Great!!! Thank you. As a newbie, I've seen a lot of videos that include "this is what I'm currently reading" or "these are my books to read for this month". But then there isn't any follow-up so hmmm ... I don't know if that was an endorsement or a plug for a friend or what to think. I appreciate this!
Thank you Dianne, I’m glad you found it useful. There are so many books now it can be hard to weed through, which is why, perhaps, these “tried and true” authors keep getting recommended. I don’t know. But I think we need to come up with a new list, and keep coming back to it, of those foundational reads. Of course, being witches we probably won’t be able to agree on a list at all 😆💖
I’ve had major issues still with the conflation of Wicca and witchcraft and the pushing of a certain morality and the three fold law. Particularly The Spellbook for New Witches by Ambrosia Hawthorn and The Jar Spells Compendium by Luna Schuman.
Yes, a lot of authors do this. And while I can understand why, it’s not helpful when it’s blatantly not true. To be fair to Huson, he does not do that 😆
Good to know, I didn't read those. I am glad that somebody else is not a big fan Scott Cunninghan. I tried, but his books didn't sit well with me. It would be helpful to know what you do recommend now? Perhaps next video?
@@rose-marie7351 thank you for understanding. But I would like to be able to have a list I can refer people to when they ask. I’m hoping it’s something we may work on as a collaborative project in the Facebook circle.
I would recommend reading Paul Huson's with the caveat that not everything it contains is essential practice, but nice to know about. A problem with a lot of these 90s books is how they gloss over fundamentals like energy manipulation, psychic sight, or haphazardly describe the ritual of "Drawing Down the Goddess" in a page with little detail on what is to be done mentally and energetically. Keep up the great videos👍
Thank you Leonidas ❤️ Yes, some of these things are hard to describe (better taught in person really) but some of the newer books seem to make a better job of it. I like Jason Miller for the energy stuff.
@@JessicaandtheMoon I agree, some things aren't easy to describe in text. One book I like that explains all the energy visualization is Psychic Witch by Mat Auryn without much emphasis on paths or tools. And Gede Parma's Ecstatic Witchcraft gives a good thorough step-by-step of drawing down the Goddess and pathworking from the Feri tradition.
This was brave and insightful Jessica! 🥰 And I’m totally with you in terms of listening to my own sense inner knowing and “rightness” for verification in terms of things that feel true for me. Although, as an historian and archivist by training I still love to see beautifully referenced sources wherever possible! 💕🤓💕
I recently repurchased hocus pocus by titania out of nostalgia, it’s very similar to the one you have. Her spells really are quite impractical lol I remember as a kid my mom even said the spells were just too hard to actually perform. They’re not complicated in a good way, just unnecessary lol.
Thank you Jessica! So appreciate your experience, insight and candid opinions - so needed in this space for us dabbling sorcerers trying to make sense of new things.
I had a couple of those little pamphlet types books, I think they were my very first! Can't remember a thing about them though 😆 I haven't read any of the other books you mentioned, but I know not to get them now 😅 I think it's so hard to put a recommendation list together because every book is going to have its bad or disappointing aspects. But there are definitely all round bad books out there! Would love to see you do a video on alternatives if you haven't already 😊
Recommendations are so hard, exactly like you said. And it depends on that person’s path. I find it really difficult. Maybe we should try and come up with a collective recommendations list in circle 🤔💖
Hi Julie, it really depends where you are on your path and what you’d like to learn. I like Marian Green’s A Witch Alone as a good thoughtful companion. I also like Jason Miller’s books and Nigel Pearson’s Walking With the Tides is lovely.
I always enjoy hearing a take on a book (or anything for that matter, decks included.) Whether the discussion is pro, con or a mixture, I think it's far more interesting to hear someones genuine experience and their why's. Great video my dear.
Thank you so much Jessica 🥰 I really appreciate these kind of videos ! They are extremely helpful ! I do not have most of the books you were talking about but i do have moon magick and i agree with you that it is not helpful to new Witches as it is a lot of personal opinion. That is one thing Newbies need to know that all books are susceptible to personal opinion and personal practices. What is right for one person may not be right for another. Have a Wonderful day and many Blessings !
