Books, Authors, and Sacred Texts
It can be a bit overwhelming trying to find information on Wicca and Paganism - after all, there are literally thousands of books out there, and many of them contradict each other! Here's where you can find book reviews, author interviews and profiles, as well as links to sacred texts online.
Start Your Own Pagan or Wiccan Study Group
You may not have access to a coven in your area, but that doesn't mean you can't learn. If you've got a few friends who are also interested in Wicca, you might want to consider begin a study group of your own. Here are a few tips to get you started.
You may not have access to a coven in your area, but that doesn't mean you can't learn. If you've got a few friends who are also interested in Wicca, you might want to consider begin a study group of your own. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Thirteen Books Every Wiccan Should Read
Now that you've decided you want to learn about Wicca, what should you read? After all, there are literally thousands of books on the subject -- some good, others not so much. This list features the thirteen books that every Wiccan should have on their shelves. A few are historical, a few more focus on actual Wiccan practice, but they're all worth reading more than once.
Now that you've decided you want to learn about Wicca, what should you read? After all, there are literally thousands of books on the subject -- some good, others not so much. This list features the thirteen books that every Wiccan should have on their shelves. A few are historical, a few more focus on actual Wiccan practice, but they're all worth reading more than once.
Charge of the Goddess
Charge of the Goddess, first published by Doreen Valiente, is one of the cornerstones of many Wiccan paths. Poetic and powerful, the Charge has been adapted into many variations, but Valiente's original work remains a favorite of many Pagans today.
Charge of the Goddess, first published by Doreen Valiente, is one of the cornerstones of many Wiccan paths. Poetic and powerful, the Charge has been adapted into many variations, but Valiente's original work remains a favorite of many Pagans today.
The Wiccan Rede
Used as a guideline in many Wiccan traditions, the concept of the Wiccan Rede encourages practitioners to be cautious about harming others, and in fact delivers the warning, "Harm None."
Used as a guideline in many Wiccan traditions, the concept of the Wiccan Rede encourages practitioners to be cautious about harming others, and in fact delivers the warning, "Harm None."
Author Interview: Ellen Dugan
Ellen Dugan is known as the Garden Witch, and has written a number of books on herbal magic and other themes in Witchcraft. Find out what she has to say about issues of interest to Pagans, and her upcoming titles!
Ellen Dugan is known as the Garden Witch, and has written a number of books on herbal magic and other themes in Witchcraft. Find out what she has to say about issues of interest to Pagans, and her upcoming titles!
Author Interview: Sirona Knight
Sirona Knight is the author of a number of books on Paganism and Wicca. Find out what she has to say in this exclusive interview!
Sirona Knight is the author of a number of books on Paganism and Wicca. Find out what she has to say in this exclusive interview!
Author Interview: Dorothy Morrison
Dorothy Morrison is one of modern Paganism's best known authors, and she took the time to chat with us about the Wiccan community, animal rights, and her latest book, "Utterly Wicked".
Dorothy Morrison is one of modern Paganism's best known authors, and she took the time to chat with us about the Wiccan community, animal rights, and her latest book, "Utterly Wicked".
Author Interview: Dana D. Eilers
A former attorney, Dana D. Eilers is the author of the books "The Practical Pagan" and "Pagans and the Law: Understand Your Rights." Find out what Dana has to say about her books, the state of modern Paganism, and how to protect yourself as a Wiccan or Pagan today.
A former attorney, Dana D. Eilers is the author of the books "The Practical Pagan" and "Pagans and the Law: Understand Your Rights." Find out what Dana has to say about her books, the state of modern Paganism, and how to protect yourself as a Wiccan or Pagan today.
Author Interview: Raymond Buckland
Raymond Buckland has written over thirty books on Wicca. Check out what he had to say about the modern Pagan movement, books worth reading, and contemporary issues of concern to Wiccans.
Raymond Buckland has written over thirty books on Wicca. Check out what he had to say about the modern Pagan movement, books worth reading, and contemporary issues of concern to Wiccans.
