What you should read first. The Foundations (IMHO YMMV) of modern Witchcraft.

 Let’s get one thing clear up front: if you want to walk the path of the witch — really walk it — you’re going to need more than vibes, a pretty altar, and a TikTok tutorial about moon water.

You're going to need books.
Lots of books.
Old books.
Books that smell like the '70s. Books that were passed around like sacred contraband at coffee shops and occult bookstores. Books you had to hunt for.

And if you’re in my coven? You’re required to read not just a handful of these—but at least a hundred others, depending on your chosen length of study. That’s not gatekeeping. That’s education. You don’t become a blacksmith without swinging a hammer, and you don’t become a witch without cracking some spines (the paper kind, obviously).

So let’s start with the ones that built the modern foundation. These books walked so today’s practitioners could run wildly through forests with Bluetooth earbuds and ethically sourced crystals. Here’s your primer.

📚 Foundational Texts of Modern Witchcraft (Pre-1990)

Before the era of online bookstores and instant downloads, discovering witchcraft literature was a quest in itself. Here are some seminal works that laid the groundwork for contemporary practices:

🧙‍♂️ Mastering Witchcraft by Paul Huson (1970)

Often hailed as the first mainstream DIY manual for aspiring witches and warlocks, Huson's guide offered practical rituals and insights for solitary practitioners and covens alike. It played a pivotal role in the 1970s occult revival.

📘 Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland (1986)

Affectionately known as "Uncle Bucky's Big Blue Book," this comprehensive workbook introduced many to Wiccan practices, complete with exercises and rituals. Its approachable style made it a staple for solitary witches.

🌙 Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler (1979)

A groundbreaking sociological study, Adler's work delved into the diverse world of American paganism, offering interviews and analyses that brought legitimacy and understanding to various traditions.

🌿 The Spiral Dance by Starhawk (1979)

Blending feminist spirituality with earth-based rituals, Starhawk's influential book emphasized the Goddess movement and communal rituals, inspiring many to explore eco-feminist witchcraft.

🔥 Eight Sabbats for Witches and The Witches’ Way by Janet and Stewart Farrar (1981 & 1984)

These texts provided detailed rituals and insights into the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, offering structure and depth to coven-based practices.

🌕 Witchcraft for Tomorrow by Doreen Valiente (1978)

Valiente, often called the "Mother of Modern Witchcraft," presented a guide that balanced tradition with personal adaptation, making Wicca accessible to newcomers.

📖 The Witches’ Bible by Janet and Stewart Farrar (1984)

A compilation of their earlier works, this volume became a cornerstone for those seeking comprehensive knowledge on Wiccan rituals and philosophy.

🧹 To Ride a Silver Broomstick by Silver RavenWolf (1993)

While just post-1990, this book deserves mention for its impact on young witches in the '90s. RavenWolf's approachable style and practical advice made it a favorite among solitary practitioners.