KEREENASGRIMOIRE.COM
Kereena's Grimoire Recommended Reading & Book Reviews
Here are a number of books that I found at least somewhat useful over the years. If you see one you would like to try, please go through to Amazon.com or Amazon.ca by clicking on the flags below the book covers or by clicking their titles. Amazon has made a few of these "browsable" by also posting a selection of pages from the books.
If you have a book you would like me to list, please feel free to contact me at: kereena@kereenasgrimoire.com.
I've tried to make locating a book as easy as possible by listing the books on this page alphabetically by title as well as by subject down the left side of the screen. Those listed by subject have had their titles trunkated and will appear under more than one subject if necessary.
As with anything, you shouldn't take what you read in any one book as gospel. Authors tend to write based on their own traditions, as they should, but their traditions may not be the same as yours. I've felt that it's always best to look at all information from the stand-point of "how can I use or change this to suit my beliefs" and it has always kept me from being led astray. Happy reading!
NOTE: Check the right side of this page for a listing of these Books By Subject along with my personal Book Picks list!
| A | B | C | D | E |
| F | G | H | I | J |
| K | L | M | N | O |
| P | Q | R | S | T |
| U | V | W | X | Y |
| Z |
A
Advanced Candle Magick: More Spells and Rituals for Every Purpose
by Raymond Buckland
Review: Here is another reason why Ray Buckland is not my favourite author nor the person I would turn to for unbiased information. Some of the material in this book can be adapted to suit your uses, but always take Ray's stuff with a grain of salt. If you can ignore his egotsim you might find something useful.
My Rating: 
US Prices
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Advanced Witchcraft: Go Deeper, Reach Further, Fly Higher
by Edain McCoy
Review: The title is somewhat misleading in my opinion. The people that will get the most out of it are those who are *intermediate* working towards *advanced*. It has good information on what you can expect when trying some advanced practices, but it's not a step-by-step guide. Don't look to this book for spells - there are none. Interesting reading material though.
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B
Bartrams' Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
by Thomas Bartram
Review: This book is so loaded with information and includes entries for more than 550 herbs and plants! It covers common and rare disorders and includes treatments. Plus properties and preparations of herbs, tinctures and essential oils, alternative herbal treatment for a number of manufactured drugs, and a little history about herbalism.
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Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft
by Raymond Buckland
Review: Even if you're not Gardnerian you can find some interesting information in this book. There are a lot of things I don't agree with Raymond Buckland on, but it was still worth buying. A bit advanced for beginners.
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C
The Complete Book of Herbs
by Lesley Bremness
Review: This really is an excellent book with an extensive identification guide. It has information on planting, growing, and harvesting herbs, as well as their main uses, recipes, ideas for gifts, and more. Easy to read and understand.
My Rating:
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The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews
by Scott Cunningham
Review: This is one of those books we should all have on our shelves. Tons of great, useful recipes for around the house as well as for ritual use. Even beginners will find this one easy to use. If there is anything negative I could say about it, it would be that (like all his books) Scott avoids plants considered to be poisonous. Yes, it can be dangerous to use poisonous material, but it's better to have as much information as possible than to have nothing more than a warning...
My Rating:
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Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic
by Scott Cunningham
Review: This book has some good basic information in it, but it's only that - basic. He has left out a number of different stones which have some pretty unique uses in spells and as charms. As a starting point it's an okay resource.
My Rating:
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Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
by Scott Cunningham
Review: In this book Scott Cunningham shows his extensive knowledge of herbs and their use in magick. Though I haven't tried everything, many did work for me. I have found different uses for some herbs listed in this book, but it doesn't mean his use is wrong. Recommended for anyone interested in working with herbal magick.
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D
Deepening Witchcraft: Advancing skills and Knowledge
by Grey Cat
Review: A more advanced look at Wicca, but not as good for those who are already advanced. This is an excellent reference for Witches moving from intermediate to advanced, who are looking to improve their skills and deepen their spiritual knowledge. Does naturally tend to lean toward her own NorthWind Tradition.
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E
Earth, Air, Fire & Water
by Scott Cunningham
Review: A great book for beginners. All the spells are simple and the ingredients are easy to find. This is actually a continuation of another book (Earth Power), but you really don't need to read that one first.
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The Earth Path: Grounding Your Spirit in the Rhythms of Nature
by Starhawk
Review: Really well organized, and though it may not meet the needs of everyone, it still makes an interesting read. It's more along the lines of her personal experiences living ecologically. She also offeres different excercises and rituals.
My Rating:
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The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells: The Ultimate Reference Book for the Magical Arts
by Judika Illes
Review: This is a fairly good reference book... A solid resource that was researched well. It has tips and spells from around the world which is nice in a sea of US focussed books.
My Rating:
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The Element Encyclopedia of Witch Craft
by Judika Illes
Review: This is nice reference book and a solid resource that was researched well. It has information about all aspects of Witch Craft from around the world.
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The Elements of Ritual: Air, Fire, Water & Earth in the Wiccan Circle
by Deborah Lipp
Review: Ms. Lipp is Gardnerian and you can tell, but again there is a lot of good information to be found as long as you remember it's coming from someone that follows a specific tradition. She explains the why's of rituals very clearly and logically - take all with a grain of salt and your own beliefs firmly in mind.
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F
G
The Green Pharmacy : The Ultimate Compendium Of Natural Remedies From The World's Foremost Authority On Healing Herbs (Green Pharmacy)
by James A. Duke
Review: Though this book is about using herbs to treat illness, it's ordered by disease rather than herb. This makes it an excellent reference for anyone not familiar with herbal properties. It's easy to read and the "story style" the author uses makes it interesting.
