcraft Today" introduced many readers to the notion that witches were not evil beings, as depicted in popular culture, but rather individuals who practiced nature-based spirituality. Another acclaimed book on witches and wiccans is "Drawing Down the Moon" by Margot Adler.
Acclaimed books on wiccans and witches
Introductory Wicca Books
Basic Wicca Classics
A Witch’s Bible Compleat - Janet and Stuart Farrar (1996)
The Book of Light – Lady Sara
A Charmed Life – Patricia Telesco (2009)
Ariadne’s Thread – Shekinah Mountainwater (1991)
Natural Magic – Doreen Valiente (1998)
Positive Magic – Marian Weinstein (1994)
Reference Books
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magickal Herbs – Scott Cunningham
Common Herbs for Natural Health – Juliette De Baircli Levy
A Modern Herbal – Maude Grieve
Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide- Rosemary Gladstar
Healing Wise – Susun Weed
Moon Signs – Donna Cunningham
The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need – Joanna Woolfolk
The Rising Sign – Jeanne Avery
Love is in the Earth – Harmony (Crystals)
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic- Scott Cunningham
Fiction:
The Mists of Avalon – Marian Zimmer Bradley (2001)
Beautiful Creatures – Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (2009)
The Red Tent – Anita Diamont (1994)
Maia – Richard Adams (1984)
Wither Series – John Passarella (2009)
Surfacing – Margaret Atwood (2012)
The Heart of the Fire – Cerridwen Fallingstar (1990)
Cat Magic – Whitley Streiber (1986)
Practical Magic – Alice Hoffman (2003)
Druids – Morgan Llewellyn (1992)
The Horse Goddess - Morgan Llewellyn (1982)
Illusions – Richard Bach (1989)
Daughter of the Forest – Juliet Marillier (2002) (Sevenwaters Trilogy)
Chocolat -Joanne Harris (2000)
Once a Witch – Carolyn MacCullough (2010)
White is for Magic – et al – Nancy Stolarz (2004)
House of Night Series - PC and Kristin Cast (2014)
The Quick- Lauren Owen (2014)
Brida – Paulo Coelho (2009)
Born Wicked -Jessica Spotswood (2013)
Always a Witch – Carolyn MacCullough (2011)
Lucinda’s Web – Dorothy Morrison (2008)
Book of Shadows – Alexandra Sokoloff (2011)
The Mercies - Kirin Millwood Hargrave (2020)
Books on Women’s Studies
Descent to the Goddess: A Way of Initiation for Women – Sylvia Brinton Perera
The Heroine’s Journey – Maureen Murdock
Warrior Goddess Training – Heatherash Amara
The Goddess Path: Myths, Invocations, and Rituals – Dorothy Morrison
Goddess in Every Woman – Jean Shinoda
The Chalice and the Blade – Riane Eisler
Goddesses: Mysteries of the Feminine Divine – Joseph Campbell
Other Spirituality Books
The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz
The Secret – Rhonda Byrne
Johnathon Livingston Seagull – Richard Bach
The Celestine Prophecy – James Redfield
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success – Deepak Choprak
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment – Eckhart Tolle
Movies and Documentaries
The Witches of Eastwick – 1987
The Last Keepers 2013
Practical Magic 1998
The Crucible 1996
What the Bleep do We Know
Hocus Pocus 1993
Harry Potter Series 2001
Lord of the Rings
The Covenant 2006
Rosemary’s Baby 1968
Beautiful Creatures 2013
Three Sovereigns for Sarah – A True Story of the Salem Witch Trials 1985
Witchcraft: Rebirth of the Old Religion with Raymond Buckland 2005
Juliette of the Herbs 1998
The Wicker Man 1973
Night of the Eagle (1962)
Bell, Book and Candle 1958
Season of the Witch 2011
Ten Inch Hero 2007
Salem Falls 2011
Valley of the Witch 2014
Drawing Down the Moon 1997
Pan’s Labyrinth 2006
The Wretched 2019
Buffy the Vampire Slayer 1997
Wish on a Spell (Documentary) 2005
The Separation on State Street (2007)
The Love Witch 2016
Pagan Parenting
Celebrating the Great Mother- Cait Johnson- (my favorite)
Circle Round - Starhawk
Young Children
The Winter Solstice – Ellen Jackson
The Spring Equinox – Ellen Jackson
The Summer Solstice- Ellen Jackson
The Autumn Equinox – Ellen Jackson
Roots, Shoots, Bucket’s and Boots- Sharon Lovejoy
The Turning of the Year – Bill Martin Jr. & Greg Shed
Mother Earth – Nancy Luenn
The Tomten - Astrid Lindgren (1997)
Wild Child – Lynn Plourde (2003)
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen (1087)
Aiden’s First Full Moon Circle by Katie Lyndon Olivares
ABC Book of Shadows by W. Lyon Martin
The Last Wild Witch: An Eco Fable – by Starhawk
Smoky and the Feast of Mabon by Catherynne M. Valente
Understand the moon—Explore the history, folklore, and science behind the moon and how it has been used throughout the ages as a source of magic. Learn spellcasting basics—Discover the… show more.
