Reading Guide

 

A Reading Guide for the Curious and Dabbling Witch



Hello friends! I am excited to share this list of resources with you. I receive messages daily from women looking for resources on the topics of witches, magick, history, feminism, christianity, faith transition, and mormonism and their infinite intersections! Instead of creating a small list for every individual, I decided to compile all my known resources in one place so you are able to peruse and purchase those that interest you most.

I’ve organized these resources in categories that make sense to me. Some of them are explicitly “witchy;” others include cookbooks, craft books, and home decor guides. I strongly believe that witchcraft is personal. You don’t need to confine it to specific rituals and practices - it can be a part of your everyday life! This is why I’ve included a variety of resources. Some may not feel comfortable (or safe at home) reading an explicitly “witchy” book, and I wanted this list to be as accessible as possible.


I’ve also included “On My List” selections. These include books that I have marked to read in the near future. I didn’t want to hold resources back that may be helpful to you simply because I haven’t read them. I can’t vouch for these books or their content yet, so read at your discretion! Also, a note on the Menstrual and Sex Magic section: Some of these resources are explicit and are not meant for sensitive readers/listeners and those under 18 years of age. I’ve marked explicit content with an (ex).


Finally, this list is 6 years (plus) in the making. I’ve read my way through hundreds of books on any of these topics and compiled the absolute BEST ones I’ve come across so far. This is not a comprehensive list, but it is growing. I will continue to add to it as I come across valuable and stunning reads. This resource will always be free so that everyone can access this list no matter their financial situation. 


Love,

Your Resident Witch,

Channing Parker

(@channingbparker)




Norse Myth & Runes/Galdr/Seidr (Norse Magick)

Recommended Reading:

  • Lost Teachings of the Runes: Northern Mysteries and the Wheel of Life by Ingrid Kincaid

  • The Norse Shaman: Ancient Spiritual Practices of the Northern Tradition by Evelyn C. Rysdyk

  • Taking Up the Runes: A Complete Guide to Using Runes in Spells, Rituals, Divination, and Magic by Diana L. Paxson

  • The Road to Hel: A Study of the Conception of the Dead in Old Norse Literature by Hilda R. Ellis (FREE in the public domain)

  • Gods and Myths of Northern Europe by H.R. Ellis Davidson (FREE in the public domain)

  • Wild Soul Runes: Reawakening the Ancestral Feminine by Lara Veleda Vesta

  • The Way of Fire and Ice: The Living Tradition of Norse Paganism by Ryan Smith

    • My preferred alternative to Galina Krasskova


Other Valuable Resources

  • Runes for Transformation: Using Ancient Symbols to Change Your Life by Kaedrich Olsen

  • Norse Goddess Magic: Trancework, Mythology, and Ritual by Alice Karlsdottir


Helpful but problematic:

  • A Modern Guide to Heathenry: Lore, Celebrations, and Mysteries of the Northern Traditions and Living Runes: Theory and Practice of Norse Divination by Galina Krasskova

    • Krasskova does not support Declaration 127, which is an anti-racist movement within Asatru. Her writing, especially in the first half of Modern Guide, is a helpful framework for understanding the myths, which is why it is included here. Everything else she writes should be read through a lens of suspicion.

  • Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic by Edred Thorsson

    • Thorsson is well-known in the community for not consistently presenting accurate data and practices. Use your intuition and common sense when reading and practicing.

  • Rune Reading Your Life: A Toolkit for Insight, Intuition, and Clarity by Delanea Davis

    • Great for beginners and even adolescents. I’ve found this book to be rather frustrating to use as a reference, but for forming a relationship to the divinatory aspect of the runes, it is helpful!

  • Trolldom: Spells and Magick of the Norse Folk Magick Tradition by Johannes Gardback

    • Helpful when looking at the intersection of Christianity and Norse Folk practices, but less helpful through a pagan lens


On my list:

  • Runic Book of Days: A Guide to Living the Annual Cycles of Rune Magick by Harrell & Pennick

  • The Seed of Yggdrasil by Maria Kvilhaug

  • Pagan Magic of the Northern Tradition: Customs, Rites, and Ceremonies by Nigel Pennick

  • Well of Remembrance: Rediscovering the Earth Wisdom Myths from Northern Europe by Ralph Metzner




Celtic Ancestry, Mythology, and Magick

  • Required Reading:

    • Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race by Thomas William Rolleston (Free on Project Gutenberg)

    • If Women Rose Rooted: Reclaiming the Power of the Celtic Woman by Sharon Blackie

    • Foxfire, Wolfskin, and Other Stories of Shapeshifting Women by Sharon Blackie

    • The Mist-Filled Path: Celtic Wisdom for Exiles, Wanderers, and Seekers by Frank MacEowen

