Magical Must-Reads: The Best Witchcraft Books for Beginners
Welcome to the first monthly book review post! This month, I thought I’d take a slightly different approach and recommend ten of my favourite books for beginners. Choosing the right books to start your journey can be a bit overwhelming, especially with the abundance of options available (trust me, my bookshelves are overflowing!). To make your selection process a tad easier, I've carefully curated a collection of ten favourites covering various topics, including divination, crystals, herbs, and more. While many of my beloved finds come from The Works, a popular UK store, I'll include Amazon links in this blog post for your convenience. So, if you're eager to kickstart your witchy journey, enrich your bookshelves, and immerse yourself in the world of beautiful books, read on! To enhance your reading experience, I've also included a handy reading journal page at the end of this blog post for your personal use, allowing you to track your reading progress, create a wish list of books, and jot down your favourites. For those looking to delve deeper, consider pairing it with my downloadable research planner to document your magical journey. You can find it here.
"Wicca For Everyday Living" stands out as the perfect starting point for anyone intrigued by the world of Wicca. This comprehensive book delves into various crucial aspects, including the sabbats, elements, spell work, and correspondences, providing an excellent foundation for beginners. Ann-Marie Gallagher, the author, brings her wealth of knowledge and experience as a Wiccan priestess with over two decades of practice to the forefront. As an instructor of Wicca and magic at the University of Central Lancashire, her insights are invaluable. What sets this book apart is not just its content but also its visual appeal. The captivating photography enhances the reading experience, making it both informative and visually engaging. Gallagher's approach includes delightful magical titbits such as affirmations, chants, and spell work, adding depth to your learning journey. For those seeking a solid introduction to the basics, the book offers a clear and easily digestible table of correspondences for spell work, making it a fantastic resource for newcomers to the craft.
What initially captivated me about this book was its exquisite layout and graphics. The pages, designed to resemble notebook pages with tasteful graphics and photos, evoke a lovely "scrapbook" aesthetic. It was this visual charm that served as inspiration for my own line of magical journals. However, beyond its visual appeal, "The Witch’s Journal" proves to be an invaluable resource. It adeptly covers a range of topics, including magical correspondences, tools, and spell work, all presented in a reader-friendly manner. The well-structured layout makes it an excellent reference guide. Additionally, the book explores various deities from diverse cultures, delves into astrology, and offers accessible spells for experimentation. While the information presented remains at a basic level, it provides an excellent starting point for those interested in exploring a wide array of magical topics, encouraging further personal research. Plus, it adds a touch of magic to your bookshelf!
Gabriela Herstik's "Craft" presents a refreshing take on witchcraft, making it an excellent choice for those who may not resonate with more traditional, "old-worldly" witchcraft books. While Herstik covers the fundamentals of witchcraft, such as sabbats and tarot, what sets this book apart is its strong connection with modern audiences through its incorporation of pop culture references. Published in 2018, "Craft" offers a relevant perspective on how to integrate your practice into contemporary life, bridging the gap between tradition and the present day. Notably, Herstik places a significant emphasis on the feminine aspect of witchcraft, guiding readers on how to cultivate a goddess-based practice and explore themes of female empowerment.
One particularly commendable aspect of this book is Herstik's recognition of the challenges faced by modern-day witches, addressing practical issues like sourcing herbs when you don't have access to a garden space. Herstik's thoughtful approach to these real-world hurdles adds depth and authenticity to her teachings. For those who might find some of the older witchcraft texts challenging to relate to, "Craft" provides a modern and accessible alternative. Herstik's exploration of contemporary witchcraft and her focus on empowering the feminine make this book a standout choice for today's witches. If "Craft" resonates with you, you'll also want to explore Herstik's other works, with "Bewitching The Elements" waiting on my reading list as the next adventure.
"Modern Wicca" by Rowan Morgan, released in April 2020, emerges as a must-read for contemporary witches seeking a relevant guide to their practice. This comprehensive book delves into various facets, including Wiccan traditions, spiritual practices, and the practical application of Wicca in our modern world. One noteworthy aspect of this book is Morgan's candid acknowledgment of the difficulties faced by individuals striving to reconnect with nature in a society dominated by constant noise, alerts, and notifications. Morgan's insight into this modern struggle adds depth to the book, making it relatable for today's readers. Additionally, Morgan acknowledges the overwhelming influx of conflicting information on the internet, a common challenge for modern witches, and offers guidance on navigating this complex landscape.
