Summary: 1) The meaning of Witchcraft- Gerald Gardner 2) Witchcraft for tomorrow- Doreen Valiente 3) Aradia- Charles Leland 4) Mastering Witchcraft- Paul Huson 5) A witches bible- Janet and Stewart Farrar 6) Wicca- Scott Cunningham 7) Complete book of Witchcraft- Raymond Buckland 8) To ride a silver broomstick- Silver Ravenwolf 9) Real magic- Issac Bonewits 10) The Spiral Dance- Starhawk 11) A Grimoire of Shadows- Ed Fitch 12) Power of the Witch- Laurie Cabot 13) The Inner Temple of Witchcraft- Christopher Penczak
Janet Farrar came to South Africa in 2005 (I was 18) and I spent time training with her. She has a special place in my heart. My first books in the 90's which made an impact on me: Teen Witch and Teen Witch Kit, Silver Broomstick, Sally Dubats (Natural Magick) and Spellweaving (Sally Morningstar). But Grimassi, Doreen, Farrars, Ted Andrews, Scott, Uncle Bucky, Robert Graves, Leland, Starhawk, and all occult elders I am forever grateful for. Thanks Thorn
1. Meaning of Witchcraft. Gerald Gardner 2. Witchcraft for tomorrow. Doreen Valiente 3. Aradia, Gospel of Witches. Leland 4. Mastering Witchcraft. Paul Huson 5. A Witches' bible. Farrars 6. A Guide for the solitary practitioner. Cunningham 7. Buckland's complete book of witchcraft. Buckland 8. To Ride a Silver Broomstick. Silver ravenwolf 9. Real Magic. Isaac Bonewits 10. Spiral Dance. Starhawk 11. A Grimoire of Shadows. Ed Fitch 12. Power of Witch. Cabot 13. The inner temple of witchcraft. Penczak
I'd add Phyllis Currott. Her work is so approachable and I feel it's more modern. It also has a lot 'why's in it, not just 'what's. I'm very much still a learner, and found her "Book of Shadows" and "Witch Crafting" so helpful and inspirational.
Thorn - I started as a Reclaiming witch in 1985 (and I've been a professional librarian for almost 30 years) - you have presented a very extensive bibiliography of work that serious students and practitioners should know about, even if they haven't read most of them - good for you for including Ed Fitch - my top go-tos are always Doreen Valiente, the Farrars, Starhawk - I'm of that generation - I've avoided Silver Ravenwolf but you've piqued my interest - it's always a good thing to read more contemporary works as theory and insight have moved forward in some ways. Glad I happened upon your channel! Aloha from Honolulu!
Thanks for the list to read!playing catchup after leaving Witchcraft too many years ago and being called back. Great Vids. Love your content, so Thanks for the balanced information
I have all of these books😂 Please add Positive Magic by Marion Weinstein as her book is indicative regarding “Words of Power” and really concentrate more on the the practice through this ideal without the worry of tools.
My son just participated in a new Godsmack music video. They're still making music. :-) Their big goal/mission right now is keeping music programs in schools alive, and one of their new songs on their latest album features children in the chorus at my son's middle school. Yesterday they had about 300 middle school and high school students from our area join them for a music video for that song. :-)
This was shared on a local community Facebook. The two books I always recommend when asked are uncle bucky’s big blue book (glad to see it on your list) and Oberon Zell Ravenheart’s “Grimoire for the apprentice wizard”. The latter is more general magic than witchcraft specifically and helps you think ‘outside the box’ on what magic actually is.
I actually watched a video recently where a blacksmith used Buckland's athame and instructions and talked through what was good and bad about it. It was really neat to see!
I enjoyed your video. The differentiation between books that show the development of a system, the progression of thought, and those that are useful for contemporary use was appreciated. As someone outside of Wicca, but who has read all but two of the books on your list, I have followed the printed and online material for a few decades, and it's nice to see a nod toward foundational books that underpin modern ideas, and high-impact texts that, while not turned to as much today, have value in understanding the unfolding of the history of Wicca. Very enjoyable.
