This is my recommended reading list for those wishing to learn Wicca in the 3 degree system of training.
To me Wicca is first and foremost a religion (for the lack of a better word) and spells/magic are something that we do as part of that religion.
Too many wannabies are to eager or only interested in doing spells, which is understandable and I guess nothing wrong with, but to sort the wheat form the chaff I don't encourage spellcraft until the second degree. While 1st degree training does teach spiritually profound acts/rituals of magic they are not out shone by mundane spells for wants or desires.
To me Wicca is first and foremost a religion (for the lack of a better word) and spells/magic are something that we do as part of that religion.
Too many wannabies are to eager or only interested in doing spells, which is understandable and I guess nothing wrong with, but to sort the wheat form the chaff I don't encourage spellcraft until the second degree. While 1st degree training does teach spiritually profound acts/rituals of magic they are not out shone by mundane spells for wants or desires.
Seeker/Dedicant
Is someone who is intrigued but unsure if Wicca is their calling. Therefore the following books give a good rounded view of Wicca past and present plus other pagan paths that may have more of a calling to the Seeker.
A seeker is welcomed at open circles (an open circle is a celebration or other ritual act that is open to anyone from the public). There is generally no time frame for a Seeker, it shouldn't be too short how ever as during this time both Seeker and Coven are feeling the waters to see if the will fit, compatibility within a coven is paramount.
1st Degree the Solar Path
Once accepted into the Coven a year and day of training begins before initiation. This list of books gives the basic foundations of the Wicca tradition and skills required.
2nd Dregree the Luna Path
Second Degree has two parts, first it deepens the understanding and skills of being a Wiccan and secondly should encourage self development and improvement.
3rd Degree or Crystal Path
Is about self reflection, and strengthening your connection to deity as well about how to run your own coven/group.
Is someone who is intrigued but unsure if Wicca is their calling. Therefore the following books give a good rounded view of Wicca past and present plus other pagan paths that may have more of a calling to the Seeker.
A seeker is welcomed at open circles (an open circle is a celebration or other ritual act that is open to anyone from the public). There is generally no time frame for a Seeker, it shouldn't be too short how ever as during this time both Seeker and Coven are feeling the waters to see if the will fit, compatibility within a coven is paramount.
- Drawing Down the Moon. By Margot Adler
- Witchcraft from the Inside. By Raymond Buckland
- The Truth about Witchcraft Today. By Scott Cunningham
- Witchcraft- Out of the Shadows: A Complete History. By Leo Ruickbie
- The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft. By Ronald Hutton
1st Degree the Solar Path
Once accepted into the Coven a year and day of training begins before initiation. This list of books gives the basic foundations of the Wicca tradition and skills required.
- Seekers Guide to Learning Wicca. By Amethyst Treleven
- Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. By Scott Cunningham
- The Outer temple of Witchcraft. By Christopher Penczak
- The Inner temple of Witchcraft. By Christopher Penczak
- The Witches Goddess and The Witches God. By Janet and Stewart Farrar
- Earth Magic. By Marion Weinstein
- Magickal Self-Defense: Personal Training Manual. By Kerr Cuhulan
- The Psychic Self-Defense Personal Training Manual. By Marcia L. Pickands
- Wicca: A Year and Day. By Timothy Roderick
- A Witches Bible. By Janet and Stewart Farrar
- Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft. By Raymond Buckland
- Sunwyse: Celebrating the Sacred Wheel of the Year in Australia. By Roxanne T. Bodsworth
- Sabbats: A Witches Approach to living the Old Ways. By Edain McCoy
- Ancient Ways: Reclaiming Pagan Traditions. By Pauline Campanelli
- Wheel of the Year: Living the Magical Life. By Pauline Campanelli
2nd Dregree the Luna Path
Second Degree has two parts, first it deepens the understanding and skills of being a Wiccan and secondly should encourage self development and improvement.
- Living Wicca: A Further guide for the Solitary Practitioner. By Scott Cunningham
- Wicca: A Comprehensive Guide to the Old Religion in the Modern World. By Vivianne Crowley
- The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft. By Christopher Penczak
- The Temple of High Witchcraft. By Christopher Penczak
- The Wiccan Mysteries: Ancient Origins and Teachings. By Raven Grimassi
- Creating Circle and Ceremonies. By Oberon and Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart
- Wiccan Magick: Inner Teaching of the Craft. By Raven Grimassi
- Witchcraft: Theory and Practise. By Ly De Angeles
- The Urban Primative: Paganism in the Concrete Jungle. By Raven Kaldera and Tannin Schwartzstein
- Green Witchcraft II: Balancing Light and Shadow. By Ann Moura
- Psychic Slf-Defense. By Dion Fortune
- Practical Guide to Psychic Self-Defense. By Denning and Philips
- The Magic Shield: A Manaual Against the Dark Arts. By Francis Melville
- The Magic Power of White Witchcraft. By Gavin and Yvonne Frost
- The Witches Magical Handbook. By Gavin and Yvonne Frost
- Moon Magick, By DJ Conway
- Magick and Ritual of the Moon. By Edian McCoy
- Circle, Coven and Grove: A Year of Magickal Practice. By Deborah Blake
- Between the Worlds: Witchcraft and the Tree of Life. By Stuart Myers
- Techniques of High Magic: A Manual of Self Initiation, By Francis King and Stephen Skinner
- Witchcraft: A Mystery Tradition, By Raven Grimassi
3rd Degree or Crystal Path
Is about self reflection, and strengthening your connection to deity as well about how to run your own coven/group.
- Opening to Channel: How to Connect with your Guide. By Sanya Roman and Duane Packer. Read this book in relation to connecting with deity
- The Elements of Ritual: Air, Fire Water and Earth in the Wiccan Circle. By Deborah Lipp. A most profound book if you missed the point to it then reread.
- The Circle Within: Creating a Wiccan Spiritual Tradition. By Dianne Sylvan
- Crafting Wiccan traditions. By Raven Grimassi
- The Wiccan Ministers Manual: A guide for Priests and Priestesses. By Kevin M. Gardner
- Covencraft: Witchcraft for Three or More. By Amber K
- The Living Temple of Witchcraft Vol 1 and 2. By Christopher Penczak