This page is for my (Brutally honest) opinions on the books that I have read on Witchcraft and Paganismin the last 3 years. It isn't a review or critique as such... just my thoughts and opinions of those books I have read (The ones I can remember)  They are your basic "New Age" store type lines... nothing too dramatic.....

I stress that this is MY OPINION  on the books, good or bad.  Books are different to all who read them.  Something that I find wonderful may seem boring to another.  I personally do not like history,  therefore books with a lot of the history of Wicca bore me :o)

The list is (pretty much) in the order I read the books.  I have arranged links to the book reviews in alphabetical order to make it easier for you to find one in particular.

The length of the blurb I wrote has nothing to do with how much I enjoyed the books, some books I didn't enjoy have more said about them than the ones I loved.  They have more explaining that is all.  I must admit, I am getting a bit booked out.....  I don't have as much time to sit down with a good book any more, and since I have read quite a few books on Paganism/Wicca (in my opinion) [around 95]  and got tons more info from mailing lists, the internet and practical experience.....  I tend not to read as much as I once did.  So the later comments are a reflection of this.. I am finding it hard to find a great book these days, because I have read most of the info in them several times before.

(last updated July 2001)

Living Wicca  (Scott Cunningham)
This book is part two of  "Wicca - A guide for the solitary practitioner".  This book is great for explaining how to make your own spells and rites.  I love all of Scott Cunningham's books, and I recommend them all to anyone who wants to learn about Wicca.  Especially those who do not wish to (or can't)  join a coven. 
(back to top)

Teen Witch (Silver Ravenwolf)
This book, while good and informative, is a little simplistic.  Having said that, you will find some of her spells in my personal Book Of Shadows.  Her approach to Wicca in this book is aimed at teenagers, and therefore can be a little basic for those who are older, and those who already have knowledge in Wicca.  Her spells are easy to follow though, and it gives ideas for using household items for magical use. I haven't read her other books yet, so I do not know if it is just this book that is simplistic, or if it is the way she writes all the time.  Either way, this book is still worth getting.  The spell section is quite large, and covers a wide range of topics.
(back to top)

Hedge Witch (Rae Beth)
This book is good for those solitary practitioners.  (Hedge Witch is another term for a Solitary witch - someone who practices Witchcraft, but does not belong to a coven).  This book is written in letter form, letters from Rae to her "students" telling them a little of the information about Wicca and outlining the Sabbat rituals for the Solitary Witch.  It is written in a form that is easy to read and understand, and I almost felt like she was writing to me alone. 
(back to top)

Witch (Fiona Horn)
I like this book.  There are a few spells, a bit of the theory and a bit of her experiences. I am trying to think why exactly I like this book, and I think it is because it is written like young adults think, and is therefore easy to understand.  Not in the same way as Silver Ravenwolf's book is, I don't know how to explain it.  You will just have to read it for yourself!  It is a really good book, and there is even a detailed hexing spell for those who wish to go that road.  The other good thing about this book is that is was written by an Australian Witch :) 
(back to top)

Practical candle burning rituals (Raymond Buckland)
This book has lots of candle spells, hence the name, and each spell has two different chants to chose from.  One Christian based one, and one Pagan based one.  I personally found the spells a little long and complicated, taking lots of steps, and lots of candles (I am very simplistic in my spellcasting).  There are some really good ones in there though.
(back to top)

Principles of Wicca (Vivianne Crowley)
This was another really good book.  Very informative.  Good value.  Nothing else to say really.
(back to top)

Wicca - an old religion in a new millennium (Vivianne Crowley)
Again, another good book.  It has a lot of information on the coven side of Wicca, which may not be of interest for those who have no intention of joining a coven.  There was some really good information in there though.  I preferred her Principles of Wicca.
(back to top)

Witchcraft - A beginners guide (Teresa Moorey)
This was the second book I read on Wicca.  This is only a fairly small book, but well worth the read.  There are some really good spells in here too. 
(back to top)

Herbs - A beginners guide (Teresa Moorey)
This is the best book on the magical properties of herbs I have found so far.  It tells you the magical properties of almost every herb the colours for herbal bags, and heaps of other stuff.  It is a book that you should have as a reference guide. 
(back to top)

