Chantrea's Recommended Reading List
& Bookstore

Llewellyn's Witches' Calendar 2001
   preorder 2002 calendar
This wall-sized calendar is a wonderful magickal reference that no Witch should be without. It contains a wealth of information and recipes appropriate to each season. Each calendar day shows planetary positions, best days for planting and harvesting of herbs, as well as any other historical significance associated with the day.

Llewellyn's Witches Datebook 2001
   preorder 2002 datebook
Contains all the same useful information as the wall calendar above, but in a smaller spiral-bound book. Each date contains enough space to write in your appointments as well.

Llewellyn's Magical Almanac 2001
   2002 almanac also available
Another useful reference for Witches, especially those involved in Natural Magick. Contains more articles and information than the calendar and datebook, but not as focused on the day-to-day. A handy reference tool.

Embracing the Moon: A Witch's Guide to Rituals, Spellcrafts & Shadow Work
by Yasmine Galenorn
An excellent addition to every Witches bookshelf, from both the novice to the advanced. Like myself, the author believes there's a distinct difference between Witchcraft and Wicca (see the definitions page in my Book of Shadows for more info on that). The information in this book, including plenty of spells, rituals, and charms will be a welcome read to all Witches, especially other Eclectic Solitary Witches such as myself.

To Ride a Silver Broomstick: New Generation Witchcraft
by Silver RavenWolf
A great beginner book for those new to the Craft. Teaches a lot of the basics. And Silver RavenWolf is a great writer, holding your interest throught the book.

To Stir a Magick Cauldron: A Witch's Guide to Casting and Conjuring
by Silver RavenWolf
For the more intermediate-level Witch. Only after you've learned the basics, do I suggest you proceed into casting and conjuring. For a good base of ethics is required in all magick.

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
by Scott Cunningham
Another great beginner book that focuses specifically on how a Solitary Witch can bring magick into their life without the benefit of a coven or other group interaction. A fantastic read, especially for the new Witch.

Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
by Scott Cunningham
Another great book by Scott Cunningham, as are all of his books. This is part two of Wicca and expands on a lot of the basics learned there.

21st Century Wicca: A Young Witch's Guide to Living the Magickal Life
by Jennifer Hunter
Lots of useful information and good exercises on sensing and raising energy.

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft
by Raymond Buckland
Buckland is a well-known name in Witchcraft. This book is well-written and very informative. However, it is written with a slant towards the Alexandrian tradition and often assumes you have a coven to work with.

The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess
by Starhawk
A great book that looks at modern-day Paganism from the perspective of the Goddess. A lot of feminity, but also a great deal of spells and other working knowledge.

Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today
by Margot Adler
This book is quite thick but chock full of lots of background information and more. Contains a good history of Paganism and its relation to the modern Witchcraft revival.

The Pagan Path
by Janet and Stuart Farrar
Another great beginner book or for those simply interested in learning what Paganism is all about. Covers the basic beliefs of modern Pagans with a smattering of history thrown in here and there.

A Grimoire of Shadows: Witchcraft, Paganism & Magic
by Ed Fitch
I haven't read this book yet, but have personally heard it to be a very good read.

Wicca: The Old Religion in the New Millennium
by Vivianne Crowley
Another haven't read, but I've seen it recommended many times over. It's on my to-read list. :)

A Witch Alone: Thirteen Moons to Master Natural Magic
by Marian Green
This book is divided into 13 chapters, each containing exercises and lessons designed to practice what you've learned as you go along.

The Complete Book of Magical Names
by Phoenix McFarland
A great book to help you choose a magickal or Craft name. It contains a number of God and Goddess names, as well as elemental names, and what Phoenix terms "Names from Distant Circles". It was with the help of this book that I chose my own Craft name of Chantrea.

The Truth About Witchcraft Today
by Scott Cunningham
A small booklet useful for giving to parents, friends, etc. to explain Witchcraft in easily understandable terms.

