this is a page of books that i would recommend you read if you are interested in knowing more about becoming a pagan, wiccan, etc. i've included the book's title, author, either a synopsis or a reader's review, and comments from me if they apply. my comments are in green.
to get more information on a book (like price, etc...), and/or to order it, hit the book's title. if you have read a book that you think belongs here, write me about it, please!!!
we have this one... draco has read it and really liked it, and he's not even wiccan. read on:
An Excellent Introduction; Provokes Your Own Thoughts
I've read the first edition of Spiral Dance, and it is without a doubt _the_ book to recommend to anyone interested in learning more about Wicca and Pagans. I did have some problems with what I considered the emphasis on the Goddess and feminism in the original edition - despite being a feminist myself, but more than likely because I am male. I have not read the revised edition so I do not know if these issues were addressed. But remember that for many people - men and women both - Wicca is what they turned to when they were confused or confounded by Christianity and its patriarchal point of view. It is no wonder, then, that the earliest and best books on the subject emphasize the Goddess over the God, since for many people Wicca represents freedom from patriarchy. To this day, I still reference this book before most Sabbats and recommend it to anyone who wants to learn what Wicca is all about. It is up to the readers - as it is to all of us - to find the balance between God and Goddess in what we read, what we believe, and how we live.
read it. these two comments sum it up for me, too: cheezy, yet somewhat satisfying.
Excellent resource for New Age Witches
I met Silver last summer, and discovered that she is the most "down-to-earth" woman I've ever met. Her efforts to educate a new and growing population of Wiccans is in earnest, quite genuine, and she has done an excellent job of preparing this book for Newbies. This is an excellent resource, even though I would have like to have seen ~more~ information about the Goddess.
Preachy and condescending but useful
The tone of this book grated on my nerves. Felt too preachy and somewhat condescending to me. It does have some useful info though. I agree with the person who said the rituals featured here are overly detail-oriented. A "script" for rituals is useful to beginners, but for that reason, it should be a simple script. Silver Ravenwolf also seems to aspire to be the Martha Stewart of witchcraft, with her black-cat stenciled kitchen boarders. In any case, I have been a solitary for 11 years, and tend to find most Llewellyn texts to be good very basic introductions. This book is no exception, and I would recommend that a beginner at least look over it.
i have not read this, either, but i know of Otter Zell. he is a good writer; well-known and humerous, too. here's an example of one of his essays: the other people.
Synopsis:
One of the long-time voices of the American Neo-Pagan religious movement is Oberon (formerly Otter) Zell, the founder of the Church Of All Worlds and publisher of the influential Green Egg magazine. Eschaton Books' release "The Neo-Pagan Essence" is a collection of some of Zell's most informative and entertaining essays, assembled to provide an answer to the frequently-asked question: "Just what is all this Paganism stuff about, anyway?"
i have this one... i highly recommend it if you don't have a nice big backyard!!!
Magic in a Concrete World
This book was part of my personal searching early on when I needed practical, effective ways to intigrate neopaganism with a very hectic schedule, and several non-pagan family members. The idea presented in the book is to slowly modify your inner and outter space to reflect the "brave new world." It is simple in its instructions, but simlicity should not be read as "lacking in power." Keeping things simple gives you more time to really focus on the energy of your magic
i also have this one, and i have to agree with both of the comments below:
Brilliant; amazing; read it now
It's no coincidence that Ms. Adler works for National Public Radio -- although I hear that they could be more supportive of her spirituality. This is an AMAZING book. I first read it when I became a witch, and it was obviously sent by the Goddess. Accurate, scholarly, objective information about the craft in its many manifestations. It really helped me understand the various aspects of paganism. It is rich in detail, and represents Ms. Adler's tireless interviews and investigation of various parts of paganism.
Misleading and extreme
I am a practicing Witch/Wiccan of more than five years and this is by far the worst book on the subject I have ever had the unfortunate luck to have picked up. "Drawing Down the Moon" is a book that does not explain the religion as it was or is; it is an extremist vision of "feminist Witchcraft" that acts mainstream.. Last time I checked there was a balance; the Goddess and the God, but you would never know that by reading this book. It is akin to David Koresh writing a general explanitory book about Christianity. This is most definetly NOT a book for anyone who wants a book on the religion of Wicca and to say it falls under "Witchcraft" is quite a stretch.
basically, i recommend you read this, but purely for information and history, not for a guide book! it's also a good one for pesky neighbors and relatives who want to know more about your new religion.
and for those of us who prefer to practise if a group...
Edain McCoy's "Inside A Witches' Coven"
As a student of the magickal and shamanic arts, I found this booke very helpful. This booke is a must for those who aren't sure about whether or not to join a coven. It discusses some of the ups and downs of working with a group conciousness. Easy to understand, and well-organized.
An enlightening guide to coven dynamics.
Edain McCoy sheds light on how covens actually function, including the different kinds of covens, group dynamics, what to look for and what to avoid when choosing or creating your own coven. She includes a helpful list of questions to ask yourself and potential coven members. With compassion, wit and humor she describes some of the events she has witnessed as a member of different covens over the years, and how to make your coven experience an enlightening one.
The Spiral Dance : A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess
Wicca : A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner 