Recommended Reading

Drawing Down the Moon - Margot Adler

This classic text, published in 1979 and revised in 1989, is a survey of modern Neo-Paganism in any of its forms. Although many of the groups described in the 1979 version have since disbanded or changed names, many of the precepts and resources listed are still valid. The revised version has an interesting summary in the appendices regarding what Neo-Pagans have in common in the "real world". This is, in many people's views, the definitive introduction to Neo-Paganism.

Spiral Dance, Starhawk

This is a very good introductory book to ecofeminist American Eclectic Wicca, and the kind of poetic approach to Wicca as taken in this website. Spiral Dance, like Drawing Down the Moon, was also published in 1979 and revised in 1989. In this book, Starhawk teaches some very effective beginning exercises and ritual formats. This book's viewpoint is somewhere between Dianic and American Eclectic Wicca. If you lean towards a creative, poetic, somewhat psychological view of the Goddess and magick, this may be what you are looking for.

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, Scott Cunningham

Wicca lost a beloved spokesperson when Scott Cunningham went to the Summerlands in February of 1994. His books have been influential in making basic, nature-based American Eclectic Wicca available to many people who had no access to traditional teaching. Solitary Practitioner is the first book I suggest my students read because it is very basic, very easy to understand, and provides a foundation for wherever the student wants to go next. The sequel, Living Wicca, is also an excellent resource for the solitary who is effectively creating his or her own tradition.

To Ride a Silver Broomstick, Silver RavenWolf

Another good introduction to American Eclectic Wicca. Her jargon glossary alone makes the book worthwhile; this is the only place I have seen terms like "American Eclectic Wicca" defined. I would suggest reading Cunningham first -- if his style of Wicca appeals to you, try this book as your next resource.

What Witches Do, Stuart Farrar

Stuart and Janet Farrar have been instrumental in providing public information about British Traditional Craft. What Witches Do is the first book Stuart wrote and describes his first year of involvement with the Craft, from skeptical seeker to initiated Witch. As he was initiated by the founder (although has since moved on to his own tradition), this is an excellent introduction to the Alexandrian tradition. For further exploration, the Farrar's Witches Bible is the most thorough description of British Traditional rituals, myths, beliefs, and practices available.

The Complete Guide to Witchcraft, Raymond Buckland

While I rarely agree with books that claim to be complete, this workbook provides very effective training for the solitary or self-created group wishing to base practices on British Traditional Wicca. Buckland is Third Degree Gardnerian, and claims that if you actually do all the exercises in this book, you will have equivalent training.