Hi! I’m new here and new to witchcraft and paganism. Any recommendations for good books on paganism and modern witchcraft to start with? 
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Merry Meet Rivera,
I am a solitary, eclectic, so I have had to adapt come things, however, I believe these 3 books will give you a starting point and then you may pursue what interests you. A Witches Bible–Janet and Stewart Farrar——-Buckland’s Big Blue (Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft)–Raymond Buckland——Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practioner–Scott Cunningham. I have other books, but these are great to start with. As an eclectic, I chose what feels right for me. I hope you have fun with these. Oh, another not….someone posted about Llewellyn’s Witches’ Datebook 2026. I bought it, and it is wonderful!!! Moon phases, colors, candles, days of the week, wiccan/pagan holidays….notes, stories and recipes throughout. It is great to have for next year. Go to the Llewellyn.com site.
I hope this helps you get started 
Have a Great Yule!!! Lady Gene 
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Thank you so much! I’m also an eclectic, so nice to meet you I’ll get my hands on them asap! 
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You can find audio books versions of those suggested, and they are a great way to learn on the go, or if you have tired eyes.
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Hi Rivera,
I just joined, so I just read your post. How did you like the books? I have the S. Cunningham one, and am going through it slowly. I am also taking a course through "The Wicca Academy." It's been good so far. I also have "The Little Book of Wicca" by Kirsten Riddle. I'm interested in knowing about your success with the craft over the past 6 months.
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A few of my favorites are from OG feminist witches, Z. Budapest and Starhawk. Z wrote “Grandmother of Time” and “The Holy Book of Women’s Mysteries” deal with women-centered practices. Starhawk’s “Spiral Dance” and “Dreaming the Dark” are classics, again with female-centric focus.
Even though they were published in the mid- to late '80s, I continue to use them for spiritual support and ritual practices.
~ Lisa
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Hello I’m new here and like to see what I can learn
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Super Sensational Saturday Sorcerers,
I had held-off answering so as not to be repetitive.
Here are my go-to books for all.
- Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner–Scott Cunningham–very easy read and understandable
- Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft–(affectionately called Bucklands Big Blue)–Raymond Buckland–a little more indepth, but also a workbook that helps you understand what Wicca is about
- A Witches Bible: The Complete Witches’ Handbook by Janet and Stewart Farrar–very ritual oriented and is based on Gardnerian Wicca.
I keep all 3 on hand. I prefer a solitary route which Scott Cunningham addresses. Buckland gives you a “workbook” so that you are able to understand. Whereas the Farrar’s Book, A Witchs Bible is very ritualistic. With all 3 it is very easy to discern what practice you may feel more comfortable with.
Lady Gene 
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Welcome to the forum @Crappy! Yer gonna have to do some 'splaining about that handle, tho…
We’re a pretty mixed bunch of folks here – very accepting and sometimes a little silly. We practice many different forms of the craft and are always happy to try and your questions. If we aren’t able to provide answers, we can point you toward references.
So, welcome and merry meet!
~ Lisa
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Sometimes very silly… 
And I agree, we need to know the story behind this handle! Last I checked “crappy” wasn’t a short version for Darrick lol. (Also @crappy I hope you’re aware that your full name is visible on your profile.)
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Sometimes extremely silly… 
Welcome to the forum.
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Many blessings and welcome! A great book to start off with is “The Complete Grimoire” by Lidia Pradas. It doesnt dig crazy deep into topics but it is a great starter because not really specific religious influence and it talks about a lot of aspects of the Craft.
Any book by Scott Cunningham is wonderful.
Ill probably have people go after me for this, but “Solitary Witch” by Silver Ravenwolf. People give a lot of hate to the author, as shes considered too “fluffy” and what not. But personally i love this book. It dives DEEP, almost in an overwhelming level.
Raymond Buckland’s “Complete Book of Witchcraft” (a.k.a “Big Blue”) is a classic.
Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Correspondences is a great reference for spellwork. I have tabs on my copy so i can easily go to specific sections when i want to look something up.
“A Year And A Day of Everyday Witchcraft” by Deborah Blake is great for simple daily magick both for beginners and seasoned Witches.
As you learn and get your bearings in The Craft, you will also learn to take what resonates with you in books and leave the rest behind. Itll be like cookbooks, where you might have a great recipe but want to substitute some ingredients because it would be better for YOU. May the universe guide you easy on your journey!
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