I was trying to think of what to write for my next blog post. Then it hit me. I've been collecting books since I was 12. I should write about books that helped me or influenced me as a witch. I think it's fiting that I am listening to Souxie and the Banshees right now as I type. Listening to the album, "Juju."
"Spellbound" is a goth and witch anthem.
My list isn't based on what writers are the most important or who has contributed the most to the "Occult", "Paganism," or "Wicca." This list I made is based on books I read when I was a teen or in my early adult life that I still use now. These books are now my "reference" books. If my friends or I have questions I will refer to these 10 books. All the books pictured in this post are mine. I own them. If you don't want to spend money. Just go to the library. Or use the Libby app with your library card. Yes, most of the books I own are written by Scott Cunningham.
Top 10 Pagan Books
1. Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin.
This book is straightforward. There's no wordiness. No posturing. No difficult words. Anyone, from a kid to an elderly adult can understand or learn the basics of Wicca. I will always recommend this book to parents who want to know more about Wicca. Or people who are just starting. Wicca and Paganism is different because it is a belief system that is tailored to each person.Therefore, every single person practices or does things differently. Yet, Thea Sabin was able to discuss the overlapping points that Occultists, Pagans, and Wiccans share. We all work with the magic.
2. The Witches' Craft by Raven Grimassi
Raven Grimassi was an Italian hereditary witch. He learned everything he knew from his grandparents and aunts. He worked with the Goddess Aradia. The Witches' Craft is Grimassi's take on Wicca combined with Italian witchcraft. While I never worked with Roman or Italian deities I still like how thorough Grimassi is. Once a person knows the basics, they will need more information to understand how energy, spellwork, and rituals function. Grimassi also explains why it is important to gradually build ones' skills.
3. From Witch to Wicca by Leslie Ellen Jones
The first time I saw runes was because of this book. It made me want to learn what these markings were. From Witch to Wicca is different from other books becuase it's not an instruction manual. This book explores how the image of witches has changed throughout history and their portrayal in the media. This book is more of an anthropological view of witchcraft. It's not enough to understand how to do rituals. We must understand why society demonizes witches in order to understand how we may educate others. The media loves to consume shows and read books about witches. But to actually say, "I'm a Witch," is something many people will ridicule that person over.
4. Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practioner by Scott Cunningham
My issue with a lot of Wiccan books is that that the author demands that you follow their steps to the letter. What I loved about Scott Cunnigham is that he always said to follow your instincts. His books were just reference or a guide. If a person wanted to do ritual differently or did not feel a connection to the Lord and Lady like me then they did not have to call them into the circle. I have never been good at following rules or believing in binaries. I am not a computer. I am a human. So working with a man and woman deity just did not sit right with me. I believe that a healthy human will have both feminine and male characteristic. This book and his following book made me realize that perhaps I wasn't Wiccan. I was a witch. I wanted to work with the elements. I wanted to work with nature and learn to grow into each season. But High Magick and Wicca has too many rules for me. It's perfectly fine to write my own rules or to believe in what I think is realistic or tangible.
5. Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practioner by Scott Cunnigham
This book taught me everything I know. While Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practioner was an introduction on how to do rituals by oneself. This book teaches the reader to use their knowledge and spellcraft in every day life. Cunnigham also included deities and mythology from different parts of the world. As well as different symbols. This book is what lead me to want to discover what my path was. I did not know that there were so many myths or deities. While I do not actually believe in God(s) I still love folklore and mythology. I began to do my own research. So many cultures have similar stories or share deities that have similar characteristics.
6. Cunningham's Encyclopedia & Magical Herbs
I know how magic works. I know how to write spells. I kow how to do rituals. When I read this book I already built an altar in my bedroom. I had candles, rocks, and plants I really liked. My parents had their own garden. My ambitious 13 year old self wanted to make a witch garden. Not knowing that the soil in the back of my parents' back yard was horrible. That's why our vegetable and fruit garden was in the center and to the side. This book taught me all the properties of herbs, fruits, and trees. The cool part is that Cunningham includes folklore associated with the plants. For example, did you know that bay leaves used in Italian cooking was also seen as a sign of good luck or victory. Or that cinnamon, clove, and rosemary was used during the Black Plague to stop infection as well as clean the air. These three herbs are all antiseptic. Do these plants beat actual medicine? No. But, it will work in a pinch. Another thing I really like is that Cunningham has symbols for each plant. If a plant is safe for humans and pets. Or if one is pregnant and should avoid eating. This is how I learned which herbs will give a person a natural abortion.
7. Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystals, Gems, & Metal Magic
I hate to break it to you, but if you're into the occult or witchcraft you're probably not a neurotypical. "OOOH SHINY ROCK!" Is not a sentence I have ever heard uttered by a neurotypical person. I knew the properties of plants. I started my own garden. Now, I wanted to know what pretty rocks did. I also wanted to use them to decorate my altar or my garden. Don't believe the New Age quacks! Crystals don't heal. They're just pretty to look at, wear, and make me more calm. I know it's a plasibo effect. Some crystals can be used to absorb excess energy or to make electricity work. That's why watches and computers have components made from quartz.
8. Magic's in the Bag by Jude Bradley & Chere Dastugue Coen
Magic's in the Bag combines everything I learned: Spellcraft, information on plants and crystals. Put that all together and what does one get? A gris-gris bag. These are the famous bags that were originally created in New Orleans to protect people from "curses" and other supersticious ideology. I like making gris-gris bags not because I'm supersticious. I just like making crafts. Plus, witchcraft is all about intention and experimentation. If a person doesn't know why they're building a charm bag, then they have no reason to be doing spells. These bags are the powerhouse of intent. By making these charms bags you are stating to yourself and the universe what energy you intend to use. Or what goals you are trying to achieve.
9. The Magical Household by Scott Cunningham and David Harrington
Yes. It's another Scott Cunningham book. This man seriously shaped every witch and Pagan I know. His books have changed all our lives. Honestly, of all the books I own from him, if there was a fire I would save this one. This book has literally saved Ryan and my life. Words have power. The spells in this book pack a punch. This book shows the reader how to protect each room of their home. Even the garage! This is the part where I am defintely Maria Luisa Sanchez Villagomez's daughter. My Mom would bless the house every 6 months. I don't do that as often. I'm lazy. But, every place Ryan and I have moved to we have performed the house cleansings and protection spells. While I am not supersticious I do believe that people leave their old belongings and yucky energy behind. Why would I want to move into a place if it's not fully clean? Eww. Ryan and I always open all the windows while we physically clean. Then we burn incense. We both will do the spellwork. He'll set up the crystal grid for extra protection. And I will put runes in oil on every door frame.
10. Shamanic Experience by Kenneth Meadows
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