Wicca and Witchcraft are incredibly vast subjects that no single resource, no matter how comprehensive, could ever completely cover. And even if it were possible to do so, there would still be no way to account for all of the different traditions, which are continually expanding, or all of the often-conflicting perspectives among practitioners on just about any topic related to the Craft. This makes choosing the best Wiccan books to aid you on your journey a difficult task, but this amazing diversity is part of why so many people find this spiritual path so appealing.
Nonetheless, it can be confusing and even frustrating at times to encounter information that contradicts what you’ve been told. The multitude of ideas and perspectives, especially from the more contentious voices out there in the Wiccan community, can make it feel to beginners as if they’re constantly at risk for “getting it wrong.” But while there may be correct and incorrect ways of practicing specific traditions within Wicca, there’s absolutely no one who can tell you that your own inner spirituality is missing the mark, no matter how different your practice may seem to be.
Fortunately, there’s one thing that just about everyone in the Wiccan and larger Pagan community will agree on: the importance of continuing to learn as much as you can. For beginners, this is absolutely crucial, since even the best resources can only provide one window onto an ever-expanding view of this richly textured world. But even for the most experienced Wiccans, Witches, and other Pagans, there’s always more to learn.
As with life in general, when it comes to the Craft, knowledge is power. By reading as many of the best Wiccan books as you can, you increase your knowledge, making you better able to formulate your own perspective, chart your own course, and move confidently along your chosen path. This is the case whether you’re seeking to join a coven or an informal Wiccan circle, or maintain a solitary practice.
To that end, the books on this list can serve as next steps in your continuing spiritual education. Many are suitable for beginners, but all can be useful to readers at any stage of their journey. As you navigate through the diverse and sometimes conflicting perspectives offered by these knowledgeable writers, be aware of your own inner compass. Which ideas resonate with you and make you want to read more? Which seem less inspiring, or even off-putting? Let the signals you receive from your intuition be your ultimate guide as you proceed with your quest to discover the Craft. And know that this is a small selection of the ever-growing grand buffet of available resources on these subjects!
In no particular order, here are some of what I have found to be the best books on Wicca, Witchcraft and magic. I hope you enjoyed this modest collection of the best Wiccan books. As I discover new additions along my own path, I will share them here!
A Collection of the Best Wiccan Books
*Note: all links open in Amazon.*
History and Practice of Traditional Wicca
Gerald Gardner, Witchcraft Today (1955)
Gerald Gardner, The Meaning of Witchcraft (1959)
Doreen Valiente, Where Witchcraft Lives (1962)
Margot Adler, Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America (1979)
Sybil Leek, The Complete Art of Witchcraft (1971)
Raymond Buckland, Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft (1986)
Solitary and Eclectic Wicca & Witchcraft
Janet and Steward Farrar, Eight Sabbats for Witches (1981)
Scott Cunningham, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (1989)
Laurie Cabot with Tom Cowan, Power of the Witch: The Earth, the Moon, and the Magical Path to Enlightenment (1990)
D.J. Conway, Celtic Magic (1990)
Kala Trobe, The Witch’s Guide to Life (2003)
Marion Weinstein, Earth Magic: a Book of Shadows for Positive Witches (2003)
Raymond Buckland, Wicca for One: The Path of Solitary Witchcraft (2004)
Ellen Dugan, Natural Witchery: Intuitive, Personal & Practical Magick (2007)
Gods and Goddesses
Felix Guirand, New Larousse Encyclopedia Of Mythology (1987)
Janet and Stewart Farrar, The Witches’ Goddess: The Feminine Principle of Divinity (1987)
Janet and Stewart Farrar, The Witches’ God: Lord of the Dance (1989)
Edain McCoy, Celtic Myth & Magick: Harness the Power of the Gods and Goddesses (2002)
David Rankine, The Isles of the Many Gods: An A-Z of the Pagan Gods & Goddesses Worshipped in Ancient Britain During the First Millennium Ce Through to the Middle Ages (2007)
Malcolm Day, 100 Characters from Classical Mythology: Discover the Fascinating Stories of the Greek and Roman Deities (2007)
Sharon LaBorde, Following the Sun: A Practical Guide to Egyptian Religion (2010)
Magic
Raymond Buckland, Practical Candleburning Rituals (1982)
D.J. Conway, A Little Book of Candle Magic (2000)
D.J. Conway, Crystal Enchantments: A Complete Guide to Stones and Their Magical Properties (2000)
Scott Cunningham, Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (1985)
Scott Cunningham, Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic (2002)
Scott Cunningham, The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews (2002)
Ellen Dugan, Herb Magic for Beginners (2006)
Ellen Dugan, Garden Witch's Herbal: Green Magick, Herbalism & Spirituality (2012)
Lisa Chamberlain
Finally, just in case you aren’t familiar with the full (and growing!) list of books I’ve published, here they are, all in one place!
Wicca for Beginners
Wicca: Herbal Magic
Wicca: Candle Magic
Wicca: Crystal Magic
Wicca: Elemental Magic
Wicca: Moon Magic
Wicca: Essential Oils Magic
Wicca: Book of Spells
Wicca: Book of Herbal Spells
Wicca: Magical Deities
Wicca: Wheel of the Year Magic
Wicca: Finding Your Path
Wicca: Living a Magical Life
Modern Witchcraft and Magic for Beginners
Wicca: Altar and Tools
Wicca: Book of Shadows
Magic and the Law of Attraction
Tarot for Beginners
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