This is a list for Pagans who have generally been practicing for a few years and have become comfortable with most Pagan practices or are at the very least aware of them.
Please understand, that no matter what someone tells you to the contrary, there is no one way to be a Pagan. If there is one statement that you can bank on, it’s that.
By now you are well versed in the basics and most likely have quite a bit of experience with not only the holidays but of the various rites and rituals as well.
The books I have chosen for the advanced Pagan delve more into research than practice for the most part.
So lets get to the books, shall we?
1- This first book I have chosen is “Alex Sanders Lectures” written by Alex Sanders. He is one of the most prominent Witches in England and the founder of the Alexandrian Tradition of Witchcraft. His lectures give wonderful insight into the theories of his practice and are a great asset to your Pagan library.
2- The next book I have chosen is “Drawing Down the Moon” by Margot Adler. This is a premiere title that should be in the library of every Pagan. This book not only gives an in-depth history of Pagan practices worldwide but it also gives a complete list of every Pagan path and tradition. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. Not only is it informative, it’s a great deal of fun to read!
3- This one, “Natural Witchcraft” by Marian Green was chosen because it’s a very advanced look at the practice of natural magic. I don’t believe it was the intention of the author to write at such a level but there it is. This book will help you understand the cycles of nature and the best ways to perform magic in accordance with the rhythms of the natural world.
4- “Circles, Groves and Sanctuaries” by Dan and Pauline Campanelli is a great companion to the above book. Written at a more advanced level, this book gives enormous insight into not only naturally occurring sacred places but on how to create your own sacred grove or perhaps even find one. This has been one of my favorite books for more than 2 decades.
5- “Ancient Ways” by the above mentioned Campanelli duo is another longtime favorite and I hope you appreciate it as much as I always have. They spend a great deal of time looking at the world through the eyes of our ancestors in this book. This gives a somewhat unique perspective of Paganism that no advanced student should be without.
6- “Ritual Magic” by Donald Tyson. While not one of my favorite authors over all, Mr. Tyson does an outstanding job in this book going into far more detail on ritual magic than most other authors. This is absolutely not a book for the beginning student. The practices within this book require a level of control that can take years to reach. But for the advanced student who wants to learn more about ritual practice, this is the perfect book. I strongly urge anyone who reads this to take it slowly and read it thoroughly before attempting what is in this book. You are by now experienced enough in the Craft to know what can happen if you rush ahead.
7- “The White Goddess” by Robert Graves is a Pagan classic that should be read by every Pagan. This is a history book, OUR history. This is the kind of book best read in small doses and thought about. For the past 20 years I have led discussion groups on this book. You might consider something along those lines with your Pagan friends.
8- This book may be a bit controversial but I will include it anyway, it’s called “Nocturnal Magic” and was written by Konstantinos. I am a big fan of all of his books and recommend them to all of my advanced students. This particular book explores the darker side of Paganism. Please don’t think of this as a negative thing. If there is one thing that Pagans should have is an open mind. Read the book for yourself. No harm ever came from reading a book. Konstantinos doesn’t shy away from the darker side of things. Many believe that dark equals bad, it doesn’t. This book will give you a great perspective on the darker side of things, including ritual creation and altar setups.
9- “Complete Book of Amulets and Talismans” by Migene Gonzalez-Wippler is about the most complete book on amulets and talismans that is available. Everything from the most ancient to the most modern amulets and talismans are covered. This is a book that the advanced student will love because you will finally get information on various amulets and talismans that you have read about in other books.
10- “Complete Book of Spells, Ceremonies and Magic” by Migene Gonzalez-Wippler would be better titled as a history of spells, ceremonies and magic. This is an exceptionally well-written book on the history of certain spells, including many that were long thought extinct. I urge all advanced Pagans to read this book. The history alone is well worth it!
By now you should be quite used to writing in your journal and keeping a book of shadows. Keep writing and exploring your path, you will be richer for it.
Happy Reading!