Witches of Oz (Matthew and Julia Phillips)
I should like this book, as it is one of the few Australian books around on Wicca.  But I found it a little boring.  It also contains a lot of information that are only useful for coven work.  They have a few rituals in there, but again they are for covens and if you are not in a coven, they are somewhat void. 
(back to top)

A Wiccan herbal (Marie Rodway)
This was another brilliant book on herbs.  This book has recipes for herbal teas, poultices and lots of other herbal remedies.  This is another book you should have as a reference guide.  This is the best book on the healing properties of herbs that I have found.
(back to top)

Witchcraft and Paganism in Australia (Hume)
I have a feeling that this book is actually someone's thesis.  It was published by a University in Victoria, and although it wasn't a bad book, it seemed to be a bit like a project. 
(back to top)

Power of the Witch (Laurie Cabot)
This book was written by a Witch who lives in Salem.  The place where the most publicised Witch trials took place.  Laurie Cabot is a Witch who wears the classic Witches black robe everywhere.  She is a Witch and isn't afraid to show the world.  Her Book is very interesting, and is one of the few books that I have actually read the section relating to the history! A lot of info about meditating and visualisation, which I found a bit boring.
(back to top)

White Spells (Ileana Abrev)
This book is a book of spells broken up into sections.  Herbal spells, Bath spells, crystal spells etc.  It is a really good book if you are just interested in finding spells, and not the history or mythology.  It is a small book, but full of easy spells. 
(back to top)

History of Magic and the Occult (Kurt Steiglman)
Unfortunately I cannot say anything good about this book, as I really didn't get much out of it.  Although I already mentioned that I don't like history.  There is an interesting section on Tarot cards though. 
(back to top)

Wiccan Magic (Raven Grimassi)
Again there isn't much to say about this book.  I had already read about the history and mythology of Wicca when I read this book, and therefore didn't really find it that interesting.  There are some good sections in it though, it is worth a look.
(back to top)

Spellbound - book of love (Helen Glisic)
For those of you who think love spells are wrong, don't buy this book.  Love spells are the only spells in this book.  I thought most of the spells were against the "harm none" rule of Wicca, as you cannot change the will of a person, so therefore cannot perform a spell to attract someone to you.  But there are some Pagans who do love spells.  There are a few spells that I considered ok though, and the book is certainly beautiful to read, and there are some nice quotes in there too. 
(back to top)

Spellbound (Helen Glisic)
This is another book along the same lines as the above book, but it isn't centered on love spells. 
(back to top)

How to turn your ex boyfriend into a Toad,  and other spells  (Athena Starwoman and Deborah Gray)
Because of the title of this book, I refused to read it for months, but finally I picked it up and gingerly read it, as if my eyeballs would be singed from my head, and found that it isn't actually as bad as I thought.  You see, Witches can't turn anyone into a toad, and we certainly wouldn't do it to an ex boyfriend.  This was a really good book of spells for different things.  Silly title.. but not bad for people just new to the Craft wanting easy spells.
(back to top)

Witches - An encyclopedia (Michael Jordan)
I am assuming that this wasn't written by the basket ball player !
This book is exactly what it says, an encyclopedia.  If you want to know what something is, then it is great, if you are after rituals, spells and information on how to make and perform spells and rituals, then this isn't the book for you.  It is interesting though, but once you read it once, you probably won't ever feel the need to read it again. 
(back to top)

Everyday Magic (Dorothy Morrison)
This book is written by a lady who believes that technology hasn't effected Wicca in a bad way.  I agree with her (Obviously - or I wouldn't have this web page).  She gives ideas on how to speed up the magic making process.  She also has a HUGE section of spells, some herbal info, some info on stones, and a section on the Gods and Goddesses.  A really fantastic book, full of useful information. 
(back to top)

Green Witchcraft (Ann Moura  { Aoumiel })
Green Witchcraft is a little different to Witchcraft.  She has some really good information in this book, but I didn't like the rites.  I felt the rites were a little strange for me.  In my personal Book Of Shadows I have altered many of her rites, so that they feel better to me.  Although, as I mentioned earlier, it is personal choice, and I personally didn't like them. You on the other hand may like them.
(back to top)

