This page collects a number of recommended reading lists on Paganism in general, and on specific topics within or related to the Pagan field. Here you will find books, periodicals, online articles, and a few products or other items useful in exploring this subject area.
Australian Culture
In 2009, we did a Lammas ritual inspired by Australian cosmology. In order to design the ritual, we did a lot of background research into the culture and spirituality of Australia. Here are some of the highlights we found regarding food, art, mythology, and other aspects.
Dreams give us access to the subconscious mind and a space where reality is malleable. By working with dream magic we can improve our control over energies and ideas in the waking world. This list compiles a selection of tools and readings for the practice of dream magic and related skills.
“Different Types of Dream” by Gillian Holloway. ThinkQuest, 2000. Describes some of the main kinds of dreams that people have.
Dreamcatchers, Mandalas, Masks & God’s Eyes by Linda Rocamontes. Suzanne McNeil Design Originals #2310. Design Originals, 1992. This small craft booklet gives detailed instructions, with pictures, for making dreamcatchers and other projects.
Dreamwork: Using Your Dreams as a Way to Self-Discovery and Personal Development by Maggie Peters. Techniques of dream magic for enlightenment and growth.
“Esoteric Dreams,” no author or copyright date listed, reference taken 11/18/05. A guide to different types of magical dreams.
“Five Stages of Sleep.” No author listed. Sleep Aid Guide, 2009-2011. Fairly thorough description of sleep stages.
“Lullabies.” No author listed. KIDdiddles, 1998-2011. Lists dozens of popular lullabies with lyrics; some also have sound clips.
The Lullaby Treasury: Cradle Songs from Around the World by Mathilde Polee and Petra Rosenberg. Floris Books, 2000. Lyrics to many lullabies.
“No-Sew Fleece Pillow,” no author listed, Exploring Womanhood, 2001-2005. This is a great alternative method of making a dream pillow for people who can’t (or don’t like to) sew; wrap the herbs in scrap fleece or other fabric, tie securely with string, and stuff inside the pillow form or use loose stuffing to fill the pillow.
Planet Sleeps by various artists. Sony, 1997. A charming collection of lullabies from around the world.
Teach Yourself to Dream: A Practical Guide by David Fontana, Ph.D. Chronicle Books, 1997. Explains the dream world and its potential uses, the art of dream control, interpretation, and the subconscious; a splendid balance between the mystical and the scientific. If you only buy one dream book, buy this one. “Tips to Recalling Your Dreams.” No author or publication date listed. Dream Moods. Reference taken 6/26/11. Offers suggestions on boosting your dream recall.
“Tools for the Development of Psychic Dreaming Skills” by Linda Land Magallon. The Dream Tree News, Vol. 3-2, 1999. Describes the basics of dreaming and dream skills. Understand Your Dreams by Alice Anne Parker. New World Library, 1991, 2001. Includes a simple and a more complex method for dream interpretation; most useful for the extensive three-step interpretation guide which includes suggested questions to ask yourself when certain symbols appear in your dreams.
A Witch’s Book of Dreams: Understanding the Power of Dreams & Symbols by Karri Allrich. Llewellyn Publications, 2001. Covers archetypes and symbols, shadow work and nightmares, techniques of dream work, and a dream dictionary with magical angles.
This list was first drafted 4/22/05, updated for a dream-related ritual in 2006, then revised for reprint 6/26/11.
Empathy in Fiction
Someone on an email list brought up the topic of empathy. He was very curious about empathy both in fiction and in fact, but only knew of a few sources dealing with it. The following books are good to excellent speculative fiction and well worth reading for entertainment value – but in terms of cultivating empathy as a talent in real life, some offer examples of things to try while others offer examples of mistakes to avoid. Portrayals vary from subtle to dramatic, and from fairly accurate to artistically embroidered. Readers should exercise discretion in selecting role models. If you read widely, though, you will get a pretty good idea of the empathic spectrum.
Strands of Starlight by Gael Baudino, Signet, New York, NY, 1989. Here humans and elves mingle, sometimes peacefully and sometimes not. The main character starts out human and turns into an elf – powerful magic at play – and the elves all have highly developed empathy. This is a good example of how an intensely compassionate culture looks compared with one bereft of empathy.
