Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

PANTHEON

Home
Pagan
Essential Pagan Books: My List (What’s Yours?)

Essential Pagan Books: My List (What’s Yours?)

Last updated on: August 27, 2012 at 5:30 pm by Star Foster

Essential Pagan Books: My List (What’s Yours?) 2012-08-27T17:30:03-04:00 Star Foster

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Work In Progress

[I started this and then realized it’s going to take some time to finish it. I’ll keep this on the blog as a permanent resource, and one that will likely evolve and change.]

My friend David Dashifen Kees helped put together a list of essential Pagan books over on HuffPo Religion. You should go check it out.

There are some good books on there to be sure, and authors I admire. But there’s a problem with lists. One person’s definitive list isn’t going to seem definitive for everyone. Whether we are arguing over the top ten action movies of all time, or the top five drag queens in the country, we will never be satisfied. It’s what makes such lists fun.

So my reaction reading Dash’s list was “Oh no, you’re missing…….” And a list began to form in my mind.

So I see your list, good sir, and raise you another! *privately wonders how many bloggers will create book lists today*

I think I’m going to divide this into sections. And one of those sections will include books I have not yet read, but consider essential to my library.

101

‘Cause you have to start somewhere…

All One Wicca

My first book, read when it was still free online. Starting here will clear you of a lot of bad information right off the bat.

The Spiral Dance

Essential text for understanding Reclaiming Witchcraft, and a seminal text of modern Paganism.

The Witches Bible

The most practical and comprehensive book on old school trad Craft. This was my first physical book on the Craft, and influences me even today.

Old Stones, New Temples

I’ve heard this may be reprinted in the near future. Of all the primers I’ve read so far on Hellenic religion, this one is still the best.

Exploring the Northern Tradition

There’s some UPG in here, but it’s clearly marked. A well-written introduction to Heathenry. But beware, you will have to read a lot of introductions to Heathenry. It’s a diverse, and sometimes contentious, spiritual community. So even if you start here, you’ll be reading Paxson, Thorsen and a myriad other authors before you even begin to get a basic grasp on the religion and community.

Circle of Stones

This is being graced with a new edition. Not really a 101 book, but I include it here because it had a profound effect on my spiritual life long before I knew what recontructionism was.

Celtic Reconstructionism FAQ

This online book is a fantastic introduction to Celtic Reconstructionism.

The Once and Future Goddess

Both an exploration of Goddess spirituality, with a little BS to watch for, but also was my first introduction to what Pagan art was, is and can be.

Evolutionary Witchcraft

If you’re interested in Feri start here.

Processing Conversion

Books that help you through the conversion process.

Original Blessing

Ex-Catholic priest Matthew Fox promotes the idea of original blessing, rather than original sin.

The Woman with the Alabastar Jar and The Goddess in the Gospels

Forget the DaVinci Code and read these instead.

The Other Bible

Gnostics, lost gospels, strange poetry and prose, and ancient magical texts.

Letters From the Earth

Mark Twain will have you in stitches in his humorous look at religion.

Roots

There are a lot of books out there that have been discredited, or don’t have a practical application to our lives today. But without reading them we won’t understand our roots, or the mindset and worldview of Pagans who came before us.

Stories, Morals, Ethics, Poetry

Tales of the Santerian Gods

Fantastic stories and great reading.

The Borning Room

A lovely story featuring a staunch “pagan” grandfather, and the granddaughter who took after him.

Iron John

Psychology and fairy tales for men.

Women Who Run With The Wolves

Psychology and fairy tales for women.

Harvest Home

Like The Wicker Man, it’s inspiring and gruesome all at once.

The Burning Time

A historical novel not entirely accurate, but a really good read for those contemplating the Witch Trials.

Mists of Avalon

A novel, and not historically accurate, but a really good read.

Magic

Liber Kaos

Best book on Chaos magic I’ve read, and full of fascinating insights into group dynamics. Also, a good look at probability, which any magic worker worth their salt should understand.

Chicken Kabbalah

I have a hard time selling people on this book, but when I say it’s one of the best practical guides to the Kabbalah in existence and it’s hilarious, I mean it. Great occult books don’t have to be all moody drama. They can be funny as hell. And after reading this check out the Mythbuster’s episode where they put the theory on the Ark of the Covenant to the test.

Ritual

The Circle, Cubed

Great book on the process of erecting sacred space. While Wiccan in focus, I think anoyone who performs group ritual will get something out of it.

Casting Sacred Space

I still haven’t finished this but what I have have read so far has made it one of my favorite books on ritual.

The Grimoire of Aleister Crowley

Yup, you may have no interest in Thelema or Crowley, but read this anyway. Full of really great advice on crafting effective and moving group rituals. Common sense seems too mild, I’ll say this book has horse sense, and some of the assertions that go against the grain of ritual as commonly taught today are so smart and unapologetic that I burst out laughing. Great book.

History

Triumph of the Moon

The best work on the origins of modern Pagan Witchcraft. Not flawless but a gripping and inspiring read for an academic tome.

Drawing Down the Moon

A journalist follows several branches of Paganism in the United States, and each edition contains updates.

Her Hidden Children

I still haven’t read this, but I need to. I consider it essential and my not having ticked it off my list yet annoys me.

Ecstasies: Deciphering the Witches Sabbath

Carlo Ginzburg’s study of the Witch Trials.

Hippie Commie Beatnik Witches

Haven’t read yet, but how can I pass up a social history of Paganism in southern California?

Firechild

Maxine Sander’s autobiography taken from her diaries. Fascinating look at the birth of the Alexandrian tradition, and the happening Pagan landscape that preceded it.

Deeper Reading

Previous Post

May 30, 2012

Live Pagan Hangout Today: Christian Imagery in Pagan and Occult Ritual

Next Post

June 1, 2012 Eating God: Considering Eucharistic Ritual

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category alexandrian asatru astrology ATW Audio books btw ceremonial magick chaos classics community conversion cosmology dianic discordian druid dvd eclectic equinox ethics family feri festivals film Fully Inclusive Events gardnerian gender issues glbt heathen hellenismos history humor initiation interfaith magick meditation Military movies music mysticism myth networking news Open Thread Pagan Pagan 101 Paganism passings polytheism Polytheistic Religion polytheology praxis Reading List religio romana review ritual sabbats santeria service solstice symbols tools values wicca witchcraft

Select a Month July 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What is the main Christian church in Armenia?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Coptic Church Armenian Apostolic Church Greek Orthodox Catholic Church