A particularly commendable aspect of "Modern Wicca" is Morgan's emphasis on the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and feminism within the Wiccan community. This inclusive perspective aligns with the evolving ethos of contemporary witchcraft. Incorporating essential topics such as the sabbats, elements, correspondences, and practical tips on starting a Book of Shadows, "Modern Wicca" proves to be a well-rounded resource and an ideal starting point for those embarking on their Wiccan journey. With its publication date in mind and its focus on contemporary challenges and perspectives, this book stands as a valuable addition to the library of any modern witch.
"The Tarot Life Planner" holds a special place in my heart as the very first tarot book I ever purchased, igniting my fascination back in 2010, if memory serves me right. Over the years, I've also acquired the new and republished version of this invaluable resource. This book is an absolute treasure for anyone embarking on the journey of learning and exploring the world of tarot.
"The Tarot Life Planner" comprehensively covers the essence of tarot, providing insights into its foundations, symbolism, spreads, and much more. What truly sets this book apart, in my opinion, is the remarkable depth with which the author delves into each tarot card. Each major arcana is given a double page spread, offering not just the card's meanings but also an overview, insights into reversed meanings, symbolism, thought-provoking questions related to the card, and even an example reading. This meticulous approach enhances one's comprehension of the cards and brings added clarity when conducting readings, especially for oneself.
As you progress through the book, you'll encounter practice readings and reflection exercises that further enrich your tarot journey. To budding tarot enthusiasts, I wholeheartedly recommend "The Tarot Life Planner." It remains a steadfast companion in my collection, a constant point of reference that I continue to rely on to this day. Its enduring value makes it a true staple for anyone passionate about the art of tarot reading.
Continuing with our exploration of divination, we have "The Divination Handbook" by Liz Dean. Right off the bat, I must express my fondness for the book's design; it boasts an enchanting cover and a conveniently compact size, making it the perfect pocketbook companion.
This book is a fantastic resource for those just beginning their journey into divination. It offers a concise yet informative overview of various popular divination methods, serving as an excellent starting point for further research. In addition to introducing these divination techniques, "The Divination Handbook" also delves into the practical aspects of divination—how to use it effectively and different techniques to employ, along with insightful suggestions for questions to pose.
The book covers a wide array of divination topics, encompassing the use of crystals, tarot cards, runes, palmistry, and even divination with tea leaves. While it may not delve as deeply into each method as more specialized books do, the information provided here serves as a solid foundation and is more than sufficient to kindle your curiosity and interest in the mystical world of divination. In terms of aesthetics, "The Divination Handbook" is a visual delight. It features vibrant pops of colour and
"Sacred Crystals" has a special place on my bookshelf, and it's the one I find myself returning to time and time again. It serves as a shining (pun intended) example of what an exceptional crystal book should encompass. Within its pages, you'll discover an in-depth exploration of 50 of the most beloved crystals, along with invaluable insights into their healing potential and other essential crystal knowledge. What truly sets this book apart, in my opinion, is its aesthetics and the captivating photographs it boasts. "Sacred Crystals" is a visual masterpiece, a kaleidoscope of colour and beauty. On each crystal page, you'll not only find a stunning image of the crystal but also a full-page close-up, allowing you to immerse yourself in the intricate details that make each crystal unique.
In terms of information, "Sacred Crystals" goes above and beyond. For every crystal, you'll find not one but two photographs, along with comprehensive details about its physical characteristics, metaphysical and healing properties, chakra associations, and, rather uniquely, insight into which spirit guide is associated with the crystal. This multifaceted approach to crystal knowledge makes it an ideal choice for beginners, providing a solid foundation for anyone venturing into the world of crystals. If you're just starting your journey with crystals, "Sacred Crystals" is the book you've been searching for. Its harmonious blend of aesthetics and information makes it an essential companion for crystal enthusiasts of all levels.
