What's on the reading pile?

The last time I wrote a "what's on the reading pile" post was for my blog's previous incarnation.... at least 3 or 4 years ago!  Time to write up what's on the pile today. At the top of the list are books I'm currently reading, below are books "on the pile" meaning that I plan to read them just as soon as I can! I really need someone to read books to me while I knit... just until I get good enough at knitting to do both at the same time (shyeah right).

You'll notice some of these I mention I have the ebook version. I'd really rather have hard copy but... funds are limited and often ebooks are cheaper. Not to mention SPACE in my house is limited and I AM still getting hardcopy books and I'm not sure I have room to fit them on my shelves! lol  (on a side note, many of my ebooks can be read to me by my kindle, which I haven't tried extensively yet but it may allow me to multitask lol)

Books with bookmarks in them:

Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth: Her Stories and Hymns from Sumer
by Diane Wolkstein and Samuel Noah Kramer

My coven has been reading this for a while now, it's something of a coven project. :)

Descent of Inanna
by Edward VanDerJagt

Picked this up at Lammas Fest from the author, who is husband to a friend of mine. I've read parts of it so far, I think I'm going to stop and read both of these Inanna books at the same time... more like side by side study. Ed's book is written with a modern "voice" to make the story more accessible, with annotations to explain some of the historical context.  One difference I've hit so far is that Ninshubur is male in his text, where in every other translation I've read, she is female. This is a bit of a roadblock for me, as Ninshubur's gender is integral to the story for me. So we'll see how this progresses.

Iron Kissed
by Patricia Briggs

Briggs was author guest of honor at Demicon a few years ago, and I won a volunteer prize that was a back patch of the design on the main character's shirt on the cover of this book. Naturally, that meant that I really needed to read at least one of the Mercy Thompson books. ;)  I'm now on the 3rd in the series. I'm slow because I don't read as often as I'd like but I do love these stories... Mercy being a part native american coyote-shape shifting auto mechanic with a knack for getting herself into various supernatural tight spots. Fun reads.

Apocalyptic Witchcraft
by Peter Grey

Not sure how far into this one I am... a third of the way maybe. It's hard to tell with ebooks. Unfortunately now the only way to get it is hard copy... the UK passed some law that does not allow UK publishers to sell ebooks for some reason... I got two books from the publisher before the law happened. Anyway, it's a tough read as the author uses lots of big words that I have to look up and speaks in a way that takes getting used to. I usually have to back up a few pages each time I pick it up just to get used to reading it. Otherwise though, it's an interesting read.

Essential Reiki:  A Complete Guide to an Ancient Healing Art
by Diane Stein

I have my first attunement in this lineage, and my reiki master and covenmate of course assigned us this book to read. I have this in hard copy somewhere but I can't find it, so I had to buy the kindle version which was annoying... but at least I have it.

On Becoming a Counselor
by Eugene Kennedy and Sara C. Charles, M.D.

I've read a few chapters of this, so far very interesting and useful. It might take me a while to finish, as I only have so much patience for "textbook" reading.

The Crooked Path Magazine
edited by Peter Paddon

I happened on Paddon's work when I was doing some searches on the interwebs. I was disappointed to learn that he is passed on, and won't be able to write anymore. :(  Anyway, I picked up all his books via kindle ebook, most of the issues of this magazine via kindle and one hard copy. There's only 3 more issues I don't have, that I can only get in hard copy unless they offer them as kindle versions in the future.  I've read a few articles out of a few issues but sometime I will sit and read through the whole things.


Books on the "TO READ" stack...
I have to admit there are way more books on the reading pile than I'm going to list here. I'm only listing books I actually possess!  My to-read list is much much longer... I just don't have most of them in my possession... mainly due to many of the books being out-of-print and expensive to purchase. Since my in-house pile is large enough, I will wait to inter-library loan the ones I don't own. lol

The Red Goddess
by Peter Grey

As soon as I finish Apocalyptic Witchcraft by the same author, I will start this one. I have this as ebook, but because of the new UK law, you can't get ebook version anymore.