Hey Jessica 🥰 loved this video. I think there are so many books that people are just blindly taking as ‘truth’ without actually sitting and thinking, does this feel right for me? I actually had a lovely rush of nostalgia when you talked about Titania, I remember getting lots of her books from the library. Very pretty to look at but these kind of books stopped me from feeling like i belonged. Before I stopped trying to find my ‘label’ I felt that lots of books were just so far from achievable it stopped me from trusting myself. I can’t remember the last time I actually bought a witchy book. I hope that it’s easier now for anyone starting to explore their path, than it was years ago. Information is so much easier to find now at least 🦋🥰
That’s so interesting what you said about trusting yourself Clare. That’s exactly what some of these books do. And many others too. So much of the craft is infinitive interaction with the forces around us that it’s imperative that we trust ourselves. Food for thought. Thank you 🙏🏻
I have a book by Tatiana in the same series , I think it's called Enchanted Witchery , like you I was disappointed , but I got it used for a bargain price , I used the photos in the book to cut out and put in my Grimoire ! So not totally gone to waste 😊
Hi Jessica , sorry I haven’t been online in the past week so have missed some of your videos . Really enjoyed this and I always love your recommendations , thank you , much love as always xxx
13 vases of roses?!! Dude what 😂😂😂 I chuckled out loud at that. Like. In my brain those vases need use and they would clutter the heck out of this apartment 🤣🤣🤣 I wouldn't mind the roses though, roses are cute lol!! 🤭🌹🌹🌹
Great choices Jessica! I really enjoyed Mastering Witchcraft because I never read this when I first came to witchcraft. I started reading Fiona Horne and Scott Cunningham in my teens and never read this book so I read this last year and I really liked it. I definitely had to read past a lot and bear in mind how old it was, because there are some problematic elements in the book. But I still found a lot of the teachings really fascinating and different to what I was reading myself when I was younger. I agree I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner though and I would definitely advise it's read through a critical lens. This was interesting indeed and thank u for sharing. I remember pouring over that Titania Hardie book in the bookshops too but I chose Fiona Horne instead, I need to reread some of those because I wonder how well they dated. 🤔I just love how much is available to us now and I agree there are some amazing authors writing now that we can celebrate and promote. 💕thank you so much for sharing 😘
The only book that you have on this list which is not a Wiccan book is Mastering Witchcraft, there is nothing about it being Wicca. It was my very first book on Witchcraft I bought back in 1971. All the other books on your list could very well have been from the book for the most part. They rehash the Wiccan subject in a different way by the different authors who write a different flavor of in their writing skills. Yes the chapter on love spells is dated, but the rest is very good information, and can build you very strong foundation if you stick with it. Thank you for this video. 😊👻
I haven’t got rid of Huson, but I do think there are better books available for beginners now (which is not surprising given it’s half a century old now). And there are also more books with different approaches available now, whereas, like you said, most of these - which I still see getting recommended over and over - are Wiccan. That’s because Wicca was pretty much the only path shared publicly in print. Huson is different, I find it more of a ceremonial magic approach in a similar tradition as Agrippa and those older grimoires. My practice doesn’t look like that now, though I agree that there is a lot of genuine and solid info in there. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 🙏🏻
@@JessicaandtheMoon, thank you for the reply and you're very welcome! I was very young when I bought it, that's all I had to go by, I bought it from an ad in The Enquirer weekly paper that my mother used to buy. I assumed that was what Witchcraft was, living in the Deep South, there was not very much information on the subject so I practiced it the best that I could. I agree it leans heavily on ceremonial magic, later on I did get books on ceremonial magic, but they were not as easy to understand as Huson's book was. I will always be thankful for what I learned from his book. 😊
@@ravenshadowz2343 it sounds like it was the ideal book for you at that time ❤️ We almost have the opposite issue now, there is so much information out there but lots of it is unhelpful 😝
I appreciate your perspective on this and why you’re making this video. While Scott Cunningham helps me along my path I definitely would agree that it has not aged well in terms of the two books you mentioned. I think it more is useful for understanding what was happening at the time and also in Wiccas case the structure helps and I appreciate your presentation of the reasons why you don’t recommend these books. Well said. I like your suggestions for concerning what books to read and how you fact check. Would love to know what you recommend currently. Me personally would love to say that psychic which is definitely on my recommended list as it helps me a great deal.
That’s such a good point about the books being representative of their time, and I think as long as that is borne in mind they can still be useful. But kind of as historical artefacts 😆
Great video, I just love a chat and flip through especially on this topic. I think all people should re-read books they recommend to others, especially if it has been a long time since they actually read the book. A lot can change in a matter of a couple of years and it is important to consider the context of the book and the author when they pick something up - and the context of the person recommending it! I don't think I would agree with half of my recommendation list now, even from only 5 years ago. I truly feel if Scott Cunningham lived, he would have continued to write and adjusted his writing style for the times. We owe him so much for the empowerment and inspiration he gave to the community but like you I would be very cautious to recommend any of his works now simply for how dated they are. As for Paul Huson, I'm keeping that one on my shelf because I like to collect books that are important historically. And some of those illustrations are fabulous! I've never actually read any D.J. Conway but I know that their writing is seen as universally suspect :D And I must admit I have a velvet Titania or two... they are so pretty... but so 90s!!
That’s so funny you have a few velvet Titanias 😆they are so pretty! Everything you said here is why I find it so hard to actually recommend books to people. It’s so subjective. And it’s impossible to read every book! 😬
Oooh a Titania Hardie was my first book too! I was 16 and bought her little blue book Happiness. I loved the feel of those covers. My 2nd book was Witta 😳🤦🏻♀️ haha I wouldn't recommend either of those but they were so special to me as a beginner.