Inside a Witches' Coven
by Edain McCoy
Includes specific discussions on the advantages and disadvantages of working solitary vs. in a coven, as well as differences in their approach to magick. If you decide you'd like to join a coven, the author gives useful information to guide you in selecting a coven or teacher to work with. Many other aspects of interacting with other Witches are covered as well.

A Witches' Bible
by Janet & Stewart Farrar
A complation of two of the Farrar's earlier works, Eight Sabbats for Witches and The Witches' Way. This title by the Farrar's is considered "heavy" reading, and focuses primarily on the Alexandrian tradition and coven practice. However, it is nonetheless one of the books I would consider a must-read for any serious studier of the Craft. Beginners should definitely start with some of the other lighter-reading titles recommended here before picking up this book.

The Witches Goddess
by Janet & Stewart Farrar
An excellent book that describes many of the different faces of the the Goddess as worshipped by the Pagan religion.

The Witches God
by Janet & Stewart Farrar
Another excellent book, a complement to the one above, that looks at the masculine aspect of the Divine.

Magick of the Gods & Goddesses: How to Invoke Their Powers
by D.J. Conway
A collection of myths and information on various Gods and Goddesses.

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic
by Scott Cunningham
A must-have for learning the properties of various crystals and stones and taking advantage of their magickal powers for healing and spell-working.

Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic
by Scott Cunningham

Earth, Air, Fire, and Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic
by Scott Cunningham

The Magical Household
by Scott Cunningham
A truly useful book for bringing magick and spirituality into your home. A must-have for the new homeowner.

Llewellyn's Astrological Calendar 2001
   2002 calendar also available
An extremely useful wall-sized calendar useful for tracking planetary positions on a day-to-day basis. This calendar also contains a few articles that descibes some of the best ways to use it, including working with the phases of the Moon.

Llewellyn's Daily Planetary Guide 2001 (Astrological Datebook)
   2002 guide also available
A spiral-bound version of the above. Each date contains the same information as included in the wall calendar above, plus room to record appointments. A useful desk accessory.

Llewellyn's Moon Sign Book & Gardening Almanac 2001
   2002 book also available
This book is a useful supplement to the calendar or datebook above. It goes into much greater detail about the best way to work with the phases of the Moon, determining the best time to do almost anything.

Astrological Magick
by Estelle Daniels
This book takes a little different approach to Astrology, focusing on those aspects important to the modern Witch in enhancing his or her practice. It is not necessary to understand a great deal about Astrology before reading this book. A great read.

The Inner Sky: The Dynamic New Astrology for Everyone
by Steven Forrest
This is a very detailed book that focuses on growth-oriented, as opposed to static, astrology. It will teach you nearly everything you want to know on the subject of Astrology.

Astrology for Yourself; How to Understand and Interpret Your Own Birth Chart: A Workbook for Personal Transformation
by Demetra George and Douglas Bloch
A great book for the beginner to get started on the road to learning the full meaning of Astrology. This book will also continue to be a source of reference for the adept astrologer as well. Highly recommended!

Astrology, Psychology, and the Four Elements: An Energy Approach to Astrology and Its Use in the Counseling Arts
by Stephen Arroyo
Another growth-oriented astrology book that teaches the fundamental priciples of signs, planets, and houses. A suitable reference for the adept astrologer as well.

Mythic Astrology: Archetypal Powers in the Horoscope
by Ariel Guttman & Kenneth Johnson
Looks deeply into Astrology's foundations and its ties with mythology.

The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need
by Joanna Martine Woolfolk
Well, I wouldn't quite go that far! This is often one of the first books picked up by those just starting the study of Astrology. It's a "not-too-heavy" beginner book for getting past the idea of simply Sun signs. Note that the charts in the back of the book are incorrect, and should not be used for casting your own chart.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams
by Deepak Chopra
A very empowering book regarding the attainment of success by a well-respected author in the field. I listen to my audiobook version of this book every once in a while when I need to feel more empowered. This is a spiritual journey to happiness utilizing an Eastern philosophical approach.