Author Profile: Scott Cunningham
Author Scott Cunningham was one of Wicca's most prolific writers before his death in 1993. Includes background and a bibliography.
Author Scott Cunningham was one of Wicca's most prolific writers before his death in 1993. Includes background and a bibliography.
Author Profile: Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa (1486-1535)
One of the best known occult writers is Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. Born in France, he was periodically denounced but never formally accused or tried for his interests in magic and the occult. His work "Three Books About Occult Philosophy" was a major influence on later thinkers such as John Dee, and examined the idea that the magic of the natural world was linked to the magic of the Divine.
One of the best known occult writers is Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. Born in France, he was periodically denounced but never formally accused or tried for his interests in magic and the occult. His work "Three Books About Occult Philosophy" was a major influence on later thinkers such as John Dee, and examined the idea that the magic of the natural world was linked to the magic of the Divine.
Review: Sacred Land
Author Clea Danaan's book "Sacred Land" offers an introspective and unique look at gardening. If you thought your garden was just a patch of dirt with some plants sticking out of it, think again.
Author Clea Danaan's book "Sacred Land" offers an introspective and unique look at gardening. If you thought your garden was just a patch of dirt with some plants sticking out of it, think again.
Review: Pagan Prayer Beads
Read a review of the book "Pagan Prayer Beads" by John Michael Greer and Clare Vaughn.
Read a review of the book "Pagan Prayer Beads" by John Michael Greer and Clare Vaughn.
Review: The Practical Pagan
Read a review of "The Practical Pagan: Commonsense Guidelines for Modern Practitioners" by Dana D. Eilers.
Read a review of "The Practical Pagan: Commonsense Guidelines for Modern Practitioners" by Dana D. Eilers.
Review: Empowering Your Life With Wicca
Read a review of Empowering Your Life With Wicca by author Sirona Knight.
Read a review of Empowering Your Life With Wicca by author Sirona Knight.
Review: Wicca - A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
Scott Cunningham's book Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner is a worthy read for anyone interested in learning about Wicca and modern Paganism.
Scott Cunningham's book Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner is a worthy read for anyone interested in learning about Wicca and modern Paganism.
The Gardnerian Book of Shadows
This is the text of the Book of Shadows composed and handed down by Gerald Gardner. In one sense, this is the central sacred text of the Wicca religion. However, there is no 'official' Book of Shadows, and each coven usually has a hand-written copy of a Book of Shadows, sometimes in cypher or code, which reflects its own practices and knowledge.
This is the text of the Book of Shadows composed and handed down by Gerald Gardner. In one sense, this is the central sacred text of the Wicca religion. However, there is no 'official' Book of Shadows, and each coven usually has a hand-written copy of a Book of Shadows, sometimes in cypher or code, which reflects its own practices and knowledge.
Aradia, Gospel of the Witches
First presented to the world by folklorist Charles Leland, "Aradia" is alleged to be a collection of information passed down from an old Italian witch cult. Although some of Leland's accuracy has been questioned by scholars, the fact remains that "Aradia" is beautiful and poetic, and worthy read, whether you accept Leland's history or not.
First presented to the world by folklorist Charles Leland, "Aradia" is alleged to be a collection of information passed down from an old Italian witch cult. Although some of Leland's accuracy has been questioned by scholars, the fact remains that "Aradia" is beautiful and poetic, and worthy read, whether you accept Leland's history or not.
The Malleus Maleficarum
The Malleus Maleficarum, or Witches Hammer, was written in 1486 and is known as one of the most infamous books ever written. During the Middle Ages, it was used as standard operating procedure for Inquistors, as a tool in the identification and punishment of suspected Witches. This site contains original text from a 1928 reprint of the work.
The Malleus Maleficarum, or Witches Hammer, was written in 1486 and is known as one of the most infamous books ever written. During the Middle Ages, it was used as standard operating procedure for Inquistors, as a tool in the identification and punishment of suspected Witches. This site contains original text from a 1928 reprint of the work.