A friend at work is interested in learning about Wicca. She was wondering what books were best to read to get a start. Any suggestions?
Scott Cunningham has several books out that are pretty down to earth and worth reading.
This is more of an IMHO than a GQ, so I’ll move it.
bibliophage
moderator GQ
Don’t know of any books myself, but check out http://www.witchvox.com if you haven’t. Lots of resources there.
I’ll heartily second Scott Cunningham. His Guide for the Solitary Practitioner and Truth About Witchcraft Today are excellent beginning books.
If your friend wants a good historical account, Margot Adler’s Drawing Down the Moon is the best around.
A lot of people insist that Starhawk is a must-read. Eh. I don’t like her much. ESPECIALLY her Fifth Sacred Thing.
Is your friend going strictly Wicca or will there be some branching out? I practice Dragon Magic, Mr. Bobkitty is a Druid. We have good Druidic, Norse, Native American, Strega, and misc. resources. If you need suggestions there, let me know. 
Hope this helps!
-BK
I agree about the Cunningham books. Also, BeliefNet has listings for groups in each state, many of which offer classes. Try to see if your friend can sign up for any e-mail lists, too-- I signed up with New Moon New York’s list well over a year ago, and that’s how I ended up hearing about the classes I’m in now. I don’t know how other groups operate, but the one I’m with runs this introductory class as a fairly informal series of open seminars, good for beginners or people who have been practicing a while and want a refresher.
I think something like that is great because you get the benefit of more experienced classmates’ contributions along with the actual instruction. It’s not the actual “outer court” of the coven, but we’ve met many of the members and those of us who want to continue once this class wraps up have a good general knowledge base to go with.
Another voice recommending Scott Cunningham. I’d recommend staying away from Starhawk. When I first read her, she was slightly entertaining, but on a second and third read, she comes across as flaky, overly romantic, and somewhat immature.
I’ll need to stand up for Starhawk then. I’ve only read The Spiral Dance of hers, but for me it was absolutely seminal (ovular?) in constructing my own religious philosophy.
Thanks for the input. Right now she is wanting to learn about Wicca, she may branch out later. I looked at the Cunningham books at Amazon, I will let her know about them.
Rosebud, I will tell her about BeliefNet, but it is not too likely there are too many covens in our area. Or classes for that matter. Being in the middle of nowhere limits resources a lot.
Thanks again.
Lok
I’m going to second the recommendation for the Witchvox site. You’d be amazed at the list of covens, groups and classes out there - many of which are, indeed, in the middle of nowhere. There are also some groups which offer classes either online or via mail.
Reading the Cunningham books is a great idea (seems like every pagan out there owns a set, doesn’t it?) but a conversation with another person adds a lot of value to it. If your friend can’t find any other resources, or just wants someone to discuss stuff with, feel free to e-mail me. I’d be glad to share my experiences (and I bet I’m not the only Doper who would help).
Here’s another recommendation for Scott Cunnigham. I haven’t read much of his, but what I have read is a lot more down to earth than other Pagan writings.
I read Starhawk’s “Spiral Dance” when I was 17, and at the time was totally into it, but now, at the cool and rational age of 22 :rolleyes: it seems a little, I dunno, fluffy and gooey.
Also:
Llewellyn Books is a major New Age publisher worth looking into and Azure Green is good resource for other Pagan items.
And, yes, witchvox=good.
Scott Cunningham=good.
I haven’t read much Silver Ravenwolf, but most of the Elders I’ve talked with absolutely hate her guts. She makes Starhawk look like Bob Dole. This might be an indication to avoid her. Another is, her website stinks. It’s an eyesore. Not that this counts for much, but I call 'em how I see 'em.
There are so many websites out there to peruse, and people to talk to via the Internet- tell her to watch out for drama-queen types, and she should be cool. I also offer myself as a contact if she has any questions. My website is hopefully better than SRW’s: http://www.phoenixmoon.org .
Other authors I like include Ellen Cannon Reed, and Robin Wood has a Wiccan ethics book that is terrific. Both have fairly decent websites, too.
Good luck!
Gah. I need to reverse myself. I got my names screwed up.
Starhawk is fine. A little fluffy, but fine.
Silver Ravenwolf makes me nauseous.
Can you stand another “me too” on the Scott Cunningham books? 
They’re very easy to understand. Written as if he was speaking to you. That’s what I like best about them. Lots of practical advice.
No pun intended. Right, tavalla?
Just got back online after some ISP problems. Thanks again for the recommendations.
seawtich, Mielikki thanks for the offers to talk with her. I will pass that along to her. And that is a pretty nice website Mielikki.
Lok