Rose Ariadne's Chitchcraft Blog

Dear Friends,

There is a lot of good literature out there for those just discovering Wicca, as well as for those who have been practicing for most of their lives. However, there is also some literature out there that really isn’t that helpful at all. Knowing how to differentiate between the good and the bad can be tricky.

I have a young friend who was trying to educate herself about Wicca and one of the first things she did was hop on Amazon and start looking at books. She was immediately overwhelmed and decided to ask around to others who were practicing in order to get a better idea of what might be beneficial to her.

I think this is a great idea. Firsthand knowledge and reviews are almost always the best. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to find someone practicing Wicca so this might not be a route that you can take. Never fear, however! There are some other ways to help you determine what the “best” books out there are.

To begin with, I would stay away from “instructional” type books. Although basic books that talk about altar layouts and designs and such can be useful, sometimes they can go a little too far when it comes to rituals and spellwork. The fact is, your rituals should be personal to you. While it’s okay to use a general idea (and candle color meanings don’t really change) I would steer clear of any books that try to teach you that you HAVE to do it a certain way.

If you are into history and want to know a little bit about the history behind some of the most prominent figures in Wicca, Witchcraft, and Paganism then biographies can be very good. Even though they might not teach you how to perform spells or draw down the moon, you can educate yourself on who some of the more famous figures are which might give you an idea of the practice in an historical context. Popular figures include Alexander Crowley, Oberon Zell, and Isreal Regardie. Keep in mind that you might not agree with everything you read and you might even walk away shaking your head at some things, but they can still be enlightening.

There are also some authors who are well-respected in the community and have a host of books out in different subject matters. Scott Cunningham is one of the biggest names that you will probably come across. He has written on a variety of subjects, from guides to choosing the right herbs to crystal, gem, and metal magic. He also writes about oils, brews, incense, natural magick, and guides for those who wish to practice Wicca alone. His books tend to get a lot of good reviews and I, myself, have used his encyclopedias for herbs, stones, and oils.

Raymond Buckland is another one that is popular. He might be one of the most well-known writers about the Craft. He has many books on the subject out and they break down pretty specifically. If you’re a solitary practitioner then you might find his “Wicca for One” book helpful. If you want something more ritual-based then his book on candle rituals might be the one for you.

One of my favorite books is entitled “A Little Book of Candle Magic.” It’s a small book, as the title would suggest, and gives some basic spells. The spells use candles, oils, incense, and gemstones and are very easy to use. Sometimes, I use it as a “cheat sheet”, especially when I am looking for something quickly or I need to remember what certain things can be used for.

So, is “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Wicca & Witchcraft” any good? Well, it’s not bad. Of course, if you’ve been practicing for years then you probably are aware of most of what it has to say. However, if you’re just starting out and want to find out about it or have some general questions it does a pretty good job of trying to answer them. Of course, I highly recommend that you continue educating yourself and don’t stop there.

When using the internet, or even reading books, keep in mind that some of what you are going to read are mere opinions. Ultimately, the choice and decision-as well as the way that you want to practice-is up to you and you alone. While it’s great to try to learn as much as you can, it is a personal path that you will have to pave yourself.

If you read something that you don’t necessarily agree with then continue doing more research. The author might have been wrong or merely misinterpreted something in a different way than you would have. Don’t give up after reading one book or one account. This is a lifelong journey, remember.

I hope that you continue seeking answers and finding them when you are able to.

Brightest Blessings,
Rose Ariadne
Your Warm and Caring “Resident Witch In Charge”