~Recommended Reading~
One of the first questions I am asked by new members of our Coven is "What should I read?" I get asked this question a lot when I meet new Wiccans online as well. In our Coven, we have several recommended reading lists, and they correspond with the level or degree of the student. The following list is my Dedicant Level reading list. These books are to be read and discussed by each new member of our Coven while they are at the Dedicant Level.
- When, Why...If by Robin Wood - This is a book about ethics, both magical and personal. I find this book an invaluable resource when it comes to teaching the philosophy of personal responsibility, which is most often the hardest lesson to learn. Why? Most Wiccans come from a background that is not rooted in personal responsiblity. Most of us were taught that we can "repent", and our slate is wiped clean. That's not the case with Wicca! The Old Path is a difficult one to follow, and this book is a great way to get started. Each chapter has a set of exercises at the end to help reinforce the lessons that were taught. I have found that it's best to keep a journal when going through this book. I find myself going back and reading my answers again before starting the book over with new students. It's also fun to compare my "old" notes to the new ones to see how they match up. :-)
- Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler- This is another wonderful book, but it is a very dry read. :-) I feel it's best to read this book in parts, so as not to get burned out. It's a long book, full of great information, but it is very "text book".
- True Magick by Amber K.- This is a real short little book, and it's fairly cheap. It plainly and simply states the basics of magick. It clearly defines what Wiccan magick is all about, and what it is not. She also talks about preparing yourself for magick; a subject that is unfortunatly over-looked by many other books on the subject.
- An ABC of Witchcraft by Doreen Valiente- This is another one of my favorites. :-) This book is an "encyclopedia" of what's-what in Wicca. Each topic has a clear and concises definition, as well as many cross references to help you grasp the concept. There have since been many other encyclopedia-type books written on the subject, but in my opinion, Doreen does it best. :-)
- What Witches Do by Stewart Farrar- This book, in my opinion, is a must have for any Wiccan. At the time of writing this book, Stewart was training with Alex and Maxine Saunders, who are the founders of the Alexandrian Tradition. This is a very in depth look at how things are done in a traditional Coven, and contains some wonderful pictures.
{~Ocean Star's Wicca Resource Center~}{~The Ethics of Wicca~}{~Sacred Space~}{~Sacred Tools~}{~Frequently Asked Questions~}{~The Wheel of the Year~}{~Trinity Coven~}{~Ocean Star's Online Journal~}{~Recommended Reading~}{~Wiccan Links~}