The Celestine Prophecy
by James Redfield
The title itself is actually fiction, but I almost wouldn't consider it as such since the story it tells describes actual truths, or insights, into spirituality that are opening people's eyes and changing the view of the World around us. The Celestine Prophecy is a wonderful book that I would recommend highly, especially to those just getting started on their spiritual path. It's a real eye-opener!
Also available in audiocassette or hardcover format.

The Tenth Insight
by James Redfield
The much anticipated sequel to the Celestine Prophecy.
Also available in audiocassette and hardcover formats.

~ Decks ~

To view sample cards from any of these decks, visit Solandia's Aeclectic Tarot.

Robin Wood Tarot Deck
by Robin Wood - My favorite deck!
A beautiful deck based on the symbolism of the Waite deck, but with slightly different and much more colorful pictures. I recommend this deck to beginners and adepts alike. The symbolism in these cards is astounding. It gives me great readings! Visit Robin Wood's homepage

Rider-Waite Tarot Deck
by Pamela Coleman Smith & Arthur Edward Waite
The original and very first Tarot deck published. Great for beginners and for learning the symbolism of the Tarot.
Dimensions (in inches): 4.89 x 2.94 x 1.22
Also available:
Giant Rider-Waite Tarot Deck Dimensions (in inches): 7.05 x 4.09 x 1.17
Minature Rider-Waite Tarot Deck Dimensions (in inches): 3.61 x 2.32 x 0.98
The Original Rider-Waite Tarot Pack (Deck & Book Set) -
Rider-Waite deck plus text The Pictoral Key to the Tarot by A.E. Waite.
Dimensions (in inches): 5.23 x 6.00 x 1.22

Universal Waite Tarot Deck
by Mary Hanson-Roberts
The Universal Waite deck is a near-duplicate of the Rider-Waite. The pictures on the cards are the same, except that they have softer color tones, subtle tints, and less contrast. It's claimed that the coloring reveals more details in the figures, costumes, and symbols, but view the side-by-side comparison (courtesy of Joan Bunning) to view these differences for yourself.
Also available:
Universal Waite Tarot Deck and Book Set -
Universal Waite deck plus text The Pictoral Key to the Tarot by A.E. Waite.

Albano-Waite Tarot Deck
by A.E. Waite
Yet another deck based on the line drawings of the original Rider-Waite deck, and created under the direction of Frankie Albano. The pictures are the same as the Rider-Waite; however, the colors used on the drawings are rich and vibrant. Again, a side-by-side comparison (courtesy of Joan Bunning) will let you view these differences for yourself.

The Sacred Circle Tarot: A Celtic Pagan Journey
by Anna Franklin, illustrated by Paul Mason
The cards in this deck are stunningly beautiful. The images were made by combining photos, computer imaging, and traditional drawing techniques. Comes with the traditional 78 cards in large size and a 288-page book.

The Faery Wicca Tarot
by Kisma K. Stepanich, Illustrated by Renee Christine Yates
A beautiful deck based on Irish mythology and the modern Faery Wicca tradition. Contains standard 78 cards plus 5 additional Faery Journey cards. The included 416 page book details the card descriptions as well as the origin and meaning of its symbolism. If you're interested in Faery Wicca, you may also want to read Kisma's books on Faery Wicca.

Legend: the Arthurian Tarot
by Anna-Marie Ferguson
Deck/Book set includes book on the Arthurian Legend "Keeper of Words".
I find this to be a very beautiful deck, although the symbolism of the cards may be a little harder to grasp for those not familiar with the characters of the Arthurian Legends.
Also available:
Deck only

The Enchanted Tarot: Book and Cards
by Amy Zerner & Monte Farber
Another beautiful deck, but the symbolism is not nearly as easy to pick up as in the Robin Wood or Rider-Waite. I'd recommend it for those more adept in Tarot reading.

The Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot
by Aleister Crowley
This is considered by some to be the most beautiful and powerful Tarot deck available. Yet others are scared by its dark images. It is based on the ancient system of the Qabala, a knowledge of which is useful in the interpretation this deck. The Book of Thoth or other Thoth book (see below) is recommended. I would advise beginners to seek elsewhere until they are more familiar with the Tarot.
Dimensions (in inches): 1.18 x 4.52 x 3.05
Also available:
Larger size Thoth deck Dimensions (in inches): 1.22 x 5.70 x 3.89

~ Books ~

Tarot Plain and Simple
by Anthony Louis with illustrations by Robin Wood
This is my most recommended book on Tarot. The descriptions are easily understood by beginners. The images used throughout the book are from the Robin Wood Tarot Deck

Tarot for Your Self: A Workbook for Personal Transformation
by Mary K. Greer
This book is no longer available through Amazon.com. I've just recently ordered this book myself, and as such have not yet read it. I'll add my personal comments when I do. However, I've often been told that this is one of the "must-have" books on Tarot, and is suitable for beginner through advanced.
Note: You can order an autographed copy of this book directly from the author at her website Tools and Rites of Transformation or via barnesandnoble.com.

Tarot: A New Handbook for the Apprentice
by Eileen Connolly
Another excellent book on the Tarot. Begins with a number of exercises designed to help you intuitively learn the meanings of the cards.

Tarot for Beginners: An Easy Guide to Understanding & Interpreting the Tarot
by P. Scott Hollander
I've used this book mostly to look up different card interpretations. Contains a lot of information on each card and talks about the history of the cards and the symbolism behind each suit in the Minor Arcana.

Book of Thoth
by Aleister Crowley & Frieda Harris
This book is actually a message channeled to Crowley by the Egyptian gods. Very useful in understanding the Qabalah and the Tree of Life.

The Book of Thoth: A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians Being the Equinx, Volume III No. V
by Aleister Crowley & Frieda Harris
One of the definitive books on the Thoth deck, written by Crowley himself. Not a light read, but very informative.

Tarot Divination
by Aleister Crowley

Tarot: Mirror of the Soul
by Gerd Ziegler
A Handbook for the Aleister Crowley Tarot. This book is translated from a German source. I initially thought I wouldn't like it because of the translation, but it was done very well. It explains the detail behind each picture in the Thoth deck in great detail. Highly recommended!

The Tarot Handbook
by Angeles Arrien
Another book on the Thoth deck recommended to me, although I haven't yet read it.

The Crowley Tarot Handbook: The Handbook to the Cards
by Hajo Banzhaf Akron, Christine M. Grimm (Translator)

Llewellyn's Magical Almanac 2001
   2002 almanac also available
Another useful reference for Witches, especially those involved in Natural Magick. Contains more articles and information than the calendar and datebook, but not as focused on the day-to-day. A handy reference tool.

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
by Valerie Ann Worwood
An essential guide for anyone interested in using Aromatherapy in their day-to-day life for both physical and mental health, as well as other uses around the home. Includes descriptions of the properties of the various essential oils along with a number of blends and recipes for specific purposes. This book does not have any magickal associations.

Essential Aromatherapy: A Pocket Guide to Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
by Susan E. Worwood
This was written by the sister of Valerie Worwood who wrote The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy above. I find it a handy reference for all the oil properties as well as their Latin names. Truly a concise and useful book.

The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews
by Scott Cunningham
This book is one of the other essentials on my bookshelf. In contrast to the above two titles which address the practical uses of oils and incense, this book deals with their magickal properties and correspondences. It details the properties of particular scents, and gives a number of recipes for potions which can be used in rituals and spells, as well as how to make herbal soaps, sachets, and more. Truly a must-have for any Witch interested in dabbling in oils and herbs.

