Reddit mentions: The best books about paganism

Before I start answering your questions, I want to point out that you are pretty fixated on magic in your questions. I think it should be noted that magic, while it does have a relationship with paganism and some pagan traditions use it very heavily, is separate and distinct from the religious practices of paganism. Not all pagan traditions practice magic and its debatable that this sub is meant for the the discussion of the religious aspects of paganism rather than discussion of magic. You should by all means feel welcome to seek information about paganism here, but if magic is what you are interested in, you might have more luck asking in more magic oriented subs like r/occult or subs like r/Wicca or /r/witchcraft that cater specifically to the traditions that do use magic. I should also mention that I'm by no means an expert on paganism or magic, but I know a thing or two about a thing or two. On to the answers!

1. I recommend you start by reading as much as you can. There is a lot of information out there, specifically for wicca but applying pretty broadly to paganism, that you can find for free on the internet that should serve as an adequate introduction to paganism and the pagan magical practices. As you read those and learn more, you will be able to better discern good information from less useful information and better choose for yourself which tradition you feel is right for you, but as a beginner I'm of the opinion that even bad information will serve its purpose and later be discarded. I specifically recommend this book as an introduction to paganism (I know you have issues with your family, but if you can get a hold of it I personally recommend this book): https://www.amazon.com/Paganism-Introduction-Earth-Centered-Religions/dp/0738702226. Books by Cunningham, Buckland, and Oberon Zell are also pretty beginner friendly, albeit somewhat specific to their traditions. For a digital source, I recommend this: http://www.witchology.com/contents/opensourcewicca/gardnerianindex.php. It is digital collection of (supposedly) Gardner's book of shadows and it should serve as a good launching point into Wicca. I also recommend this guide: http://bluefluke.deviantart.com/gallery/52627976/THE-PSYCHONAUT-FIELD-MANUAL. It's specific to Chaos Magic (I'll talk about it in a bit) and not really pagan, but it covers the basics of magic very eloquently and succinctly. Even if you plan on following a more involved tradition, I think this document is a pretty good launching point.
   
2. It's easy to get caught up in the different traditions of magic and I think its important to understand that magic is not a D&D class. Its a practice for spiritual growth and, sometimes, for obtaining material gain. As such, I recommend you don't get hung up on the differences between different magical traditions or try to master all of them. Try out as much as you want and find a path that feels right for you. Having said that, you seem to already to be familiar with witchcraft, as exemplified by Wicca and the less popular Stregheria. This is a folk tradition of magic, more pagan than other paths and based on using tools that are already on hand. The hermetic tradition, as exemplified by the Order of the Golden Dawn, is a tradition that supposedly was created by Hermes Trismegistus, was heavily influenced by Cabalah, passed through Platonic philosophy for a while, and was eventually rediscovered in the Enlightenment and heavily Christianized. It is a very western school of magic and is very abrahamic in flavor and ideally involves a lot of props, specific incantations, and steps. It's also worth noting that Gerald Gardner borrowed many elements from the hermetic tradition when he was founding Wicca and drafting his original book of shadows. Thelema is the magical tradition of Aleister Crowley and was started when he decided that the Order of the Golden Dawn just didn't have enough Crowley in it. I don't know much about this tradition, apart from the fact that originates in hermeticism, but that's definitely a name you'll see around. Chaos Magic is a relatively new paradigm in magic, originating with the Illuminates of Thanateros and emphasizing that it doesn't matter what trappings you use in magic as long as you personally believe that they will work. There are of course various indigenous practices of magic and you might find them interesting to read about, but I recommend you stay clear of them if you aren't a member of that culture. Its a respect thing and, if you're approaching these traditions as an outsider, there's a lot that you won't understand anyway. If you do seek out these traditions, I recommend you find a teacher who can properly initiate you, and one that is actually a member of the culture in question. I definitely recommend you don't seek out Shamanism unless you're called to it (and you'll know if you are).
   
3. Other people have said this, but Witchcraft and Wicca are actually not synonymous. Wicca is a tradition of witchcraft, as are other traditions like Stregheria and arguably Voodoo, but witchcraft itself is separate from these and there are many witches who prefer not to associate with such labels. You can call yourself a witch if you feel that the term applies to you. Or you can call yourself simply a pagan if you choose to generally follow a pagan path.

> Is this really offensive? If it is, please explain it to me. It's not enough to tell me it is, I've got to know why.

For some it will be, for others not so much.

If you asked me if you could approach paganism, but dropping the "supernatural" stuff from it, I'd say "Hell yeah!" because I do just that. I don't really have much use for divination or crystals or anything like that, so I just don't use them in my practice. I can see why some would use it and I understand how some use them practically, but I just don't feel the need for it.

For me, Paganism is really about the Natural world. The Earth is my Mother (My goddess, if you might like to say so), and the Sun is my Father (My god, if you will). I know a lot of other pagans do this do, but not all. Some pagans use pantheons for deity, but deity is not a necessity in paganism.