This is such a valuable video! Although I don’t really identify as a Witch I read a ton of witchy books. It can be so hard for those new to the craft to know what is “fact” and where an author has taken personal liberties. I read every witchy book as creative work, similar to poetry or fairytales. There are lessons to be learned for sure but sometimes it’s also just a beautiful fantasy, as you mentioned. I’ve never been a fan of Cunningham’s work either, glad to know I’m not alone in that. 😀 Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful video with us. 💚
Thank you Dawn Michelle ☺️ Approaching them all as fiction is probably the best strategy 😆 and I find I get some of my best magic from books which are actual fiction 😉💖
Just an FYI truth about Truth about witchcraft, was originally published in 1988 and reflects the times. When Witchcraft and Wicca were in there early years just getting out in the open. Most people were still in the broom closet. It was meant as a Handbook to give to family members and friends who were questioning your path as a witch and Wiccan. It has more to do with the religious acceptance than craft. Cunningham's work and many others were based on Gardener at that time. This book was not recommended reading for people who were learning witchcraft.
This is a great video. I loved Scott Cunningham when I first got into the Craft and I still have respect for him, but as you say, there are better resources available to us now. I’ve never read any D J Conway and probably won’t now.
Have you read the 'Wild Witch' i am a beginner and it was recommended to me. It seems like a good book but it is cause as many if not more questions as the asnwers it is giving. It does has a list of recommended books witch i thought is useful.
1999! I was born in 1998 lol. I literally have never heard of Enchanted. I'm hoping to write a beginner book that mostly focuses on little to no tools and the little tools part is like a cup of water or any other common household items but I'm not quit sure if I want that even 😂 I believe that Scott Cunningham book was his last one before he died of cancer, so it's not the best of his work do to that and it's sad to see/ hear about it. I don't lile books that are called "Complete guides to witchcraft" because it definitely isn't. I'm not an elder, I've been practicing for 10 years this year. But, I do enjoy reading beginner books to see a possble new perspective and it might teach me something new. I don't like when authors dress there opinion as fact or history. I'm definitely nervous on getting things wrong in my videos and in the book/s I want to write.
10 years is a good chunk of time. Many people do not stay with their path for that long. You're so right about being open to getting something new from beginner books. We are always learning (even if sometimes that learning is, this particular practice doesn't work for me LOL). I like the sound of a book with very minimal things needed. I know I would have appreciated a more streamlined approach when I was getting started
I know witchcraft isn't a religion. But it's a craft OLDER than mainstream religions. And their sacred texts are thousands of years old. With one exception, those sacred texts are nearly unchanged for all that time. Whether they're imperfect, or cringey, or represent outdated norms, they have endured. Respect. I think we do witchcraft and modern witchcraft a disservice by rejecting the past and diminishing the history. Every witch book written is a snap shot of the times in which they were written. And they all have wisdom. Or that spell that may work where others have failed. Or that description of nightshade that resonates more than modern fads. It's normal for a craft to evolve. But let's keep the integrity of the craft, past and present. Know the difference between fads and evolution and respect the past.
I get your point, and I do think that these books have merit as historical references. I really don’t think they’re comparable with centuries old religious texts though. Plus, in the 80s and 90s these books were the “modern fads”. I don’t think old necessarily means better.
I love your method of fact checking via your heart! ❤ That's perfect 👌 And I think you're first book, with the 10 million impossible ingredients lists is one of the reasons I was put off witchy books in my 20s. Although I'm glad you kept it, it's gorgeous! 😄 Yes please to a new list of recommendations! 😄
@@JessicaandtheMoon there are so many that are just plain fiction…haha…I grew up in a time when witchy books were few and far between so it’s lovely that there are better ones out there now. 🤗🤗 Maybe one of my next videos will be a witchy book review of my favs. 🤗🤗
The only one i have is enchanted and i agree gorgeous book but not for poor beginners , i also don't like Scott Cunningham and the only one i keep is the herbal for cross reference with other herbals.
I am so glad you called out D.J. Conway. Not only does she misrepresent opinions as facts she appropriates material from other authors and takes ideas from other cultures and uses them out of context and presents it all as genuine. I cannot recommend any of her books EVER, because she is not a author to put trust in. The way she has completely misiterprested Irish, Welsh, Scottish and even English witchcraft is a shame. It is a grave disservice to the modern neopagan, witchcraft communities.
