A-B C D-H I-R
The Book of Shadows
Lady Sheba
As the title implies, a real book of shadows. Includes the Laws, Sabbat rituals, chants, and more. It is a must have in the study of Wicca.
Moon Tides, Soul Passages
Maria Kay Simms
This book is a wonderful introduction to lunar astrology. It is written so that even those with no prior knowledge of astrology can understand the material. The author presents and explains this form of astrology using Wiccan and Pagan theology and mythology to better understand the meanings behind and the importance of the different aspects of astrology. The book comes with a software disc that has a program designed specifically for lunar astrology as presented by Simms. By using the software to map out your chart, you can apply what you are reading and learning through the book to your own chart.
*The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess
Starhawk
(20th Anniversary Edition) I've heard a lot of criticism for this book for its history and almost overly-done feminism. While this book does seem to be written in a way that women can better relate to (at times it seems Starhawk viewed her audience as being only women), it doesn't seem to hold women over men. In fact, Starhawk seems to think of gender as over-rated in a way and tries to make Wiccan concepts and mythology to reflect ideas and concepts to everyone of all genders and sexual preferences. The history is based on disproved theories, but Starhawk explains its significance as a religious mythological history. It's very important to read the introductions and refer to the 10th and 20th anniversary commentary as you read this book to see the differences, as some of these ideas didn't become realizations to Starhawk until after the first publication of her book. Includes exercises and rituals that are useful and nicely written.
*The Circle Within
Dianne Sylvan
An absolutely wonderful book explaining that Wicca is a spiritual path, a way of life. It's not just something done on Sabbats and Esbats or when there's need of magick. It gives insight on how to truly live your religion day by day. From giving an in-depth view of the God and Goddess to certain values which should be prized on any spiritual path to a rethinking of correspondences that have been repeated the same way for so many years that we don't even bother to question it, this book will, if not outright inspire you, get you thinking and those creative juices flowing. An absolute must-read for more than just a seeker.
*The Body Sacred
Dianne Sylvan
A great read. Aimed specifically towards women (Sylvan feels she cannot speak so much for men seeing as how she is not a man), the book touches on the reasons why so many people of all shapes and sizes will feel so negatively towards their physical appearances. The book is aimed towards presenting this topic from a Wiccan standpoint and helping women to learn to love their bodies despite all the negative propaganda to feel otherwise that we are surrounded by everyday as well as past experiences we may have gone through to make us think negatively of our bodies' purpose. It includes several exercises, spells and rituals dealing with these issues to help bring an appreciation for the body that the Goddess has provided us with.
*Witchcraft for Tomorrow
Doreen Valiente
A great read as expected by one of the most well-known Wiccan High Priestesses. With a similar layout to Gardner's books on Witchcraft, Valiente's writing is informative as well as friendly and warm. Valiente touches on various topics relating to modern Witchcraft. I was surprised to see a chapter on Sex as it's a topic not well written about in books of this nature today. Overall a great read!
*The Real Witch's Handbook
Kate West
Some of the history is a little shaky, but otherwise the book contains good, useful information. Seems to focus more on British witches, but applies to all. One bad trait, is West's use of the terms "Wicca" and "Witchcraft" (she uses them interchangeably, even though not all witches are Wiccans).
*The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft (Third Edition)
Denise Zimmermann, Katherine A. Gleason, Miria Liguana
The history seems to be implying that Wicca is ancient without ever flat out saying such. That aside, it gives the eerie feeling that the book is out to teach you how to be a brand new witch! Yay! Seriously though, that may just be a result of the style that, well, is designed for "idiots" as the Idiot's Guide is meant to be understood by some of the lowest reading levels. It gives it a more friendly, smoother approach. Personally, I feel the book is very informative for a starter's guide. It goes into several different aspects of Wicca and witchcraft. While there's a lot of focus on magick, it never seems to take away from the fact that Wicca is a religion and just spells isn't what it's all about. Instead, the focus seems more of a way of getting your creative mind into it. Offering information on various kinds of spell craft as well as tips on how to put together several aspects to write your own. I'd say it's worth a read for anyone starting on the path.
