If you are interested in paganism and want to learn more about its philosophy, practices, and history, there are several must-read books that can guide you on your path. These books offer valuable insights into various pagan traditions, rituals, and beliefs, providing a comprehensive understanding of this ancient spiritual practice. One such book is "Drawing Down the Moon" by Margot Adler. This classic work explores the pagan movement in the United States and provides an in-depth look at different pagan communities, rituals, and beliefs. It offers a comprehensive overview of modern pagan practices and their roots, making it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the contemporary pagan movement. Another must-read book on paganism is "The Spiral Dance" by Starhawk.
Another must-read book on paganism is "The Spiral Dance" by Starhawk. This book is considered a seminal work on modern witchcraft and neo-paganism. It provides a guide to the Wiccan religion, rituals, and practices, while also exploring the ecological and feminist aspects of paganism.
Recommended Reading
Recommended books on the topics of paganism, witchcraft, magic, animism, druidry and more. This list is ever-growing and evolving, so check back regularly for new suggestions!
Also browse my book reviews for more detailed insights about these recommended books.
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Historical / Scholarly Paganism & Witchcraft Books
- Myths and Symbols in Pagan Europe: Early Scandinavian and Celtic Religions by H.R. Ellis Davidson
- Stations of the Sun: A History of the Ritual Year in Britain by Ronald Hutton
- The Tradition of Household Spirits: Ancestral Lore and Practices by Claude Lecouteux
- The Sacred and the Profane: The Nature of Religion by Mircea Eliade
- The Discoverie of Witchcraft by Reginald Scot
- The Malleus Maleficarum by Heinrich Kramer and James Sprenger
Folk & Traditional Witchcraft Books
- Folk Witchcraft: A Guide to Lore, Land, & the Familiar Spirit by Roger J. Horne
- Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways by Gemma Gary
- The Crooked Path: An Introduction to Traditional Witchcraft by Kelden
- New World Witchery by Cory Thomas Hutcheson
- The Witch at the Forest’s Edge: Thirteen Keys to Modern Traditional Witchcraft by Christine Grace
- Weave the Liminal: Living Modern Traditional Witchcraft by Laura Tempest Zakroff
Other Witchcraft Books
- Consorting with Spirits: Your Guide to Working with Invisible Allies by Jason Miller
- Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation by Mat Auryn
- The Witch’s Path: Advancing Your Craft at Every Level by Thorn Mooney
- Green Witchcraft: A Practical Guide to Discovering the Magic of Plants, Herbs, Crystals, and Beyond by Paige Vanderbeck
- Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
- The Book of Spells: 150 Magickal Ways to Achieve Your Heart’s Desire by Ella Harrison
- The Magick of Birthdays: Rituals, Spells, and Recipes for Honoring Your Solar Return by Hannah Hawthorn
Norse Paganism, Folklore, and Witchcraft Books
- Ásatrú for Beginners: A Modern Heathen’s Guide to the Ancient Northern Way by Dr. Mathias Nordvig
- A Practical Heathen’s Guide to Asatru by Patricia M. Lafayllve
- Essential Asatru: A Modern Guide to Norse Paganism by Diana Paxson
- Taking Up the Runes: A Complete Guide to Using Runes in Spells, Rituals, Divination, and Magic by Diana Paxson
- Nordic Runes by Paul Rhys Mountfort
- The Poetic Edda by Jackson Crawford
Celtic Paganism, Folklore, and Witchcraft Books
- Listen to the Land Speak by Manchán Magan
- The Turning of the Year: Lore and Legends of the Irish Seasons by Eithne Massey
- Irish Witchcraft from an Irish Witch by Lora O’Brien
- The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and Fairies by Robert Kirk
- Superstitions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland by John Gregorson Campbell
- Carmina Gadelica: Hymns and Incantation by Alexander Carmichael
Druidry Books
- The Druidry Handbook by John Michael Greer
- The Druid Magic Handbook: Ritual Magic Rooted in the Living Earth by John Michael Greer
- Sacred Actions: Living the Wheel of the Year Through Earth-Centered Sustainable Practices by Dana O’Driscoll
Seidr / Shamanism / Trance Journeying / Spirit Flight Books
- The Way of the Shaman by Michael Harner
- Seidr: The Gate Is Open by Katie Gerrard
- A Broom at Midnight: 13 Gates of Witchcraft by Spirit Flight by Roger J. Horne
- Trance-Portation: Learning to Navigate the Inner World by Diana Paxson
Other Books I Love
- Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- It Didn’t Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn
- Mirrors in the Earth: Reflections on Self-Healing from the Living World by Asia Suler
- Many Lives, Many Masters: The True Story of a Prominent Psychiatrist, His Young Patient, and the Past-Life Therapy That Changed Both Their Lives by Dr. Brian Weiss
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"The Spiral Dance" offers a blend of mythology, history, and practical advice, making it invaluable for those interested in Wicca and paganism. For those seeking a more scholarly perspective on paganism, "The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles" by Ronald Hutton is essential reading. This book explores the pre-Christian religious practices of the British Isles, including Celtic, Roman, and Norse influences. Hutton delves into archaeological evidence, historical accounts, and folklore to shed light on the practices and beliefs of ancient pagans. This book provides a fascinating glimpse into the pagan cultures that once thrived in the British Isles. If you are interested in delving deeper into specific pagan traditions, "The Druidry Handbook" by John Michael Greer is an excellent resource. This book offers a comprehensive guide to Druidry, exploring its history, philosophy, and practices. Greer provides practical exercises and rituals that allow readers to connect with the Druid tradition and deepen their understanding of this ancient spiritual path. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, "The Druidry Handbook" offers valuable insights and guidance. Lastly, "The Witch's Book of Shadows" by Phyllis Curott is a must-read for those interested in modern witchcraft or Wicca. This book serves as a guide to the Craft, providing practical advice on rituals, spells, and magical workings. Curott shares her own personal experiences and insights, offering wisdom and guidance for those interested in witchcraft and pagan spirituality. In conclusion, these must-read books on paganism offer valuable insights into various pagan traditions, rituals, and philosophies. Whether you are interested in contemporary paganism, Wicca, ancient pagan cultures, or specific traditions like Druidry, these books provide essential information to deepen your understanding and practice of paganism..
Reviews for "Exploring Different Paths: Essential Pagan Books for Everyone"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with this book. I was expecting a comprehensive guide on paganism, but instead, it felt like a superficial overview. The information provided was basic and lacked depth. I was hoping for more in-depth discussions on different pagan traditions, rituals, and beliefs, but this book only scratched the surface. Overall, it didn't provide the level of detail I was looking for, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone seeking a thorough exploration of paganism.
2. Michael - 1 star - I was extremely dissatisfied with this book. Not only did it feel extremely biased, but it also lacked a cohesive structure. The author seemed more interested in promoting their own beliefs and practices rather than providing a balanced and objective view of paganism. I found the book to be poorly organized and confusing to follow. There are much better resources available for those interested in learning about paganism, and this book certainly isn't one of them.
3. Anna - 2 stars - As someone who was new to paganism, I was hoping this book would serve as a comprehensive introduction. However, I was left disappointed. The information provided was scattered and lacked clarity. It felt like the author assumed the reader already had some knowledge about paganism. Additionally, the writing style was dry and monotonous, which made it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, this book failed to meet my expectations and did not provide the comprehensive information I was seeking.