RHUDDLWM GAWR'S RECOMMENDED INTRODUCTORY TEXTS

These are books that by themselves or by reading a few additional books will give you a good basic insight into Wicca and Witchcraft.

• The Quest: The Search for the Grail of Immortality" Part 1 of the Quest Trilogy, by Rhuddlwm Gawr & Marcy Edwards, $12.95 ISBN: 0595201245
  Synopsis: a fascinating account of Cymry (Welsh) Witchcraft by a High Priest of the "Craft of the Wise." The true story of the initiation of a young man into the ancient tribe of Dynion Mwyn and the clan of Y Tylwyth Teg, Welsh Witchcraft. The Quest contains a Book of Shadows relevant to all Celtic Traditions such as Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Celtic Traditional and Druidic. This is an amazing story of Magick, Reincarnation and Spiritual Enlightenment and is good solid material covering religious beliefs, meditation, nutrition, psychic healing and spiritual awareness, among other topics. If you cannot find this title, contact: New Leaf Distributors, 401 Thornton Rd. Lithia Springs, GA. 30057-1557; phone (770) 948-7845

• Drawing Down the Moon : Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today, by Margot Adler; $16.95 Amazon Price: $13.56, You Save: $3.39 (20%), Revised & Expanded Edition, 584 pages, Penguin USA (Paper), ISBN: 014019536X
  Synopsis: For nearly two decades, Drawing Down the Moon, the only detailed history of a little-known and widely misunderstood movement, has provided the most authoritative look at the religious beliefs, experiences, and lifestyles of the NeoPagan culture. It's no coincidence that Ms. Adler works for National Public Radio. Accurate, scholarly, objective information about the craft in its many manifestations. It helps the lay person and pagan alike 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. One of the 2 essentials on any Pagan bookshelf. This book is so well written that it serves both as an introduction to Paganism and as a reference to consult when questions arise. We value the new edition for updates of resources.

• What Witches Do: The Modern Coven Revealed, 2nd ed. by Stewart Farrar. Phoenix trade paperback. $9.95; ISBN: 0919345174
  Synopsis: If Adler's book gives a comprehensive overview of modern American Witchcraft, Farrar's is a complimentary look at traditional British Witchcraft. Concentrating on the Alexandrian tradition (which is only marginally different from Gardnerian, easily the largest Craft tradition extant), Farrar lays stress on the actual working of Covens and the integration of novice Witches into them. Also included is much of the Gardnerian (via Alexandrian) Book of Shadows. There is plenty here for someone who is beginning the practice of Witchcraft.

• The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess, by Starhawk [Miriam Simos], (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1979) second edition 1989 ISBN: 0062508148
  Synopsis: This book shifts back to America again, this time with a slight emphasis on feminist Witchcraft. It is a literate and sophisticated introduction to Wicca as Goddess religion from an eco-feminist perspective, arguably the fastest growing branch of the Craft.

• Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, by Raymond Buckland. List: $14.95, Amazon Price: $11.96, You Save: $2.99 (20%), 272 pages, Llewellyn Publications, 1986, ISBN: 0875420508
  Synopsis: British-born Ray Buckland can, with some validity, be considered Gerald Gardner's American successor. Not only did he introduce Gardnerian Witchcraft to the United States, but he also founded his own tradition of the Craft, called Seax (Saxon) Wicca, which has grown to worldwide practice. His early books, like Witchcraft from the Inside, did much to dispel negative stereotypes of Wicca in the 60's. The book is Traditionalist in approach, making a nice counterpoint to works by Adler and Starhawk.

• The Tree, the Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft, by Raymond Buckland, List: $8.95, Amazon Price: $7.16, You Save: $1.79 (20%), 158 pages, Samuel Weiser Pub., 1974. ISBN: 0877282587
  Synopsis: This is the book that introduced us to Saxon Witchcraft. Read it for the background if nothing else, but also read it if your ancestors were Saxons and you feel a call in that direction. Good book!



• A History of Witchcraft: Sorcerers, Heretics, and Pagans, Jeffrey B. Russell, List: $15.95, Amazon Price: $12.76 You Save: $3.19 (20%), Thames & Hudson, 1982, ISBN: 0500272425
  Synopsis: A great historical account for both the layman and scholar. While there are many books to choose from on this subject, Jeffrey Russell manages to both educate and entertain. Taken from a strictly historical viewpoint, this book is both concise and poignant at times. The text reads more like a personal account from a not-so-casual observer while still managing to sprinkle in all the dry and sometimes lurid details. This book is the best I have read on the subject. While not a long book, there is more great information page for page than in any other single book I've read on witchcraft. This is not the "be all, end all" book that Drawing Down the Moon tries to be for the believer. Instead it gives an excellent, engaging, account following a time-line which allows the reader to take into account the atmosphere of the time rather than remove the subject and give a disconnected sanitary synopsis of a fear that grew over time.