I’m lucky that I haven’t read many of her books. I bought that moon magick one only a couple of years ago for a writing project I was working on. Appropriation of Celtic paganism is so rife across the witchy publishing spectrum I find. There’s the obvious ones like Edain McCoy but even well respected authors like the Matthews I find are not immune from it. I think because it’s not seen as a living culture people seem to think it’s fair game 😓
There is a lot of rubbish out there, that need to be avoided. The older books are generally better, avoid pretty books that is they are just pretty with no substance.. Wichcraft today doreen valiente would be a good start. Or gemma garys traditional witchcraft cornish book of was or any of her others they are all good. As is nigel pearsons treading the mill and walking the tides.
I respect your viewpoint, but I personally do not see fact checking and wanting footnotes etc as patriarchal. It merely means some of us do not wish to be fed fantasy and see misinformation spread. The damage a LOT of neopagan books have done to my Gaelic ancestors and the living Gaelic traditions is infuriating.
Thanks for your comment Christine. I think you misunderstood my viewpoint though. It’s not that I believe checking information and including references is patriarchal - I mentioned many times in this video that I do check sources and prefer books which include them. What I find patriarchal and problematic is the idea of books being fact-checked or somehow approved by a central source, this is “The Truth”, as what history shows us that often this “Truth” isn’t quite as definitive as we are led to believe. The harm done to Gaelic traditions by neopagan (often English or American) authors is an excellent example of this. The misinformation you (rightly) object to being spread has been done so WITH the inclusion of footnotes and references. The colonising force use their own footnotes and references, often mistranslated from original texts, and then this gets repeated with them all referencing each other. This is what has happened with my own native traditions in Wales.
Hi Diane, I don’t have a recommend list as I find it depends so much on the person and their background and experience. That said there are a couple which seem to work for lots of people. Elizabeth Brooke’s A Woman’s book of shadows, and Marion Green’s A witch alone. I’ve also heard very good things about Matt Auryn’s Psychic witch, but I haven’t got around to reading that yet so it’s not a personal recommendation.
You did not do Mastering Witchcraft justice. I believe its too masculine for you as its more for Warlock/ Demonology ceremonial magic than feminine but to each their own.
Yes to everything you said about Scott Cunningham! I have a couple of his books, and both are filled with my own written notes where I’ve corrected totally false information the books have regarding certain herbs. I do this in fear that my children will read the books on my shelf one day. Maybe I should just donate those already?! 🤔🤣
@@JessicaandtheMoon hahaha yeah I can see it now… my grand kids talking about how I was such a “know it all” 🤣 I admit I am quite anal about such things🤣
I always get a lil thrill of joy when i see youve uploaded something new. Your voice and whole energy is just so soothing and calm!
☺️🙏🏻 thank you so much Karin ☺️
Great!!! Thank you. As a newbie, I've seen a lot of videos that include "this is what I'm currently reading" or "these are my books to read for this month". But then there isn't any follow-up so hmmm ... I don't know if that was an endorsement or a plug for a friend or what to think. I appreciate this!
Thank you Dianne, I’m glad you found it useful. There are so many books now it can be hard to weed through, which is why, perhaps, these “tried and true” authors keep getting recommended. I don’t know. But I think we need to come up with a new list, and keep coming back to it, of those foundational reads. Of course, being witches we probably won’t be able to agree on a list at all 😆💖
I’ve had major issues still with the conflation of Wicca and witchcraft and the pushing of a certain morality and the three fold law. Particularly The Spellbook for New Witches by Ambrosia Hawthorn and The Jar Spells Compendium by Luna Schuman.
Yes, a lot of authors do this. And while I can understand why, it’s not helpful when it’s blatantly not true. To be fair to Huson, he does not do that 😆
Good to know, I didn't read those. I am glad that somebody else is not a big fan Scott Cunninghan. I tried, but his books didn't sit well with me. It would be helpful to know what you do recommend now? Perhaps next video?
Thanks Rose-Marie 💖
I find recommending books so hard, as it’s so subjective. I’ll have a think about it.
@@JessicaandtheMoon I understand, don't stress about it. :)
@@rose-marie7351 thank you for understanding. But I would like to be able to have a list I can refer people to when they ask. I’m hoping it’s something we may work on as a collaborative project in the Facebook circle.
I would recommend reading Paul Huson's with the caveat that not everything it contains is essential practice, but nice to know about. A problem with a lot of these 90s books is how they gloss over fundamentals like energy manipulation, psychic sight, or haphazardly describe the ritual of "Drawing Down the Goddess" in a page with little detail on what is to be done mentally and energetically. Keep up the great videos👍
Thank you Leonidas ❤️
Yes, some of these things are hard to describe (better taught in person really) but some of the newer books seem to make a better job of it. I like Jason Miller for the energy stuff.
@@JessicaandtheMoon I agree, some things aren't easy to describe in text. One book I like that explains all the energy visualization is Psychic Witch by Mat Auryn without much emphasis on paths or tools.
And Gede Parma's Ecstatic Witchcraft gives a good thorough step-by-step of drawing down the Goddess and pathworking from the Feri tradition.