Spells (Nicola De Pulford)
This is another book of just spells.  The book itself is Beautiful, black cover with a silver ribbon to tie it closed with.  It even comes with a special sealed section.  There are some really good spells in here, but the book is just sooooooo beautiful!  (back to top)

Spells (Matthew Green)
This is another beautiful book.  There are spells, herbal information and heaps of other interesting things in this book.  Quite an interesting book, and it has good information too.  He is very into spells using herbs though, so if you don't like using herbs, or don't have many - then you might want to give it a miss, or work out a way to change the spells.
(back to top)

Crones book of Charms and spells (Valerie Worth)
If you like the old form of spell casting, the chants of eye of newt and stuff like that, then you will love this book.  I am a bit of a lover of things theatric, so I liked this book.  The only thing I had a problem with is that I thought some of the spells were a little wrong, as in Ethically wrong.  But there were some spells that I thought were great. 
(back to top)

Goddess in my pocket (Patricia Telesco)
This book is another one where the Author believes in using modern everyday items to create magic.  There are great spells for computers, photocopiers, parking and lots lots more.  Fantastic book. 
(back to top)

Hocus Pocus (Titania)
This is a lovely velvet type book, she has three books out, Titania's Oracle, this one and one called Bewitched.  This is a purple book, the oracle is blue and Bewitched is red.  All are fantastic.  The books are beautifully illustrated, and the spells are great too.
(back to top)

The Gaia Tradition  (Kisma Stepanich)
Hmmmm.....is all I have to say about this book.  I found it weird.  From what I gather (And I freely admit that I didn't read the whole thing) the Gaia tradition is a form of nature worship.  Wicca is nature worship, but in a different way.  I just didn't like this book, and I didn't think much of the author. 
(back to top)

Witches and Wizards  (Anton Adams)
This book looks really pretty, and there is a lot of interesting stuff in there too.  No spells or rites, just information.  Not a bad book though, if you are after the information on certain aspects of magic. 
(back to top)

Witchcraft and Paganism today  (A. Kemp)
This book is another book of information, but I already knew most of what was in there, so I didn't find it that interesting.  Like all books though, they are worth reading, you never know what information you may find. 
(back to top)

The Goddess Celebrates  (Edited by Dianne Stein)
This book is a collection of chapters written by various women.  Some of the chapters were really good, and others were a little boring. It was a really good book though, just skip the chapter on the "blood mysteries" if you are squemish. 
(back to top)

Spell crafts  (Scott Cunningham and David Harrington)
This book tells you how to make spell banners, bottles and other useful information.  I like Scott Cunningham and I think that anything he has written is worth while reading.  This book he wrote with another person, David Harrington.  It also tells you the meanings of colours, shells, feathers and other items.  A very useful book.
(back to top)

Book of Shadows  (Phyllis Curott)
This book is more like a novel, in that it tells of the way Phyllis Curott found Wicca.  In amongst the story is quite a bit of information and useful tips.  This book is wonderfully written, and well worth reading.  I really enjoyed reading this book, one of those "can't put down" books.
(back to top)

Complete book of incense, oils and brews  (Scott Cunningham)
As I said before, anything that Scott Cunningham has written, I think is worth reading.  This book is exactly what it says, everything you kneed to know about making incense, oils and brews.  Full of recipes and hints on what you can substitute for some of the more expensive ingredients.  The only thing I disagreed with was the inclusion of poisonous recipes, but they did come with a warning.  If you have this book, you basically do not need to ever go looking for incense recipes, oil recipes etc. again.  There are recipes for soap, bath salts, oils, tinctures, ointments (including flying ointments, that are safe to use), incense and sachets.  I have probably left some out, but basically everyone needs to have this book, it is great. 
(back to top)

Charms, spells and formulas  (Ray T. Malbrough)
This book is about Voodoo.  (I didn't realise until I had read it.)  Which isn't my cup of tea.  In Voodoo you can perform spells to make someone fall in love with you, and this book includes spells on that, and how to control people and other spells and charms which I personally think are wrong.  Having said that, it would be an excellent book if you do agree with that, as it contains information on how to make gris-gris charms, Voodoo dolls, incense and other information that you may find useful. 
(back to top)