Discount Armageddon
by Seanan Mcguire

When I'm done reading Iron Kissed, I'll start this book. My hubby has been reading them and likes them a great deal, and his description makes me think I will too. I'd like to keep reading Mercy books but I don't own any more and hubby has 3 of these in house. :)

A Grimoire for Modern Cunningfolk
by Peter Paddon

When I finish reading the Crooked Path magazines I have, I'll start reading the books by Peter Paddon, starting with this one.

Letters from the Devil's Forest
by Robin Artisson

I'm not sure I can wait too long to read this. I might start it soon. lol
I bought the ebook kindle version as it was cheaper, only to discover after it downloaded that I lost my kindle charger, so had to order a replacement charger so that I can read the darned book. lol... pretty sure the charger will turn up soon as I get the new one... house-wights playing a trick on me. ha.

A Dreaming for the Witches
by Stephen J. Yeates

I regularly read a blog by Steven Posch and whenever he recommends a book I add it to my "get it" list. This title intrigued me so I got it, but it's not a high priority read right now.

A Deed Without a Name: Unearthing the Legacy of Traditional Witchcraft
by Lee Morgan

Another not high priority to read but it also looks shorter than some of my other ebooks so who knows... might read it sooner.

Lore of the Vanir
by C. Nico

Last year I read a book called Witchdom of the True: A Study of the Vana-Troth and the Practice of Seidr by Edred Thorsson and was intrigued by his thesis and re-interested in the Vanir. I had briefly toyed with the idea of exploring the Heathen path or Asatru based on the portion of german ancestral heritage, but I wasn't really keen on Odin or really the current folk in Asatru. But, after reading that book, I AM more interested in the Vanir. This ebook had some good reviews.

Traditional Witchcraft for Fields and Hedgerows
by Melusine Draco

This author and book were on some recommended reading lists for Trad Witchcraft, and the ebook price made it affordable, so I picked it up. I'll get around to it in my copious free time. LOL

Liber Nox

I'm on a reading spree! LOL

I just finished this book, "Liber Nox" by Michael Howard.

It was interesting. The author said he did not want to present a "wicca 101" or even a trad witchcraft 101 but really, that's all it was to me.  It's too bad too, as there was really not much in it that was new to me, and I kind of expected new info, since it billed itself as a book about traditional witchcraft (as opposed to Wicca). So I really wondered, after reading it, what is the difference between trad craft and Wicca? No need to answer, I know enough of the answer. I just didn't get it from this book, since everything that was in it I learned from the Wiccan coven I used to be in.

Still, it wasn't a bad read, just nothing new to me. For others, this might be the perfect book if you are looking for the basics.

Book review

I just finished this book,  "The Rebirth of Witchcraft" by Doreen Valiente.

I wish I'd read this book years ago! It's history from Valiente's point of view, and is really an excellent point of view. I already knew, from 3rd party writings, some of what she talks about in this book, but I learned a number of things and of course, I really enjoyed her style of writing and her "voice".

I highly recommend this book, and in fact I'll likely suggest this is required reading for our coven.

The Prodea Cookbook

Steven Posch is one of my covenmate's teachers, and she told us about the publishing of this book. I mainly wanted it for all the natural egg dying information that Prodea coven has worked out over the years. There are a lot of other wonderful recipes in the book however!

Steven Posch is an excellent scholar and storyteller. He and his co-author share lore and stories as well as recipes. Prodea really is one of the oldest covens out there... at least 40 years old now. This sets the book apart from many of the other books out there.

Check it out! The Prodea Cookbook

Favorites: Books and websites for Pagan Kids!

My son is being raised Pagan. We don't hide knowledge of other paths from him, and he's free to choose differently if he wishes, later. But for now, raising him pagan!

I just want others to know that if you like having resources, there are lots of them to be had, from books for parents to books for kids, instructional or story books and activity books.

The following list is by no means exhaustive, nor do I own all the books. When possible I linked the amazon link so you can check the book out there, just click on the title! Have fun!