I know Isaac’s son Arthur in NYC. He had a complicated relationship with him. The ADF later disavowed Bonewitz for abuse allegations. His son vehemently denied any of this, but it was very hard on him to see his father tarnished
Glad to see Grimoire of Shadows on there. That was the first book on Wicca/Witchcraft that I bought for myself way back when I was exploring in highschool.
Thorn: I have a reading list given to me by my first Craft teacher in 2002, and every book here except Penczak’s is on that list. 👌😂 Everyone: Another book I’d recommend for literacy reasons is Margot Adler’s “Drawing Down the Moon” because in addition to illustrating various traditions of paganism and witchcraft at the time (1979), it also raises and discusses a lot of the philosophy and theology that we kinda expect members of our community to be familiar with.
The white Goddess by Robert Graves is also an excellent one! Great list! Finally people are talking about Valiente and Leland on youtube! I find a lot of the books nowadays make people think that picking up some fluff in waterstones will mean you know all there is to know, when in reality you really ought to do some heavier reading on the history on AND around witchcraft. Brilliant video x
My late first husband handmade my first atheme. After 26 years it is still the only one I've ever used. I have or have read all the books you show plus many more.
Love this video! I would say the only book I would have added would be 'Teen Witch' by Silver Ravenwolf. I feel that one really epitomises the witchcraft community in the late 90s/early 00's - when the internet became a lot more ubiquitous, so forums, chat rooms and witchcraft sites started popping up, witchcraft was no longer as much 'in the shadows' so to speak. Then there was an explosion of witchcraft in pop culture at the same time - Charmed, Buffy, Practical Magic and The Craft, all created an interest in modern witchcraft that hadn't been seen before ESPECIALLY among teenagers. I remember Ravenwolf speaking in a very welcoming, down-to-earth way to teens who were drawn to witchcraft, whether they were there for true spiritual empowerment or just wanted the 'power' of being a witch, it was an interesting time! And I think that book in particular reflect that period.
I would suggest that while not quite as influential, Valerie Worth's Crone Books were very much along the pulse of early Trad Craft or folkloric craft outside the Cochrane Vein of Trad Craft and they were some of my first spell books. Another is Dorothy Morrison's Everyday Magic, which I think birthed the vast plethora of Tumblr DIY movements.
She is a Major influence on many traditional witches. If you like that style of craft check out Besom Stang and Sword by Chris and Tara Orapello, or anything by Gemma Gary.
WoW!! This video was great!! I started my journey on this path(that I LOVE) in 1998. When I was 32yrs old. I started with Silver Ravenwolf, and still love her style today. Some of these books I have forgotten about, but are still in my extensive library :-) So glad I found your video today :-) It has brought back some memories of why I chose this path. THANK YOU!!
I'm really glad you made this kind of video. Not enough is really made in this vein as a lot of the people who know or think of this mostly don't interact much with social media.
Thank you for this video! These are books every witch needs to at least be familiar with. These authors are pretty much the forefathers and foremothers of witchcraft and their texts are the building blocks of modern witchcraft of any kind. I also think Drawing Down The Moon by Margot Adler would be a good addition to this list! This video is very informational and much appreciated.
I love the witches bible! I actually came across it because my boyfriend at the time bought it and got bored of it and fell in love with the depth and knowledge in it. Another one I really like is the book of English magic by phillip carr gomm and Richard heygate. As someone who is British as well it was very interesting to learn an in-depth view of the magical places and history in my own country. It is also jam packed full of other resources you can use for further learning. Not necessarily witchcraft focused but has lots of elements useful for the modern witch, specially if you are UK based it is straight up just going to educate you on the best and most magical places to visit here some of which are lesser known.
Silver Ravenwolf was the first author I ever read. I remember wanting teen witch. But it was more expensive then To Ride A Silver Broomstick so with my measly allowance that's the one I picked. I read it over and over. Slowly and fast, 😂 I loved it so much. I really need to repurchase it but I want that exact cover for the nostalgia.