@@leonidas14775 thanks! I’ve heard good things about Psychic Witch. I need to read that one. Sounds like a solid beginner recommendation.
This was brave and insightful Jessica! 🥰 And I’m totally with you in terms of listening to my own sense inner knowing and “rightness” for verification in terms of things that feel true for me. Although, as an historian and archivist by training I still love to see beautifully referenced sources wherever possible! 💕🤓💕
Thank you Rachael 💖🙏🏻
With that background and training a lot of witchy books must make you cringe 😆
I recently repurchased hocus pocus by titania out of nostalgia, it’s very similar to the one you have. Her spells really are quite impractical lol I remember as a kid my mom even said the spells were just too hard to actually perform. They’re not complicated in a good way, just unnecessary lol.
I didn’t realise at the time but there was a whole series of those velvet books 😆 yes, unnecessarily complicated is a perfect description 🤣👌🏻
Ah mine was gifted to me by my grandma ,very nostalgic, she taught me tarot x
This was very helpful! There are alot of books out there so it's good to have some direction of what may not be helpful! Thank you!
I’m so glad you found this useful. Thanks for watching ❤️
Thank you Jessica! So appreciate your experience, insight and candid opinions - so needed in this space for us dabbling sorcerers trying to make sense of new things.
Thank you Emma. I’m so glad you like it ☺️
I had a couple of those little pamphlet types books, I think they were my very first! Can't remember a thing about them though 😆 I haven't read any of the other books you mentioned, but I know not to get them now 😅 I think it's so hard to put a recommendation list together because every book is going to have its bad or disappointing aspects. But there are definitely all round bad books out there! Would love to see you do a video on alternatives if you haven't already 😊
Recommendations are so hard, exactly like you said. And it depends on that person’s path. I find it really difficult. Maybe we should try and come up with a collective recommendations list in circle 🤔💖
Thank you for making this video! This is so helpful!
Thanks Nina 💖
I know I'm watching a replay,but I'd love good reccomendations for books pls x
Hi Julie, it really depends where you are on your path and what you’d like to learn. I like Marian Green’s A Witch Alone as a good thoughtful companion. I also like Jason Miller’s books and Nigel Pearson’s Walking With the Tides is lovely.
I always enjoy hearing a take on a book (or anything for that matter, decks included.) Whether the discussion is pro, con or a mixture, I think it's far more interesting to hear someones genuine experience and their why's. Great video my dear.
Thank you Tee 💖
I’m not naturally inclined to pick holes in things, but sometimes it’s warranted. And I seem to be getting grumpier with age 😆
Thank you so much Jessica 🥰 I really appreciate these kind of videos ! They are extremely helpful ! I do not have most of the books you were talking about but i do have moon magick and i agree with you that it is not helpful to new Witches as it is a lot of personal opinion. That is one thing Newbies need to know that all books are susceptible to personal opinion and personal practices. What is right for one person may not be right for another. Have a Wonderful day and many Blessings !
Yes, what is a good book is so subjective. Huson was good for me at the moment when I read it, but now, not at all. We each have to find our own way 💖
@@JessicaandtheMoon Yes ! We each have to find our own way ! For sure 😊❤
Paul Huson's Mastering Witchcraft is a phenomenal book. The 60's trinity with Louise Huebner Power through witchcraft and Anton Lavey Compleat Witch.
Hey Jessica 🥰 loved this video. I think there are so many books that people are just blindly taking as ‘truth’ without actually sitting and thinking, does this feel right for me?
I actually had a lovely rush of nostalgia when you talked about Titania, I remember getting lots of her books from the library. Very pretty to look at but these kind of books stopped me from feeling like i belonged. Before I stopped trying to find my ‘label’ I felt that lots of books were just so far from achievable it stopped me from trusting myself.
I can’t remember the last time I actually bought a witchy book. I hope that it’s easier now for anyone starting to explore their path, than it was years ago. Information is so much easier to find now at least 🦋🥰
That’s so interesting what you said about trusting yourself Clare. That’s exactly what some of these books do. And many others too. So much of the craft is infinitive interaction with the forces around us that it’s imperative that we trust ourselves.
Food for thought. Thank you 🙏🏻
I have a book by Tatiana in the same series , I think it's called Enchanted Witchery , like you I was disappointed , but I got it used for a bargain price , I used the photos in the book to cut out and put in my Grimoire ! So not totally gone to waste 😊
Haha, perfect 👌🏻 aesthetically they are really beautiful books, but it’s a nope for the practical aspect 😂
Hi Jessica , sorry I haven’t been online in the past week so have missed some of your videos . Really enjoyed this and I always love your recommendations , thank you , much love as always xxx
Thank you so much for watching Jane 🙏🏻
Fun video! 😊I loved listening to your opinions.