This book was a hidden gem originally recommended to me by one of my customers, and it's truly a brilliant find. While it might not be as commonly recommended, "The Hedge Witch Book of Days" deserves a spotlight for its comprehensive guide to the magical year. If you're in search of a resource that delves deep into the magic of every single month, this book is a must-have addition to your collection.
What sets this book apart from many others in the realm of witchcraft is its extensive coverage of not only the sabbats but also an enchanting exploration of each month. For every month, you'll discover a treasure trove of information, including a list of foods at their prime, along with a myriad of corresponding elements such as festivals, astrology insights, trees, flowers, herbs, animals, deities, crystals, and much more. But that's not all. "The Hedge Witch Book of Days" goes the extra mile with each month by dedicating an entire chapter to spell work, festival celebrations, engaging activities, and delectable recipes. It serves as the perfect companion for those who hold a deep appreciation for the nature-based aspects of magic, offering a wealth of inspiration and guidance.
"The Green Wicca Herbal" by Silja holds a special place in my heart, particularly for its enchanting illustrations. It stands as a brilliant companion for anyone embarking on the path of a green witch. This captivating book expertly covers 52 of the most beloved magical herbs, providing invaluable insights into their application in spell work and rituals.
The first half of the book ventures into the realm of herbal magic, offering a glimpse into its essence, a concise historical overview, and more specialized topics like lunar gardening. What truly sets this book apart is its meticulous organization of herb references. Each herb is thoughtfully categorized by its corresponding element, and within each entry, you'll discover a wealth of information—ranging from planetary and deity associations to magical properties. Additionally, each herb is accompanied by a brief spell.
Following the herb references, you'll find a chapter featuring practical spells that incorporate the discussed herbs, touching on areas such as luck, prosperity, and more. But what truly elevates this book is its artistic flair. Every page is adorned with the most exquisite illustrations, evoking the sense of perusing a personal recipe book filled with enchanting secrets.
For anyone setting foot on the path of a green witch, "The Green Wicca Herbal" is an absolute essential. Its combination of informative content and mesmerizing artwork makes it a must-have resource and a cherished addition to any green witch's collection.
"The Green Witch" by Arin Murphy-Hiscock undoubtedly lives up to its well-deserved hype, and it's one of the most frequently recommended books for good reason! This book is an absolute treasure trove waiting to be explored. The book begins with an insightful overview of the history of green witchcraft, explaining what it means to practice this enchanting craft and offering guidance on how to embark on your own path. It doesn't stop there—this book extends a welcoming hand to help you attune to the earth's energy, establish a profound connection with nature, and gain a deeper understanding of season cycles, elements, and energy.
One of the book's highlights lies in its exploration of the magic embodied by trees and flowers. It generously shares knowledge on creating and nurturing a green witch garden, accompanied by practical gardening tips and wisdom. As for herbalism, it serves as an invaluable guide, teaching you how to work with and prepare herbs while showcasing their versatility in various forms of magic and crafting. For those intrigued by the healing properties of herbs, the book dedicates a comprehensive chapter to using herbs in remedies such as teas and bath salts. It beautifully culminates with insights into kitchen witchery, showcasing the holistic approach to magic that is the essence of the green witch's practice.
While "The Green Witch" may not rely heavily on visuals, its content is a fantastic. This comprehensive and informative guide serves as an excellent starting point for anyone eager to delve into herbalism and the world of green witchcraft. It's no wonder this book is frequently recommended. Arin Murphy-Hiscock's other works, such as "The House Witch," follow the same compelling style, making them equally worthy of exploration for those who appreciate the depth of content and wisdom they offer.
As we come to the end of this journey through the world of witchy books for beginners, I hope you've discovered a few gems that resonate with your magical spirit. These carefully curated books offer a diverse range of insights, knowledge, and inspiration to guide you on your path. I also hope this little book record graphic is useful for you.
Whether you're drawn to the cycles of the moon, the secrets of herbs and crystals, the wisdom of the tarot, or the art of divination, there's a book here to spark your curiosity and light your way. Remember, your journey into witchcraft is uniquely yours. These books are your companions, offering guidance and support, but the magic lies within you. I’d love to hear what your favourite books are, so please let me know on my social media channels!
Happy reading!
Laura