Reading List: Recommended Books for Witches and Occultists
The texts on this list inform our practice and are a good source of knowledge for seekers who want to explore core texts on Traditional Witchcraft, Wicca, and occult practices
Why Read These Books?
Each book on this list serves as a guide to the philosophy, history, and practice of Witchcraft. Whether you are new to the Craft or looking to refine your knowledge, this selection is crafted to support your journey toward initiation and deeper understanding.
Traditional seeker's must read
The titles below are suggested for learning more about Alexandrian traditional work and Alexandrian Witchcraft's worldview.
What Witches Do: a modern coven revealed
Stewart Farrar
This is the book we use in our training process. Farrar explores the practices of an Alexandrian coven from an initiate's perspective, weaving personal insight with practical detail. If you read one book before reaching out to us, make it this one.
Traditional Wicca: a seeker's guide
Thorn Mooney
Ideal for anyone curious about joining a traditional coven. Mooney clarifies common misconceptions about traditional Wicca, offering guidance on what to expect when joining a coven and deepening one’s understanding of the traditional path.
Wicca Magical Beginnings
Sorita d'Este and David Rankine
Traces the evolution of the craft over time practices over time, shing light on the diverse influences that shaped initiatory witchcraft. The book explores historical sources, symbols, tools, and rituals, and bridges the gap between past and present, offering a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
Initiation into Witchcraft
Brian Cain
An exploration of the traditions, ethics, and practices of the Craft, with practical guidance for those seeking the path that begins the journey of initiation into Witchcraft.
A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches' Handbook
Janet and Stewart Farrar
A comprehensive guide to rituals, practices, and the ethics of modern Witchcraft. It covers foundations of Wiccan rituals, the Wheel of the Year, and essential practices within a traditional coven.
Lid Off The Cauldron: A Wicca Handbook
Crowther shares the history, methods, and theory behind Witchcraft, covering spells, divination, ancient symbols, planetary rituals, and the workings of cosmic tides. The book explores how practices like dancing, singing, and folk ritual connect to the collective unconscious.
Foundational Works in Hermetic and Occult Philosophy
The titles below are suggested for learning more about the Western esoteric tradition that informs our work.
The Corpus Hermeticum
Hermes Trismegistus
This ancient text blends Egyptian, Greek, and Hellenistic influences to offer insights into spirituality and the mysteries of existence. Essential for understanding Hermeticism's role in the Craft.
Psychic Self-Defense
Dion Fortune
Provides insights into psychic phenomena and practical techniques for psychic protection. Fortune examines psychological factors, strategies for mental stability, and the application of common sense to occult experience.
Magical Ritual Methods
William G. Gray
Dense and profound. Gray explores the essential components of magical ritual. Recommended to understand the core principles behind effective ritual practice.
Alexandrian Witchcraft's Founders
The titles below are suggested for learning more about the founders and the tradition's worldview.
The Alex Sanders Lectures: with Commentary by Maxine Sanders
Alex Sanders
Lectures designed for Sanders' witchcraft students, edited for correspondence students. Takes the near-beginner through all aspects of British Traditional Witchcraft and prepares them for initiation into the witchcraft.
Firechild
Maxine Sanders
Maxine Sanders' personal memoir and spiritual journey. Chronicles her life in the Craft from her early initiation and training to her role as a high priestess and teacher. She reflects on her experiences sharing the joys and challenges of a life dedicated to Witchcraft.
King of the Witches
June Johns
Alex Sanders' biography and a reference for anyone interested in his life and the formative years of modern witchcraft and how he played a pivotal role in developing contemporary witchcraft.
Maxine The Witch Queen
Maxine Sanders
Maxine Sanders' most recent autobiography, covering her initiation into Alex Sanders' coven and the founding of Alexandrian Witchcraft. A firsthand account of the tradition's earliest years from the woman at its centre.
Esotericism and Ceremonial Magic
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Collected Works of Eliphas Levi
Key Texts: 'Dogma and Ritual of High Magic' and 'The History of Magic'
It is a must-read for those interested in the philosophical foundations of magic and its practices across history.
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The Lesser Key of Solomon
This grimoire offers insight into ceremonial magic and demonology, with Mathers’ and Crowley’s translations being the most widely studied.
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The Book of Abramelin the Mage
There are many versions available. Mathers’ translation was the most used by our Craft elders, but it has a grimoire that has influenced generations of practitioners. However, it is recommended to explore multiple translations to grasp its full depth.
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Three Books of Occult Philosophy by Cornelius Agrippa
A comprehensive exploration of Renaissance magic and its influence on modern occult traditions.
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Initiation into Hermetics by Franz Bardon
Ideal for those who wish to explore practical methods of personal and spiritual development rooted in Hermetic principles.
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The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft by Ronald Hutton
Hutton’s research thoroughly and objectively examines Wicca’s historical origins and development in the 20th century. This text is invaluable.