The Forbidden Tower by Marion Zimmer Bradley, DAW Books, New York, NY, 1977. Set in the author’s famous Darkover, this novel tells a tale of romance, tragedy, and political intrigue. Many of the characters have some kind of psychic talent; Damon has the Ridenow gift of empathy. On Darkover, most talents are tied to a particular family and that’s his. Empathic ability shows up in lots of other Darkover stories too.
In the Company of Others by Julie E. Czerneda, DAW Books, New York, NY, 2001. Aaron Pardell is the only human to survive contact with the alien Quill. As a result, he can’t bear to touch another person because the emotional overflow is too intense. This is a great example of empathy gone very wrong.
The Cursed by Dave Duncan, Del Rey, New York, NY, 1995. This is one of those rare books based on a genuinely original motif, in this case a plague that leaves some survivors with one of several rather shocking gifts – or curses. The relevant ones are that of the Muolscath has no emotions of his own but can induce them in others, and the Jaulscath who picks up everyone else’s thoughts. Really good material here on adjusting to traumatic changes and making creative solutions to weird problems.
For Love of Mother-Not by Alan Dean Foster, Del Rey, New York, NY, 1983. A boy named Flinx develops an erratic but sometimes spectacular empathic talent, and adopts an Alaspinian miniature dragon which also has empathic abilities. This book gives a good look at how awkward it is for an empath to try and fit into a non-empathic society. Later books follow Flinx as his talents grow and cause further problems for him.
Convergence by Sharon Green, Avon Eos, New York, NY 1996. The characters each possess an Elemental talent and the Spirit magic user has the ability to read and influence other people’s emotions. There’s quite a spread of ethical and unethical use in here, and both get pretty creative. Subsequent books in this series go into more detail as the characters learn more about their abilities.
Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey, DAW Books, New York, NY, 1987. Newly Chosen as a Herald, Talia finds herself thrown into a whole different culture. Not until the end of this book does she really discover her empathic Gift but it colors the action all along. The sequel, Arrow’s Flight, features a splendid example of empathy getting out of control; the method for getting it under control is slightly exaggerated for literary effect but the degree of tension caused is still perfectly accurate. One of the best examples of living with empathy.
Turning Point by Lisanne Norman, DAW Books, New York, NY, 1993. First of the Sholan Alliance novels, this one introduces the human Carrie and the alien Kusac, both of whom have strong empathy, among other abilities. They wind up in a very tight psychic/sexual bond. There’s an interesting thread about Sholan telepaths being unable to fight, too – until they match up with a human. Subsequent books in this series go into much greater depth and include some excellent renditions of empathic overload.
Starsongby Dan Parkinson, TSR Books, Lake Geneva, WI, 1988. A group of spacefaring elves return to Earth in a quest to save their world. All of them have varying degrees of empathy, along with other talents, and they can wake similar abilities in some humans. This is one of the best renditions of empathy in action that I’ve found.
Psion by Joan D. Vinge, Dell, New York, NY, 1982. A street kid named Cat tangles with an overly curious government. Cat is half-human, half-alien and possesses empathic ability courtesy of his Hydran parent.
On Basilisk Station by David Weber, Baen Books, Riverdale, NY, 1993. The first of a fabulous series, this novel introduces Honor Harrington and her companion Nimitz, an empathic treecat. Later in the series, Honor herself develops some impressive empathic abilities; she is human, but genetically engineered in some subtle ways, and her bond with Nimitz brings out a lot of hidden talents.
"Did You Feel That? Empathy in Fiction" was originally published in PanGaia magazine.
Recommended Resources for Kitchen Witches, Hedge Witches, and Hearth Witches
A friend asked about this topic, and I came up with a list of resources. If you want one book on natural magic as a starter, I recommend Earth Power by Scott Cunningham. Below are more ideas. Kitchen witchery is all about the magic of doing and the sacredness of everyday things. It's practical, not fancy; pick a topic you like and explore it, looking for the spiritual aspects within it.