I still like ritual, though I don't do much pagan ritual in my personal practice, because the symbols used in it represent natural forces and things going on in the world. A "supernatural non-believer" could find use and spiritual meaning in ritual (as well as gods and crystals and magic), because to me (and surely others out there) they're just symbols, but symbols have a lot of personal power. They can help you change your mindset, help you understand things better.

Some will find calling things "supernatural" offensive, because some pagans do believe "supernatural" things exist, and don't view them as "supernatural." This is perfectly okay, to me, it's just not my way of approaching things.

TL;DR It will vary from person to person, and can be a sensitive topic for some. Not for all, though.

As for books without too much of a supernatural inclination about Paganism, I'd try out Ronald Hutton. His Triumph of the Moon is more about the history and roots of paganism, but he's very detailed and descriptive, as well as academic.

Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon is of the same vein as Triumph of the Moon. Both are pretty heavy and tome-like, but are filled with invaluable information.

If you're looking into Wicca theology, I found Bryan Lankford's Wicca Demystified to be a great in depth explanation, especially for an "outsider." A lot of the "beginners" books on Wicca you'll find are heavy on ritual and magic, and seeing how you don't have much fondness for it, I think Lankford's book might be better suited for you.

And I haven't read it, but Dana Eiler's Practical Pagan might be of interest to you. It seems to have the less "magicy-supernatural" and more of a mundane, practical approach to paganism. Not sure about it, though. You might find some good info in the amazon's review section of the book.

I feel like there's another book or two that I've read that taps into what you're looking for, but I just can't think of it. There are some cool anthologies full of essays of paganism in the real world, which I find are invaluable for their information, and not so heavy on the "supernatural side," like Pagan Visions for a Sustainable Future and Celebrating the Pagan Soul.

PS

>I'm use to kinda being primed to attack fundamentalism in Christianity and I've got little good to say about Islam at all.

I wouldn't be so dismissive of Christianity and Islam in general. Interfaith can be a very important. You don't have to agree with what they believe, but personally I know a few Muslims who are very kind and generous, and if they give credit to their religion for their kindness and generosity, I wouldn't say there's nothing good to say about Islam. But that's neither here nor there.

Always happy to help! For more info on Dionysus:

Subreddits:
/r/dionysus

Books to learn more about Dionysus (I used Amazon because it is easy, you may find these cheaper elsewhere):

Dionysus Myth and Cult - Considered by some Dionysians to be the Dionysian Bible.

Archetypal Image of Indestructible Life - Also very helpful scholarly source.

Ecstatic - Written by a Dionysian priest, this is a really good book for beginning to know the god.

Tending the Bull - Written by the same guy, focuses on a more specific aspect of Dionysus, within the Starry Bull tradition (Will explain more in the website section). If you do find yourself interested in the Starry Bull tradition, this author has several other books on amazon, you can find them on his author page.


Websites:

The Dionysion - Kinda old, lots of sites missing, but still has some useful info.

Temple of Dionysus - Another old site, might be of some use though.

The Theoi page for Dionysus - Lots of scholarly info on the god.

The Bakcheion - This is the website of the Starry Bull. It's a bit much at first, but the information is well sourced and presents a side of Dionysus many don't see. Please be sure to practice khernips before exploring their pantheon page, but their Dionysus page has a lot of great things, specifically the Feast of the Senses and Devotional Activities for Dionysus.

Here is my post after my first attempt at Enthousiasmos (Possession by the god)

Here is my post about one of my early rites for Dionysus.

Labrys, a Greek polytheist group, also celebrates Phalleforia, a Dionysian festival, once a year in Athens, and has some pretty good videos of the festival. Here are some:

2017 Phalleforia - 7:33 The official video of the festival

2017 Phalleforia - 4:19 A better edited version

2016 Phalleforia - 28:02 Unofficial video of the festival

2016 Phalleforia - 18:11 Official video of the festival

Finally here is Daemonia Nymphe's Hymn to Bacchus, probably the most well known musical hymn for the god.

Edit: Sorry if this is too much, but I missed one thing. The Bacchae's Sacred Chants from the Greek movie Two Suns in the Sky.

You can most certainly think of some prayers on your own— after all the Gods do want to hear from YOU. I use a few different books to help me out with set prayers. They are these books:

1. https://www.amazon.com/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=hellenic+polytheism+household+worship&qid=1565962177&s=gateway&sprefix=hellenic+pol&sr=8-1 (a wonderful book to help get you started. Lists prayers, how to make offerings, etc.)
   