The Handbook of Ancient wisdom  (Cassandra Eason)
This book didn't look like it would be very good, I thought it was about Aboriginal wisdom looking at the front cover, but inside is a lot of information.  There are sections on the I Ching, Divination with various different methods, the meanings of objects, Chinese horoscope, and lots more.  I really recommend this book as a reference book. 
(back to top)

Earth Power (Scott Cunningham)
This book explains how to invoke the power of the earth into your magic, by using the 4 Elements in your rituals, and how to "get in touch" with nature.  There are many great spells broken up into sections for each of the 4 Elements.  I have raved about how good Scott Cunningham's books are, and this is no exception. The information is easy to understand, and the spells are quite easy to perform.
(back to top)

Spells and how they work (Janet and Stewart Farrar)
This is the first book I have read by these authors.  They are considered to be among the most respected authors on the subject of Wicca/Paganism, and I found this book to be quite interesting.  There are a selection of spells, as well as the information about what a spell is, and why and how they work.
(back to top)

The moon and you for beginners (Teresa Moorey)
This book explains the moon phases and how they relate to your life.  We all have a sun (also called star) sign, and we also have a moon sign, this book explains the 9 different types of people, from the phase the moon was in at the time of their birth. Very interesting if you are interested in this type of information. 
(back to top)

Practical solitary magic (Nancy B. Watson)
This book is another similar to the Scott Cunningham book "Wicca - guide for the solitary practitioner" but not as good.  It still has some good information in it, but if you had to chose between buying this one, and buying the Scott Cunningham one, then I suggest the Scott Cunningham one.  But as I said, it is personal choice.
(back to top)

Notions and Potions (Susan Bowes)
This book has some beautiful pictures, and some small bits of information, but those few bits of information can be found in other books that have even more useful information.  I thought this book was a bit useless actually, pretty...but useless. (back to top)

Silver's spells for prosperity (Silver Ravenwolf)
As it's title says, this is a book of prosperity spells.  They are arranged under two categories, banishing poverty, and bringing in money, so you can chose which spell suits the phase of the moon, or your particular mood that day.  It is packed with spells, and if you like Silver Ravenwolf's other books, and you need money (And who doesn't) then this book is really good.
(back to top)

Spinning spells, weaving wonders (Patricia Telesco)
This book boasts "over 300 spells".  I didn't count them all, but there are heaps!!! and they are all arranged in sections in alphabetical order, such as "money" then a few corresponding herbs, objects etc. to do with money, and a few spells for obtaining money.  So it makes it easy to use, as you just have to turn to the section you want, and there is a choice of a few different spells to do.  Well worth buying it I think.
(back to top)

Magical Aromatherapy (Scott Cunningham)
I thought this book was about Aromatherapy with Essential oils, but it gives the magical properties for herbs as well.  There is a lot of information packed into such a small book, and it is really cheap too!!! There is a section of 100 or more herbs and plants, where he gives their botanical names, what part of the plant is used, and if it is best used as an oil or the herb/plant.  I thought it was a great book, and there are also some different incense and oil recipes in there as well... I won't go on about how great the author is again... :) 
(back to top)

The magical household (Scott Cunningham & David Harrington)
This book is brilliant, it has divided the house into sections and gives short spells, and folklore for everything.  For example, hanging a key upside down, prevents nightmares.  It tells you how to make a witches bottle to guard the garage, from items that you would find lying around there.  I will never look at my house the same way again.  There was so much interesting stuff in this book.  There is also a section in the back for bigger spells.  (but what do you expect...it is a Scott Cunningham book, of course I would like it!) 
(back to top)

Century of spells (Draja Mickaharic)
This book has lots of spells mixed in with the information. There are some good spells, and some weird ones, like a spell where you heat a jar of water till it explodes, and showers glass and pins all around the house.......
(back to top)

Every Woman a Witch (Cassandra Eason)
I thought that this book was great!  Lots of spells, and they are easy to do.  Some great information too.  The book is easy to read.
(back to top)

To stir a Magick Cauldron (Silver Ravenwolf)
This book had some great information, and along with Teen Witch, this is one of the most popular books by Silver Ravenwolf.  Lots of exercises to help you along your path, and easy to read. 
(back to top)