Yay, thank you ❤️
13 vases of roses?!! Dude what 😂😂😂 I chuckled out loud at that. Like. In my brain those vases need use and they would clutter the heck out of this apartment 🤣🤣🤣 I wouldn't mind the roses though, roses are cute lol!! 🤭🌹🌹🌹
I know right?!?! It’s crazy. And I love roses too!
But who does this for a solitary ritual 😆
Thank you! This video definitely needed made.
I’m glad you enjoyed it ❤️
Great choices Jessica! I really enjoyed Mastering Witchcraft because I never read this when I first came to witchcraft. I started reading Fiona Horne and Scott Cunningham in my teens and never read this book so I read this last year and I really liked it. I definitely had to read past a lot and bear in mind how old it was, because there are some problematic elements in the book. But I still found a lot of the teachings really fascinating and different to what I was reading myself when I was younger. I agree I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner though and I would definitely advise it's read through a critical lens. This was interesting indeed and thank u for sharing. I remember pouring over that Titania Hardie book in the bookshops too but I chose Fiona Horne instead, I need to reread some of those because I wonder how well they dated. 🤔I just love how much is available to us now and I agree there are some amazing authors writing now that we can celebrate and promote. 💕thank you so much for sharing 😘
It’s funny how our own reading choices from way back still influence us now.
Thank you Emily 🙏🏻
I don’t think I’ve read Fiona Horne 🤔
thank you for sharing! i actually havent fully read any of these so seems like i dodged some bullets.
❤️ you’re welcome. For some they were just of their time rather than bad (the others are just bad 😆).
The only book that you have on this list which is not a Wiccan book is Mastering Witchcraft, there is nothing about it being Wicca. It was my very first book on Witchcraft I bought back in 1971. All the other books on your list could very well have been from the book for the most part. They rehash the Wiccan subject in a different way by the different authors who write a different flavor of in their writing skills.
Yes the chapter on love spells is dated, but the rest is very good information, and can build you very strong foundation if you stick with it. Thank you for this video. 😊👻
I haven’t got rid of Huson, but I do think there are better books available for beginners now (which is not surprising given it’s half a century old now). And there are also more books with different approaches available now, whereas, like you said, most of these - which I still see getting recommended over and over - are Wiccan. That’s because Wicca was pretty much the only path shared publicly in print. Huson is different, I find it more of a ceremonial magic approach in a similar tradition as Agrippa and those older grimoires. My practice doesn’t look like that now, though I agree that there is a lot of genuine and solid info in there.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 🙏🏻
@@JessicaandtheMoon, thank you for the reply and you're very welcome! I was very young when I bought it, that's all I had to go by, I bought it from an ad in The Enquirer weekly paper that my mother used to buy.
I assumed that was what Witchcraft was, living in the Deep South, there was not very much information on the subject so I practiced it the best that I could.
I agree it leans heavily on ceremonial magic, later on I did get books on ceremonial magic, but they were not as easy to understand as Huson's book was. I will always be thankful for what I learned from his book. 😊
@@ravenshadowz2343 it sounds like it was the ideal book for you at that time ❤️
We almost have the opposite issue now, there is so much information out there but lots of it is unhelpful 😝
@@JessicaandtheMoon, I agree, a lot of redundant, overwhelming material to choose from. 👻
I found this video very interesting, I like when you review books and give your honest opinion, thanks for helping us out!
Thank you Sherrie. I’m so glad you found it helpful ☺️
I appreciate your perspective on this and why you’re making this video. While Scott Cunningham helps me along my path I definitely would agree that it has not aged well in terms of the two books you mentioned. I think it more is useful for understanding what was happening at the time and also in Wiccas case the structure helps and I appreciate your presentation of the reasons why you don’t recommend these books. Well said. I like your suggestions for concerning what books to read and how you fact check. Would love to know what you recommend currently. Me personally would love to say that psychic which is definitely on my recommended list as it helps me a great deal.
That’s such a good point about the books being representative of their time, and I think as long as that is borne in mind they can still be useful. But kind of as historical artefacts 😆
Great video, I just love a chat and flip through especially on this topic. I think all people should re-read books they recommend to others, especially if it has been a long time since they actually read the book. A lot can change in a matter of a couple of years and it is important to consider the context of the book and the author when they pick something up - and the context of the person recommending it! I don't think I would agree with half of my recommendation list now, even from only 5 years ago.
I truly feel if Scott Cunningham lived, he would have continued to write and adjusted his writing style for the times. We owe him so much for the empowerment and inspiration he gave to the community but like you I would be very cautious to recommend any of his works now simply for how dated they are. As for Paul Huson, I'm keeping that one on my shelf because I like to collect books that are important historically. And some of those illustrations are fabulous! I've never actually read any D.J. Conway but I know that their writing is seen as universally suspect :D And I must admit I have a velvet Titania or two... they are so pretty... but so 90s!!
That’s so funny you have a few velvet Titanias 😆they are so pretty!
