Like most folks teaching or practicing magic publicly, we occasionally get asked for one-on-one teaching, apprenticeship, or book recommendations. None of us, unfortunately, are currently in a position to offer much in the way of individual instruction. Here, then, are my personal book recommendations for introductory and intermediate level practitioners.
Readers will immediately note that Andrieh Vitimus’ Hands-On Chaos Magick is listed twice. That is because working methodically through the book will take you from know-nothing to Gnosis and leave you having Seen Things and Done Shit.
Introductory Level
These books require little or no outside knowledge. Rituals and techniques are basic and effective, but not earth-shattering. Due to the vagaries of New Age publishing over the last decade, the histories presented in most of these texts must be vigorously disregarded.
Hands-On Chaos Magick by Andrieh Vitimus
Inner Temple of Witchcraft by Christopher Penczak
Outer Temple of Witchcraft by Christopher Penczak
Grimoire of Shadows by Ed Finch
Intermediate Level
These books presume some degree of knowledge. Rituals and techniques may be conceptually or technically difficult, or may end in initiations.
Hands-On Chaos Magick by Andrieh Vitimus
The Sorcerer’s Secrets by Jason Miller
Seven Spheres by Rufus Opus
Condensed Chaos by Phil Hine
The Way of the Shaman by Michael Harner
Additional Sources
The New Age movement in general and Modern Neo-Pagan Witchcraft in particular have huge problems with history and scholarship. To correct this, please start here.
Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler
Triumph of the Moon by Ronald Hutton
The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination by Robert M Place