Magical Cooking Celtic Folklore Cooking by Joanne Asala Kitchen Witchery Recipes From A Vegetarian Goddessby Karri Allrich Soul Stirrings: The SageWoman Cookbook edited by Lunaea Weatherstone "What Is a Kitchen Witch?" The Wicca Cookbook: Recipes, Ritual, and Lore by Jamie Wood
Magical Gardening Garden Witchery: Magick from the Ground Up Ellen Dugan Gardening With the Goddess: Creating Gardens of Spirit and Magick by Patricia Telesco Llewellyn's Herbal Almanac (released annually) "What Is a Hedge Witch?" The Witch's Garden
Magical Crafts Amulets & Talismans for Beginners: How to Choose, Make & Use Magical Objects by Richard Webster "Crafts for the Craft: Projects for Pagan Sabbats" by Patti Wigington Magical Fabric Art: Spellwork & Wishcraft through Patchwork Quilting and Sewing by Sandra McCraw Scarpa
Natural & Hearth Magic American Folk Magick by Silver Ravenwolf Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic by Scott Cunningham Earth, Air, Fire & Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic by Scott Cunningham Everyday Magic: Spells & Rituals for Modern Living by Dorothy Morrison "Hearth Witchery" by Anna Franklin House Magic: The Good Witch's Guide to Bringing Grace to Your Space by Ariana Llewellyn's Magical Almanac (released annually) Natural Witchery: Intuitive, Personal & Practical Magick by Ellen Dugan Nature Spirits
Gods and Goddesses Godchecker Illustrated Dictionary of Mythology: Heroes, Heroines, Gods, and Goddesses from around the World by Philip Wilkinson "An Introduction to Kitchen Witch Goddesses" by Louise Heyden Lord of Light & Shadow: The Many Faces of the God by D. J. Conway The New Book of Goddesses & Heroines by Patricia Monaghan
General Kitchen Witch Books When, Why...If: An Ethics Workbook by Robin Wood When Someone You Love is Wiccan by Carl McColman Which Witch Is Which?: A Concise Guide To Wiccan And Neo-pagan Paths And Traditions by Patricia Telesco
This list was originally published in The Wordsmith's Forge on 2/14/10, then revised for reprint 6/24/11.
Recommended Reading for Magical Ethics
This list was originally created for a panel discussion about Magical Ethics at Archon 2002. It includes both fiction and nonfiction books which cover various aspects of ethics and morality as they intersect with magic.
Fiction
Arrow’s Flight by Mercedes Lackey. DAW, 1987. While many of Lackey’s books explore magical ethics, this one features fresh-into-uniform Herald Talia learning to use her empathic abilities responsibly as part of her job. Heralds score high on ethics, but that doesn’t mean it comes easily.
Betrayals by Sharon Green. Eos, 1999. Features some of the most annoying characters and obnoxious behavior ever written, both mundane and magical; at least the heroes are trying to improve matters.
Children of Rhatlan by Jonathan Fesmire. Crystal Dreams Publications, 1999. Garum and Vayin are duals, twins who share a single body. This is essentially illegal where they live, as is dual magic. Watch them try to juggle the ethics of mere survival, let alone complicated personal issues and a completely unethical wizard who wants to kill them.
Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop. Roc, 1998. The protagonists are amazingly protective of each other, both decent at heart and dangerous if threatened; a unique and compelling combination. Their opponents are nothing short of ghastly.
Harm None by M. R. Sellars. Willow Tree Press, 2000. This novel features Wiccan main characters and contains much discussion of their ethics, in the context of a very gripping mystery.
King Javan’s Year by Katherine Kurtz. Del Rey, 1992. The Deryni in Kurtz’s novels tend to abuse their magic more often than not, and this book contains some of the more spectacular actions … and justifications. Which is not necessarily to say the humans are any nicer, just less well-armed.
Treachery and Treason edited by Laura Anne Gilman and Jennifer Heddle. Roc, 2000. This anthology is chock-full of ethical and unethical behavior, and ruminations, including some that involve magic.
Nonfiction
“Expecting the Best: Standards of Behavior in Pagan Leadership” by Elizabeth Barrette. This essay covers community expectations of Pagan leaders. Living With Honour: A Pagan Ethics by Emma Restall Orr. O Books, 2008. A detailed look at how Pagan beliefs create an ethical structure.
"Magical Ethics and Pseudo-Metaphysics" by John J. Coughlin. Waning Moon, 2004. A discussion about the difference between metaphysical principles and ethical ones.
