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An annotated bibliography for the class
W I T C H C R A F T
the Magic of Ancient Celtic Beliefs
in a Contemporary Society
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The purpose of this listing is to help the novice sort out the reliable
from the sensational in the wealth of material that is now available on
Witchcraft. I have left out old historical treatices (records of the
Inquisition and such) which are of little value to the modern student, and
have concentrated instead on contemporary sources. This also yeilds a much
more objective perspective.
- Michael Nichols
THE TEXTS:
'Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans
in America Today' - 2nd ed. - by Margot Adler. Beacon Press trade paperback.
You may have already heard Margot's voice, as she was once hostess of
National Public Radio's news program, 'All Things Considered'. This book is
the end result of five years of research and interviews. (The 2nd edition is
an update published eight years after the original.) This landmark study
focuses on the rise of the Neo-Pagan movement (which includes Witchcraft, of
course) especially as it relates to the values and beliefs of the
counterculture of the mid-60's, hippies, flower children, et. al. It is the
single most comprehensive study of modern American Witchcraft in existence.
'What Witches Do: The Modern Coven Revealed' - 2nd ed. - by Stewart Farrar.
Phoenix trade paperback.
If Adler's book gives a comprehensive overview of modern American
Witchcraft, Farrar's is a complimentary look at traditional British
Witchcraft. Concentrating on the Alexandrian tradition (which is only
marginally different from Gardnerian, easily the largest Craft tradition
extant), Farrar lays stress on the actual working of Covens and the
integration of novice Witches into them. Also included is much of the
Gardnerian (via Alexandrian) Book of Shadows. So there is plenty here for
someone who wants to begin practice.
'The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess' by
Starhawk (pseud. for Miriam Simos). Harper & Row trade paperback.
This book shifts back to America again, this time with a slight emphasis
on feminist Witchcraft, arguably the fastest growing branch of the Craft.
Starhawk is herself High Priestess of two California Covens and her book is
insightful, genuine, and beautifully poetic. This overview also contains
specific instructions for Circles, chants, spells, invocations, creating
rituals and, in short, everything you need to get started. And it is a
delight to read.
'Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft' by Raymond Buckland. Llewellyn trade
paperback.
British-born Ray Buckland can, with some validity, be considered Gerald
Gardner's American successor. Not only did he introduce Gardnerian Witchcraft
to the United States, but he also founded his own tradition of the Craft,
called Seax (Saxon) Wicca, which has grown to worldwide practice. His early
books, like 'Witchcraft from the Inside', did much to dispel negative
stereotypes of Wicca in the 60's. And 'The Tree: Complete Book of Saxon
Witchcraft' remains one of the best published Books of Shadows to date. The
present volume has a practical orientation, with chapters set up as 'lessons',
covering every imaginable aspect of modern Wicca. The book is Traditionalist
in approach, making a nice counterpoint to works by Adler and Starhawk.
OTHER SOURCES:
'A Witches' Bible, Compleat' by Janet & Stewart Farrar. Magickal Childe trade
paperback tandum edition of 'Eight Sabbats for Witches' and 'The Witches'
Way', respectively, also called 'A Witches' Bible, Vol 1 & 2'.
The first book is an examination of the festival Holidays of the Old
Religion - the Solstices and Equinoxes and the cross-quarter days - together
with the rich folk customs associated with them. The second book contains the
long-awaited remainder of the previously unpublished portions of the
Gardnerian Book of Shadows. In both of these books, the Farrars had the
invaluable help of Doreen Valiente, who actually wrote parts of the Gardnerian
liturgy. The three Farrar books taken together form the most complete system
of Witchcraft currently available. Their more recent book 'The Witches'
Goddess' focuses on the feminine archetype, and contains a gazetteer of
Goddesses that is mind-boggling in its thoroughness.
'Dreaming the Dark: Magic, Sex, & Politics' and 'Truth or Dare: Encounters
with Power, Authority, and Mystery' both by Starhawk. Beacon Press trade
paperback and Harper & Row hardback, respectively.
If we have gained new religious insights from Pagan and feminist
philosophy, how are we to incorporate those insights into our daily lives?
Starhawk, the author of one of our principal texts, pulls together a wide
range of materials to answer this question in two books as beautifully poetic
as her first. Some of these things have waited a long time to be said - and
they couldn't have been said better!
'The White Goddess' by Robert Graves. Farrar, Straus, & Giroux trade
paperback.
A rather weighty and yet poetic book, tracing the female deity of
Witchcraft - Goddess of Birth, Love, and Death; of the New, Full, and Old
Moon, worshipped under countless titles. Fascinating for the advanced
student. Know your Celtic mythology (particularly Welsh) before you start,
though! (If you need a quick intro to this book, check out the feature in the
Reviews SIG.)
'Witchcraft Today' and 'The Meaning of Witchcraft' by Gerald B. Gardner.
