Core Texts for Beginners

[Nell]

This thread is for links to basic or core texts and books for those interested in the pagan paths or just starting out.

Many can be found and read online at Sacred Texts, which makes it a good place to begin, but do add your personal favourites.

[[deleted user]]

Thank you for the link, Nell. I'll add the book to my TBR list.

[Nell]

The following are personal favourites - I'll leave books on the far Northern traditions to others.

These are excellent:


Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions

The Path of Druidry: Walking the Ancient Green Way

Living Druidry: Magical Spirituality for the Wild Soul

The Chicken Qabalah of Rabbi Lamed Ben Clifford: Dilettante's Guide to What You Do and Do Not Need to Know to Become a Qabalist

[[deleted user]]

Wow, much appreciated. I'll add those as well.

[Nell]

The first includes the tales of the Mabinogion, Beowulf and King Arthur with useful commentaries.

Myths & Legends of the British Isles

Bulfinch's Greek and Roman Mythology: The Age of Fable

The Secret Teachings of All Ages

[Nell]

No exactly 'core', but very readable with much to fascinate - history, things to do, personal experiences of practitioners and places to visit.



The Book of English Magic

[Sarela]

These are two very, very good books for those wanting Wiccan study books. They are extremely modern and well put together, with the sections divided into monthly lessons. Activities, homework, and recommended readings are put into every chapter.


Dedicant: A Witch's Circle of Fire


Initiate: A Witch's Circle of Water

[[deleted user]]

I can't thank you enough for starting me off on my educational journey, Nell.

[Ancestral]

Well, rather than type the lists, and links again, I'll link instead to earlier threads from the newcomer fora:

New to Paganism for general reference, starter books;

Anglo-Saxon Heathenism for a list of books recommended for that particular path;

Wicca for book recommendations relating to Wicca;

Practical Magic for book recommendations on the magical arts;

Celtic/Brythonic Paganism was for book recommendations for the celtic/british paths; and

Shaman was supposed to be for book recommendations on that topic, but seems a little light.

[[deleted user]]

Much obliged,Ancestral. You've all been so generous in supplying reading materials. Thanks again.

[Little]

That would be great. Thanks Jaq. :)

[Nell]

Brilliant - thanks Jaq.

[Little]

Thanks Jaq. A great list.

[Old-Barbarossa]

http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog/...
Not out yet, but it looks interesting.
Also interesting essays in: Book of Lies: The Disinformation Guide to Magick and the Occult

[Nell]

The Moon and Serpent Bumper Book of Magic sounds like fun for all the family :D

[Little]

Old-Barbarossa wrote: "http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog/...
Not out yet, but it looks interesting.
Also interesting essays in: Book of Lies: The Disinformation Guide to Magic..."

Added, and seeking out that last one. Thanks OB.

[PJ Who Once Was Peejay]

Does anyone have an opinion on this book: Walkers Between the Worlds: The Western Mysteries from Shaman to Magus by John and Caitlin Matthews?

I've barely skimmed the surface and it seems solid, but one of the drawbacks of being out here on one's own is not knowing what source material to trust.

[Nell]

John and Caitlin Matthews are well respected authors of mostly Celtic material - all the ones I've read are very informative and readable books. I use The Celtic Spirit: Daily Meditations for the Turning Year every day, and when the wheel of the year has come full circle I begin again - it's full of wisdom.

[Little]

Walkers Between the Worlds: The Western Mysteries from Shaman to Magus I have it on my to-read list Minsma. It looks good, but I'm sure our shamanic members will be more help in answering your question. :)

[PJ Who Once Was Peejay]

Nell wrote: "John and Caitlin Matthews are well respected authors of mostly Celtic material - all the ones I've read are very informative and readable books. I use The Celtic Spirit: Daily Meditations for the T..."

Thanks, Nell.

[PJ Who Once Was Peejay]

Little wrote: "Walkers Between the Worlds: The Western Mysteries from Shaman to Magus I have it on my to-read list Minsma. It looks good, but I'm sure our shamanic members will be more help in answering your ques..."

In the little bit of reading I've done their meditation on finding your animal totem already helped me find mine. It wasn't a surprise. :-)

[PJ Who Once Was Peejay]

Jaq wrote: "Yes, they are well respected authors known in the Pagan community. I haven't read that book, but it's something I certainly would. "

Thanks, Jaq. That's reassuring.

[Nell]

Essential reading for would-be Druids.



Blood and Mistletoe: The History of the Druids in Britain

[Aaron, Moderator]

That's a must read for me I think. It's on the list.

[Sara]

Little wrote: "Walkers Between the Worlds: The Western Mysteries from Shaman to Magus I have it on my to-read list Minsma. It looks good, but I'm sure our shamanic members will be more help in answering your ques..."

Being one of those shamanic practitioners, I wished to add that I am unfamiliar with this book, and can't comment how good it is. It does look interesting, and worth adding to an already endless reading list.

[Nell]

Aaron wrote: "That's a must read for me I think. It's on the list."

I did check the list first but didn't see it, although his The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft is there.

[Aaron, Moderator]

Sorry, I meant my personal "to read" list.