"Teachers and Magical Ethics" by Wren. The Witches Voice, 7/16/2000. Thoughts on demonstrating and discussing ethics with students. When, Why … If: An Ethics Workbook by Robin Wood. Livingtree Books, 1996. If you only read one, read this one; it’s a complete guide to exploring and developing your own ethical system, with attention to magic and spirituality.
The Witches’ Way: Principles, Rituals, and Beliefs of Modern Witchcraft by Janet and Stewart Farrar. Phoenix, 1984. See chapter XIII on “The Ethics of Witchcraft.”
This list was revised for reprint 6/26/11.
Recommended Reading List on Paganism
This list was compiled for the first PenUltimate Productions website, as an overview of Pagan culture and practices. Also added were entries from an "Exploring Paganism" list. Here is a set of some of the best-known Pagan books, with annotations.
Before You Cast a Spell: Understanding the Power of Magic by Carl McColman. New Page Books, 2004. Explains how magic works, and doesn’t work; ethical pitfalls, and how to avoid them; and other handy stuff for novice to intermediate spellcasters.
Celebrating the Seasons of Life: Beltane to Mabon by Ashleen O’Gaea. New Page Books, 2005. Covers lore, rituals, magic, and much more for four of the sabbats; also available is the Samhain-Ostara volume. A good introduction to the Wheel of the Year for novice to intermediate practitioners.
Circle Round: Raising Children in Goddess Traditions by Starhawk, Diane Baker, and Anne Hill. Bantam Books, 1998. Clear and comprehensive coverage of general ideas, sabbats, age ranges; history, songs, crafts, much more; also there is an album of the songs available separately. Also an excellent choice for novice Pagans.
Contemporary Paganism: Listening People, Speaking Earth by Graham Harvey. New York University Press, 1997. One of the few scholarly works available to date; a splendid overview of Pagan religions and customs today; best for experienced Pagan scholars.
Deepening Witchcraft: Advancing Skills & Knowledge by Grey Cat. ECW, 2002. One of the rare books aimed at advanced practitioners, this offers food for thought on many important issues.
Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today by Margot Adler. Cover illustration by Joanna Priestly. Beacon Press, 1979, 1986 (revised and expanded edition). Trade paperback, 595 pages. ISBN: 0-8070-3253-0. A Pagan classic, this book takes a look at the historical and modern Pagan movement. Explores Wicca, Radical Faerie, the Church of All Worlds, and more. Appendix material includes a fascinating questionnaire and its results, ritual elements, an extensive but somewhat dated resource list, lavish chapter notes, and a fabulous index. Recommended for those interested in the recent history of Paganism; most suitable for intermediate and advanced practitioners, but still accessible to novices.
Earth, Air, Fire & Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic by Scott Cunningham. Cover painting & illustrations by Robin Wood. Llewellyn Publications, 1991. U.S. Trade paperback, 223 pages. ISBN: 0-87542-131-8. Like the related Earth Power this book focuses on Elemental magic, and covers a considerably wider range; it features not only the title Elements but also magic based on stones, magnets, stars, snow, ice, and other natural things. The author also introduces the basics of magic and how it works. Solid end matter includes a list of symbols and their uses, suppliers of magical products, a nice glossary and annotated bibliography, and a fine index. Most suitable for beginning and intermediate practitioners; highly recommended.
Entering the Summerland: Customs and Rituals of Transition into the Afterlife by Edain McCoy. Cover art by Liz Phillips. Llewellyn Publications, 1996. Trade paperback, 242 pages. ISBN: 1-56718-665-3. Thoughtful and positive guide to Pagan beliefs about what happens during and after death. Presents a variety of Divine figures associated with death and related concepts, a discussion of Pagan funeral customs, some rituals, information on grief, death-related festivals, methods of honoring ancestor and animal spirits, and more. Supporting material includes music for passing-over rituals, a nice resource list, chapter notes, a fine glossary and annotated bibliography, and a great index. A must-have for Pagans of all traditions. Most suitable for intermediate and advanced practitioners, but still accessible to novices; highly recommended.
Garden Witchery: Magick from the Ground Up by Ellen Dugan. Llewellyn Publications, 2005. This is one of my favorite sourcebooks on magical gardening. It offers advice on choosing plants, care, harvesting, magical and mundane uses, and how to make your garden an enchanting place.
