One of the perks of being a published author is an increased opportunity to read advanced copies of other author’s works. Here is a quick look at six of the Witchy and spiritual books that I am currently reading. Most of these I was recently asked to read and endorse, as they are not yet published, while others have been sitting on my TBR pile for some time. All of them have something valuable to offer the reader and I am hopeful that you will seek them out once they are released.
Cover to Spells and How They Work by Janet and Stewart Farrar [Crossed Crow Books]
Spells and How They Work by Janet & Stewart Farrar
Originally published in 1990, this now-classic work by the Farrars has been given a new lease on life by Crossed Crow Books, providing a whole new generation of Witches the opportunity to learn from the wisdom of our Craft elders. Here they delve not only into a diverse collection of spells from many cultures around the world, but also into the philosophies behind them in order to illustrate a proposed mechanism for their effectiveness. Spells for love, problem-solving, protection are given alongside discussions on ethics and real-world examples of them being used, drawing from the experiences of various Witches across the globe. While the book is specifically Wiccan-focused, Witches of all stripes can benefit from the wisdom offered here, which is not necessarily intended to be used “as is” but as food for thought in the creation of your own magical workings.
Ecstaticism: A Transmission from the Threshold by Kaelan Strouse
Forget the gurus. In his debut book, Kaelan Strouse offers us a richly poetic and deeply personal exploration of life and spirituality, anchored firmly in both the liminal and in the pleasures of the body. This is a text that is sacredly irreverent, calling out philosophies that would keep us separate and ashamed and instead focuses on that which affirms the divine within each of us, even that which some might consider “profane.” Written from the perspective of a queer man, Strouse communicates a spirituality not expressed through rigid practices, but through kindness, empathy, and even sexual pleasure, using his own journey to articulate the little initiations that life offers along the way. Part memoir, part vision quest, this is a text that will open eyes and hearts and offers much to those who would seek the deep connection of the divine but for whom traditional paths of hierarchical control have proven toxic. This book is a much-needed balm for the soul.
The Queer Spirit Worker by Chris Allaun [Crossed Crow Books]
The Queer Spirit Worker by Chris Allaun
In this book, Chris Allaun invites Queer Spirit workers of all stripes to share their perspectives and experiences toward building a workable and inclusive spiritual practice. Here we are treated to a diverse collection of practices, deities, spirits, and even historical figures who have in some way helped to shape our emerging Queer culture. With a tone that is conversational and down to earth, Allaun offers us a means to create a Queer-centered spiritual practice that is as inclusive as it is potent.
Lunar Witchcraft by Heron Michelle [Llewellyn]
Lunar Witchcraft: A Devotional Guide to the Goddess, Moon Magick & Ritual by Heron Michelle
You think you know the moon? You don’t know the moon half as well as Heron Michelle does. In this surprisingly comprehensive tome, Michelle delves deeply into the science, history, deities, tarot, astrology, Qabalah, meditations, rituals, and other spiritual lore associated with Earth’s natural satellite. This book offers Witches a treasure-trove of information and ideas to help further develop their relationship with the lunar sphere as well as providing detailed instructions for a robust magical practice.
(I was asked to endorse these last two books a while back, but my own looming book deadlines prevented me from getting to them in time. But they both deserve the love so I’m including them here.)
The Horned God of the Witches by Jason Mankey [[Llewellyn]]
The Horned God of the Witches by Jason Mankey
Jason Mankey not only has great hair; he’s also an excellent writer. In The Horned God of the Witches, Mankey offers us the most comprehensive book on the subject on the most often misunderstood god of the Witches ever written. From Margaret Murray to Wicca to Trad Craft and beyond, Mankey presents a detailed examination of the evolution of various horned deities, exploring how they differ and how they relate. He offers several rituals in order to better connect with various aspects of “Old Horny,” alongside historical research, all in his classic conversational and humorous style. This is a book I wish I had when I was first practicing the Craft. Well done!
Tattoo Magick: Drawing on New and Old Ink for Spells and Spiritual Connections by Jake Morningstar [[Llewellyn]
Tattoo Magick: Drawing on New and Old Ink for Spells and Spiritual Connections by Jake Morningstar
As a magical practitioner with a couple of magical tattoos, I was very eager to read this. This is a very thorough book! From addressing different cultural practices, symbolism, colors, and parts of the body, to offering exercises and rituals for incorporating tattoos into spellwork, this book has it all. There’s even a section on finding the right tattoo artist. If you have a tattoo or are thinking of getting one, definitely check out this book.
This is just a small selection of what’s on my current TBR pile. Rest assured I will be recommending more of them soon enough. But for now, happy reading!
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