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Must Read Books

Deborah Lipp, Elements of Ritual: Air, Fire, Water & Earth in the Wiccan Circle
In a market of spellbooks, Wicca 101 guides, and witchy-coolness, the appearance of Lipp's book is a startling breath of fresh air. From start to finish, Elements of Ritual walks the reader through every step of a Wiccan ritual. It is not, however, telling us what words we have to recite or what gestures are required. Instead, it is an in-depth guide to the meaning of each step. Lipp reminds us that whether we are writing our own rituals or repeating something taught, the gestures mean very little on their own, becoming truly energized only once we understand them.

Lipp centers her construction of ritual around the four elements, considering them the foundation of a traditional Wiccan circle. Moreover, she explains why, something decidedly lacking in much Wiccan literature. She stresses balance in the overall construction of rituals, reflecting a core belief of Wicca.

Finally, while she encourages readers to develop their own rituals, she provides copious examples to illustrate her points - examples that I could actually see myself using, as opposed to the average published Wiccan ritual which reads like it comes from a B-rate fantasy movie.

Ronald Hutton,Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft. This is becoming a must read for Wiccans, especially for those with any interest whatsoever in our history. People today have this unfortunate impression that criticism automatically equates to disrespect, yet Hutton can paint Wicca in a honestly positive light while simultaneously decimating many of the myths surrounding it. He guides the reader through the real historical movements that influenced Wicca. As a professor of history at the University of Bristol in England, Hutton is an academic, and his writing reflects this. A far throw from pulp Wicca books, Triumph of the Moon gives detailed evidence and explanation behind every argument.

Lilith McLelland, Out of the Shadows: Myths and Truths of Modern Wicca This is is a no-nonsense look at Wicca: the truths, the fallacies, and the fads best to avoid. Nevertheless, she is extremely open-minded. She also offers tips in choosing traditions and covens and suggests how NOT to act in order for us to look more serious, respectable, and tolerant. When I read this book, I was constantly struck by the thought that if I had written a book, this would be exactly what would have written. Except McLelland is more polite and articulate. Out of the Shadows convinced me that there were still serious Wiccans out there at a low point in my opinion of Wicca, and this website owes its existence in no small part to this book.