The Goddess Celebrates: An Anthology of Women's Rituals edited by Diane Stein. Cover art by Susan Seddon Boulet. The Crossing Press, 1991. Trade paperback, 259 pages. ISBN: 0-89594-460-X. A superb sampler of Pagan traditions, activities, and personages. Offers rituals by Zsuzsanna Budapest (teaching), Jay Goldspinner (storytelling), Starhawk (sacred space), Antiga (blood mysteries), Caridwyn Aleva (handfasting), Uzuri Amini (emotional healing), and others. Most suitable for novices, but also interesting to more advanced practitioners; highly recommended.
The Grandmother of Time: A Woman's Book of Celebrations, Spells, and Sacred Objects for Every Month of the Year by Zsuzsanna E. Budapest. Artwork for chapter openers by Judith Mitchell, other art by Robin Dorn. Harper & Row, 1989. Trade paperback, 262 pages. ISBN: 0-06-250109-7. A Pagan "book of days" presenting festivals and holy days from diverse cultures throughout the year. Organized chronologically. Showcases a different Goddess for each month and offers seasonal rituals, spells, and celebrations. Nice bibliography, excellent index. Highly recommended for all levels.
Grimoire for the Green Witch: A Complete Book of Shadows by Ann Moura. Llewellyn Publications, 2004. A very nice guidebook for hedgwitches and other folks who are very Earth-centered. Contains a variety of spells, rituals, and lore.
Inside a Witches' Coven by Edain McCoy. Cover design by Anne Marie Garrison. Llewellyn Publications, 1997. U.S. Trade paperback, 206 pages. ISBN: 1-56718-666-1. Comprehensive guide to finding and forming Pagan groups. Discussions of group dynamics, what to look for and what to avoid, initiation rites, magic and healing, networking, and more. Decent resource list and index. A definitive non-solitary handbook. Highly recommended for all levels.
Lord of Light & Shadow: The Many Faces of the God by D.J. Conway. Cover art by MoonDeer, interior art by Lisa Hunt. Llewellyn Publications, 1997. Trade paperback, 227 pages. ISBN:1-56718-177-5. Counterpoint to the more common women's spirituality texts, this book provides generous coverage for male deities and figures from around the world. Discusses mythology, numerous archetypes such as the Divine Child and the Trickster, ways of recovering the forgotten God, and more. Supporting matter includes several meditations, a lavish appendix on Gods and their attributes, another on God symbols, a great cross-reference guide, chapter endnotes, a wonderful bibliography, and a fantastic index. Highly recommended, especially for those interested in men's mysteries or in reclaiming masculine divinity. Suitable for all levels.
Magick of the Gods and Goddesses by D.J. Conway. Llewellyn Publications, 2003. An overview of religions from around the world; pick one as a starting point and elaborate on it, or combine several, to create something unique to your setting. Not rock-solid scholarship, but interesting and easy to read, so it makes a good place to start exploring different pantheons.The New Book of Goddesses and Heroines by Patricia Monaghan. Llewellyn Publications, 1997. This reference book describes female powers from around the world.
The Pagan Man: Priests, Warriors, Hunters, and Drummers by Isaac Bonewits. Kensington, 2005. An excellent in-depth guide to the role of men in the Pagan community, by one of our elders. Perfect for intermediate to advanced practitioners.
People of the Earth: The New Pagans Speak Out edited by Ellen Evert Hopman and Lawrence Bond. Text design & layout by Virginia L. Scott. Destiny Books, 1996. Trade paperback, 402 pages. ISBN: 0-89281-559-0. Features interviews with practicing Pagans, including well-known speakers like Isaac Bonewits, Yvonne and Gavin Frost, Susun Weed, Oberon G'Zell, Selena Fox, Starhawk, and Zsuzsanna Budapest. Many traditions and issues covered with care: Druidic and Celtic paths, Wicca, the Faery Faith, Pagans and the Law, the Church of All Worlds, Pagan artists and writers, etc. Comprehensive resource guide to books, audiotapes, periodicals, organizations, and so forth. Suitable for all levels of experience; highly recommended.