*Edited to add:  turns out I have more of these books than I thought! So I've added an * to mark the ones I do have, for my own record keeping!

• *Circle Round: Raising Children in the Goddess Traditions - Starhawk, Diane Baker, Anne Hill, Sara Ceres Boore
• *Pagan Parenting: Spiritual, Magical & Emotional Development of the Child - by Kristin Madden
• *Pagan Homeschooling - by Kristin Madden
• *Magickal Crafts - by Kristin Madden and Liz Roberts
• *My First Little Workbook of Wicca - by Rev. Velvet Rieth
• *Growing Up Pagan: a Workbook of Wiccan Families by Raine Hill
• *Step into the Circle: a coloring book - illustrated by Alexandra Jones (based on the picture book)
• *Step into the Circle (picture book) - by Rowena Wishom
• Pagan Family Values: Childhood and the Religious Imagination in Contemporary American Paganism - by S. Zohreh Kermani
• The Pagan Family: Handing the Old Ways Down - by Ceisiwr Serith
• The Simple Sabbat: a Family Friendly Approach to the Eight Pagan Holidays - by M. Flora Peterson
• Lil' Witches Wheel of the Year Coloring Book - by Dody Bush-Retherford
• An Ordinary Girl-A Magical Child - by W. Lyon Martin
• *Aiden's First Full Moon Circle - by W. Lyon Martin
• The Earth Child's Handbook - Book 1: Crafts and Inspiration for the Spiritual Child- by Brigid Ashwood
• The Earth Child's Handbook - Book 2: Crafts and Inspiration for the Spiritual Child- by Brigid Ashwood
• The Last Wild Witch - by Starhawk
• Rupert's Tales: The Wheel of the Year Beltane, Litha, Lammas, and Mabon - by Kyrja and Tonia Bennington Osborn
• Rupert's Tales: The Wheel of the Year Samhain, Yule, Imbolc and Ostara - by Kyrja and Tonia Bennington Osborn
• Rupert's Tales: The Wheel of the Year Activity Book - by Kyrja and Tonia Bennington Osborn
• A Kid's Herb Book: For Children of all Ages - Lesley Tierra
• *A Witch's Primer: Grade One - by Lorin Manderly or the Kindle Version
• Paganism for Kiddos: A Kid's and Parent's Guide to Pagan and Wiccan Practice - by Jessica M. Hauptmann
• Let's Talk about Elements and the Pagan Wheel - by Siusaidh Ceanadach or Kindle Version
• Let's Talk about Pagan Festivals - by Siusaidh Ceanadach or Kindle Version
• Who is a Witch - Rowan Moss
• What is Magic - by Rowan Moss
• What are the Elements - by Rowan Moss
• Everyday Magick for Children of Earth-based Spiritual Families - by Rayne Storm
• Raising Witches: Teaching the Wiccan Faith to Children - by Ashleen O'Gaea or Kindle Version
• WiccaCraft for Families - by Margie McArther
• The Winter Solstice - by Ellen Jackson
• Mother Earth and Her Children - by Sibylle Von Olfers
• Story of the Root Children - by Sibylle Von Olfers
• Story of the Snow Children - by Sibylle Von Olfers
• Story of the Wind Children - by Sibylle Von Olfers
• Story of the Butterfly Children - by Sibylle Von Olfers
• *The Land of Long Ago - by Elsa Beskow
• Children of the Forest - by Elsa Beskow
• *The Sun Egg - by Elsa Beskow 
• Around the Year - by Elsa Beskow  
• *All I See is Part of Me - by Chara M. Curtis
• *A Lot of Otters - by Barbara Helen Berger

Websites:

Pooka's Pages - newsletter for kids comes out each sabbat; includes stories, recipes, crafts

W. Lyon Martin - author, artist. puts out coloring pages for kids

Little Pagan Acorns - Printables for Pagan Homeschoolers

Coloring & WorkbookPages - printables

Do a google search for pagan coloring pages!

Oh and tons of stuff on pinterest!