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/Orphic-Hymns-Translation-Occult-Practitioner/dp/0738753440/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=orphic+hymns&qid=1565962224&s=gateway&sprefix=orphic+h&sr=8-1
   
   
3. https://www.amazon.com/Praise-Olympus-Prayers-Greek-Gods/dp/1105553272/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=hellenic+prayer&qid=1565962244&s=gateway&sr=8-4
   
   The last two list hymns and prayers to different Gods and they’re just wonderful. My prayer routine at night for example consists of praying some of the prayers in these books to the Gods Im closest too, then I i pray this prayer (https://pieandhotdogs.tumblr.com/post/129529920089/daily-hellenic-polytheist-prayer-evening) and then I say different prayers to the different Gods—I talk to them personally, thank them for all the blessings, ask them to protect me, any special petitions, etc. Usually I pray with a candle lit and some incense burning. Offerings can consist of different things—food, coins, wine, etc. I use sea shells and rocks for Venus since she came from the sea, plastic little dolphins for Neptune since he’s the King of the Sea, olives for Athena. Basically, things that mean something to the Gods. Doesn’t have to be too elaborate :)
   
   Your last question is a really good one and one I can’t immediately explain. Sometimes you just feel it— i always feel sooo calm when praying to Hestia and Venus. And sometimes you see manifestations of things you pray for under the realms of certain Gods. I ask Apollo for help with writing at times and when the inspiration comes I feel very connected to him. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful on that question—although it is a good one!

This is exactly why I decided not to go into the sciences. They're just so devoid of meaning in most areas unless you get really lucky. Otherwise you're stuck with a 9-5 working for some corporation that isn't doing any kind of meaningful work, or even work with a big payoff waiting at the end like curing a disease you're passionate about eliminating, or creating a wonderful piece of technology. I wouldn't work with spirits, personally, if by that you mean angels and demons or ghosts.

There is a place for the essence of consciousness in things, for example m1thr0s once told me that he would not been able to divine the secrets of the I Ching so readily if he did not, on some level also love and respect Fu Hsi or King Wen, as there is a kind of consciousness link going on there that lives in infinity.

Some deities have been very helpful to me, not so much with finding a very lucrative career, but in aiding me financially so I had the time and energy to both manage a household and an occult business (The Abrahadabra Institute) the goddess of happy households, Hestia. She is helpful in a way that is not time consuming or intrusive and her presence is only asserted when she thinks it is very important, for example, getting married to the right person or calling attention to things to refocus on the happiness of the family, like making a special dinner or freshening up the decor. Anyone who has been to my house knows I'm basically Suzie homemaker and most of this I would attribute to her influence and my natural Yin inclinations. I sort of invoked her on a whim one day and she has stuck with me ever since then, much to my surprise. So yeah I would recommend Hestia since it doesn't sound like you're in need of anything "occult" right now, and she deals with the basic desires and happiness of earth-bound life.

With Hestia, in the traditional way which can be acquired from the LABRYS Polytheistic Community in Hellas:
https://www.amazon.com/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887

You want to always have a flame going in the house, somewhere. If that is a gas stove, great, that is also her traditional location, the cooking fire. If not, you can use those cheap mexican candles they sell for witchcraft at the grocery store in the glass vials, unless you have a cat they will burn for a week and not go out.

Do you want it to be a wand? Does that feel right? Trust your intuition. There's also no one right way to use a wand: in my magical tradition they correspond with air but in most traditions they correspond with fire. It can be used to direct energy or draw boundary lines. IMO you're moving energy primarily with your body, a tool just helps. Just like a hammer or screwdriver works. If you lack a wand you can do the same thing by just pointing with a finger and moving energy.

There's lots of ways to consecrate a magical tool, but you can make up your own ritual if you want; eg cleanse the wand (salt, smoke, whatever you do), open a circle, call in whatever entities/elements/etc you want, do the consecrating thing (it can even as basic as just be stating your will or intent, and/or asking the entities you work with to help), then close the circle. Here's the instructions I followed by my tradition but if you're new to magical stuff I'd recommend getting something like this e-book, it's $5 and goes over all the basics in a way that's very accessible and can be generalized to a lot of different traditions, it uses the four elements to consecrate stuff.

I also think it's good practice to leave an offering if you take something from a living plant. I got my wand off Etsy, some witch named Blink from County Cork in Ireland drags old preserved black bog wood out the peat bog and hand carves it into a simple, plain, clean spindle of wood (it only cost like $20 so I gave a huge tip). Since I primarily work with Gaelic deities and my ancestry on my mom's side is Irish I feel like it really gives me a connection to my spiritual roots. The bog wood has this energetically heavy & strong feel, like a big pickup truck lol. You'll know what's right for you, and you can always experiment and make another wand later if you want something different.

Feel free to let us know how it works out!

Hi, not Wiccan, but eclectic druid, which is also a subset of Paganism. There are loads of online communities to check out! Firstly, I'd say browse the r/wicca, r/pagan, and r/druidism (shameless plug lol) subreddits, as they're filled with loads of info and opinions. Be warned on r/pagan, since there are LOADS of different types of pagans, you'll get some wildly different opinions. There's plenty of other subreddits (r/witchcraft, for example), but those were the ones I started with.