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The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Comprehensive Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing
by James A. Duke
Review: I like this book because it's quick and easy to use! It lists 180 different (common) herbs with really good detail and even includes a safety rating. This is an excellent book for anyone interested in using herbs for medicinal purposes.
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Green Witchcraft: Folk Magic, Fairy Lore & Herb Craft
by Ann Moura
Review: This is a book for a more 'mature' reader who isn't looking to be entertained on every page. If your looking for solid information on the history and techniques of green witchcraft then this is a good place to start. Best suited for a Solitary Witch.
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Green Witchcraft II: Balancing Light and Shadow
by Ann Moura
Review: This is an excellent book that is a must read for any Green Witch. It takes a serious, neutaral look at the 'darker side' of herbal magick and how to balance light and dark, male and female.
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Green Witchcraft: The Manual
by Ann Moura
Review: Ann has laid this book out in 8 'classes' following the 8 Sabbats. A lot of the material is regurgitated from the first two books in the series, but she's removed a lot of the 'fluff' making it a better book for reference. Still a good buy.
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Grimoire for the Green Witch: A Complete Book of Shadows
by Ann Moura
Review: After reading as many books as I have, I'm usually happy to find one that isn't penned by someone trying to shove their traditions up my... Well I'm sure you get the picture. This is not a spell book per se, but it does have a lot for good basic, foundation-type information. I highly recommend this one!
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H
Heart of Tarot: An Intuitive Approach
by Amber K & Azrael Arynn K
Review: If you are trying to learn to read Tarot, but are having difficulties, this may be the book that can help you. It helps you tap into the intuitive way of reading spreads.
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I
The Inner Temple of Witchcraft
by Christopher Penczak
Review: This book is laid out in 13 lessons for obtaining spiritual growth. He mixes a bit of yoga and Shamanism (amoung other traditions and religions) in many of his excercises, but as an eclectic I wasn't bothered by this. If you feel you need a lesson plan for spiritual growth then this is a good choice for you. When your done you might also be interested in the Outer Temple Of Witchcraft below.
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J
K
L
Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
by Scott Cunningham
Review: Again, Scott Cunningham does an excellent job writing a book for beginners. I'd recommend reading the first book Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner before beginning this one.
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O
The Outer Temple of Witchcraft: Circles, Spells, and Rituals
by Christopher Penczak & Andrea Neff
Review: If you feel you need a lesson plan to become a 'real Wiccan' then this is a good book for you to buy. It has been laid out in a 12-step plan that is intended to last the treditional 1 year + 1 day. Has a lot of spells and rituals and makes an okay reference book. Also see The Inner Temple of Wichcraft above.
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P
Practical Candleburning Rituals: Spells and Rituals for Every Purpose
by Raymond Buckland
Review: This book is a good example for why I don't care much for Ray Buckland's interpretations. If you are going to read this book, all I can say is don't let it be the only one you read. Some of his ideas are adaptable, but I personally would never follow this book as the be-all-end-all.
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R
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
Edited by Claire Kowalchik and William H. Hylton
Review: Another excellent herbal reference book. Includes sketches and a few full colour pictures, herbal history, uses, growing, etc.
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S
The Smoothies Bible
by Pat Crocker
Review: Great book! Get it if you can. My only 10-star rating to date. After giving an introduction about the history of smoothies and how they have evolved, the author touches on good healthy eating practices, etc. Its primary sections (Health Conditions and the Recipes) are cross-referenced meaning you can look up your condition and find a list of smoothies that could help you with recovery or healing! Pat even added a profile section on the herbs used in the recipes!
My Rating:
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Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation
by Silver Ravenwolf
Review: I don't usually buy Silver Ravenwolf's books. Teen Witches are generally her audience and I've always found her tone really annoying. If you're at an advanced level, the most this book will be is a reference for basic information. If you are a raw beginner, it may be a tad advanced. Overall it's not totally useless and those in her market will probably find it useful.
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T
Tarot for the Green Witch
by Aoumiel and Ann Moura
Review: Good book to use when you are beginning to learn about tarot. It goes beyond just reading the cards, it shows you how to use them for personal enlightenment, divination, etc.
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The Temple Of Shamanic Witchcraft
by Christopher Penczak
Review: Good book if you're interested in Shamanic witchcraft. Otherwise it's best to select another book.
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The Truth About Witchcraft
by Scott Cunningham
Review: If you know nothing about Wicca and Witchcraft, this is a good book for you to read. It's plain and simple and helps to clear up the centuries old misconception of Wiccans being Satanists.
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U
V
W
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
by Scott Cunningham
Review: Scott Cunningham is touted by some as the father of modern Eclectic Wicca. I personally don't beleive that, but this book is still a good starting point for beginners. He isn't too preachy about the practice which is nice. Anyone beyond the beginner level may find this book somewhat lacking in depth.
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Witchcraft for Tomorrow
by Doreen Valiente
Review: Though this is actually not a horrible book, I've only given it 5 stars because it always bugs me when I find a book that proports to be about "the real Wicca". That of course automatically says to me that my practice isn't "correct", which is something no one has the right to say. Regardless, if you are interested in reading about Wicca from the "traditional Gardnerian perspective" then this will be a good choice for you.
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A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches Handbook
by Janet Farrar, Stewart Farrar
Review: Though I am not Alexandrian, I found some of the information on spells and rituals helpful when I began developing my own. If you can get past the Alexandrian take on Wicca, it's a great book to have.
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X
Y
A Year of Ritual: Sabbats & Esbats for Solitaries & Covens
by Sandra Kynes
Review: This book gives exactly what you would expect from reading the title. It looks at each of the Sabbats and Esbats and offeres celebration specific ritual information for Solitary Witches or for those involved in Covens.
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Z
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