The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess by Starhawk. Designed by Leigh McLellan. Harper & Row, 1979 (first edition). Trade paperback, 218 pages. ISBN: 0-06-067535-7. Strong Wiccan-Feminist slant but widely relevant to all types of Paganism; aimed at novices but still useful for more advanced practitioners. Contains numerous exercises, chants, invocations, spells, and other material. A real classic. No index in the first edition, so get the second one if possible. Highly recommended.
To Ride a Silver Broomstick: New Generation Witchcraft by Silver RavenWolf. Illustrated by Silver RavenWolf, cover painting by Lisa Iris. Llewellyn Publications, 1993. Trade paperback, 300 pages. ISBN: 0-87542-791-X. A beginner's guide to Paganism with a wider range than The Spiral Dance but still with heavy Wiccan influence. Discusses principles of belief, magical tools, ritual work, color symbolism, coming out Pagan, and other important skills & issues. Decent index and resource list. Recommended for beginning and intermediate practitioners.
The Well-Read Witch: Essential Books for Your Magickal Library by Carl McColman. New Page Books, 2002. Good for building your reference shelf. An excellent second or third book on Paganism; it suggests where to go next.When Someone You Love Is Wiccan: A Guide to Witchcraft and Paganism for Concerned Friends, Nervous Parents, and Curious Coworkers by Carl McColman. New Page Books, 2003. Straightforward, accurate, and reassuring; this is the book you give to your nonPagan relatives. It’s also a useful to novices who want a straightforward look at Paganism.Wiccan Wisdomkeepers: Modern-Day Witches Speak on Environmentalism, Feminism, Motherhood, Wiccan Lore, and More by Sally Griffyn. Weiser Books, 2002. A full-color introduction of some famous Witches in today’s community.
This list was revised for reprint 6/26/11.
Recommended Reading List for Pagan Writers
This list has gone through multiple iterations for assorted venues. It contains resources in various formats for people interested in writing about Pagan topics. Careful research tends to produce better writing, so do your homework first.
Contemporary Paganism: Listening People, Speaking Earth by Graham Harvey. New York University Press, 1997. One of the few scholarly works available to date; a splendid overview of Pagan religions and customs today.
Creating Poetry by John Drury. Writer’s Digest Books, 1991. An excellent guide to the art and craft of writing poems; also useful for composing invocations and other ritual material.
Deepening Witchcraft: Advancing Skills & Knowledge by Grey Cat. ECW, 2002. One of the few books aimed at experienced practitioners, this offers food for thought on many important issues.
The Grandmother of Time: A Women’s Book of Celebrations, Spells, and Sacred Objects for Every Month of the Year by Zsuzsanna E. Budapest. Harper & Row, 1989. Organized into monthly sections like a calendar, this book presents holidays and ritual ideas from numerous Pagan cultures.
The New Book of Goddesses and Heroines by Patricia Monaghan. Llewellyn Publications, 1997. This reference book describes female powers from around the world.
The New York Public Library Desk Reference edited by Sarah Gold and others. Prentice Hall General Reference, 1993. Extensive information on grammar, word choice, literature, geography, arts and science, symbols, governments, and much more; a concise guide to almost everything.
The Pagan Mysteries of Halloween by Jan Markale, translated by Jon Graham. Inner Traditions, 2001. A thoughtful guide to this key holiday.
People of the Earth: The New Pagans Speak Out edited by Ellen Evert Hopman & Lawrence Bond. Destiny Books, 1996. Contains interviews of Pagan leaders discussing diverse religions and issues.
Spinning Tales, Weaving Hope: Stories, Storytelling and Activities for Peace, Justice, and the Environment edited by Ed Brody and others. New Society Publishers, 1992, 2002. Explains the art, history, and cultural importance of storytelling.
The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess by Starhawk. Harper & Row, 1979. A detailed presentation of Wicca/Witchcraft; I have the original edition, but recommend the new “millennium” edition which has some additional updated content.
Spiritual Writing: From Inspiration to Publication by Deborah Levine Herman with Cynthia Black. Beyond Words Publishing, 2002. A comprehensive guide to the writing process with attention to this field.
The Well-Read Witch: Essential Books for Your Magickal Library by Carl McColman. New Page Books, 2002. Good for building your reference shelf.
Wiccan Wisdomkeepers: Modern-Day Witches Speak on Environmentalism, Feminism, Motherhood, Wiccan Lore, and More by Sally Griffyn. Weiser Books, 2002. A full-color introduction of some famous Witches in today’s community.