Magickal Childe trade paperbacks.
Gerald Gardner has the distinction of being the first practicing Witch to
write a book about Witchcraft. He was initiated into one of the surviving
traditional British Covens, and onto the tattered remnants of magic and ritual
inherited from them, he grafted elements of ceremonial magic. The synthesis
that emerged came to be called 'Gardnerian' Witchcraft, and it became the
major cause of the Witchcraft revival of the twentieth century. Because
Gardner was the first to deal with this material in written form, it sometimes
seems very disorganized, but its historical importance is immense
'An ABC of Witchcraft', 'Natural Magick', and 'Witchcraft for Tomorrow' all by
Doreen Valiente. Phoenix trade paperbacks.
British Witch Doreen Valiente is perhaps best known for her work with
Gerald Gardner in creating the Gardnerian canon of liturgy. However, in her
own books, she really shines as an amateur folklorist, managing to convey a
sense of Witchcraft as a folk religion, tied very much to the locality, the
land, and the oldest strains of folk wisdom and nature. Her sense of history
and tradition is rich and deep, and she often presents fascinating historical
tidbits about the Craft. From no other author can one gain such a rich sense
of heritage.
'A History of Witchcraft: Sorcerers, Heretics, & Pagans' by Jeffrey B.
Russell. Thames and Hudson trade paperback.
This book represents the approach of a gifted Cornell historian. Although
Russell doesn't always adequately cover modern sources, he has become famous
for his ability to integrate a sensible approach to the evidence of medieval
Witchcraft with an acceptance of modern Neo-Pagan Witchcraft.
'Magical Rites from the Crystal Well' by Ed Fitch. Llewellyn trade
paperback.
A book of rites, simple celebrations of land and water, wind and fire.
Rites of passage, seasonal celebrations, magical workings, healings, and many
more. Ed Fitch (one of the founders of Pagan Way) is truly in his element
here. And it is one of the most beautiful books on the Craft ever published.
The art work alone is worth the price of the book!
'A Book of Pagan Rituals' by Herman Slater. Weiser trade paperback.
Originally published in two volumes as the 'Pagan Way Rituals', this
extremely beautiful book is just what it says it is: a book of rituals. Not
authentic Wiccan rituals, but very nearly so, these rituals are often used by
Covens in the training of neophytes. Like a good Catholic missal, the words
are printed in 'sense lines' using BOLD PRINT (easier to read by candlelight).
Anyone who is at least part animist or nature-lover is going to cherish this
beautiful book.
'Celtic Heritage' by Alwyn and Brinley Rees. Thames and Hudson trade
paperback.
A good deal of modern Witchcraft can be traced to ancient Celtic sources.
This book, based in comparative religion, mythology, and anthropology, gives
one a clear picture of the Celtic world-view. Drawn mainly from Ireland and
Wales, the study focuses on the interplay of Light and Darkness, Day and
Night, Summer and Winter, and all the seasonal myths and rituals that make up
the great Celtic yearly cycle.
OTHER USEFUL BOOKS:
'The Politics of Women's Spirituality: Essays on the Rise of Spiritualist
Power Within the Feminist Movement' by Charlene Spretnak. Doubleday trade
paperback.
A huge (and, one is tempted to say, the definitive) anthology of feminist
and Pagan theology. Many familiar authors here: Starhawk, Weinstein, Daly,
et. al. Subjects range from Amazons to the ethics of magic. A real bargain!
'Sex in History' by Reay Tannahill. Stein & Day trade paperback.
It has often been said that Witchcraft grew out of an earlier 'fertility
religion' and, although 'fertility' is probably the wrong word here, it is
undeniable that the history of Witichcraft is irrevocably bound up with the
history of sexuality. Like Tantrists and many others in the East, Witches
tend to view sex as sacramental. Since this is quite contrary to the
prevailing attitudes of our own culture, it may be helpful to understand how
our culture acquired such negative ideas about sex in the first place. Ms.
Tannahill's unique landmark study will not only answer this question but also
indicate the many options other cultures throughout history have chosen.
'When God Was A Woman' by Merlin Stone. Harcourt, Brace, & Jovanovich trade
paperback.
At the foundations of the religion of Witchcraft is the religion of the
Goddess. Ms. Stone's book is an archeological tour-de-force of that religion,
which is found at the beginnings of virtually every known culture (yes, even
the Judeo-Christian culture). In this book, one learns about the worship of
Astarte, Isis, Ishtar, and many others. Also recommended is her 'Ancient
Mirrors of Womanhood'. Both are splendid books!
'A Different Heaven and Earth' by Sheila D. Collins. Judson Press trade
paperback.
By one of the leading feminist theologians of our day, this book asks what
are the psychological and social implications of worshipping a male deity
exclusively, while ignoring the feminine principle in religion. This is one
of the most influencial books I've read in the last ten years. It changed my
way of thinking (for the better) and I dare say it will change yours.