I also love the Pagan channel on Patheos, which if you haven't browsed before, is a really interesting conglomeration of religious blogs. While I don't use it very often, WitchVox is also referenced as a really good online hub for finding local groups.

For books, this one is a fucking fantastic introduction to Paganism as a whole. It was my first real read on the topic. For Wicca in particular, Scott Cunningham is typically the one people point to for learning how to practice solitary. I also found Wicca for Beginners to be a super quick but useful intro. If you want a more general history of witchy goddess nature-worshipy religions, I am currently reading Drawing Down the Moon and love it.

Finally, if you have any Unitarian churches in your area, reach out-- they frequently have pagan or earth-centered study groups you can always visit!

Like I said before, I'm way more druidy, so if you want suggestions for learning about that (or just want to talk pagan-y things to admittedly a baby pagan), lemme know! :)

Yes. I became interested in Viking culture not long before I heard of the show, but the show has definitely helped keep my curiosity going. My interest in Norse history goes like this:

• Interest spiked after realizing Immigrant Song by Led Zepplin is about Vikings (around mid 2012-ish)
  
  
• Started looking into the culture, discovered Wardruna
  
  
• Bought a book about runes, the myths, etc
  
  
• Vikings comes out on History channel (I remember thinking, "Man, Wardruna should do music for this show!" And then mfw)
  
  
• Recently started looking into Asatru and stuff that is still going on in this age that can be tied to Vikings
  
  My interest in the Vikings isn't necessarily about the specific dates, locations, etc. It's more about the lifestyle, the myths, the attitude they had. And Vikings does a great job, IMO, of keeping that interest going. It's inspiring me to get in touch with nature again, learn how to do things I've never done, etc. Plus it's entertaining!
  
  EDIT: Here's the two books I've bought (so far) regarding Viking history. You'll note that they're basically children's books. The first one deals with the myths on a children's story level, the second has more in depth analysis on the myths, but without the pictures. I think simply reading about the things the Vikings may have lived by is better than just learning what date Bjorn raided "whatever-land". Anyways, here's the two books I have:
  
  Book of Norse Myths: Kid's book with pictures, walking you through the myths on an introductory level
  
  The Norse Myths: A much more comprehensive book about the myths
  
  I also have two other books related to Norse history or culture:
  
  Practical Guide to the Runes
  
  Practical Heathen's Guide to Asatru: For learning about the way a heathen's mind works and how he lives his life. I don't follow the stuff in the book, but I'm putting some of it into practice as I explore my ancestral connections

Hi, I'm an AODA member. Sorry I didn't see this post until just now.

1. AODA's suggested rituals are designed with gods in mind, but AODA only requires a belief in something greater than yourself. When I joined, I was atheistic and my belief was in the natural world and universe being far greater than myself.
   
   I'm a polytheist now, but I know advanced-grade AODA members who are not theistic. You'll find some AODA members calling upon land spirits in place of gods, for instance.
   
   In your rituals, you can input gods, spirits, ancestors, or whatever is right for you. JM Greer has created a number of suggestions for observing the wheel of the year, based on Celtic gods and figures from Arthurian lore. He even created a Wheel of the Year for Christo-Druids that assigns each station to a Christian holy day and suggests different archangels and saints to call upon in the rituals. Just to give you an idea of how out-of-the-box you can get.
   
   
2. It takes three years to complete AODA's curriculum, and the fees for the whole shebang come out to $300, I think. So essentially you would never have to pay the organization more than that over your entire membership with them, and it's spread out over quite a bit of time. I think AODA might be the cheapest order, but on the flip side I think it has the least materials.
   
   
3. JM Greer outlines rituals in The Druidry Handbook. Aside from the grove openings and closings, he does it more to demonstrate what rituals can look like rather than to say "AODA members must perform these" or even "should perform these". AODA encourages its members to craft rituals to suit their circumstances and beliefs.
   
   
4. Not a question for AODA, so I'll let the OBODies and ADFers answer that.
   
   
5. This is tricky for any Druid order, as all of them are syncretic and innovative rather than reconstructive. AODA requires reading the Mabinogion as part of its curriculum, and some elements of its suggested rituals are rooted in Celtic traditions. I think the most significant thing it brings to the table in contrast to the other Druid orders are its emphasis on magic and ecology, which in my opinion are key elements that should be woven into any pagan practice that aims to be traditionally Celtic. However, its magical teachings are essentially a Celt-ification of Rosicrucian magic with some added neopagan elements rather than an attempt to reconstruct traditional practices.
   
   Now that I am polytheistic, I am more and more reconstructive in my approach. Without having followed AODA practices and reading JM Greer's teachings, I never would have understood magic or believed in gods, both of which are fundamental to traditional Celtic paganism in my opinion. A lot of people view Druidry and CR as being at odds with each other, but I reject that. I think AODA laid the foundation on which I'm going to ultimately build a more reconstructive practice.
   