    • Whispers from the Woods: The Lore and Magic of Trees by Sandra Kynes

  • Other Valuable Resources:

    • Rhiannon: Celtic Queen of the Celtic Britons by Jhenah Telyndru

    • Celtic Tales: Fairy Tales and Stories of Enchantment from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Wales by Kate Forrester

    • Celtic Folklore Cooking by Joanne Asala

    • Llewellyn’s Sabbat Essentials (any, but especially Samhain)

    • Celtic Lore & Spellcraft of the Dark Goddess: Invoking the Morrigan by Stephanie Woodfield

    • Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom by John O’Donohue

On My List:

  • Boudica: The Life of Britain’s Legendary Warrior Queen by Vanessa Collingridge

  • Celtic Women’s Spirituality: Accessing the Cauldron of Life by Edain McCoy

  • By Oak, Ash, & Thorn: Modern Celtic Shamanism by D.J. Conway

  • An Carow Gwyn: Sorcery and the Ancient Fayerie Faith by Artisson & Trainham

  • Tending Brigid’s Flame: Awaken to the Celtic Goddess of the Hearth, Temple, and Forge by Lunaea Weatherstone

  • Water Witchcraft: Magic and Lore from the Celtic Tradition by Annwyn Avalon

  • Scottish Witchcraft: A Complete Guide to Authentic Folklore, Spells, and Magickal Tools by Free and Hutton

  • Celtic Myth & Magick: Harness the Power of the Gods & Goddesses by Edain McCoy

  • Celtic Tree Magic: Ogham Lore and Druid Mysteries by Danu Forest




Feminism at the Intersection of Witchcraft, Paganism, & Nature-Worship

  • The Beginnings of Patriarchy in Europe: Reflections on the Kurgan Theory of Marija Gimbutas by Joan Marler (essay)

  • Ecofeminism and the Sacred by Carol J. Adams, editor. (specifically A Feminist Philosophical Perspective on Ecofeminist Spiritualities by Karen J. Warren, Ecofeminist Consciousness and the Transforming Power of Symbols by L. Teal Willoughby, and Toward an Ecofeminist Ethic of Shamanism and the Sacred by Gloria F. Orenstein)

  • Witches, Sluts, Feminists: Conjuring the Sex Positive by Kristin J. Sollee

  • Witch: Unleashed, Untamed, Unapologetic by Lisa Lister


Nature Awareness, Connection, and Advocacy

  • Required Reading:

    • The Wander Society by Keri Smith

    • Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer

    • An Unspoken Hunger by Terry Tempest Williams

  • Other Valuable Resources:

    • Speaking with Nature: Awakening to the Deep Wisdom of the Earth by Sandra Ingerman and Llyn Roberts

    • Rewild Yourself: Making Nature More Visible in Our Lives by Simon Barnes

    • Walden by Henry David Thoreau

    • The Other Side of the River by Lila Carrico


Green Witchcraft and Magick

  • Required Reading:

    • Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients into Foods & Remedies That Heal by Rosalee DeLa Foret

    • The Green Witch: Your Complete Guide to the Natural Magic of Herbs, Flowers, Essential Oils, and More by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

    • Entering Hekate’s Garden:The Magick, Medicine, & Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft by Cyndi Brannen

    • Nature Spirituality From the Ground Up: Connect with Totems in Your Ecosystem by Lupa

  • Other Valuable Resources:

    • The Handmade Apothecary: Healing Herbal Remedies by Chown & Walker

    • The Bloom Book: A Flower Essential Guide to Cosmic Balance by Heidi Smith

    • The Real Witch’s Garden: Spells, Herbs, Plants, and Magical Spaces Outdoors

    • Plant Magic for the Beginner Witch by Ally Sands

On My List:

  • Folk Magic & Healing: An Unusual History of Everyday Plants by Fez Inkwright

  • Wild Witch: A Guide to Earth Magic by Marian Green

  • Plant Magic: Herbalism in Real Life by Christine Buckley

  • Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses by Robin Wall Kimmerer

  • Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit by Lyanda Lynn Haupt

  • Sacred Plant Medicine by Stephen Buhner

  • Secret Teachings of Plants by Stephen Buhner


Hearth & Home Witchcraft & Magick

  • Required Reading:

    • The House Witch: Your Complete Guide to Creating a Magical Space with Rituals and Spells for Hearth and Home by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

    • The Hearth Witch’s Compendium: Magical and Natural Living for Every Day by Anna Franklin

  • Other Valuable Resources:

    • Simply Living Well: A Guide to Creating a Natural, Low-Waste Home by Julia Watkins