• To Ride a Silver Broomstick: New Generation Witchcraft, by Silver Ravenwolf, List:$14.95, Amazon Price: $11.96, You Save: $2.99 (20%), First Ed. 320 pages, Llewellyn Publications, 1993; ISBN: 087542791X
  Synopsis: Great beginner book. The author talks to you like few authors can. You feel as if she's there teaching you personally. This a good guide to understanding Wiccan Spirituality. I recommend it to everyone interested, be it to learn the practice or just to understand it. She touches the bases, letting you know what is possible but not pushing a particular type of Wicca.

• 21st Century Wicca : A Young Witch's Guide to Living the Magical Life (Citadel Library of the Mystic Arts), by Jennifer Hunter, List: $12.95, Amazon Price: $10.36, You Save: $2.59 (20%), 219 pages, Published by Citadel Press, 1997; ISBN: 0806518871
  Synopsis: Written by a young witch in her mid-twenties, this book provides a refreshingly modern approach to Wicca craft and practice. Chapters cover spells, Sabbats, initiations, psychic abilities, everyday magic, the effects of Wicca on relationships with others, being a teenage witch, and much more. A series of exercises designed to both teach and accustom the reader to the ways of witchcraft is also included. Well grounded, modern approach.

• The Truth About Witchcraft Today, by Scott Cunningham, List: $4.99, Amazon Price:$3.99, You Save: $1.00 (20%), 208 pages, Llewellyn Publications, 1988; ISBN:087542127X
  Synopsis: A great introduction into modern Wicca, and a guide to one of the fastest growing religions in the world. Cunningham does a wonderful job of dispelling myths and putting the truth in the light where all can see. The perfect book to introduce anyone to the ways of Wicca.

• Wicca: a Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, by Scott Cunningham, (St Paul Mn: Llewellyn, 1988). ISBN: 0875421180.
  Synopsis: Simple and accessible introduction to the basics of Wicca, focusing on things one can do alone. Basics of Wicca and many simple recipes for food and incenses. Emphasis on daily connection. Contains a simple Book of Shadows as appendix, bibliography by subject. If you enjoy this book there is also a sequel, titled:

• Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, by Scott Cunningham, (St Paul MN: Llewellyn, 1993); ISBN: 0875421849
  Synopsis: A more detailed introduction, with info on ritual design and consciously constructing one's own book of shadows. Discussion of basic philosophy, including ethics of teaching, incorporation of Wicca into daily life.

• Complete Art of Witchcraft, Sybil Leek, List: $5.99 Amazon Price: $4.79, You Save: $1.20, (20%), Reissue Edition, Mass Market Paperback, Published by New American Library, 1991; ISBN: 0451164210
  Synopsis: This is the book a large number of people bought in the 70's to become the Witches who have been in the craft for thirty years.

• Magical Rites from the Crystal Well, by Ed Fitch. Llewellyn trade paperback; ISBN: 0875422306
  Synopsis: A book of rites, simple celebrations of land and water, wind and fire. Rites of passage, seasonal celebrations, magical workings, healings, and many more. Ed Fitch (one of the founders of Pagan Way) is truly in his element here. And it is one of the most beautiful books on the Craft ever published. The art work alone is worth the price of the book!

• Book of Pagan Rituals, by Herman Slater. Weiser trade paperback; ISBN: 0877283486
  Synopsis: These rituals were originally published in two volumes as the Pagan Way Rituals. This extremely beautiful book is just what it says it is: a book of rituals. Not authentic Wiccan rituals but very nearly so, these rituals are often used by Covens in the training of neophytes. The rituals were originally written by Ed Fitch who did not give Mr. Slater permission to publish them. Enough said.



• Trancing the Witch's Wheel: A Guide to Magickal Meditation, by Yasmine Galenorn, List: $12.95, Amazon Price: $10.36, You Save: $2.59 (20%), 240 pages, Published by Llewellyn Publications, 1997; ISBN: 1567183034
  Synopsis: This book leads you gently through meditation. A must for followers of the pagan path but a good read for those who aren't pagan. No Metaphysical jargon to confuse you. This is a fundamental work. We recommend it to anyone of all skill levels. You don't have to be pagan to love this book. Try it...enjoy.

• A Witch Alone - Thirteen Moons to Master Natural Magic, Marian Green (Thorsons) ISBN: 1855381125
  Synopsis: This book contains lessons for those who are interested in Traditional English Witchcraft.  It really doesn't say anything new (but what book does these days!), but it does give a good overview of English Witchcraft.

• The Elements of Natural Magic, by Marian Green (Element); ISBN: 1862040761
  Synopsis: Another excellent book by Marian.  For newcomers working on their own, I would recommend this book followed by ....

• Witchcraft, the Sixth Sense, by Justin Glass, List: $7.00, Amazon Price: $5.60, You Save: $1.40 (20%), Published by Wilshire Book Co., 1973; ISBN: 0879801743
  Synopsis: This small volume carries more traditional information about the Craft than most of today's contemporary "Witchcraft Series" of "fuzzy bunny" books. In 1972, Justin opened up a new world for a large number of Pagans who did not know what Witchcraft was.

• Faerie Wicca : Theory & Magick : A Book of Shadows & Light (The Ancient Oral Faerie Tradition of Ireland, Book I) by Kisma K. Stepanich, Cover Price $19.95 Amazon Price: $15.96, You Save: $3.99 (20%), Llewellyn Publications, 1994; ISBN: 1567186947
  Synopsis: Although Faerie Wicca gives detailed directions on specific rituals, the author also makes it clear it is okay to do things your way. Good book on Basic Faerie Faith.

• Faerie Wicca : Theory & Magick : A Book of Shadows & Light (The Ancient Oral Faerie Tradition of Ireland, Book II) by Kisma Stepanich, List: $19.95 Amazon Price: $15.96, You Save: $3.99 (20%), Volume 2 324 pages, Llewellyn Publications, 1995. ISBN: 567186955
  Synopsis: Although her revelations are controversial, this is a good companion piece to the above volume and will be read by her fans for years to come.

• Positive Magic, revised edition by Marion Weinstein. Phoenix Publications trade paperback. ISBN: 0960412875
  Synopsis: Although a book about how to use magic to change your life could be extremely tedious, this one is far from it. While it is true that Marion uses a simple and direct style of writing, it is used on such difficult and subtle questions as the ethics of magic. She draws upon her own experiences to create a book that is truly positive. If I had to recommend one book on magick, this would be it!

• The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries: Feminist Witchcraft, Goddess Rituals, Spellcasting, and Other Womanly Arts...Complete in One Volume, by Zsuzanna Budapest, List: $17.50, Amazon Price: $14.00, You Save: $3.50 (20%), Wingbow Press, 1989, ISBN: 0914728679
  Synopsis: This is a classic text for all those interested in Goddess religion. It is written by one of the founding members of the Goddess Religion Movement. It should be read as an example of an early work.

• Power of the Witch, by Laurie Cabot & Tom Cowan, List: $12.95, Amazon Price: $10.36, You Save: $2.59 (20%), Delacorte Press, 1990, ISBN: 0385301898
  Synopsis: Written by a practicing witch who conducts classes and seminars on witchcraft, a religious means of power and enlightenment, and a healing art; Power of the Witch makes it's debut in trade paperback form. Cabot is an engagingly intelligent witch who brings, on cogent and simple terms, a strategic and scientific explanation by which one can experience witchcraft to its fullest.

• Secrets of a Witch's Coven by Morwyn, List: $19.95, Amazon Price: $15.96, You Save: $3.99 (20%), Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., 1994, ISBN: 091491880X
  Synopsis: Secrets of a Witch's Coven, the first in a seven-volume series on Witchcraft and the Occult, presents an overview of an eclectic blend of Witchcraft and Ceremonial Magick practiced by a coven for generations. Learn about circle-casting, god/goddess worship, use of herbs, crystals and precious stones, talismans, candle magick, symbols, incense-making, Sabbat and Esbat rituals, and much more.

• Earth Power, by Scott Cunningham. Llewellyn trade paperback; ISBN: 0875421210
  Synopsis: Scott was arguably the strongest of the young writers in the immensely popular 'Llewellyn's Practical Magick Series'. Although Scott has passed away, his books will be with us for a long long time. This is, in fact, a book of spells. Practical, down-to-earth, useful, everyday, garden-variety spells. Although I do not recommend a 'cookbook' approach to magic, this book will be extremely helpful when used as a guide for creating your own spells.



• True Magick : A Beginner's Guide (Llewellyn's New Age Series), by Amber K, List: $4.95, Amazon Price: $3.96 You Save: $0.99 (20%) 272 pages, Llewellyn Publications, 1991, ISBN: 0875420036
  Synopsis: Another good basic book on Magick. Amber K. is an excellent teacher. Many covens have chosen to use True Magick as their textbook for teaching beginning students of magick. We have heard only positive comments.

• Green Witchcraft : Folk Magic, Fairy Lore & Herb Craft, by Ann Mooura, List: $12.95, Amazon Price: $10.36, You Save: $2.59 (20%), 1 Ed, 274 pages, Llewellyn Publications, 1996, ISBN: 1567186904
  Synopsis: Very little has been written about traditional family practices of the Old Religion simply because such information has not been offered for popular consumption. Green Witchcraft meets readers' needs for a practice based in family and natural Witchcraft traditions.

• Earth Magic : A Wisewoman's Guide to Herbal, Astrological and Other Folk Wisdom, by Claire Nahmad, List: $12.95 Amazon Price: $10.36, You Save: $2.59 (20%), 195 pages, Inner Traditions International Ltd, 1993, ISBN: 0892814241

• A Grimoire of Shadows : Witchcraft, Paganism & Magic, by Ed Fitch, List: $16.95, Amazon Price: $13.56, You Save: $3.39 (20%), 236 pages, Llewellyn Publications, 1996, ISBN: 1567186599

• Everyday Wicca : Magickal Spells Throughout the Year (Citadel Library of the Mystic Arts) by Gerina Dunwich, List: $10.95 Amazon Price: $8.76, You Save: $2.19 (20%), 200 pages, Citadel Press, 1997, ISBN: 0806518693