Words of the Witches: Short Fiction by Modern-Day Witches and Their Friends edited by Yvonne Jocks. Berkley Books, 2002. Possibly the first anthology of Pagan fiction, by and about Witches in contemporary times.
Writer’s Digest Handbook of Magazine Article Writing edited by Jean M. Fredette. Writer’s Digest Books, 1988. A thorough guide to writing for the periodical market, with attention to various specialty fields and styles.
The Writer’s Internet Handbook by Timothy Maloy. Allworth Press, 1997. Just what it sounds like, a guide to using cyberspace as a tool for research and promotion related to writing.
The Writer’s Legal Guide by Tad Crawford & Tony Lyons. Allworth Press, 1996. Covers the basics of copyright, contracts, agents, taxes, censorship, libel, rights, collaboration, and much more.
PERIODICALS
The Beltane Papers focuses on women's spirituality, and publishes three times per year.
The Cauldron is a UK magazine covering Folklore, Paganism, and Witchcraft.
Pagan Poetry collects poems on Pagan and related topics.
The Pagan Webmasters email list provides resources for folks who write, program, and/or publish Web material with Pagan content.
Pagan Writers Community is a gathering place for people who write in the Pagan field. The Pagan Writers Webring homepage tells all about this cool resource of interest to writers, readers, editors – everyone.
This list was revised for reprint 6/26/11.
The Role of the Witch
This recommended reading list began as a handout for "The Role of the Witch" panel at WisCon 2005. It deals with different portrayals of witches in literature, exploring what role they play in community and in the plot. A nonfiction section has been added for historical comparison across various cultures.
LITERATURE
Children of the Night by Mercedes Lackey. Tor Books, 1990. This novel pairs a Witch with a vampire to protect the world from evil.
Dreams Made Flesh by Anne Bishop. Roc, 2005. The protagonists are amazingly protective of each other, both decent at heart and dangerous if threatened; a unique and compelling combination. Their opponents are nothing short of ghastly. A lot of the female characters are witches.
Harm None: A Rowan Gant Investigation by M.R. Sellars. Willow Tree Press, 2000. Many of the main characters are Witches; the Wiccan religion forms a major part of the plot and background, thoughtfully and responsibly portrayed. Since other key characters aren’t Witches, we also see some splendid interfaith dynamics.
The Pillars of the World by Anne Bishop. Roc, 2001. Ari, daughter of a long line of Witches, sees her world changed for the worse when the Inquisitors come to hunt them. The Fae worry because parts of their world are dissolving. The complex spiritual and magical connections between Witches and Fae emerge only gradually as the story unfolds.
Poems about Fiorenza, the Italian Herbalist by Elizabeth Barrette. Fiorenza is a young wisewoman skilled in herbalism and capable of dealing with preternatural complaints arising in her village. Other witch-like characters also appear in this series of poems. Seer’s Blood by Doranna Durgin. Baen, 2000. The “seers” in this story are rustic hedgewitches who use their powers to fight a grotesque bunch of discorporeal parasites. An Appalachian dialect throughout gives this fantasy novel its vivid local color.
The Silver Branch by Patricia Kennealy. Signet, 1988. The first of the Keltiad novels, this one introduces the Kelts and their fascinating Queen Aeron. Among other things, she is a very gifted sorceress and priestess of the Goddess, and her Litany in chapter 14 stands out in my memory as one of the most lyrical invocations I’ve ever seen – my favorite of the Goddess titles used therein is “Wind out of Betelgeuse.”
Strands of Sunlight by Gael Baudino. Roc, 1994. Although not the first in the series about ancient elves and their star-goddess Elthia, this one has some of the strongest religious imagery – because here the elves have lost their goddess and are trying desperately to get her back, with the help of a contemporary Witch.
NONFICTION
Aradia, or the Gospel of the Witches by Charles G. Leland, 1889.
Cows, Pigs, Wars & Witches: The Riddle of Culture by Anthony Harris. Vintage Books, 1989.
Witchcraft & the Gay Counterculture by Arthur Evans. Fag Rag Books, 1978. "Witchcraft in Salem Village" by the Danvers Archival Center. Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive and Transcription Project. No publication date listed, reference taken 6/26/11.