   You're right that ADF is the "winner" on this point, but ADF also requires a belief in and commitment to the gods. So you will need to come to terms with polytheism before joining.
   
   EDIT: At the end of the day, I see Druidry as an open and diverse religion that is rooted in Celtic culture and which offers organizations and practices that are effective at initiating newcomers into paganism by giving them accessible and digestible practices they can use right off the bat. What Druidry lacks, though, is that it is not very rigorous about replicating and preserving historical practices. ADF is supposed to be the antidote to that problem, and in many ways it is, but it too is not fully reconstructionist.
   
   There are some advantages to this, but someone who really wants historically-based practices will essentially need to practice reconstructionism on the side (quite a few ADFers do this, actually). For more information about Celtic reconstructionism, you can check out /r/paganacht as well as books like Pagan Portals: Irish Paganism and organizations like Gaol Naofa.
   
   AODA does not have any language learning material that I'm aware of.

I am a recovering Christian (grew up Southern baptist, eventually went non-denominational) who is looking for a path of some kind.

My wife has always related to and followed paganism and very easily went back to it after our schism from the church. My mother very strongly associated with Celtic beliefs (our family way back was from the Isles) but she passed away before I was able to talk to her about them in depth. I'm struggling to define what I feel, believe, and desire.

I mention my previous Christianity because that is all I've ever known. I practiced for 39 years of my life by devoting myself to one figure head, reading from one specific book, and channeling one specific spirit. The switch to paganism and its leniency on such practices is both freeing but also a huge adjustment for me to make. I'm not saying I want to devote, read, or channel paganism the same way I did Christianity but I just don't know where to begin. I would love to meditate and see visions of something to lead me where I should be or have dreams that introduce me to something or someone to guide me.

My apologies if this comes off as more of a word vomit than anything else. I would love and appreciate some insight or advice on how to begin this journey. The Seeking website linked above is already open in my browser and I plan to read that. I've also been reading Paganism: An Introduction to Earth- Centered Religions as well. But nothing beats Reddit and hearing from people who have been there themselves.

Let's get the first thing straight: there was no assault, and from your description, he was drunk, she was drunk, he made moves on her, she shot him down, and he stopped. That is not sexual assault. Classifying it as such is a way you can justify your negative feelings towards this guy, but you are doing things a disservice by approaching the issue as such.

Next, I can tell you, as a bi man in an open marriage with a bi woman, poly, open arrangements, and other alternatives to monogamy don't work unless both parties are on board. If that is the case, both need to be educated and dedicated: educated on alternatives to monogamy and how to best institute them in the relationship, and dedicated to open communication, honoring the primary partnership, and respecting their partner/s.

In my past experience, it's very difficult to go from mono to poly or open arrangements. There's usually too much past stuff to get through that ends up projected onto the new relationship, and often times, one partner wants it more than the other. For me personally, as someone wo is not poly but is also nonmonogamous, the best relationships I have had have been when the relationship began as an open arrangement.

If you want to begin looking at poly/open/w/e options start reading and researching. Get a couples counselor. Learn how to communicate in new ways. BUT, I have to say, the way that this has been broached in your life is not the best way to get there. Tell her if she is seriously wanting to be poly, you require these things. After a month of research and meeting with a couples counselor, reconvene on the issue. If it's something you both want, then move forward. If not, time to move on.

Required reading:
http://www.amazon.com/Opening-Up-Creating-Sustaining-Relationships/dp/157344295X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310242671&sr=8-1
A great book to get started with, and refer back to.


http://www.amazon.com/Redefining-Our-Relationships-Guidelines-Responsible/dp/1587900157/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310242969&sr=8-1
Great little book.


http://www.amazon.com/Pagan-Polyamory-Becoming-Tribe-Hearts/dp/0738707627/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1310242671&sr=8-5
This book is heavy on the woo woo, new age shit, but these people have a lot of good info, if you can separate it from the enya bullshit.

http://www.amazon.com/Ethical-Slut-Practical-Relationships-Adventures/dp/1587613379/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1310242671&sr=8-8
Basically, the bible of open relationships for newbs.

http://www.amazon.com/Polyamory-Roadmaps-Clueless-Anthony-Ravenscroft/dp/1890109533/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1310242671&sr=8-16
Decent

The Following list is taken from the Witches & Warlocks FB page. (This is Christian Day's group)

Witches and Warlocks Recommended Reading List
This is a collection of books recommended by our admins and participants in the group. Books must be approved by the admins so if you'd like to see one added to the last, please post it in the comments at the bottom of this list and, if it's something we think is appropriate, we'll add it! We provide links to Amazon so folks can read more about the book but we encourage you to shop at your local occult shop whenever possible! :)


BEGINNER'S WITCHCRAFT BOOKS

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft
by Raymond Buckland
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0875420508

Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America
by Margot Adler
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0143038192

Grimoire of the Thorn-Blooded Witch: Mastering the Five Arts of Old World Witchery
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635500

The Inner Temple of Witchcraft: Magick, Meditation and Psychic Development
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738702765

The Kybalion: The Definitive Edition
by William Walker Atkinson (Three Initiates)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1585428744

Lid Off the Cauldron: A Wicca Handbook
by Patricia Crowther
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1861630328

Mastering Witchcraft
by Paul Huson
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0595420060

Natural Magic
by Doreen Valiente
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0919345808

Natural Witchery: Intuitive, Personal & Practical Magick
by Ellen Dugan
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738709220

Old World Witchcraft: Ancient Ways for Modern Days
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635055

The Outer Temple of Witchcraft: Circles, Spells and Rituals
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738705314

Power of the Witch: The Earth, the Moon, and the Magical Path to Enlightenment
by Laurie Cabot
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385301898

Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation
by Silver RavenWolf
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738703192

Spirit of the Witch: Religion & Spirituality in Contemporary Witchcraft
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738703389

Witch: A Magickal Journey
by Fiona Horne
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0007121326

Witchcraft for Tomorrow
by Doreen Valiente
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0709052448

Witchcraft Today
by Gerald Gardner
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0806525932
The Witches' Craft: The Roots of Witchcraft & Magical Transformation
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/073870265X
The Witching Way of the Hollow Hill
by Robin Artisson
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982031882

WITCHCRAFT HISTORY AND RESOURCE BOOKS

Aradia or The Gospel of the Witches
by Charles Godfrey Leland
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982432356

Encyclopedia of Mystics, Saints & Sages: A Guide to Asking for Protection, Wealth, Happiness, and Everything Else!
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062009575

The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft and Wicca
by Rosemary Ellen Guiley
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0816071047

Etruscan Roman Remains
by Charles Godfrey Leland
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1494302519

The God of the Witches
by Margaret Murray
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0195012704

The Weiser Field Guide to Witches, The: From Hexes to Hermione Granger, From Salem to the Land of Oz
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578634792

ADVANCED BOOKS ON WITCHCRAFT AND MAGIC

Blood Sorcery Bible Volume 1: Rituals in Necromancy
by Sorceress Cagliastro
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1935150812

The Deep Heart of Witchcraft: Expanding the Core of Magickal Practice
by David Salisbury
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1780999208

Teen Spirit Wicca
by David Salisbury
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1782790594

Enchantment: The Witch's Art of Manipulation by Gesture, Gaze and Glamour
by Peter Paddon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936922517

Initiation into Hermetics
by Franz Bardon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1885928122

Letters from the Devil's Forest: An Anthology of Writings on Traditional Witchcraft, Spiritual Ecology and Provenance Traditionalism
by Robin Artisson
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1500796360

Magical Use of Thought Forms: A Proven System of Mental & Spiritual Empowerment
by Dolores Ashcroft-Nowick and J.H. Brennan
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567180841

Magick in Theory and Practice
by Aleister Crowley
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1500380679

The Plant Spirit Familiar
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982774311

Protection and Reversal Magick
by Jason Miller
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1564148793
Psychic Self-Defense
by Dion Fortune
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635098
The Ritual Magic Workbook: A Practical Course of Self-Initiation
by Dolores Ashcroft-Norwicki
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578630452
The Roebuck in the Thicket: An Anthology of the Robert Cochrane Witchcraft Tradition
by Evan John Jones, Robert Cochrane and Michael Howard
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1861631553

The Satanic Witch
by Anton Szandor LaVey
http://www.amazon.com/Satanic-Witch-Anton-Szandor-LaVey/dp/0922915849
Shadow Magick Compendium: Exploring Darker Aspects of Magickal Spirituality
by Raven Digitalis
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VS0N5K
The Tree of Enchantment: Ancient Wisdom and Magic Practices of the Faery Tradition
by Orion Foxwood
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578634075
The Underworld Initiation: A journey towards psychic transformation
by R.J. Stewart
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1892137038

HERBALISM, CANDLES, INCENSE, OILS, FORMULARIES, AND STONES

A Compendium of Herbal Magic
by Paul Beyerl
http://www.amazon.com/dp/091934545X

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
by Scott Cunningham
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0875421229

The Enchanted Candle: Crafting and Casting Magickal Light
by Lady Rhea
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0806525789

The Enchanted Formulary: Blending Magickal Oils for Love, Prosperity, and Healing
by Lady Maeve Rhea
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0806527048

Incense: Crafting and Use of Magickal Scents
by Carl F. Neal
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738703362

Magickal Formulary Spellbook Book 1
by Herman Slater
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0939708000

Magickal Formulary Spellbook: Book II
by Herman Slater
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0939708108


SPELLCASTING AND SPELLBOOKS
Crone's Book of Charms & Spells
by Valerie Worth
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567188117

