Some of my Favorites

The ones I've read so far that I like

Spirit of the Witch: Religion & Spirituality in Contemporary Witchcraft by Raven Grimassi, From the back: Grimassi explores the spiritual element of rituals, practices, and beliefs of Witchcraft, and how those elements apply not only to the season of nature, but also to the mystical seasons of the soul. Literate and positive, Spirit of the Witch examines the oral tradition of Witches, as well as the cultural, literary, anthropological and historical roots of witchcraft" Very awesome book, he's written a handful of award winning books on Wicca.

Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions By River and Joyce Higginbotham , A wonderful beginners book! I showed the part that explains why Witchcraft had become wrongly associated with Satan(Biblical mistranslations, biological ignorance, ancestors using the Satan Stamp etc) to my mother, she thanked me . If you have a parent or friend that you want to help explain your faith to, this book is a perfect aid in my opinion. If your curious or just starting the path, its just as great. It only gives a small description of the other Pagan traditions but answers the questions about what rituals, Sabbats, our theology, magic, ethics and other stuff.

Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy & Practice by Thea Sabin, A very thorough and friendly introduction. It covers the description, basic principals and ethics, fundamental tools(Energy, visualization, shielding etc), meditation, the elements,tools, sabbats, magic, some history, rituals, the God and Goddess, the various Wiccan traditions and covens.

Raymond Buckland: Complete Book of Witchcraft is a great teaching aid. It has history, rituals, purposes and instruction.

And for the fun stuff, I enjoy Dorothy Morrison: Utterly Wicked. For when you need to administer a little kick. :)

If you are going to purchase and use herbs to make potions, perfumes, oils or cast spells you must have Cunningham's: Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs It teaches you what the magical properties and uses are, and it tells you wether they are safe or poisonous.

I have a small library, but a wide variety. Spell work, Nocturnal Witchcraft, Recipes...etc. It is important to be aware of what is out there. Never think that no one near you could possibly practice what you practice. You'd be surprised. Educate yourself to protect yourself.

Finally finished Animal Speak by Ted Andrews. If anyone is interested in animal signs and symbolism, animal spirit guides, animal totems etc this book is awesome.
It has a lot of information, which is explained thoroughly and has a dictionary of tones of animals, bird, insects and reptiles. And it doesn't just contain the spiritual aspect of them either, it also has their natural behaviors and characteristics, region, diet, and any myths behind then and all that, which I think is just as important. You can definitely tell how much this man loves animals, as he really put his heart into his book.

I've began expanding my studies on herbs by learning about remedies and healing. The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook by James Green is fantastic if you want to take your love of herbs to the next level!!

I also started reading Earth Path by Starhawk. Not too far into it, but I can't wait to read more. From Publisher's Weekly...
"Well organized, each chapter contains reminiscences of personal and group experiences, exercises and suggestions for prayer and ritual. Many of her tenets apply not only to those interested in the practice of Wicca but to readers seeking a better understanding of the world around them: "Once we have learned to hear, then we can begin to understand. And only after we understand do we begin to speak, to intervene." Yet she astutely cautions: "To change a drum rhythm in a group of drummers, you first have to match it and join with it. But when you are within a system, part of the whole, that system is also changing you. It is difficult to maintain your own rhythm and not simply become part of what you are trying to change." Starhawk presents an array of exercises and practices for sharpening observation and listening skills. She engages readers' spirits and minds through her illustrative storytelling, offering ways to communicate more fully with the world and suggesting ways to act."