Nice Girls Book of Naughty Spells (Deborah Gray)
The title of this book had me a little worried, but I thought I would read it anyway, and it has some very good spells in it.  I thought it was going to be all spells that I consider wrong, but there were many spells ranging from stopping a noisy neighbor to stopping road rage.  Nice simple spells that don't require expensive ingredients.
(back to top)

Advanced Candle Burning Magick (Ray Buckland)
This is a follow on from his previous book called Practical Candle Burning Rituals. I wouldn't recommend this book for "newbies" to the craft, as  I personally think that some of these spells are a little bit too long for beginners (which is why it is called "Advanced Candle Burning Magick").  It has a lot of information though.  If you are a lover of candle spells, then this is your book!   It gives ideas for making your own candles too.
(back to top)

Celtic Magic (D. J. Conway)
This book (as the title states) is about Celtic magic.  It has some simple rituals and a great section on the deities.  (And I love the picture on the cover - I bought it just for that!)
(back to top)

A Grimoire of Shadows (Ed Fitch)
This book has some great information in it.  It has a large section of detailed rituals, including 1st, 2nd and third degree initiations.  Probably one for more experienced people - rather than beginners.
(back to top)

Witchcraft - A Tradition Renewed (Valiente and Jordan)
This book had some interesting sections, but I actually didn't think it was that great.  Of course it is handy to read lots of books, as you never know what you will find, and I may re-read it and find something else useful.
(back to top)

Witch - A Magickal Year (Fiona Horn)
I think this book was great!  There is a great week long ritual to perform, great information, and I just love Fiona's writing style.  If you liked her first book, then you will love this book too. 
(back to top)

Wylundts Book of Incense (Wylundt)
This book is another book of herbal properties.  It also contains recipes for incense and the different methods for making incense, including incense cones, sticks and loose incense.  I think this is a great book, as it has different information to Scott Cunningham's Incense oils and Brews.  I can't decide which I like better.. this or 'Incense Oils and brews'.... which is why I have both :) 
(back to top)

Beginners guide to spells and rituals (Teresa Moorey)
I thought this was a good book for people looking for an inexpensive book with information on how to write spells and rituals.  I like Teresa Moorey's books.  They are basic, but affordable :)  Not a lot of information, and I feel that there are better books out there on writing spells, but this was a good book. 
(back to top)

Covencraft (Amber K)
This book gives you a lot of information on starting a coven, and working within a coven.  It is a huge book, with a lot of useful information if you are thinking of starting your own coven.  A touch pricey... but worth it. 
(back to top)

The Sabbats - a new approach to living the old ways (Edain Mcoy)
Looking for info on the Sabbats?  Then this is your book!  It details each Sabbat, with a couple of pages for each, giving recipes and info.  It has a section of Sabbat rituals to perform in a group situation, and a section of rituals for a solitary.  It also has the largest list of Sabbat correspondences I have seen in a book, giving a HUGE list of the Gods and Goddesses for each Sabbat, Symbols, animals, stones, foods etc.  I thought it was fantastic, I cannot praise this book enough.
(back to top)

Complete book of Witchcraft (Ray Buckland)
This is a witchcraft class in a book.  It gives lessons (the chapters are even called "lessons"), and at the end of each lesson, there is an assignment.  There is a lot of good information in this book, and according to the book, if you do all the exercises, you are the equivalent of a 3rd degree Witch.  A bit deep for beginners, you may have to re-read it a few times to absorb everything.
(back to top)

Pagan rites of passage (Pauline Campanelli)
This book gives rituals for all the main milestones in our life:  Birth, adulthood, mid-life etc.  Including a mid-life rite for men.
(back to top)

Magickal Herbalism (Scott Cunningham)
Another herbal book, recipes, info and herbal properties lists.  Not as good a Wylundts book of incense, or Incense oils and brews.. but it isn't bad for a starting point (and cheaper) and it has slightly different information (So I bought it too) 
(back to top)

Hereditary magick (Raven Grimassi)
This book goes into the different forms of witchcraft.  There was some interesting information in this book. 
(back to top)