I have in the past! I used to be a lecturer in a religious studies department! 💙 I’d love to figure out a way to do it in a generally accessible way. Thank you!
I have all but 4 of these books! It makes me feel like i am on track with wicca/witchcraft/magick as a whole.. And i am glad i can add 4 more to my list.. Thank you
When I was a teenager in the early 2000s all of my research came from our library system. Lots of Cunningham & Silver Ravenwolf. But Ann Moura was probably my biggest early influence. Definitely have a list of some essentials I've missed. Back to the library
I'd love to see the books that you do recomend a 100% for begginers and for more advanced witches. I totally agree with your list on current influential witchcraft books.
I love to watch all your book recommendation videos just to play the "which Witch books have I already read?" game, and I'm proud to say I won this round. It's a great way to find goodies I missed too. Love your videos!
I got to attend a workshop Christopher Penczak was teaching, and it was one of the most interesting and influential workshops I've ever been to. If you get the chance to meet him or take a class with him, do it!
Hi Thorn! Just stumbled upon ya'. I'm a First Nation/Celtic mix who has some scattered knowledge of this path but lately am looking to delve more. You are a gem. I so enjoy your videos and especially these book reviews! Appreciate you, your integrity and the passion you have for education and the craft. It is a wonderful and lifelong magical journey! ;) Blessings!
I'm a newer witch in my 20s and I really appreciate the message you're trying to put out. I do practice solitarily and eclectically like many my age do, but I'm so interested in what the generations before me have to say and teach. It's just not information I can find widely available, at least on my own. I'm getting to know some people in my community (who are older) who are all very different when it comes to their practices. I just really appreciate this video and how straightforward you are and I wrote down some books I'm interested in reading! Thank you!!
Great list! A few I haven't got to that I have now added to my ebook library, so thanks 😊 I would add that if you are in any way influenced/interested in 'traditional witchcraft' then Gemma Gary is a must read for cultural literacy.
"Here's an ass-tonne of books" Brilliant...This was a trip down memory lane for me, I've not read all of these but I've gotten through a good chunk of them in my time. I too have a soft spot for Silver Ravenwolf, her relatable style made witchcraft accessible to me as a teen and although I don't ascribe to her way of doing things these days, she was still instrumental in my development. We all have to start somewhere I guess.
I would watch a 2 hour video of you talking about books 😂🖤🖤🖤🙏🙏🙏 also I love that Laurie Cabot is mentioned. I bought her book on ebay bc I felt drawn to it. So glad I did now🖤🖤
I have started a second list at Book Depository to get books at a later date and I am adding these books you have mentioned. I will eventually get them. It might take time but I will get them. The Big blue was the first book I ever bought and I do like it. I got the newer editon of the Silver Broomstick I also want to thank you for these videos. Ann Moura's Grimoire I found really interesting and I still have it and is close by for me to use at certain times when I am home alone.
Heselton's claim that Doreen Valiente worked at Bletchley Park during WWII has always fascinated me. I've got this mental image of her working alongside Alan Turing and J.R.R. Tolkien to crack German communications (even if this is unlikely). Her relationship to the Royal family is also fascinating. More troubling is her late involvement with the far-right National Front - a strange turn that has never been adequately explained given what we know of her political beliefs (and her contempt for fascism and racism).
Automatic like for the Godsmack mention! :) Laurie and the Cabot Witches performed in their Voodoo video....Sully stopped talking about Witchcraft because interviewers were focusing more on that than their music, but he's still often seen wearing a pentacle.
That makes sense. That’s the first thing I remember hearing about Godsmack at the height of their popularity when I was in high school. I listened after!