 

Favorites: Books

Some friends that are new to the Craft had asked last month about books to read. So I whipped up this list quick-like and gave it to them.

This is NOT a comprehensive list of to-read books. It's just a list of books that influenced me the most, my favorites, ones that I would even read again (and again and again, in some cases!).

These are in no particular order except for the heading they are under. :)  The book titles are amazon links.

The books I found most influential from day one to today!

• Cat Magic   by Jonathan Barry and Whitley Strieber - the first (fiction) book I ever read that presented witches as anything other than evil devil worshippers. Very witchy and is what sent me on my witchy path quest.
• Diary of a Witch  by Sybil Leek - the first non-fiction non-evil-devil-worshipper witchy book I ever read.
• Earth Power  by Scott Cunningham - the second non-fiction witchy book I read.
• Drawing Down the Moon  by Margot Adler - different pagan paths
• Spiral Dance  by Starhawk
• Positive Magic  by Marion Weinstein
• The Witches' Goddess  by Stewart Farrar and Janet Farrar
• True Magick  by Amber K - Amber K is my magickal "grandmother". She initiated the HP/HPS who initiated me. I will always  love her books! (the link is to the 2nd edition, which is quite expanded since the 1st ed that I read)
• When God Was a Woman   by Merlin Stone
• Real Magic  by Isaac Bonewits - I have read it twice and am thinking I may be re-reading it again soon. Discussion of what magic is, how it works. Changed my paradigm.
• The Science of the Craft  by William H. Keith -  another paradigm shifter... introduces the idea that quantum physics may be behind the reality of what we call magic.  May be true, maybe not. It was still well worth buying so I could read it several times.
• Jambalaya:The Natural Woman's Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals  by Luisah Teish  - don't let the title fool you. Luisah is a priestess of Oshun and this is an awesome read.
• TheFifth Sacred Thing  by Starhawk (Kindle version) - fiction, but it's Starhawk's pagan vision of post-society collapse. pretty awesome. She's trying to make a movie of it.

Books I have on my bookshelf I've read, learned from and that I won't give up

This is NOT a comprehensive list of what's on my shelf... ha!

• TheWitches' God  by Janet Farrar and Stewart Farrar
• Coven Craft  by Amber K (Kindle Edition) - The craft of forming covens
• Candlemas  by Amber K  - Llewellyn published books for each Sabbat, this is the one for Imbolc.  I have some of the other books in the series but they weren't published by Amber K. The ones I have are good.
• Circle Round  by Starhawk - raising children in pagan traditions. Awesome.
• Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs  by Scott Cunningham 
• The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews  by Scott Cunningham
• Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic  by Scott Cunningham
• The Truth About Witchcraft Today  by Scott Cunningham  - I use this little book to educate non-pagans because it's pretty generic, very accessible to mundanes and not over-the-top.
• The Law Enforcement Guide to Wicca by Kerr Cuhulain

And all the other books by Starhawk, Marion Weinstein, Dan and Pauline Campanelli, the Farrars, Doreen Valiente, Cunningham.

Check back now and then. I'm sure I'll be adding to this list!

44 Days of Witchery - Day 13

44 Days of witchery - day 13: what are some of the witchy books that influenced you?

Lucky number 13! LOL I get to talk books on lucky day 13. :)

The first thing that I ever read where I learned that witchcraft is not at all like the historical witchcraft of the persecution years of medieval times was a fiction novel. In it, witches were doing interesting things; there was magic, healers, shaman-like trancing and ecstatic dancing. THIS! I knew after I read this book that I wanted THIS. I knew that even fiction authors do some research before writing, surely this book had been researched? So I started researching.


Diary of a Witch by Sybil Leek is the first non-fiction book I read that did not portray witches as "wicked, evil" creatures that worshipped a devil. It just whetted my appetite.

The only other books I found at the time (late 80's) that were at the public library were two Cunningham books: Earth Power and the book of Oils, Incense and Brews. I had them checked out for a long time! Then, suddenly, there were lots more books at the library, and I had a job where I could afford to buy books, and my tastes expanded. Also, I joined a coven eventually, and had reading assignments... which I expanded on my own.

