Especially if you are just beginning your journey into Paganism, I strongly encourage everyone to be as exposed as possible, to soak up as much as they can, and to be critical of every fact your absorb. Being skeptical doesn't seem very positive of me, but books about Paganism today often contradict each other.

So many people ask for recommendations - I thought I'd just list them for whomsoever is interested. I hope these will help. If they don't, or you don't like them - let me know.

General

Living Religions: A Brief Introduction. Mary Pat Fisher.

Patterns of Transcendence:Religion, Death and Dying. David Chidester. 2001:Wadsworth/Thomas Learning.

A University textbook, it was often to difficult to read. It is highly informative, exploring many faiths - including monotheistic ones- and is rich with symbolism that I found inspiring as a Witch.

Witchery

Solitary Wicca for Life. Arin Murphy-Hiscock.

Power Spellcraft for Life. Arin Murphy-Hiscock.

I'm obviously a fan of Arin's work. These books are usually advertised as being "advanced". I think they're a great compliment to any beginner's book about Wicca. She focuses on ways to enrich our own experiences as solitaries: writing our own spells, understanding and "feeling" circle casting, etc.

Witches All. Elizabeth Pepper/The Witches' Almanac.

Wicca: For the Rest of Us.

This is a website that confronts "fluffy bunnies". This site can seem awfully aggressive to someone who's new to Paganism - afterall, when we're new, we see the lovely side of things. I think everyone is fluffy when they begin - I was too. I present this link so that I can emphasize the importance of studying your faith.

Especially:
The Really Old Religion, also known as the 'We were here first' theory.
Myth of Matriarchy
The Real History of Wicca

Wicca: The New, Old Religion. Keith Gibson.

Examining the uncertain origin of Wicca and written for a Christian website.Good perspective and well researched.

Celtic & Druidry

Celtic Mythology, Dictionary of. James MacKillop.

Ideal for those times when you're sure you've heard that name somewhere, and just need to brush up. Includes summarized myths.

The Mysteries of Druidry. Brendan 'Cathbad' Meyers.

Cathbad's website had been a resource to me for years, especially when I found myself reading other books that didn't satisfy my needs. His book is promoted by members of druidic groups ADF and OBOD. A great exploration of the principles of Druidry.I actually had the chance to meet the author, and it was quite a pleasure!

Celtic Gods and Heroes. Marie-Louise Sjoestedt.

Celtic Myth and Legend. Charles Squire.

Journey of the Bard: Celtic Initiatory Magic. Yvonne Owens. Miles Lowry, Illus.

    I had difficulty with this book when I first read it. It covers a lot of background. It's a beautifully worked piece, integrating knowledge with storytelling - the journey. I now consider it a work of mysticism. I recommend greatly it to those who are very committed to a Celtic path.

Greek

Greek Art. Mark D. Fullerton. 2000: Cambridge University Press.

I actually purchased this as a textbook - my Professor had great respect for this author. It's very long and detailed, with lovely photographs. Fullerton presents his theory that the Parthenon represents the height of Greek society and ideals. I'd recommend it especially to Hellenic Reconstructionists, because I'm curious as to how they'd find it.

Norse

Runecaster's Handbook. Edred Thorsson.

Some people criticize the fact that authors have reduced Futhark runes to simple devices for divination, that they are actually complex magical systems. Regardless, I do feel Thorsson provides the best interpretation and understanding of the symbols.

Runelore. Edred Thorsson.

A more in-depth study of runes.

Runes, Alphabet of Mystery

The best website about Runes I've ever come across- a valuable resource to me. In my opinion, a must-visit before purchasing books.

Last updated: 5 Nov 2007