Me too! Think I bought their album as a freshman in HS, and my appreciation went right up when I looked at the CD booklet(is that even a thing anymore?), and saw they thanked Laurie, and the "Witches of Salem," then noticed Sully was wearing a pentacle and Kenaz rune pendant in the band photo \m/
I got a backstage pass and two tickets to see Godsmack in Pensacola by being interviewed at TK101 radio station about Witchcraft. The interview was great! The concert was fun. My first time outrunning a mosh pit! LMAO! 🤣 The band members were very gracious. Sully was stoned and only showed up 10 minutes before the meet and greet was done. He didn’t talk much. Thorn, I commend you for having the ability to limit your booklist! Good list! I would add Mike Nichols book, The Witches Sabbats. 🌹
I wouldn't say that I'm well read enough to make suggestions, but... I was sort of expecting to see "Drawing Down the Moon" by Margot Adler. This book was very helpful for me in understanding the huge range of witchcraft traditions. Without that understanding of variety within the craft, I might not have been able to properly embark on my journey as a solitary. For me, this book was a must.
I definitely feel like that book was important! It had an impact on me, too. It didn't make the list because I'm not sure it holds up, though, since so much of that book was a survey or the community at the time, and it's changed so much. I definitely could've gone both ways, though, and I'm glad you're mentioning it here!
I have Ed Fitch’s Magical Rites from the Crystal Well. Will have to track down your recommendation. I know things have changed, but I still love some of those early, somewhat looser books with less baggage from the 70s and earlier 80s. I like constantly going back to basics anyway for grounding or getting new perspectives. I was always a big Lois Bourne fan. Also love West Country Wicca (author?). Books that seem to reach back to country traditions from the early 20th century. Very much recommend young people tracks by stuff like that down.
Thanks for including Silver and Cunningham. How many of us started there? I own all of Silver’s books and still buy them I don’t necessarily agree with everything but I still love her. Also own all of Scott’s books. He is still my favorite author. Not a big Buckland fan even though I own a few of his book including The Big Blue Book that I just can’t seem to get through. I wish I could find that one book that sucks you straight in and you can feel the magic pouring out of it. One that you just can’t put down One that makes you walking away with the feeling you have just been touched by the God and Goddess. Any ideas on that one?
I'd recommend reading the version of "Aradia" that Gardner used, to get a better idea of Wicca's history. (Nit pick: you're mispronouncing the name; the second "a" should be like "ah.") "Mastering Witchcraft" was either my first or second book on the subject. Great book. That cover looks exactly like the one I have from the mid-70s. Has it not changed, or do you have a really old printing? "A Witch's Bible" is a great recommendation; I would add Stewart's "What Witches Do" for a good introduction to Alexandrian/Gardnerian/British Traditional Witchcraft. I got to meet Stewart before he died, and Janet much later. Both very nice people. As another tidbit, "Farrar" is pronounced with the accent on the first syllable. I loved the little sigh you gave right before showing Cunningham. The best thing about Buckland's book is the exercises. What, you mean Wicca involves doing work? I have a couple of Silver Ravenwolf's books. (I bought them used so I wouldn't be giving her any royalties.) I don't know if it's still there, but on her website there used to be something about hiding your religion from your parents. This included the statement, "Oh, and you parents? Maybe _you_ don't care about your children, but I do." I was horrified; that's the statement of a cult leader. As for the books themselves, I found the style patronizing, like she was assuming all her readers were idiots who couldn't handle anything difficult. The content was a joke; I'm by no means an expert in the subject, but I could write a book like hers in the time it takes me to type it. Not recommended at all. I'm impressed that you pronounced nDraiocht write, but "Fein" is pronounced "Fane." I should know; I've been with it since the beginning, my membership number being four. Spiral Dance also has good exercises. It's a bit too Goddess-centric for my tastes. She gives the Charge, but clumsily edits it by taking out any line with "he" or reference to males in it. Kind of sexist there, and since she's a pretty good writer, she surely could have done it differently. Ed Fitch's book sounds interesting. Thanks for the recommendation; I'll have to get it. Odd that on the cover of "Power of the Witch" the moon phases are backward. I know someone who's a friend of hers, and she said that it's funny that Cabot goes around trying to convince people that witches are ordinary people in her teased hair and fright makeup. I like the idea of this video; not necessarily the best books on Wicca, but the most influential. I especially like how often you said that a lot of people were basing their work on a book without reading it. I recommend that all you Wiccans out there read these books so you know where you're coming from. Good job, Thorn.