Crone's Book of Magical Words
by Valerie Worth
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567188257

Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0061711233

Everyday Magic: Spells & Rituals for Modern Living
by Dorothy Morrison
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567184693

Pure Magic: A Complete Course in Spellcasting
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578633915
Utterly Wicked: Curses, Hexes & Other Unsavory Notions
by Dorothy Morrison
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0979453313
The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook
by Denise Alvarado
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635136

The Voodoo Doll Spellbook: A Compendium of Ancient and Contemporary Spells and Rituals
by Denise Alvarado
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1578635543


THE ANCESTORS AND WORKING WITH THE DEAD
The Cauldron of Memory: Retrieving Ancestral Knowledge & Wisdom
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738715751

The Mighty Dead
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982774370

Speak with the Dead: Seven Methods for Spirit Communication
by Konstantinos
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738705225
The Witches' Book of the Dead
by Christian Day
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635063
_____
TAROT

78 Degrees of Wisdom
by Rachel Pollack
http://www.amazon.com/dp/157863408

When I started I was closeted too, but I didn't even have the courage to post anything so you're awesome!

I used this book alot when I got started. Its smaller so easier to hide, and I really liked how it taught me things that were inconspicuous.

https://www.amazon.com/Wiccapedia-Modern-Day-White-Witchs-Guide/dp/1454913746/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=wiccapedia&qid=1566538597&s=gateway&sr=8-1

If you can manage a bigger book this one is amazing!!! It walks you through exercises and educates about holidays and traditions. It gave me alot to go off of when creating my own spells.

https://www.amazon.com/Wicca-Year-Spiritual-Practice-Craft/dp/0738706213

Don't be afraid to trust your instincts and forge your own path. Blessed be!

Those are good things, but it's always important to remember what I said about them being a snapshot of one part of the oral tradition from ~1000 years ago.

Another route, as I mentioned, is to seek out places like this to get ideas about modern books of heathen thought. This lets you take advantage of the decades of work that has already gone into trying to understand our ancestors culture as it might apply to the modern world. A good place to start would be A Practical Heathen's Guide to Asatru by Patricia M. Lafayllve. It's a beginners book, but a very good one that even a heathen who's been around a while can get some use out of. And it's certainly a good place to get some answers that will let you formulate more and better questions.

I love working with the Greeks. First and foremost, you need a way in. For most people, this is the Agathos Daemon, ie. the good daemon, who is often depicted as a snake. The AG is sort of the Greek version of a "guardian angel". Make offerings to the AG every time you eat or drink. When you drink, spill the first few drops onto the floor. When you eat, offer the first and tiniest morsel of grain [you can try offering meat, but probably it would be best to stick with grain].

Here are a few useful books that I've read on the subject.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076GB568V/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

https://www.amazon.com/Mythology-Edith-Hamilton-ebook/dp/B00852YXU8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1VEM7QFB1VP7Z&keywords=greek+mythology&qid=1567193780&s=digital-text&sprefix=greek+mytho%2Cdigital-text%2C181&sr=1-4

Lastly, incorporate elements of planetary magic into your practice. Apollo is an easy one because he corresponds to the Sun, which means you should invoke him Sundays at sunrise. Hermes is Wednesday, Zeus and Poseidon and Hera on Thursday. I like to do Athena on Tuesday but Tuesday is also good for Aries, should you dare mess with Aries. Saturday is for Chronos, and Monday for Artemis or Hecate. Hecate is considered the Greek god of witchcraft, so if you want to get witchy, she's the one to go with.

You might also want to pick up a book about planetary magic in general, such as this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Planetary-Magick-Heart-Western-Llewellyns-ebook/dp/B004G8QLL4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Hello mate, I would recommend you this order: First of all, The Norse Myths:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0394748468/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687622&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002HLAF32&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=5ST3KMPDJ47HVWWV2AW4

The who´s who in nordic pantheon. Has the most known myths plus a superb introduction to cosmology. Myths are in chronological order, from Ginnungagap to Ragnarok. The writing is very good, adult-oriented with some touches of dry humor.

After it go for the 2 Eddas. Why is important to know about the myths or the gods? Because all the books you are going to read name or make references to the gods or to myths or both. You will want to know what on Midgard are they talking about.

After that, if you want to know more about Asatru specifically, read in this order:
The Asatru Edda
https://www.amazon.com/%C3%81satr%C3%BA-Edda-Sacred-Lore-North/dp/1440131783/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473832369&sr=1-1&keywords=asatru+edda

The Norroena Society made a superb job publishing this Edda taking away all the christian influence. Really great job. They made with the Eddas what Dr. Viktor Rydberg did with the teutonic myths.

Next in line:
A Practical Heathen's Guide to Asatru

https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Heathens-Guide-Asatru/dp/0738733873/ref=pd_sim_14_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8M3GCMHG28EVGP5090FX

Exactly what it says.