    • For Small Creatures Such as We: Rituals for Finding Meaning in Our Unlikely World by Sasha Sagan

    • New Minimalism: Decluttering and Design for Sustainable, Intentional Living by Kyle Louise Quilici

    • HausMagick: Transform Your Home With Witchcraft by Erica Feldman

On My List:

  • Everyday Witchcraft: Making time for Spirit in a Too-Busy World by Deborah Blake

  • Cottage Witchery: Natural Magick for Hearth and Home by Ellen Dugan


Menstrual Magick

  • Required Reading:

    • Love Your Lady Landscape: Trust Your Gut, Care for ‘Down There,’ and Reclaim Your Fierce and Feminine SHE-Power by Lisa Lister (ex)

    • Period Power: Harness Your Hormones and Get Your Cycle Working For You by Maisie Hill

    • Code Red: Know Your Flow, Unlock Your Monthly Superpowers, and Create a Bloody Amazing Life, Period by Lisa Lister

  • Other Valuable Resources:

    • The Wild Genie: The Healing Power of Menstruation by Alexandra Pope


Hedge Witchery and Shamanic Journeying (not including seidr)

  • Required Reading:

    • Shamanic Journeying: A Beginner’s Guide, Walking In Light: The Everyday Path of a Shamanic Life by Sandra Ingerman

  • Other Valuable Resources:

    • Hedge Witch: Spells, Crafts, and Rituals for Natural Magick by Silver RavenWolf

    • Fire In the Head: Shamanism and the Celtic Spirit by Tom Cowan

On My List:

  • By Land, Sky, & Sea: Three Realms of Shamanic Witchcraft by Gede Parma

  • Hedge-Rider: Witches and the Underworld by Eric De Vries

  • Awakening to the Spirit World: The Shamanic Path of Direct Revelation by Sandra Ingerman

  • Shamanic Gardening: Timeless Techniques for the Modern Student by Melinda Joy Miller



Shadow Work

On My List:

  • Of Blood and Bones: Working with Shadow Magick & The Dark Moon by Frueler & Auryn


Crystals

  • *Crystal Healing for Women: A Modern Guide to the Power of Crystals by Mariah K. Lyons

  • *Crystals by Jennie Harding (a fantastic reference book and great for identification!)


Moon Magick

  • *Moon Magic: Your Complete Guide to Harnessing the Mystical Energy of the Moon by Diane Ahlquist

  • *Moon Energy: A Practical Guide to Using Lunar Cycles to Unleash Your Inner Goddess by Stephanie Lefranque


Empaths, HSPs, and Psychics

  • Required Reading:

    • The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive when the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron, PhD

    • The Highly Intuitive Child: A Guide to Understanding and Parenting Unusually Sensitive and Empathic Children by Catherine Crawford

    • Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick, & Manifestation by Mat Auryn

    • The Natural Psychic: Ellen Dugan’s Guide to the Psychic Realm by Ellen Dugan

    • Discover Your Psychic Type: Developing and Using Your Natural Intuition by Sherrie Dillard

  • Other Valuable Resources:

    • The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coehlo

    • Highly Intuitive People: 7 Right-Brain Traits to Change the Lives of Intuitive-Sensitive People by Heidi Sawyer

    • Radical Intuition: a Revolutionary Guide to Using Your Inner Power by Kim Chestney


Ancestral Healing, Family History Work, and Trauma

  • Required Reading:

    • The Smell of Rain on Dust: Grief and Praise by Martin Pretchel

    • The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk

    • The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity by Nadine Burke Harris

  • Other Valuable Resources:

    • It Didn’t Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How To End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn

    • When Women Were Birds: 54 Variations on Voice by Terry Tempest Williams

On My List:

  • My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem, MSW

  • Honoring Your Ancestors: A Guide to Ancestral Veneration by Mallorie Vaudoise

  • Communing with the Ancestors: Your Spirit Guides, Bloodline Allies, and the Cycle of Reincarnation by Raven Grimassi

  • Writing into the Wound by Roxane Gay



General Witchcraft Studies & Primers

On My List:

  • The Holy Wild: A Heathen Bible for the Untamed Woman by Danielle Dulsky

  • Positive Magic: A Toolkit for the Modern Witch by Marion Weinstein

  • Woman Most Wild: Three Keys to Liberating the Witch Within by Danielle Dulsky

  • What We Knew in the Night: Reawakening the Heart of Witchcraft by Raven Grimassi

  • Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess by Starhawk


General Paganism

On My List:

  • Ancient Ways: Reclaiming the Pagan Tradition by Pauline Campanelli

  • The Book of Pagan Prayer by Ceiswr Serith

  • The Magickal Family: Pagan Living in Harmony with Nature by Monica Crasson


Witchcraft, Feminism, and Paganism at the Intersection of Christianity & Mormonism

  • Required Reading:

    • The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

    • Gaia & God: An Ecofeminist Theology of Earth Healing by Rosemary Radford Ruether

    • The Dance of the Dissident Daughter: A Woman’s Journey from Christian Tradition to the Sacred Feminine by Sue Monk Kidd

    • Feminist Theology: A Reader by Ann Loades

    • Early Mormonism and the Magical World View by D. Michael Quinn

  • Poetry:

    • The Tree at the Center by Kathryn Knight Sonntag

    • Mother’s Milk: Poems in Search of Heavenly Mother and I Gave Her a Name by Rachel Hunt Steenblik

    • Lawless Women by Heather Harris Bergevin

    • Finding Mother God: Poems to Heal the World by Carol Lynn Pearson

  • Essays:

    • A Gift Given, A Gift Taken: Washing, Anointing, and Blessing the Sick Among Mormon Women: A Mormon Historian Tracks Changes in the Practice by Linda King Newell

  • Other Valuable Resources:

    • You Are Your Own: A Reckoning with the Religious Trauma of Evangelical Christianity by Jamie Lee Finch

On My List:

  • Mary Magdalene Revealed: The First Apostle, Her Feminist Gospel, and the Christianity We Haven’t Tried Yet by Meggan Watterson

  • WomanGuides: Readings Toward a Feminist Theology by Rosemary Radford Ruether

  • Beyond God the Father: Toward a Philosophy of Women’s Liberation by Mary Daly

  • The Way of the Rose: The Radical Path of the Divine Feminine Hidden in the Rosary by Strand & Finn

  • Aradia: Gospel of the Witches by Charles G. Leland


Feminist and Woman-Centered Psychology

  • Required Reading:

    • Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

    • The Pregnant Virgin: A Process of Psychological Transformation by Marion Woodman

    • The Birth of Pleasure: A New Map of Love by Carol Gilligan

    • Mother Night by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

  • Other Valuable Resources:

    • Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationships with Food Through Myths, Metaphors, and Storytelling by Anita Johnston

On My List:

  • Sitting by the Well by Marion Woodman

  • Dancing in the Flames by Marion Woodman



Goddess Worship & Theory (non-Christian)

  • Lost Goddesses of Early Greece: A Collection of Pre-Hellenic Myths by Charlene Spretnak

On My List:

  • Aspecting the Goddess: Drawing Down the Divine Feminine by Jane Meredith

  • Find Your Goddess: How to Manifest the Power and Wisdom of the Ancient Goddesses in Your Everyday Life by Skye Alexander

  • The Circle of Nine: An Archetypal Journey to Awaken the Divine Feminine Within by Cherry Gilchrist

  • Jailbreaking the Goddess: A Radical Revisioning of Feminist Spirituality by Lasara Allen

  • Goddesses in Myth, History, and Culture by Mary Anne Beavis


History of Witches: Their Craft, Domination, and Burnings

  • Witches: A Century of Murder (Netflix Series)

  • Malleus Maleficarum, Heinrich Kramer, 1486

  • *Caliban and the Witch: Women, the Body, and Primitive Accumulation by Silvia Federici (can find for free on a Google search)

On My List:

  • The Tribe of Witches: The Religion of the Dobunni and Hwicce by Stephen James Yeates

  • A History of Witchcraft: Sorcerers, Heretics, and Pagans by Jeffrey Burton Russell

  • The Witch: A History of Fear, from Ancient Times to the Present by Ronald Hutton



Natural & Magickal HandiCrafts

  • Natural Color: Vibrant Plant Dye Projects for Your Home and Wardrobe by Sasha Duerr


Scandinavian Ancestry and Culture

  • *Modern Scandinavian Baking: A Cookbook of Sweet Treats and Savory Bites by Daytona Strong

  • Scandinavian Comfort Food: Embracing the Art of Hygge by Hahnemann & Leth

  • *Scandinavian Gatherings: From Afternoon Fika to Midsummer Feast : 70 Simple Recipes & Crafts for Everyday Celebrations by Melissa Bahen

  • Scandinavian Needlecraft: 35 Step-by-Step Hand Sewing Projects by Clare Youngs

  • *Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life by Nikki Brantmark

  • The Little Book of Lykke: Secrets of the World’s Happiest People by Meik Wiking

  • *Fire & Ice: Classic Nordic Cooking by Darra Goldstein

  • Scandilicious Baking by Signe Johansen

  • Bakeland: Nordic Treats Inspired by Nature by Marit Hovland
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