'The Way of Wyrd' by Brian Bates. Harper & Row hardback.
What Carlos Castaneda did for Native American tradition, this author does
for ancient Pagan Anglo-Saxon tradition. Subtitled 'The Book of a Sorcerer's
Apprentice' and based on authentic manuscripts found in the British Museum, it
is the chronicle of a young Christian monk sent into the wilds beyond Mercia
in 674 to record the heresies (beliefs) of the Pagans. He is lucky to have as
his guide the Anglo-Saxon shaman Wulf. Throughout this documentary novel, the
Christian and Pagan beliefs are juxtaposed for a better understanding of both.
Not since 'The Mists of Avalon' has a book accomplished this task so neatly.
'Positive Magic' - revised edition - by Marion Weinstein. Phoenix
Publications trade paperback.
Although a book about how to use magic to change your life could be
extremely tedious, this one is far from it. While it is true that Marion uses
a simple and direct style of writing, it is used on such difficult and subtle
questions as the ethics of magic. She draws upon her own experiences to
create a book that is truely positive. If I had to recommend one book on
magic, this would be it!
'Earth Power' by Scott Cunningham. Llewellyn trade paperback.
Scott is arguably the strongest of the young writers in the immensely
popular 'Llewellyn's Practical Magick Series'. This is, in fact, a book of
spells. Practical, down-to-earth, useful, everyday, garden-variety spells.
It is the only such book in this bibliography. Although I do not recommend a
'cookbook' approach to magic, this book will be extremely helpful when used as
a guide for creating your own spells. Also, Scott concentrates on 'natural'
or 'folk' magic, as opposed to 'ritual' or 'ceremonial' magic. This is the
type of magic (involving Sun, Moon, stars, trees, rocks, springs, etc.) that
is the natural heritage of Witchcraft. An excellent starting-place for the
novice spell-wright. His many other books, especially 'The Magical
Household', are all highly recommended.
'The Medium, the Mystic, and the Physicist' and 'Alternate Realities' by
Lawrence LeShan. Ballantine paperbacks.
Dr. LeShan does not deal with magic or Witchcraft per se, but what he has
to say about the nature of the cosmos is magical indeed. He is an
3 MINUTES REMAINING!
experimental psychologist, an Esalen veteran, director of ESP research,
psychic healing, and other projects. His is a synthesis of philosophy,
parapsychology, and Einsteinian physics. His other books, especially 'How To
Meditate' (Bantam paperback), are also of great value.
'Seth Speaks' and 'The Seth Material' by Jane Roberts. Bantam paperbacks.
Yet another startlingly clear (albeit less scientific) look at
metaphysics. This is probably the cream of the crop of all modern mediumistic
data: Seth is the communicant, and the late Jane Roberts is the medium. The
other 'Seth' books are also of value.
'Psychic Exploration: A Challenge for Science' by Edgar Mitchell, edited by
John White. Putnam trade paperback.
This anthology serves as an excellent introduction to the scientific field
of parapsychology. Each chapter is an extensive review article on laboratory
work carried out in one particular sub-genre of the field: telepathy,
clairvoyance, precognition, psychokinesis, OOBE's, apparitions & hauntings,
etc. These excellent articles will bring you up-to-date on virtually
everything that is currently known about the topic in question. Other
chapters deal with the history of the discipline, social & psychological
implications, military applications, etc. This book could open the mind of
the severest skeptic. But at the same time, it could serve as a necessary
check on those too-credulous souls who have a tendency to 'believe
everything'.
BOOKS ON RELATED SUBJECTS:
ASTROLOGY: For the absolute beginner, 'Chart Your Own Horoscope' by Ursula
Lewis. Pinnacle paperback. The find-at-a-glance tables and charts are worth
their weight in gold. For the more advanced students, Michael Meyer's 'A
Handbook for the Humanistic Astrologer' is highly recommended for its
'humanistic' (a la Dane Rudyar) approach. If you want to really learn to do
astrology, try 'The Only Way To Learn Astrology, Vol I-IV' by March & McEvers.
Books by Linda Goodman, Grant Lewi, Ronald Davison, and Liz Greene are also
recommended.
TAROT: 'Secrets of the Tarot' by Barbara Walker is the best of the newest
books on Tarot. You may know Barbara as the author of the amazing 'Woman's
Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets'. Bill Butler's 'Dictionary of the Tarot'
is a wonderful reference book which encompasses works by such authors as Case,
Crowley, Douglas, Gray, Huson, Kaplan, Mathers, Papus, Waite, et. al.
ESP: Any and all books by J. B. and Louisa Rhine, Gertrude Schmeidler, Thelma
Moss, Charles Tart, D. Scott Rogo, J. G. Pratt, Raynor Johnson and Lawrence
LeShan would be highly recommended.
