In this day of information overload, it can be so hard to know where to find good information on Witchcraft. As a new witch, the options available to you are limitless. With the increase in popularity, many libraries carry a nice selection of books on the craft. Most of the books on this list are around $10 - $15, which is an affordable option for folks on nearly any budget.

While the information is available, that doesn’t make your choices easy! Vetting information can be very time consuming, and it can be a little overwhelming trying to sort through all your options.

We asked folks form our community what books they would recommend to beginners, and compiled a list of what they suggested. We have not read every book on this list, but have not included any sources we feel are disreputable. These are some of the tried and true books for any beginning student of the craft, but by no means is this an exhaustive list.

One thing to keep in mind when reading any book on the craft is that there are as many opinions as assholes out there. Meaning everyone has a different perspective. Just because something has been published does not make it Gospel. As witches, it is our duty to find the path that most resonates with us and if someone speaks something the does not align with your truth, it probably was meant for someone else. The is NO definitive guide for witchcraft, despite what the book synopsis may claim. Every path has different beliefs and practices, no one more correct than the other.

Witchcraft is not about endless memorization and study of esoterica, while this is definitely something that wouldn’t hurt. It is about finding your truth and power, stepping into it, and doing what works for you. Once you have gained a solid foundation as to what resonates with you, you will be able to better discern what path is appropriate for you to walk.

Consider with respect that there are several traditions out there that require initiation. This type of practice is closed to outsiders and their traditional secrets are closely guarded. If you are able to find information to these traditions, reading about their practices is not enough to consider yourself a practitioner. Titles and degrees are something that require a lot of study and dedication, and above all are EARNED. Just as you wouldn’t call yourself a Doctor without completing the required learning and training, please do not call yourself a practitioner of one of these traditions without the proper invitations and training.

Just one more heads up before we give you our recommendations, these may contain affiliate marketing links where we are able to earn a small commission if you order something. This helps to support our community and we greatly appreciate any purchase you might make.

A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches' Handbook by Janet and Stewart Farrar

This book is great for wiccans, or those looking for a general foundation of witchcraft on which to build their understanding. It covers many topics, but the reading may be a little more dense for someone JUST beginning. It would probably be more appropriate for a beginner looking to dig a little deeper than just surface level fluff. It covers the following topics The Sabbats, Casting & Banishing the Magic Circle, The Complete Book of Shadows, The Great Rite, Initiation Rites, Consecration Rites, Spells, Witches' Tools, Witchcraft & Sex, Running a Coven, Clairvoyance, & Astral Projection.

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

Another book geared towards Wiccans, this is more directed towards solitary practitioners, meaning outside of a coven. This book covers a lot of material from a fairly unbiased perspective. Scott Cunningham is one of, if not the most, well recognized authors in the Wiccan Community. It covers the act of self initiation, as well as includes Cunningham’s personal Book of Shadows. Highly recommended by the community, this is a great place for beginners to start and a solid reference for future use.

Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America by Margot Adler

While this book is less of an instruction manual, and more of a sociological perspective of Neo-paganism, it is one of those books that is very frequently referenced in popular culture. This book can help you to gain perspective on some of the sects and practices found here in the US. It focuses more on historical facts and how certain beliefs grew and circulated throughout the country. If you are interested in the craft from a historical perspective, definitely give this one a read.

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

If you feel called more towards eco-feminism and Goddess Worship, this is basically the book that wrote down the Zeigiest. While it focuses less on specific spells, it still celebrates some great foundations like grounding and raising energy. There is a lot of talk about women’s circles, without excluding men, it does focus an a group centric aspect of the craft. One of the great things about this book is that it incorporates activism into the craft and encourages readers to make their beliefs about the world around them a part of their practice.

Witchery: Embrace the Witch Within by Juliet Diaz

One of the really great things about this book is that it encourages the reader to explore what magick means to them, not just reciting dogma. The author is a 3rd generation Hereditary witch with a masters degree in herbalism. This book is highly recommended by beginners, and experienced witches. It covers all kinds of important topics like spell-work, making your altar and book of shadows, working with the moon and seasons as well as ancestors.

Green Witchcraft: Folk Magic, Fairy Lore & Herb Craft by Ann Moura

A blend of folk magick and Wicca, this book is the first in a four part series. It covers a lot of really great basics, but also includes things that most books for beginners don’t. If you are interested in learning from a hereditary witch, this book has so much to offer. It speaks to practical rituals and self-initiation as well as the wheel of the year, witches rede, and many Wiccan practices. This book is a little dated, but one of the great things about it is that it is a part of a larger system of learning. So if a course laid out by the same author is appealing to you, consider starting your journey with this book.

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland

This book is warmly referred to as Bucky’s Big Blue Book. It is one of the first books I find myself recommending for beginners because of its easy to read format. This book is laid out in a workbook format, with questions and learning check-ins at the end of every chapter. It covers lots of material from a Wiccan perspective, and gives some really great, specific information and practical exercises. It covers rituals, beliefs, history, and lore, as well as instruction in spellwork, divination, herbalism, healing, channeling, dreamwork, sabbats, esbats, covens, and solitary practice. Buckland is definitely a trusted voice within the community.

The Master Works of Chaos Magick: Practical Techniques For Directing Your Reality by Adam Blackthorne

Chaos Magick is one of the newer forms of magick, but that doesn’t make it less powerful. This book is geared more toward folks who have been studying magick for a little while, but might now have found a system that resonates with them. Chaos Magick focuses less on the theological perspective and more on the wheels-to-pavement, get shit done kinda magick. This book encourages experimentation and promises results, so if that is something that appeals to you, definitely give it a read.

Backwoods Witchcraft: Conjure & Folk Magic from Appalachia by Jake Richards

With a focus on Southern Folk Magick, this book is not for those with uncomfortable feelings towards the bible. It is not a book on Wiccan beliefs, and speaks from a perspective of Folk magick centered in the Southern US and Appalachian regions. It has a very interesting perspective on magick, focusing on Root work and working with land spirits. If white magick doesn’t seem to resonate with you, check this book out for some true to form, dirty southern charm.

Weave The Liminal by Laura Tempest Zakroff

Written from a more modern perspective on Witchcraft, this book is great because it encourages you to find a path the resonates with your personal experiences. It doesn’t offer any hard and fast rules, because, well… there aren’t any! This is more a of guide on how to navigate the world of witchcraft in a more honest way. It offers insight into spellwork, intuition, working with ancestors, divination and covens and oaths. Its more of a discourse on the subject than a how-to book.

Honorable Mentions:

Wiccapedia: A Modern-Day White Witch's Guide by Shawn Robbins and Leanna Greenaway

Living Wicca by Scott Cunningham

The Green Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

The Goddess Is in the Details: Wisdom for the Everyday Witch by Deborah Blake

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham

Craft by Gabriela Herstik