Spellweaving (     )
This book has lots of pretty pictures, and has some quite good of information and spells in it.  It is a good book for someone just starting out in the craft and very cheap considering how pretty it is. 
(back to top)

Titania's little spell books  (love, happiness, health, wealth)  (Titania Hardie)
These are cute little velvet covered books, with simple spells for each of the areas (love = Red, Happiness = Blue, Health = Green, Wealth = Yellow) There are a lot of spells in these books, and you can chose the area you need spells for and just buy that book (or you can buy the whole set)
(back to top)

Pagan Gods (Howard and Teresa Moorey)
This is (you guessed it) a book on Pagan Gods.  I expected there to be a long list of the different Gods, which there wasn't, but there was information on some of the individual deities, such as Thoth, Set and Osiris, the Greenman, and how they influence you. I felt there could have been more information on Gods in general though, like lists of Gods for different things...Oh well.. 
(back to top)

The complete book of amulets and talismans (Migene Gonzales-wippler)
This book has pictures and information on different amulets and talismans from different religious backgrounds.  A Great reference book. 
(back to top)

The Family Wicca book (Ashleen O'Gaea)
Written from the point of view of a Wiccan mother, this book gives information on how they dealt with raising a Wiccan child, and gives ideas for other families.  I didn't like it much, but then again... I am not a mother.. (Yes I read books for the fun of it).
(back to top)

Celtic Goddesses (Miranda Green)
A book giving information on some of the celtic Goddesses.  Including pictures of Goddess statues. I admit that I found it a tad boring, but I am not a great one for studing history or mythology.
(back to top)

Trancing the Witch's wheel (Yasmine Galenorn)
This is a book of guided meditations for the Sabbats and the Elements.  I found this book very interesting, as I had never though of doing a meditation as a Sabbat celebration.  You can perform these meditations in a group situation, with one member narrating, or you can tape yourself, and play it back during the ritual. For personal reasons I will never purchase another Yasmine Galenorn book again, and I do not suggest to others to buy them, but I do admit that this one was quite good.
(back to top)

Magic for Beginners (J. H. Brennan)
I thought this book might be a little in-depth for beginners, but there is a lot of good information in there.  It even has a section on how to create $100 notes (although it admits that it is easier and quicker to just go out and get a job to earn it)
(back to top)

To ride a silver Broomstick  (Silver Ravenwolf)
To be honest I am not a huge fan of Silver Ravenwolf.  This and The Cauldron book are better than Teen Witch for anyone older than 15 (IMHO), but I still think your money is better spent on other books.  Of couse, if you can borrow it any book is worth reading!  and that isn't to say that this book doesn't have interesting things in it, but in my opinion others are better.
(back to top)

Crafting and use of ritual tools (Eleanor & Philip Harris)
This book shows you how to make tools from scratch such as Athames and wands.  It even tells you how to consecrate them.
(back to top)

Green Witchcraft 3 (Ann Moura)
I haven't read book 2, although I have read the first one.  This book was great, IMHO better than the first.  It refers to the second book though, so it is best to have all three I think.  Lots of information and some circle casting rituals.
(back to top)

Druid magic (Maya Magee Sutton & Nicholas R. Mann)
This book was quite good, gives lots of information on the Druid religion (which is very similar to Wicca really)
(back to top)

Pagan book of living and dying (Starhawk)
I only flicked through this book, but it appears to be rituals and information to help cope with grieving, and to prepare yourself, or others for the passage into the next life.
(back to top)

Earth divination  Earth magic (John Michael Greer)
This book is about Geomancy (divination using dots, hard to explain, you have to see it...)  There is a section on scrying as well.  If you are into Geomancy (or want to be) then this book probably has all the information you need to know, very in depth.
(back to top)

Life's a Witch (Fiona Horne)
This is her 3rd book.  This book is aimed more towards teenage Witches.  This book was done to coincide with her Wikid Witch Kit I think, but isn't a bad book.  I prefered her other two.
(back to top)

A Complete guide to Witchcraft (Teresa Moorey)
This (Quite obviously) is a more in-depth look at Witchcraft than her beginners guide.  A lot of good information in here.  I like Teresa Moorey's writing style, so I like her books.
(back to top)

