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!
This is a great idea!
I cackled when I read your recommendation. The Witches’ Bible is the first book I read on witchcraft! I love how you keep it next to your bed. I had a curious relationship with my copy too - It found me at a thrift shop at a time when I was very vulnerable and weak, and I swear its first owner left a charge on it because it was positively magnetic.
Solid book, and I think having extra structure in the beginning can be very helpful for a novice. That’s honestly what I would recommend too!
Having an encyclopedia of correspondences is a great additional aid. There are many, on different topics but I know Llewellyn’s Book of Correspondences is a very popular general correspondence, from a modern Wiccan perspective. Having one isn’t a full substitute for doing your own research - as the authors are going to inject their own perspectives and limits - but a good one will set you on a good starting path.
Cheers.
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 