Ariel's Corner
Recommended Reading for Witches and Occultists
Recommended Reading for Witches
Are you looking to expand your knowledge of magic, witchcraft, and the occult? This curated reading list is the perfect starting point. Whether you’re new to the craft or a seasoned practitioner, these books cover foundational principles, practical spellwork, and deeper explorations into mystical traditions.
Explore Essential Texts on Witchcraft and Magic
This collection includes both classic works and modern must-reads, offering insights into a variety of practices and philosophies. From spellbooks to historical texts, these resources are designed to inspire and inform your journey as a witch. Keep an eye on this list of recommended reading for witches as I’ll be updating the list regularly with more titles that resonate with my practice and new discoveries.
Recommended Reading for Witches
A
Adler, Margot. Drawing Down the Moon. A classic on contemporary Paganism, exploring practices within witchcraft and Wicca.
Agrippa, Heinrich Cornelius. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. A cornerstone of Western occultism, showcasing Agrippa's deep knowledge of the magical arts.
Recommended Reading for Witches
B
Bardon, Franz. Initiation into Hermetics. A comprehensive guide to Hermetic magic, offering step-by-step instructions for spiritual growth.
Baddeley, Gavin. Lucifer Rising. A cultural history of Satanism, exploring its symbols of rebellion and self-determination.
Recommended Reading for Witches
C
Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Analyzes the hero's journey in myth and literature, exploring universal spiritual themes.
Carroll, Peter J. Liber Null & Psychonaut. A foundational text on chaos magic, a modern, results-focused approach to magic.
Crowley, Aleister. The Book of the Law. Central to Crowley's religious movement, Thelema, and a cornerstone of modern occultism.
Crowley, Aleister. The Book of Thoth. A guide to tarot and its use as a tool for spiritual growth.
Crowley, Aleister. Magick in Theory and Practice. A foundational text in modern occultism, combining theory and practical rituals.
Crowley, Aleister. Magick Without Tears. A collection of letters offering insights into magic and spirituality.
Cavendish, Richard. The Black Arts. An overview of various occult practices throughout history, including divination, ritual magic, and sorcery.
Recommended Reading for Witches
D
Davies, Owen. Grimoires: A History of Magic Books. Explores the history and cultural impact of grimoires through the centuries.
Recommended Reading for Witches
F
Fortune, Dion. Psychic Self-Defense. Offers practical methods for protecting against psychic attacks.
Frazer, James. The Golden Bough. An influential study in comparative folklore, magic, and religion.
Recommended Reading for Witches
G
Gardner, Gerald. Witchcraft Today. A key text in the revival of witchcraft traditions, written by the "father of Wicca."
Greer, John Michael. Paths of Wisdom. Explores Western mysticism, qabalah, and alchemy with practical exercises.
Recommended Reading for Witches
H
Hall, Manly P. The Secret Teachings of All Ages. A comprehensive guide to ancient wisdom and occult symbolism.
Harner, Michael. The Way of the Shaman. A guide to shamanic practices and techniques from around the world.
Howard, Michael. The Book of Fallen Angels. Examines the folkloric tradition of fallen angels and their cultural significance.
Howard, Michael. Modern Wicca: A History From Gerald Gardner to the Present. A historical overview of Wicca's growth and evolution.
Huson, Paul. Mastering Witchcraft. A guide to traditional witchcraft practices, exploring spellcasting, divination, and herbalism.
Recommended Reading for Witches
M
Manning, Al, Helping Yourself With White Witchcraft. A "self help" book from the 1970s that has some excellent training for new witches in it.
Murray, Margaret. The Witch Cult in Western Europe. A controversial yet influential study on the origins of modern witchcraft.
Recommended Reading for Witches
S
Shah, Idries. The Secret Lore of Magic. Stories and teachings from Sufi mystics, revealing esoteric principles of intention and imagination.
Skinner, Stephen. The Complete Magician's Tables. A detailed reference for correspondences in astrology, numerology, and Hebrew mysticism.
Starhawk. The Spiral Dance. A feminist Wiccan text blending spirituality and activism with rituals for empowerment.
Recommended Reading for Witches
V
Valiente, Doreen. Witchcraft for Tomorrow. A modern synthesis of traditional witchcraft, folklore, and psychology.
von Worms, Abraham. The Book of Abramelin. A grimoire outlining a ritual for contacting one's holy guardian angel and gaining knowledge and power.
Recommended Reading for Witches
W
Watts, Alan. The Way of Zen. Explores Zen Buddhism's principles and practices for modern life.
Recommended Reading for Witches
Z
Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon. Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard. A practical guide for aspiring wizards, offering exercises and rituals.
Recommended Reading for Witches