A Complete book of  magickal Names (Pheonix McPharland)
EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!  This book is great if you are trying to come up with a Magickal name (Second to my book of course ;))  It gives lists of different names and in some cases their meanings and origin.  I can't remember if it goes into using numerology or meditation to find your name (and I am too lazy to reach over to the bookcase at the moment :)) but it has so many names listed that it is sure to be of help for those seriously stuck.  I say seriously stuck becuase although I think it is a brilliant book, it might be too expensive for someone who just wants help choosing a Pagan name for themselves.  I bought it becuase I thought it could be useful for members of my Coven, as a reference book for my own names book,  and becuase when I first opened the book it opened to the gemstone page and my eyes happened to be resting on the section of page that had "Obsidian" :)  So I took it as a sign and bought it!
(back to top)

Witchcraft  (Geddes and Grosset)
A really cheap book (I got it on a throw out table for $3) that is more like a Witchcraft encyclopedia really.  I don't really think it's that great (some of the info is a bit dodgy to say the least), but I can't really complain for $3 - any more than that and I doubt it's worth it.
(back to top)

How to be a Real Witch (Deborah Gray)
The funniest thing about this book is that the title claims to teach you how to be a real witch, but the pictures of Deborah used inside show her with sparkles and glitter floating from her fingertips....Inside though it does mention that shows like Charmed are not real Witchcraft - but I find it amusing that she chose such stereotypical images ....  I also didn't like the way she used stars on the page, whole page pictures and wavy writing, which in my opinion look like they are done to use up space..making the book look thicker.  I try not to give really bad comments on books, but I wasn't totally impressed with this book I must admit...  There are some really good messages in there, but I didn't really like it, not enough detail on each section IMHO.
(back to top)

The Book Of Shadows (Lady Sheba)
This was apparently Lady Sheba's own Book Of Shadows that was published.  The back of every page is blank, making the book look thicker than it really is (Sneaky).  It is filled with Coven rules (tons of them), rituals and other info  from her coven or tradition, and in my opinion isn't the best book you can buy, other books of roughly the same price range have HEAPS more info.
(back to top)

The magic power of White Witchcraft (Gavin and Yvonne Frost)
The founders of Wicca, apparently.  There was some really good information in this book, but in my opinion they didn't explain each section in enough detail.  What it did have though, was an example for most of the sections it explained... so that you could get an understanding of how that example fits in with everyday life...Very Nifty.  Very interesting, but overall, I wasn't overly impressed with it, I felt it could have contained more information on each section - which would have made it much better. 
(back to top)

Spiral Dance  (Starhawk)
Everyone seems to recommend this book to everyone else, which is probably why I found that a lot of the information from this book is stuff I had seen floating aroung mailing lists.  If nothing else I think you need to have a copy of this on your bookshelf so that you don't shock people by saying you don't have it ;)  To be honest I am almost getting "all booked out"  so it takes something quite different to get me excited about books at the moment... but I know that a lot of people use Spiral Dance as a sort of bible, so I do think it is worth getting.
(back to top)

The Real Witches Handbook (Kate West)
I loved this book.  It doesn't have a lot of magickal information (as in telling you what colours mean, and stuff like that) but it explains different parts of Witchcraft (like what magick is) very well,  in a very practical way.  It is a beginners book, so it won't really interest the more experienced Witch, but I think it is a very good book for those just starting out (And it is quite reasonably priced!) 
(back to top)

Wicca (Vivianne Crowley)
This is one of those pretty books with hardly any information in it.  Ordinarily I would blame the author, but this book is part of a series, called the "Thorson's First Directions", so I guess that explains it.  There are several other books that give you more information for the same price.
(back to top)

Green Witchcraft 2 (Ann Moura)
I still think #3 is the best, but this one isn't too bad.  It has a lot of good info in it, and some rituals and things.
(back to top)