PALMISTRY: 'The Palmistry Workbook' by N. Altman is clearly the leader here.
The book actually has hand-prints, not just line drawings!
GHOSTS: Firstly, I'd recommend 'An Experience of Phantoms' and 'The
Poltergeist Experience' both by D. Scott Rogo (Penguin paperbacks), who is a
kind of historian of psychical research. Also, 'The Poltergeist' by William
Roll, director of the Psychical Research Foundation, and this country's
leading authority on ghosts. And most importantly, 'Conjuring Up Phillip' by
Iris M. Owen, the account of a group of Canadian researchers who 'created' a
ghost! This last title is now out of print, but if you can find one in a used
book store, it's well worth it.
SURVIVAL: 'At the Hour of Death' by Karlis Osis is exceptional. Books by
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross are adequate, but not as good. And, if you can find it,
the out-of-print 'Life Is Forever' by Susy Smith is perhaps the best
introduction.
OUT-OF-THE-BODY EXPERIENCES: 'Journeys Out of the Body' and 'Far Journeys'
both by Robert A. Monroe. The narative of a much-researched psychic, the only
one of its kind. Also, 'Astral Projection' by Oliver Fox, and any early works
by Sylvan Muldoon and Hereward Carrington, if you can find them.
MEDIUMSHIP: Firstly, the 'Seth' books by Jane Roberts, listed above. Any and
all books by Eileen Garrett. Plus, 'Here, Mr. Splitfoot' by Robert Sommerlot,
'Singer in the Shadows' by Irving Litvag, and 'She Spoke to the Dead' by Susy
Smith.
CABALISM: Introductory works include 'The Magician: His Training and Work'
and 'Magick: Its Ritual, Power, and Purpose' both by W. E. Butler. Later,
works by Dion Fortune and Aleister Crowley (definately not for the novice).
BOOKS OF LORE & MYTHOLOGY:
'The Mists of Avalon' by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Ballantine trade paperback.
This Arthurian fantasy novel, which reached the N.Y. Times best-seller
list, is truly superlative. It is narrated by Morgan le Fay and so we finally
understand that strange antipathy that exists between her and Arthur. The
religious and philosophical conflict between the Old Religion and the newer
one of Christianity is beautifully portrayed. An excellent choice.
The Prydain Chronicles of Lloyd Alexander, a pentology on Dell paperbacks:
'The Book of Three', 'The Black Cauldron', 'The Castle of Llyr', 'Taran
Wanderer', and 'The High King'.
These award-winning children's fantasies are based on ancient Welsh
mythology. Alexander admits that the two authors who most influenced him were
J. R. R. Tolkien and T. H. White. The books are also the basis of the recent
animation feature from Disney studios. I'm often asked about pagan books to
recommend for children. These are them.
The Deryni Chronicles of Katherine Kurtz: 'Deryni Rising', 'Deryni Checkmate',
'High Deryni', 'Camber of Culdi', 'Saint Camber', Camber the Heretic', 'The
Bishop's Heir', 'The King's Justice' and 'The Quest for Saint Camber', all
Ballantine paperbacks.
Set in the landscape of ancient Wales, the Deryni are a race with magical
powers which must fight for its life against a medieval Church Militant.
Kahterine is someone who knows what magic is all about.
'The Once and Future King' and 'The Book of Merlyn' both by T. H. White.
Berkely paperbacks.
Sparkling books, and my own personal favorites. The final crystalization
of centuries of Arhturian romance. The books on which 'Camelot' was based.
'The Weirdstone of Brisingamen', 'The Moon of Gomrath', 'Elidor', and 'The Owl
Service' by Alan Garner. All Ballantine paperbacks.
Garner is one of the best British fantasy authors, with a superb sense of
local 'color' and folklore. The first two (related) titles are in the heroic
quest mold, the third is a story about the four 'hallows' of Arthurian
legends, and the fourth is an eerie modern re-creation of the fourth branch of
the 'Mabinogi'.
'A Wizard of Earhtsea', 'The Tombs of Atuan', and 'The Farthest Shore' by
Ursula K. LeGuin. A trilogy on Bantam paperbacks.
This is the chronicle of a young boy who is an apprentice mage. LeGuin, a
leading science fiction and fantasy author, has some fascinating things to say
about the light side and dark side of magic, and how they're related. And she
says it very well, indeed.
'Lammas Night' by Katherine Kurtz. Ballantine paperback.
In this case, the author of the important Deryni fantasies turns her
attention to a historical setting: England in World War II. There is a
long-standing tradition that Hitler's thwarted plans for invading England owed
a certain something to the many Covens throughout Britain who combined their
efforts to stop him. There is even a hint that the Royal Family itself was
involved. Ms. Kurtz's historical research is, of course, impeccable.