I’m currently reading two books for research into my craft as a beginner. The first one is “Wicca Made Easy: Awaken the Divine Magic Within You” by Phyllis Curott and the second is “Buckland’s Book of Gypsy Magic: Travelers’ Stories, Spells & Healings” by Raymond Buckland. As someone just starting out im not sure if there are any other books that would be beneficial for me or if this is an okay starting point?
I would love any recommendations, especially for anything Irish witchcraft. I’m definitely leaning very eclectic for my practice.
And then there’s Scott Cunningham, who, in my mind, is a GOAT pagan author. He passed, so there are no newer books, and a lot of this is sort of outdated, but his encyclopedias are the best! His book Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner gave many a witch a great start into having an active practice.
Just a bit of advice, make a wish list of the books you want that’s separate. That way, you can keep up with all that you want to buy eventually and you can always check and see if they’re on sale.
Thank you for all the recommendations! I got my Ray Buckland book forever ago after doing a deep dive on my dad’s side of the family and finding out not only were we Romanian, but our family were Romani! Such a neat thing to discover.
Been seeing you ‘round here all day Seems everyone has already given you my basics. I love Scott Cunningham, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, as Amethyst said.
I also have “Buckland’s Big Blue”, I am guessing that is the one you mentioned you have.
And for in-depth Wicca “religion” and rituals, I prefer, Janet and Stewart Farrar, “A Witches’ Bible : The Complete Witches’ Handbook.”
With these 3 you will get a good idea of what you feel called to do. Scott is very informative for a solitary practice. The Farrar’s are very coven oriented and ritualistic. I find Buckland a little in-between, but he also explains some of the other Wiccan “denominations”, if you will.
I’d say that any starting point is a great one - I think the most important thing is that you’re embracing your practice. So good for you!
When it comes to beginner books, there are a lot of books out there designed for those getting started. Others have given you some helpful suggestions, and there is a list of Recommended Books on the site. Having said that, I’d also gently urge you to not focus too much on choosing a book, because it can quickly become overwhelming. There is a lot of information out there to explore!
It sounds like you’ve picked out two books (or two books have found their way to you). I’d recommend starting with what you already have. Take notes and take your time! You can always build on what you learn later.
Wishing you all the best with your studies. Blessed be and happy reading!
Seems everyone has already given you my basics. I love Scott Cunningham, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, as Amethyst said.