And of course, Drawing Down the Moon is a MUST READ.

I read a ton of stuff... histories both pro and con witchcraft, treatises like The Chalice and the Blade and some others.

No student of the Craft can NOT read Spiral Dance by Starhawk. Very influential in my early years.

Some books left more of an impression than others. I was glad that many books were available through inter-library loan so I didn't have to pay for them!

What are your most influential reads?




UPDATE 8/2016:  I wrote this post two years after I left my initiating coven. That coven identified as a Wiccan coven and called themselves witches. When I discovered that coven and joined it, I thought it was exactly what I was looking for. A few years prior to leaving that coven, I started feeling something was lacking, but wasn't sure what it was. After I left that coven, I realized that Wicca isn't the only game in town, and that people are doing witchcraft differently. Several months after I wrote this post, a good friend invited several women to form a coven with her and we did. We now do witchcraft much more like I always wanted... and interestingly, much more like the witches in the first fiction novel that I posted about in this post.  So I have been reading a lot since 2010 when I left my initiating coven. Here's just some of what I've read:

Inanna Queen of Heaven and Earth is actually a re-read. I'd read it about 15 years ago, but I recently re-read it because my coven created 2 rituals based on two of the stories.  The rituals were intense, connecting and beautiful. This literature is intense and beautiful if you read it with an open heart.

Another classic that I've read recently is Aradia, by Charles Leland. I found it online at a website I think called Sacred Texts. I'd like to purchase a paper copy eventually.

I have read several books on Traditional Witchcraft. This book is
one of them and was very interesting.  It's a shame Robert Cochrane is gone. I wonder what he'd think about the craft now.


Apocalyptic Witchcraft is an amazing book, and if I'd read it 20 years ago I might never have become a witch, it's that challenging. But now? Worth every challenge. Read it.

Masks of Misrule made a huge impression on me. I wish I'd found this book a very long time ago. I plan to read more like this, if I can find them.

 The next 3 books listed here I am currently reading.  Letters from the Devil's Forest is extremely thick. Extremely. But I like it's format: it is a series of essays written on individual topics and collected in the book. That makes it easy to consume... I can read an essay or two at a time and not feel like I'm stuck reading consecutive and cumulative chapters. I had originally bought it as a kindle ebook but I soon realized that I needed it in hard copy so that I could take notes in the margins, mark page edges for reference, and use a highlighter on lines I wanted to find quickly. I do not feel cheated out of my money. Now I have the kindle book AND the hardcopy... I can have it with me no matter what. And it's a self-published book so the deserving author gets the money.

The Secret History is written by the same author as above. However, it's a much thinner book and I'm very close to being done with it. I've enjoyed it a great deal, though there was one section I raised my eyebrow at, because it sounded almost... evangelical. I suspect Robin Artisson would not like that description lol... so I'm looking for a better way to say that.  Still, it was very interesting and provided a lot of food for thought.

I'm also currently reading The Visions of Isobel Gowdie by Emma Wilby.  This book is like a text book (I'd love to take this class! lol) However, it's very thick, written with very small print and is jam-packed with info. But it's also amazing information. Well worth reading no matter what.







My To-Read pile is HUGE.  All books highly recommended for the study of modern traditional witchcraft and in no particular order of importance:

Witchcraft Medicine - Claudia Mueller-Ebeling
The Triumph of the Moon - Ronald Hutton
The Red Goddess - Peter Grey
Mastering Witchcraft - Paul Huson
Children of Cain - Michael Howard
History of the Devil, Horned God of the West - R. Lowe Thompson
Call of the Horned Piper - Nigel Jackson
Craft of the Untamed - Nicholaj Frisvold
Cunning Folk and Familiar Spirits - Emma Wilby
Roebuck in the Thicket - Evan John Jones (I can't find it though)
Books by Gemma Gary, more by Artisson, and a number of other books that are not specifically modern trad witchcraft but are useful to it.