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils
by Julia Lawless
This book is also a popular choice among those looking for practical uses of essential oils. Does not contain magickal correspondences.

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
by Scott Cunningham

Magical Herbalism (Llewellyn's Practical Magick Series)
by Scott Cunningham

Magical Aromatherapy: The Power of Scent
by Scott Cunningham
A small inexpensive handbook with tables and correspondences for all the essential oils and plant essenses used in healing and magickal work. This little handbook is a perfect companion to to Cunningham's Incense, Oils & Brews listed above.

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic
by Scott Cunningham
A must-have for learning the properties of various crystals and stones and taking advantage of their magickal powers for healing and spell-working.

Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic
by Scott Cunningham

Earth, Air, Fire, and Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic
by Scott Cunningham

HTML & XHTML: The Definitive Guide
by Chuck Musciano & Bill Kennedy
Like the title says..... This book is a great reference to the language. It's easy to find the information you're looking for without having to read entire chapters. I keep my copy as a reference right next to my computer.(4th Edition - August 2000)

Javascript: The Definitive Guide
by David Flanagan
Another O'Reilly publication, and the people at O'Reilly really know their stuff. This book contains nearly everything you need to know about writing Javascript. It's definitely more of a reference than a walk-thru and may not appropriate for the beginning coder. However, you'll find that, as in typical O'Reilly fashion, no bit of detail has been left out.(3rd Edition - June 1998)

The Complete PC Upgrade and Maintenance Guide
by Mark Minasi
For computer hardware and upgrades, this book is one of the top books you can buy. It's published by Sybex, who publishes a large number of quality computer books. We have this book at home and refer to it often.(11th Edition - August 2000)

Upgrading and Repairing PCs, 12th Edition
by Scott Mueller
This is the second of two highly recommended books for PC hardware and upgrades, perhaps even a little better by some standards. This one is published by Que, another publisher of great computer books. The choice whether to purchase this or the book by Mark Minasi above is a tough one. Why not buy both?

The Mists of Avalon
by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Most definitely one of the best books I've ever read!! If you've always been fascinated with the Arthurian Legends, then you'll love this book too. MZB recreates these legends as told through the eyes of the women in the story. A truly magical book!
If you think the 876-page text is a bit unwieldy, you may want to consider the audiobook.

Also by Marion Zimmer Bradley:
The Forest House - This book takes you back to First Century Britian to introduce the story behind the Arthurian legends.
The Lady of Avalon - The sequel to The Forest House and prequel to Mists. This book serves to link the two stories together.

Mary Stewart's Merlin Trilogy
by Mary Stewart
I loved Mists of Avalon so much that Mary Stewart's books on the Arthurian legend were recommended to me as terrific reads as well. I have just ordered this trilogy and thus cannot yet comment personally yet. However, with the personal recommendation of so many of my friends and acquaintances who also loved Mists, I know I won't be disappointed.
Note: This reference is to the 919 page hardcover edition which contains the first three books of the trilogy. If you prefer to order the books individually and in paperback, here are the appropriate titles and links:
The Crystal Cave - Book I of the Arthurian Saga
The Hollow Hills - Book II of the Arthurian Saga
The Last Enchantment - Book III of the Arthurian Saga
The Wicked Day - Book IV of the Arthurian Saga (This is the fourth and final title in Mary Stewart's Arthurian Saga and is not included in the Trilogy title above.)

The Celestine Prophecy
by James Redfield
The title itself is actually fiction, but I almost wouldn't consider it as such since the story it tells describes actual truths, or insights, into spirituality that are opening people's eyes and changing the view of the World around us. The Celestine Prophecy is a wonderful book that I would recommend highly, especially to those just getting started on their spiritual path. It's a real eye-opener!

The Tenth Insight
by James Redfield
The much anticipated sequel to the Celestine Prophecy.
Also available in audiocassette and hardcover formats.