Wow, I think I've read all but 2 of those. But now I want to read those 2 I missed. Did the Ed Fitch book used to have the title An Outer Court Book of Shadows? I used to have one of his books with a name like that. Thanks for the video!
I wouldn't recommend Silver Ravenwolf. Starhawk is Questionable in my opinion. I've read Inner Temple of Witchcraft it's about cleaning and building your temple within yourself . A lot of meditation work. Alot of mental cleaning. Making the inner space dedicated to your practice of witchcraft. Alot of it is not beginner friendly but it is a good read. I would add Wicca for One by Raymond Buckland if your going to have Cunningham's Wicca A Guide to the solitary practitioner, Wicca for One is a good companion in my opinion. That's my thoughts thank you for sharing.
How dare you even suggest that cultural literacy is a good thing? People might actually begin to understand and appreciate how their societies & cultures developed, or -- even worse -- they might begin to understand and appreciate each other! ;-) Thanks for speaking about it (and for the quick history lesson). This is the 3rd of your videos I stumbled across and I'm now a subscriber.
nairbvel I know, crazy right? It’s almost like we don’t know everything and need to, I don’t know, appreciate history to make informed statements about our traditions and give our individual practices context. :D Thank you!
This is a great list of books, but you said you would mention enough books on Traditional Witchcraft that people would know what was going on, and other than Huson's book, you really didn't. I would at least add Evan John Jones's book with the foreword by Doreen, Witchcraft: A Tradition Renewed. I would probably add these: Pillars of Tubal-Cain by Michael Howard Genuine Witchcraft is Explained by John of Monmouth Roebuck in the Thicket by Robert Cochrane and Evan John Jones Either Ecstacies, or The Night Battles by Carlo Ginzburg The many fine essays by the late Andrew D. Chumbley which are available online, or in Opuscula Magicka Vol. I and II.
I think Starhawk is the most loved Feminist Witchcraft leader by non pracitioners of Feminist Witchcraft but that Z. Budapest is who initiated Starhawk into the movement and Z is the cornerstone leader of the movement. "The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries" is the most foundational book of modern Feminist Witchcraft and as opinionated as people are in witchcraft circles about Dianic witchcraft it's an important source that should be on list.
Ok now I need to get Bucklands Complete book of Witchcraft and read the chapter about forging your own Athame. I am a hobbyist blacksmith. Would be interesting to see if his instructions are actually compatible with applied Blacksmithing techniques. 😁
Not that Huson exactly nailed it but some of what he presents is at least somewhat historically accurate, which is more than can be said for most of what you'll find out by llewellyn or the like.🤷
Most people who recommend Buckland's Blue book (or Scott Cunningham) never mention Wicca for One, which speaks directly to how to practice as solitary. Do you know why that is?
I think much fewer people have read it! Overwhelmingly, I think people recommend the best know titles, or the ones they came up with when they were beginners. But I think you're right--that book gets overlooked.
@@drawingKenaz Ok yeah that's a shame! I read it recently, having no rush to check out the blue book as a result. Perhaps I'll get to it one day, to compare. Really enjoying your book commentary and overall perspective. As someone brand new, just a couple of months into learning about witchcraft (but a seasoned and demanding spiritual reader), I've already noticed some of the same patterns in my exploration that you've mentioned across your videos about books being for beginners but not really as helpful as they could be for seekers. As such, your book videos have quickly become a great resource. In any event, thanks for the reply!
Christopher Penczak's book on physic abilities was actually kind of bare bones. I don't think anyone could read that and actually learn anything helpful from it.
