Book of the Month

A Wiccan Bardo, Revisited
Paul V. Beyerl

This is a neglected classic of the modern Craft. The author has led his Rowan Tree tradition of the craft for decades and has focused its work on personal spiritual growth. This book begins by assuming that the reader knows the basics of the Craft - the tools, the Rede, the Circle, etc. he outlines his system's curriculum, and provides some guidance for the solitary reader in using it.

One of the more interesting bits is a borrowing from Tibetan Buddhism. In that system, powerful adepts recover their tools from life to life, as their new incarnations are discovered. The author proposes a similar system for Wicca, with athames, etc, passed from incarnation to incarnation over the generations.

Below are some wonderful books that I have enjoyed over the years. Members may suggest more books (links to the right) as well. I hope you enjoy them! Also, books purchased through here go to funding the website. -- Ray


A Witches Bible
Janet and Stewart Farrar

"A Witches Bible" contains, in one volume, Janet and Stewart Farrar's two books, "Eight Sabbats for Witches" and "The Witches' Way." These two books are classics in the genre of New Age literature and a necessary addition to the library of every Wiccan and Pagan. Together, these two books provide the best published manual on Wiccan practice ever printed.




Buckland's Complete Book Of Witchcraft
Raymond Buckland

Here is the most complete self-study course in modern Wicca available, written by the person who first went public with "The Old Religion" in the United States. For group or solitary use, it includes rituals; exercises for developing psychic talents; information on all major "sects" of the Craft; sections on tools, beliefs, dreams, meditations, divination, herbal lore, healing, ritual clothing; and much, much more.

Even those who have practiced Wicca for years find useful information in Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, and many covens are using it as their textbook. Profusely illustrated and full of music and chants.




Magick Without Tears
Aliester Crowley

Magick Without Tears is a personal encyclopedia of magickal instruction, annotated by experience and explained in unguarded language. Crowley covers: how to use the Qabalah as a tool rather than merely as a system of reference; the symbols of magick; etymology and its philosophy; the three major schools of magick--white, black and yellow--their approach to life and use of power; hints for meditation and astral projection; the I Ching; The Book of the Law; the Tarot; Astrology; the importance of talismans, lamens and pentacles; how to distinguish prophecy from coincidence; etc.; etc.




Drawing Down the Moon
Margot Adler

Popular demand for this clear-sighted compendium of information about the rebirth of Pagan religions hasn't waned since its initial publication in 1979. Distinguished by the journalism of National Public Radio columnist Margot Adler, Drawing Down the Moon explains this diverse and burgeoning religion's philosophies and activities while dispelling stereotypes that have long been associated with it. Most people don't realize that pagan simply refers to pre-Christian polytheistic nature religions, such as the various Native American creeds, Japanese Shinto, Celtic Druid, and Western European Wicca. Originally, the word pagan meant "country dweller" and was a derogatory term in Rome in the third century A.D., not unlike calling someone a hick today. If you find yourself feeling queasy when you hear the words witch or pagan, a healthy dose of reeducation via Drawing Down the Moon could be the cure.




Solitary Witch
Silver RavenWolf

The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation This book has everything a teen Witch could want and need between two covers: a magickal cookbook, encyclopedia, dictionary, and grimoire. It relates specifically to today's young adults and their concerns, yet is grounded in the magickal work of centuries past. Information is arranged alphabetically and divided into five distinct categories: (1) Shadows of Religion and Mystery, (2) Shadows of Objects, (3) Shadows of Expertise and Proficiency, (4) Shadows of Magick and Enchantment, and (5) Shadows of Daily Life. It is organized so readers can skip over the parts they already know, or read each section in alphabetical order.

All categories are discussed in modern terms and their associated historical roots. Includes endnotes and footnotes that cite sources or add clarification. A training companion to Teen Witch and To Ride a Silver Broomstick.




Witches Tarot (Kit)
Ellen Cannon Reed

The Witches Tarot Kit Created by Ellen Cannon Reed Illustrated by Martin Cannon 1-56718-558-4 $34.9.95 U.S. $48.95 Can.Boxed kit includes: 78 full-color cards 5 1/4 x 8, 320 pp. book layout sheet What does the Tarot have to do with the Qabalah? What does either of them have to do with Witchcraft? How can you possibly combine all three into a workable system? The Witches Tarot is proof that it can be done. This unique Tarot explores the paths and spheres of the Tree of Life, the experiences they represent, and what they mean to Craft people and other Pagans. In the course of this study, you will learn how the symbols of the Tarot deck relate to the paths and to the Craft.

The striking imagery of these cards uses symbols from the Qabalistic Tree of Life, yet is decidedly Pagan in nature. Creator and High Priestess Ellen Cannon Reed has replaced the traditional Tarot Devil with The Horned One, the Hierophant with the High Priest, and the Hermit with The Seeker.

The 320-page companion guide to The Witches Tarot included with this kit contains complete divinatory meanings for the cards, and an indispensable list of correspondences for each of the Qabalistic Paths with associated Tarot card, Hebrew letter, colors, astrological attribution, animal, gem, and suggested meditation.

The Witches Tarot kit also includes a large layout sheet for doing the Four Seasons Spread. It can be used anywhere, adding a special touch to your readings. However you choose to tap the unique powers of The Witches Tarot, it will open you to your deepest, intuitive self.




Solitary Witch
Silver RavenWolf

The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation This book has everything a teen Witch could want and need between two covers: a magickal cookbook, encyclopedia, dictionary, and grimoire. It relates specifically to today's young adults and their concerns, yet is grounded in the magickal work of centuries past. Information is arranged alphabetically and divided into five distinct categories: (1) Shadows of Religion and Mystery, (2) Shadows of Objects, (3) Shadows of Expertise and Proficiency, (4) Shadows of Magick and Enchantment, and (5) Shadows of Daily Life. It is organized so readers can skip over the parts they already know, or read each section in alphabetical order.

All categories are discussed in modern terms and their associated historical roots. Includes endnotes and footnotes that cite sources or add clarification. A training companion to Teen Witch and To Ride a Silver Broomstick.




Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
Scott Cunningham

Cunninghams classic introduction to Wicca is about how to live life magically, spiritually, and wholly attuned with nature. It is a book of sense and common sense, not only about magick, but about religion and one of the most critical issues of today: how to achieve the much needed and wholesome relationship with our Earth. Cunningham presents Wicca as it is today: a gentle, Earth-oriented religion dedicated to the Goddess and God. Wicca also includes Scott Cunninghams own Book of Shadows and updated appendices of periodicals and occult suppliers.