If I’m missing something, someone please let me know. I have seen many posts asking for help regarding books to read, and while there are generally a variety of great recommendations, it seems to me that it would really be helpful if a neophyte could find our recommendations in one place. Like many of you I have a ton of books, but only one stays by my bed:
Janet and Stewart Farrar’s A Witch’s Bible.
Merry Meet Marcus,
Yes, that was my first book also, however I prefer a more free/less ritual approach. I keep it on hand as a guide. My next favorite is “Bucklands’s Big Blue”–Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, and I have a few by Scott Cunninham. By looking at most of the titles, I prefer a solitary, personal approach. I hope these can help you out also. Merry Part–Lady Gene
Merry Meet Lady-Gene,
Yes, I couldn’t decide between Buckland’s and The Wicca Handbook by Eileen Holland. Then I start thinking no, this book or that book would be better for beginners. The books I keep all have things I like and things I don’t. A Witch’s Bible is indeed by my bed, and it is hard to explain why. It isn’t there just for reading material. I have gifted most of my books. Well met and Brightest Blessings!
Good Morning Wren,
You are sooo right about The Witches Bible having great structure for beginners. I also have mine by my bed, not reading material, but reference; lots of times for specifics. Love how you reminded us that all the books have the perspectives of the authors.
Merry Part—Lady Gene 
Hiii, A good book, in addition to those previously mentioned, is Oberon’s Apprentice Sorcerer’s Handbook; it explains everything in an easy and intuitive way. The Scott Cunningham books are also quite good.
I hope this helped. 
Thanks for this, very helpful 
Thank you, this is quite helpful.
I was looking through my books and found one that may be of interest. It has general information and a number of spells that some people may not have even thought of. Pure Magic, a complete course in spellcasting, Judika Illes, Weiser Books, 2001, 2007
For those interested in covens, a book recommended by Red_Fox on another thread here, The Witch’s Coven, Edain McCoy. I also have Wicca Covens, How to Start and Organize Your Own Coven, Judy Harrow, Citadel Press, 1999.
Must be nice, I don’t think there is any beginner book for Shaman.
Anyone have read “Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner” by Scott Cunningham? It was recommended because I have yet to connect with others irl.
I highly recommend it. You can also get an audio book version too.
Thankful Thursday Wadan,
Yes, I have it. Very good for any practice, and great for a solitary. I do recommend it.
Lady Gene 
Greetings Sedim,
That’s because Shamanism - true shamanism, not its new-age equivalent - is a closed practice that has always been passed down orally within native cultures. Most, if not all modern books that claim to be experts on the subject are “white-washed” or are deliberately missing critical aspects of the practice because the authors are either not natives, or they don’t have the permission to share all of the details to respect the tradition of the practice. If you want to get an idea of how difficult it is for an outsider to even attempt to enter one such practice, I suggest reading some of the works of Carlos Castaneda.
In other words, unless you happen to be born into one of the native lineages of your country, in which the culture still embraces their oral shamanic tradition, and be lucky enough to be chosen to receive their teachings - it is impossible to ever get the full breadth of their knowledge. You will have no problem finding books to read about some shamanic traditions - and you certainly could draw inspiration to enhance your practice if you wish - but note that some might have very strong opinions about that.
Cheers.
Oh yes, I did read all of Carlos Castaneda’s books, back when they came out.
There’s quite a debate about just how much of that is real. I think some is recounting from another’s experience.
There is another way to become a Shaman other than apprenticeship, but don’t want to hijack thread.
Aha! My apologies, I thought you were a beginner! (I haven’t been on here in like a month, lol.)
I know, his books are kind of controversial. Kind of lends to my point though, even popular books like that are treated as suspect. Kind of off-topic, but have you also read the Don Miguel Ruiz/Jr. books? Fantastic reading if you haven’t. They don’t share the scope of their practice at all, but the wisdom contained in them is beautiful.
Cheers.
You may want to check out Medicine for the Soul, The Complete book of Shamanic healing, Ross Heaven, and Awakening Your Inner Shaman, Marcela Lobos. Bright Blessings!
Forgive me for probably posting in the wrong place- But- about 40 years ago- It was suggested I read “The Mists of Avalon” that started me on my journey.
I’m reading another book that might help, Witchcraft for Today by Doreen Valiente. It is more of a history of witchcraft, modern Gerald Gardner with a little more background into past practices. I have my degree in History, so this is a great read for me…not sure how others will feel.
Lady Gene
My latest book is The ADHD Witch by Cary White. Not gotten to it yet, but looks right up my alley!