Released in 1979, this book became a classic in the pagan community and beyond. Adler, an American journalist and Wiccan, takes a journalistic approach to explore contemporary pagan and witchcraft movements. "Drawing Down the Moon" provides an in-depth look into the lives and beliefs of witches and wiccans, offering a rich tapestry of personal stories and spiritual practices. Moving into the realm of fiction, we encounter "Practical Magic" by Alice Hoffman. This novel, published in 1995, captivated readers with its enchanting story of two witch sisters navigating love, loss, and magic. "Practical Magic" captured the imagination of many, becoming a beloved book and later inspiring a successful film adaptation. Known for her lyrical writing style, Hoffman weaves a spellbinding tale that showcases the power and resilience of witchcraft. Anther notable book is "Witch: Unleashed. Untamed. Unapologetic." by Lisa Lister. Released in 2017, this book seeks to empower women through the exploration of witchcraft and reclaiming the term "witch" as a positive and liberating identity. Lister, a witch herself, combines historical research, personal experiences, and rituals to guide readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. These books, among many others, have not only expanded our understanding of witches and wiccans but have also challenged societal stereotypes and provided a platform for empowerment and self-expression. Whether they are scholarly works or beautiful narratives, these acclaimed books on witches and wiccans have played a vital role in shaping the perception and appreciation of witchcraft and its practitioners..
Reviews for "Exploring the Dark Arts of Witchcraft: Books That Push Boundaries"
1. Samantha - 2 stars
As an avid reader of books on Wiccans and witches, I was highly disappointed with this acclaimed book. The author seemed more focused on sensationalism rather than providing accurate and informative content. The book was filled with cliched stereotypes and exaggerated claims that did nothing to further my understanding of the subject matter. It felt like the author was more interested in capturing attention rather than providing a well-researched piece of work.
2. Michael - 1 star
I cannot express my disappointment with this book. Having heard so many praises for it, I was excited to dive into the world of Wiccans and witches. However, the writing style was tiresome, and the information presented was basic and uninspiring. It lacked depth and failed to explore the complexities of Wiccan practices and beliefs. I had high expectations, but this book did not live up to them in any way.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I found this acclaimed book on Wiccans and witches to be underwhelming. While the topic is fascinating, the execution left much to be desired. The author relied too heavily on personal anecdotes and opinions rather than well-researched facts. This resulted in a biased and distorted portrayal of Wiccans and witches. I was hoping for a more objective and scholarly approach, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.
4. James - 1 star
I struggled to finish this book on Wiccans and witches. The author's writing style was convoluted and hard to follow, making it difficult to fully grasp the concepts being discussed. Additionally, the book lacked a clear structure, jumping from one topic to another without providing a cohesive narrative. It felt like a jumbled collection of random thoughts rather than a comprehensive guide to Wiccan practices. Overall, I was thoroughly disappointed with this acclaimed book.
5. Sarah - 2 stars
While this book was highly acclaimed, I couldn't help but feel let down by the content. The author seemed more interested in romanticizing witches and portraying them as mystical beings rather than providing an accurate representation of their practices. The lack of in-depth research and reliance on outdated stereotypes diminished the credibility of the book. It was disappointing to see such a potentially captivating topic reduced to shallow narratives and oversimplified explanations.