~ Dáithí Ó hÓgáin ~ The Sacred Isle, Belief and Religion in Pre-Christian Ireland or The Celts
~ Royal Irish Institute ~ "Dictionary of the Irish Language" (covers Old, Middle, and Modern Irish)
~ Teach Yourself Irish ~ Complete Course
~ W.Y. Evans-Wentz ~ The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries
~ Patrick F. Byrne ~ "Witchcraft in Ireland" (historical information) or Irish Ghost Stories
~ Daragh Smyth ~ A Guide to Irish Mythology or his new book Cuchulainn: Iron Age Hero
~ Miranda Green ~ Celtic Goddesses: Warriors, Virgins and Mothers also Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend
~ Meda Ryan ~ Biddy Early Wise Woman of Clare
~ T.W. Rolleston ~ Celtic Myths and Legends
~ Peter Berresford Ellis ~ A Brief History of the Druids
~ Lewis Spence ~ A little bit lighter than some of the others, but worth a look, is The Magic Arts in Celtic Britain
~ Charles Squire ~ Celtic Myths and Legends This book is also available in a recent reprint from New Page Books
~ Professor Ronald Hutton ~ The Triumph of the Moon, an essential academic read for anybody new to the Craft. Though it can be heavy going, it cuts through the bullshit that surrounds most of our 'traditions', and gives a clear picture of exactly what modern paganism is about and where it has come from. Not just well worth the effort - completely necessary. It will give you a very strong place from which to honestly assess the rest of the beginner's books and some of the views contained within. Then you could read Stations of the Sun, Witches, Druids and King Arthur, and also try The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles: Their Nature and Legacy, which is a survey of beliefs in the British isles (including lots of valuable Irish information) from the old Stone Age to the coming of Christianity... oh ok, pretty much anything by Professor Hutton and you'll be a happier, more well rounded Pagan type.
~ Aleister Crowley ~ The essence of Thelema, Liber Al vel Legis or the Book of the Law, Should probably be read in conjunction with The Law is for All.
Crowley's work "Magick in Theory and Practice" is an essential study whether you are interested in Thelema or not, it's an eye opening, mind bending journey to and through the science and art of magic(k).
~ R.J. Stewart ~ "The Miracle Tree: Demystifying the Qabalah", and "The Living World of Faery".
~ Thomas Kinsella ~ "The Táin", an accurate and insightful translation of the ‘Cattle Raid of Cooley’; the Táin Bó Cuailgne, which highlights all the main characters of the Ulster Cycle in Irish history/mythology. Here you will find Cúchulainn, Maedbh and Ailill, Conchobar Mac Nessa, and the Morrigan herself, locked in an epic battle that signifies more than might meet the casual eye. An interesting companion is "Aspects of the Táin", edited by J.P. Mallory; a collection of scholarly essays and comments on the text itself.
~ Marian Green ~ "Everyday Magic"
~ Thomas Cahill ~ "How the Irish saved civilization"
~ Nerys Patterson ~ "Cattle Lords and Clansmen" (Social structure of early Ireland)
~ W.B. Yeats ~ "Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry"
~ Alexei Kondratiev ~ "Celtic Rituals"
~ Joe McGowan ~ "Echoes of a Savage Land". A look at folk customs and traditions of Ireland, very real and to the bone.
~ Lora O'Brien ~ There is a pretty good book on Irish Witchcraft which is out now, the first of it's kind in fact! For more info on it, or to order, please visit the Irish Witchcraft from an Irish Witch page.
~ Proinsias Mac Cana ~ Frank (Prionsias) MacCana died last year, leaving behind him fascinating and much referenced works such as "Celtic Mythology". A must have book for anybody interested in Irish mythology, and it's wider Celtic connections.
~ Rae Beth ~ "Hedge Witch". Written in the form of letters to two new students (dwindling to just one as the book progresses), and laid out over the course of a year's cycle, this is a gentle and pleasant book presenting a view of natural magical practice. She answers common questions from students in an easily understandable fashion.
~ Stewart Farrar ~ "What Witches Do". Though first commissioned in late 1969, this is still a worthwhile read for the beginner, especially good for those who want to know what goes/went on in traditional Alexandrian or Gardnerian covens. It was written as Stewart was first exploring the Craft, over 40 years ago, and gives a refreshingly open minded and intelligent view. Stewart sadly died in 2000, but left behind many wonderful books. Also worth checking out for the Farrars' view on Alexandrian Craft "A Witches' Bible"
~ Kate West ~ "The Real Witches Handbook" is as good book as any for the beginner, and better than quite a few. Quite general, and written from the POV of a woman who trained in her Craft over 30 years ago, the Handbook explains basic terms and gives some sound advice for when you are just starting out, or specifically interested in old school English Wiccan witchcraft.
~ Marian Green ~ "A Witch Alone" goes through a cycle of 13 moons to master natural magic. It is for the complete beginner, those who are just starting to think about Craft and maybe even as the first ever book a person reads, as it starts with just thinking about witchcraft and how it might fit into your life. "Natural Magic" and "Everyday Magic" details more in the way of actual magical working (as the titles suggest!), though the first does contain some exercises and preparations.
~ Robin Briggs ~ "Witches and Neighbours". An interesting look at how witches have been viewed through the ages.
~ Gareth Knight ~ "A Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism" Volumes I & II. Does exactly what it says on the tin. Certainly one of the better books on the topic.
~ C.G. Jung ~ "The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious". Anything by Jung is worth the effort. Peter O'Connor does a good break-down of his work, called 'Understanding Jung, Understanding yourself' - if you don't fancy going through the source. ...Know Thyself...
If you have any suggestions for Recommended Reading, Book Reviews, or Comments on
the above recommendations, please Email Me at: