A Few Recommended Witchcraft Books

A few recommended witchcraft books

The Basics

Mastering Witchcraft by Paul Huson

This book is super popular. It is ceremonial in nature - don’t worry about needing to make Huson’s many ‘required’ items - but it has some really good stuff, especially the introduction and the Witch’s Pyramid.

Pure Magic by Judika Illes

This is the lady who wrote the Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells. Her book is good, leaning more towards New Age than Mr. Huson. I found the book to be generally well-rounded. It does cover a lot of basics, including plenty of rituals and spells.

The Sorcerer’s Secrets by Jason Miller

I have personally learned more from this book than any other. Instead of relying on spells, Mr. Miller teaches you the actual techniques of improving your magical skills. He also gives a reasonable explanation for how magic works and the ways you can practically apply skills to get what you want.

The Complete Guide to Psychic Development by Cassandra Eason

Mrs. Eason is the “if six candles are good, twelve is better!” type. I don’t agree with her that imagining a pink fluffy cloud (and I do not mock; this is literal) will remove all dangers. This book is perhaps best mixed with a more traditional one, such as Mastering Witchcraft. But if psychic stuff is for you, this book may be a great help.

Beyond the Basics

The Witch’s Familiar by Raven Grimassi

A surprisingly complete system of calling, working with, controlling, and dismissing familiars. If you have no idea where to start, and you prefer a slightly more ceremonial take on things, this is the book for you. It also holds value for those interested in spirit work.

Financial Sorcery by Jason Miller

You guys already know I have a thing for Mr. Miller, and I offer no apologies. He knows his stuff and he’s a good writer. Read this book if you want to make money with your magic in a way that actually works.

Seven Spheres by Rufus Opus

Not witchcraft - Hermetics. But it is a fantastic book, good for those who are looking for ‘the next step’ and are ready for spirit work and conjuration. I really learned a lot by reading this book, even if his tone is somewhat bro-ish at times.

Protection & Healing

Protection & Reversal Magick: Beyond 101 by Jason Miller

This was the first witchcraft book I ever bought! Gosh do I love it. Mr. Miller speaks in a straight-forward tone about certain dangers, and fills a book with different methods on how to fight, defend, and heal yourself after the battle. To those interested in Hekate, there are a couple original Hekatean rituals in this book. I highly recommend.

Psychic Self-Defense by Dion Fortune

An old, albeit still well-written handbook. Her accounts of psychic attack are fascinating and her solutions are practical and useful.

Spiritual Cleansing by Draja Mickaharic

This book is extremely practical and lays out several methods of cleansing for each problem addressed. Mr. Mickaharic loudly advocates against changing or substituting his spells, and basically says if you can’t do it the way he presents it in the book, don’t do it at all. So if you are the sort of practitioner who can’t get a hold of a pint of beer or seven walnuts to pop in the bathtub, this book is not for you. However, I was very pleased with the book and saw new content I had never seen before.

Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and References

Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham

Yes, it’s getting on in years now. If it were a human it would have bought it’s first home and have two kids at this point. But it’s survived this long because it’s a solid reference for plants. When you get your hands on a new plant and don’t know what in the dickens you can use it for, Mr. Cunningham will give you a good overview. When planning a spell and you need to know what plants follow your correspondences, his tables in the back will list plants in accordance with your intent.

Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham

What can I say. It’s like the plant book, but for crystams, gems, and metals.

The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall

This is the only book I’ll recommend that I haven’t *gasp* read personally. I’ve heard really good things about it. It is a big book of crystals. I just don’t care enough about crystals to get it, but if you care about crystals, then this is the book for you, I’ve heard.

(Elemental) Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells by Judika Illes

Correct me if I’m wrong on this one, but the ‘elemental’ encyclopedia is the same as the regular, non-elemental edition. What I find to be of real value in this book is not the spells themselves, but the extensive forward which has a lot of magical knowledge. You can also pick up great tidbits by browsing the book. The formulary in the back has recipes for all kinds of oils, powders, and potions. It’s a good book, I highly recommend.

The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft by Judika Illes

I’ll tell you what, Mrs. Illes sure does love her elemental encyclopedias. This is a solid book, covering a vast range of topics such as animals, holy days, and tools. I find the ‘animals’ section to be particularly useful.

Fabulous Creatures, Mythical Monsters, and Animal Power Symbols by Cassandra Eason

The book is full of what the title says. A good resource for mythical and regular animals.

Encyclopedia of Spirits by Judika Illes

The most sellable property of this book is that it lists many spirits by name. If you come across a certain name and want to know if it is connected to anybody, Mrs. Illes has the book for you. I find general entries such as “Ghost” or “mermaid” to be frustratingly sparse, but if you want to know who ‘Atargatis’ is, forget about it.

A Dictionary of Angels by Gustav Davidson

Want to know about angels and fallen angels? This is the book for you. Detailed. Thorough. No complaints.

~ Types of Divination ~

There are countless types of divination, so this list is by no means comprehensive, (actually it’s quite short) but it should help with the main methods! :D

Scrying ~

A form of divination in which you enter a trance-like state, gaze into a medium, and look for signs or symbols. Common mediums include black mirrors, fire, water, smoke, and tiles.

Cartomancy ~

Divination done using cards of sorts. The images/words/etc. hold meanings that you can interpret. Methods of cartomancy are: Tarot reading, oracle card reading, regular playing card reading, and even the reading of Pokemon cards. Symbolism/interpretation is the main importance with cartomancy.

Pendulum Dowsing ~

A form of divination in which you use a pendant-like tool called a pendulum. It has a weighted end, and a place to hold it near the top. The answer to your question is determined by the way it swings. The answers vary from the traditional yes/no/maybe/DWA, to words/letters/numbers, all depending on the board/chart you might use.

Lithomancy ~

Lithomancy is a method of divination in which crystals are cast out on a circular board. Their arrangements are interpreted, and the light reflecting off of them is also taken into account. These are best to buy in sets/kits, since it can be a bit difficult to create one for yourself.

Rune Reading ~

This form of divination involves a few different methods. Some diviners cast the runes, others pull them from a bag, and even still there are those who lay them all out and choose one that feels the best for the current situation (without looking). It is a Norse system and involves special symbols with meanings you can use to interpret the reading.

Nephelomancy ~

A similar type of divination to scrying, nephelomancy involves cloud gazing to interpret signs, symbols, and omens. It’s something that can be done at pretty much any time, as long as the sky is visible. I wrote a detailed post on it, linked on my masterpost, which is at the end of this list.

Tasseography ~

You’ve probably heard of reading tea leaves. Tasseography is the fancy word for that. You go through a process of drinking the tea, turning your cup, and placing it on a plate before reading it in specific directions/paths. There are many ways to do this, but most include using the symbols as omens.

Oneiromancy ~

Oneiromancy is good old fashion dream interpretation. If you had a dream that you know means something, take a look into Oneiromancy. Symbolism is important, and so are your personal associations and experiences.

Stichomancy ~

This is a very old method if divination, through which you use a book to answer a question you have. You can use any book you own and at any time. You ask your question, open the book to a random page, and read what you see. Sometimes the response is straightforward, while other times very vague and confusing.

Graphology ~

Graphology is the study and interpretation of handwriting or scribbles. Automatic writing falls under this category, which is when you allow a spirit/etc. to use you as a tool of communication. Sometimes words/shapes come out as answers.

If you would like to learn more about some of these types of divination, check this masterpost! :D

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theglitterdungeon

9 years ago

mr-mononucleosis:

lunalovegouda:

The intro cards for Futurama have always been one of my favorite parts of the show because people always talk about the old Simpson’s couch gag but this is just pure gold… I mean-

It goes from everything from

and then they made fun of how much everyone reacted to the the infamous ‘dead dog episode’ that I cried about…

And then one time when the show got canceled…

and then when it came back..

you’re missing my favorite one though

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theglitterdungeon

7 years ago

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theglitterdungeon

9 years ago

Simple Protection Powder

Later I’m going to post a super intense all purpose (but mainly protection) powder, but I know how hard it can be to get all the ingredients you need. Here’s a great powder to protect your space and yourself as you go and sling those spells!

What you need:

Basil

Garlic

Rosemary

Sage

Salt

A jar

Mortar and Pestle (or food processor)

Optional:

Dragon’s Blood Resin

Ginger

Ashes of a sigil of protection

What to do:

Get all of your dried ingredients together

Grind them in portions in your mortar and pestle until it’s a fine/coarse grainy texture.

Throw them all in your food processor and give it several pulses until it’s a fine/coarse grainy texture.

Carefully pour into your jar

Optional:

Hold over a fire/leave it out in the sun/moon to charge it

Instructions:

Dust over thresholds after cleansing the area to allow only positive energy to come through.

Dust over windowsills to make sure nothing with slimy energy oozes in.

Put a pinch in the corners of a room to protect the area from arguments.

Put a small pinch in your shoes before you leave each morning to help protect you.

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theglitterdungeon

9 years ago

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theglitterdungeon

9 years ago

How To Charge Water.

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theglitterdungeon

9 years ago

Old Mother Redcap's "Faithful Friends" Spell

This spell is designed for people wanting to make new long-lasting friendships. This spell works in the same way as a love spell, by attracting people (in this instance, friends) toward you. Items needed: - A large jar or bottle - Red or pink taper candle - Honey - Sugar - Juniper berries - Pen and paper - Magnets - Photo of yourself Method: Place the honey, sugar and juniper berries into your large jar or bottle. Take your pen and paper and write down all the qualities you wish your new friends to have. For instance, “loyalty”, “honesty” etc. Cut out these words and wrap them up in the magnets. Whilst you put them in the jar, visualise yourself surrounded by a new group of friends. Lastly, fold up the photo of yourself and add it into the jar. As the last step, inscribe your candle with words or sigils pertaining to friendship. Place the candle in the jar or bottle, with the bottom sitting directly into the honey and sugar. You may want to add more honey until it fills the top so the candle stays steady. Place the jar or bottle on a heat-proof dish and burn the candle every night for 3 nights.

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theglitterdungeon

9 years ago

Winter Solstice spell

Gather your supplies: Small amount of hollyberry oil Small amount of mistletoe herb Clean, small piece of white paper (parchment if you have it) Red candle

Ritual: Write a single word in red ink that represents what quality in yourself you would like to enhance with the dawning of the Yule Sun. Sprinkle the mistletoe herb into the center of the paper. Add three drops of the hollyberry oil on top of the mistletoe. Twist the paper closed with the mistletoe and hollyberry Oil inside. Light the red candle. From the flame of the candle, light the paper package on fire. As it burns envision, your wish fulfilled. The spell is done.

↢ Back to Yule - Winter Solstice

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