Everything you said here is why I find it so hard to actually recommend books to people. It’s so subjective. And it’s impossible to read every book! 😬
Enchanted was my first as well I was exactly the same frustrated with its rituals 😮
Yeah, it’s not the best. I’m sorry you had that experience too. Pretty cover though 😆
Oooh a Titania Hardie was my first book too! I was 16 and bought her little blue book Happiness. I loved the feel of those covers. My 2nd book was Witta 😳🤦🏻♀️ haha I wouldn't recommend either of those but they were so special to me as a beginner.
😆 it’s so funny looking back at those first books now isn’t it. Witta 😆 well, you obviously weren’t harmed by it 🔥
This is such a valuable video! Although I don’t really identify as a Witch I read a ton of witchy books. It can be so hard for those new to the craft to know what is “fact” and where an author has taken personal liberties. I read every witchy book as creative work, similar to poetry or fairytales. There are lessons to be learned for sure but sometimes it’s also just a beautiful fantasy, as you mentioned. I’ve never been a fan of Cunningham’s work either, glad to know I’m not alone in that. 😀 Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful video with us. 💚
Thank you Dawn Michelle ☺️
Approaching them all as fiction is probably the best strategy 😆 and I find I get some of my best magic from books which are actual fiction 😉💖
Just an FYI truth about Truth about witchcraft, was originally published in 1988 and reflects the times. When Witchcraft and Wicca were in there early years just getting out in the open. Most people were still in the broom closet. It was meant as a Handbook to give to family members and friends who were questioning your path as a witch and Wiccan. It has more to do with the religious acceptance than craft. Cunningham's work and many others were based on Gardener at that time. This book was not recommended reading for people who were learning witchcraft.
Ah that’s interesting. A kind of positive propaganda leaflet 😆 I was only 10 in 1988 so before my time!
This is a great video. I loved Scott Cunningham when I first got into the Craft and I still have respect for him, but as you say, there are better resources available to us now. I’ve never read any D J Conway and probably won’t now.
DJ is a fun read, as long as you take it as fiction 😆
So refreshing to hear some rigorous opinions that are not just gushing.
Thank you Beth 💖
Have you read the 'Wild Witch' i am a beginner and it was recommended to me. It seems like a good book but it is cause as many if not more questions as the asnwers it is giving. It does has a list of recommended books witch i thought is useful.
Is that the Marian Green Wild witch book? I haven’t read it but if it’s that one then I’m usually a fan of Marian’s work.
My first witchcraft book was Uncle Bucky’s Big Blue. I’m quite sure it hasn’t aged well
I've avoided buying this book so far as it's either loved or hated , it's a big book so I'm guessing a hefty read !
I have the Enchanted book. My mother owned it before I took it from her collection lol.
Haha, was it the cover or the contents that attracted you?
@@JessicaandtheMoon Cover
@@monsterhighbigz4330 😆
1999! I was born in 1998 lol. I literally have never heard of Enchanted. I'm hoping to write a beginner book that mostly focuses on little to no tools and the little tools part is like a cup of water or any other common household items but I'm not quit sure if I want that even 😂 I believe that Scott Cunningham book was his last one before he died of cancer, so it's not the best of his work do to that and it's sad to see/ hear about it. I don't lile books that are called "Complete guides to witchcraft" because it definitely isn't. I'm not an elder, I've been practicing for 10 years this year. But, I do enjoy reading beginner books to see a possble new perspective and it might teach me something new. I don't like when authors dress there opinion as fact or history. I'm definitely nervous on getting things wrong in my videos and in the book/s I want to write.
10 years is a good chunk of time. Many people do not stay with their path for that long.
You're so right about being open to getting something new from beginner books. We are always learning (even if sometimes that learning is, this particular practice doesn't work for me LOL).
I like the sound of a book with very minimal things needed. I know I would have appreciated a more streamlined approach when I was getting started
I know witchcraft isn't a religion. But it's a craft OLDER than mainstream religions. And their sacred texts are thousands of years old. With one exception, those sacred texts are nearly unchanged for all that time. Whether they're imperfect, or cringey, or represent outdated norms, they have endured. Respect.
I think we do witchcraft and modern witchcraft a disservice by rejecting the past and diminishing the history. Every witch book written is a snap shot of the times in which they were written. And they all have wisdom. Or that spell that may work where others have failed. Or that description of nightshade that resonates more than modern fads.
It's normal for a craft to evolve. But let's keep the integrity of the craft, past and present. Know the difference between fads and evolution and respect the past.
I get your point, and I do think that these books have merit as historical references.
I really don’t think they’re comparable with centuries old religious texts though.
Plus, in the 80s and 90s these books were the “modern fads”. I don’t think old necessarily means better.
