What a wonderful day I’ve had on the hunt for witchcraft books in the world famous book town of Hay-on-Wye. This beautiful, old market town is renowned for its vast array of second hand book shops.  It’s a real hive for collectors and general book browsers alike who can be seen buzzing about the place looking for the sweet nectar of that rare find.  At the time of the famous Hay festival there are veritable swarms of people who congregate to hear talks, attend book signings, read and browse whilst eating ice cream from the delectable Shepherd’s Ice Cream Parlour.  Their ice cream is made with sheep’s milk – very apt for this time of year with Imbolc just past (the word Imbolc is derived from ‘oimelc’ meaning ewe milk).

Hanging out in book shops is one of my favourite things to do and Booths on Lion Street is my favourite one of them all.  It’s big and it creaks!  The shelves are laden with with rare, old and new books.  The wide, wooden staircase leads to another floor with sofas to lounge upon with your pile of books.  I cuddled up with the extremely furry book shop cat and whiled away the afternoon with my wondrous witchy finds.  What bliss!

Witchcraft Books I Discovered

Of course, the section I always gravitate towards is the occult in the hopes of some previously undiscovered delights!  I wasn’t disappointed when I came across quite a few witchcraft books for sale.  The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Witchcraft and Practical Magic caught my eye and it turned out to be a rather exciting tome full of amazing fine art, spells and history of magic and witchcraft.  I can’t wait to get properly buried in it.

I also came across Rae Beth’s book Hedgewitch.  A Guide to Solitary Witchcraft which is a series of very informative letters she wrote to two of her new students.  I think this is one of the best witchcraft books for beginners as the letter format means the reader can gain deep insights and teachings of the life of a real witch who practices alone.  There’s a few pen-and-ink sketches too along with descriptions and spells for all the key celtic fesitvals.  It’s very interesting and informative reading for those desiring to learn witchcraft or simply to expand their understanding.  Plus, I think reading a real life witch’s personal accounts of her practise is always fascinating!

In the end, the cat set off my sneezing (I’m allergic to them unfortunately) so I took that as my cue to get going and headed for home with my new witchcraft books in tow.

Hello fellow witches

I just wanted to share a couple of excellent witchy books I have read recently that may inspire you to sail along merrily in your Craft.

The first is The Magick Bookshop by Kala Trobe.  It’s a beautifully written collection of short stories.  It’s very esoteric, very occult and gets you right in the magickal zone as well as teaching you a few lessons along the way!  Well worth it is an understatement.  Just trust me and read it!

Secondly is Phillis Curott’s Book of Shadows.  I enjoyed her autobiographical book and her frank and insightful experiences on choosing Wicca as her new found path.  It’s a very personal account which makes a change from the many ‘how to’, factual books on the Craft out there.  Sometimes it’s nice to just get into another witches world and share their journey and experiences.  Recommended.

Please share any good witchy-type books you have read.  I would love to hear.