5 easy steps to becoming a Witch (Gilly Sergier)
Shocking..... that's all I can say about this book, although it is great for a laugh!  Becuase this sounds really harsh, and it's the worst critique I have given on a book, I'll explain why I think it is so bad.  Step #1 wasn't too bad, it had tiny bits of information on aspects of the craft..... but step #2 was by far the funniest... it was on appearance......This chapter basically tells you how to look like a Witch.  It even offers helpful suggestions like using fake hair to achieve that black with white streaks look....There are 3 parts I would like to quote for you (For review purposes), which I found to sum up the ideas of  this chapter "There are many marks which used to be linked with Witches - a 6th finger, webbed toes, extra birthmarks were all indications.  Do not despair if you do not have any particular marks, in this day and age transfer tattoos are a marvellous alternative"  and "Witches look extremely good in glitter and the constant shine and energy given off by the glitter will enhance your own aura and psychic abilities".  Now...... I wear body glitter on occasion... however I do not do so in the hope that I will become more psychic.... it's little bits of metal/plastic for heavens sake!  (However I do believe that if you believe it will aid you, then it will - as your belief will give you the power you need).  Then it goes on about the magickal power of having long fingernails, and that you should of course decorate the nails with Pagan symbols.... (The reasoning behind the long nails is becuase energy travels down your hand and out through you nails, and having longer nails helps direct it.... according to this book).  Another quote is "There are many clothes shops now that include or specalise in larger sizes and a very well known chain in most high streets that seems to concentrate on floaty, glittering, unusual colours and fabrics - one would think made exclusively for Witches".  Step #3 Was not too bad, it talked (very briefly) about tools and other Witchy things.  Another thing that made me laugh was the "Great Calendar of Being"  (her name for the Wheel of the year apparently)... this *Great* calendar took up less than 1 page, :)  and consisted of a list of the Sabbats and their dates.  Step #4 was spells and recipes.  Not a bad section, considering.  It did have lots of spells and Sabbat rituals (short ones).  Step #5 talks about tarot and other "specialities" and "clients".  Most people in the craft believe that it is wrong to charge for spells, but this book says it's fine to.... "A true Witch should never charge an exact sum for their service, but should say that whatever the client feel is appropriate, should be given."  and "Witchcraft is not about making money, but a good witch can easily survive quite happily on the proceeds of her work".  So there you go.  In my opinion, it's nothing better than a humerous book, but I fear that beginners will think that this is gospel. 
(back to top)

(last updated July 2001)

The Real Witches Kitchen (Kate West)
Blurb to come (except now I've forgotten what it was like and have to read it again!.. d'oh)

The Complete Book of Magick and Witchcraft (Leonard R.N.Ashley)
Blurb to come (except now I've forgotten what it was like and have to read it again!.. d'oh)

Principles of Paganism  (Vivianne Crowley)
Pretty similar to Principles of Wicca, but with more of a Pagan slant (of course).
(back to top)

I often get asked to recommend books, and I see people on mailing lists asking for advice on what books to get.  The problem is there are many different paths, and what I feel is a good book for my path, might be a pile of crap for someone else....  So these are the books I recommend for a beginner who is following an Eclectic or Wiccan path. (Of course, I also recommed my own book!!  Obsidian's Book Of Shadows, available here)  Listed in no particular order.

General Witchcraft information for complete Beginners
The Real Witches Handbook (Kate West)
A Complete guide to Witchcraft (Teresa Moorey)
Witchcraft - A beginners guide (Teresa Moorey)
Hedge Witch (Rae Beth)
Wicca - A guide for the Solitary practitioner (Scott Cunningham)

General Witchcraft information for more advanced Beginners to intermediate
Complete book of Witchcraft (Ray Buckland)
The Sabbats - a new approach to living the old ways (Edain Mcoy)
Spiral Dance  (Starhawk)

Spell Writing information for more advanced Beginners to intermediate
Spell crafts  (Scott Cunningham and David Harrington)
Spells and how they work (Janet and Stewart Farrar)
Earth Power (Scott Cunningham)

Spells - If you want just spells
Everyday Magic (Dorothy Morrison)
Every Woman a Witch (Cassandra Eason)
Spinning spells, weaving wonders (Patricia Telesco)
White Spells (Ileana Abrev)

Herbal information  - Healing with herbs for beginners
A Wiccan herbal (Marie Rodway)

Herbal information  - Herbs for Magickal use for beginners-advanced
Wylundts Book of Incense (Wylundt)
Complete book of incense, oils and brews  (Scott Cunningham)