I love your method of fact checking via your heart! ❤ That's perfect 👌
And I think you're first book, with the 10 million impossible ingredients lists is one of the reasons I was put off witchy books in my 20s. Although I'm glad you kept it, it's gorgeous! 😄
Yes please to a new list of recommendations! 😄
Yes, it’s beautiful but so off-putting. Who holds solitary rituals like that? 😆
Thank you for this video…it’s fantastic! I completely agree with you. 🤗🤗🤗
☺️ phew! Thank you 🙏🏻 I was a bit nervous about this one 😬💖💖💖
@@JessicaandtheMoon there are so many that are just plain fiction…haha…I grew up in a time when witchy books were few and far between so it’s lovely that there are better ones out there now. 🤗🤗 Maybe one of my next videos will be a witchy book review of my favs. 🤗🤗
The only one i have is enchanted and i agree gorgeous book but not for poor beginners , i also don't like Scott Cunningham and the only one i keep is the herbal for cross reference with other herbals.
Not for poor beginners 😆 so true!
Really enjoyed this. :)
Thanks Renee 💖
Your house is Lovely ❤
Thank you 🙏🏻
I am so glad you called out D.J. Conway. Not only does she misrepresent opinions as facts she appropriates material from other authors and takes ideas from other cultures and uses them out of context and presents it all as genuine. I cannot recommend any of her books EVER, because she is not a author to put trust in. The way she has completely misiterprested Irish, Welsh, Scottish and even English witchcraft is a shame. It is a grave disservice to the modern neopagan, witchcraft communities.
I’m lucky that I haven’t read many of her books. I bought that moon magick one only a couple of years ago for a writing project I was working on.
Appropriation of Celtic paganism is so rife across the witchy publishing spectrum I find. There’s the obvious ones like Edain McCoy but even well respected authors like the Matthews I find are not immune from it. I think because it’s not seen as a living culture people seem to think it’s fair game 😓
@@JessicaandtheMoon So very true. I had an Edain McCoy book years ago and even then it felt sketchy. Now I know better.
There is a lot of rubbish out there, that need to be avoided. The older books are generally better, avoid pretty books that is they are just pretty with no substance..
Wichcraft today doreen valiente would be a good start. Or gemma garys traditional witchcraft cornish book of was or any of her others they are all good.
As is nigel pearsons treading the mill and walking the tides.
I love Nigel Pearson’s books. Great recommendation thanks 👍🏻
I respect your viewpoint, but I personally do not see fact checking and wanting footnotes etc as patriarchal. It merely means some of us do not wish to be fed fantasy and see misinformation spread. The damage a LOT of neopagan books have done to my Gaelic ancestors and the living Gaelic traditions is infuriating.
Thanks for your comment Christine. I think you misunderstood my viewpoint though. It’s not that I believe checking information and including references is patriarchal - I mentioned many times in this video that I do check sources and prefer books which include them. What I find patriarchal and problematic is the idea of books being fact-checked or somehow approved by a central source, this is “The Truth”, as what history shows us that often this “Truth” isn’t quite as definitive as we are led to believe.
The harm done to Gaelic traditions by neopagan (often English or American) authors is an excellent example of this. The misinformation you (rightly) object to being spread has been done so WITH the inclusion of footnotes and references. The colonising force use their own footnotes and references, often mistranslated from original texts, and then this gets repeated with them all referencing each other. This is what has happened with my own native traditions in Wales.
As a Welsh trad witch, I agree!
So Pleased you have debunked these books I don't know all of them , but for the two I know you are spot on.
Thank you 🙏🏻
Hi Jessica. Can you direct me to your recommend books for beginners? Thank you
Hi Diane, I don’t have a recommend list as I find it depends so much on the person and their background and experience. That said there are a couple which seem to work for lots of people. Elizabeth Brooke’s A Woman’s book of shadows, and Marion Green’s A witch alone. I’ve also heard very good things about Matt Auryn’s Psychic witch, but I haven’t got around to reading that yet so it’s not a personal recommendation.
Very interesting Jessica. I do not have any of those books, and thanks to you, I will not buy them.
😆 thanks Trish
Husons book hasnt aged well? Tell that to Jake Stratton Kent
😂
You did not do Mastering Witchcraft justice. I believe its too masculine for you as its more for Warlock/ Demonology ceremonial magic than feminine but to each their own.
Yes, definitely more ceremonial magic in focus.
Yes to everything you said about Scott Cunningham! I have a couple of his books, and both are filled with my own written notes where I’ve corrected totally false information the books have regarding certain herbs. I do this in fear that my children will read the books on my shelf one day. Maybe I should just donate those already?! 🤔🤣
😆 oh dear! Well, those copies will be family heirlooms if you do decide to hold onto them 💖
@@JessicaandtheMoon hahaha yeah I can see it now… my grand kids talking about how I was such a “know it all” 🤣 I admit I am quite anal about such things🤣
😆 but at least they’ll remember you 💖