Now, if later on your path you feel the itch to learn more about teutonic myths, their social construct, history etc etc let me know that I can recommend more books depending on your needs.

You have a tiny fraction of the bases covered, but you're better off than many people. Some people only read Scott Cunningham's Wicca: A Guide and call it a day.

You really ought to learn of the history of religious witchcraft in the 20th century, the many layers of symbolism and tradition in Gardnerian and Alexandrian witchcraft of the 50s and 60s, then the spread and change of the newly arrived Pagan and witchcraft scene of the 70s and 80s in America, which leads to Dianic Wicca, Eclectic Wicca, and finally the form presented in Scott Cunningham's books and most, if not all books published in the past ten years (and continuously) by Llewellyn.

Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler: https://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Down-Moon-Witches-Goddess-Worshippers/dp/0143038192/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469827845&sr=8-1&keywords=drawing+down+the+moon

Then eventually learn of the history not of the religious traditions of witchcraft which have caught on by many, but the figure of the witch as a religious follower (as opposed to an evil baby-killer, a Halloween decoration, or something dreamed up in the minds of the Catholic church with no foundation in actual religion).

Aradia: Gospel of the Witches by Charles Leland: https://www.amazon.com/Aradia-Gospel-Witches-Charles-Godfrey/dp/0982432356/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828055&sr=8-1&keywords=aradia

Ecstasies: Deciphering the Witches' Sabbath by Carlo Ginzburg: https://www.amazon.com/Ecstasies-Deciphering-Witches-Carlo-Ginzburg/dp/0226296938/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828085&sr=8-4&keywords=carlo+ginzburg

The Witch Cult in Western Europe by Margaret Murray: https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Cult-Western-Europe/dp/1515244024/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828141&sr=8-2&keywords=witch+cult+western+europe

and then, in a timeline-fashion,

Witchcraft Today by Gerald Gardner: https://www.amazon.com/Witchcraft-Today-Gerald-Gardner/dp/0806525932/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828213&sr=8-1&keywords=witchcraft+today

Then learn how religious witchcraft, as presented by Gerald Gardner and his covens, was and is practiced, the meaning behind the practices, and why the meanings matter.

A Witches Bible by Janet and Stewart Farrar: https://www.amazon.com/Witches-Bible-Complete-Handbook/dp/0919345921/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828310&sr=8-1&keywords=witches+bible

Also inserted in this section might easily be Buckland's Book of Witchcraft, but I don't personally recommend that book as it does stray from Gardnerian tradition in many respects, sometimes changing whole chunks of traditional texts to a more Pagan or celtic format, and conveniently brushes over the use and symbolism of an important tool, the scourge, in witchcraft. But there are many good pieces of knowledge in that book.

Its also important to read up on influential figures in the Craft movement, and their thoughts, opinions, and reasonings behind their beliefs.

Firechild by Maxine Sanders: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Child-Magic-Maxine-Sanders/dp/1869928784/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828518&sr=8-1&keywords=maxine+sanders

King of the Witches by June Johns: https://www.amazon.com/King-Witches-World-Alex-Sanders/dp/B000NT7OYI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469828547&sr=8-1&keywords=king+witches+june

And there's so much more, probably more books than anyone could ever read and find all of.

And one of the best sources of knowledge of the Craft is an experienced High Priest(ess) within a coven that knows their stuff. Much of witchcraft's knowledge comes from its mysteries, which must be experienced to understand.

Good luck on your journey.

Most pagan religions — reconstructionism, Shinto, Shenjiao, Hinduism — have much the same approach: you share food and drink and make symbolic offerings like fire and incense. Actions can also be offerings, like song, music, and dance. A bunch of flowers is always nice. Then there are gifts like statues, paintings, or just nice objects. Ancient Greeks offered everything from pottery animals to sea-shells. Of course votives like that do tend to build up: temples used to bury them eventually! Gifts to charity can be vowed as offerings to appropriate gods — I give annually to a hospice in honour of Hades and Persephone and to a veterans' charity for Ares.

A good book is

Hellenic polytheism: household worship

and you can find more advice on specific gods at

https://neosalexandria.org/the-pantheon/

WiccanTogether has been an amazing source of information and like-minded people for me.

Paganism is an umbrella term for anything that falls under non-Abrahamic or mainstream religion- so it's A LOT. I would highly recommend the book Toward the Wiccan Circle and Paganism: An Introduction to Earth Centered Religions.

I would also recommend searching the following YouTube channels:

• MoodyThursday (myself)
  
  
• CharmingPixieFlora
  
  
• Pagyptsian (especially the older videos)
  
  
• DragonFeather369
  
  Although some of the above resources have been labeled as "Wicca", they are a great platform from which to jump towards your own specific brand of Paganism :-)
  
  Blessed Be (And feel free to PM me)

Sounds like what you're looking for is traditional polytheism or Reconstructionism, Dodekatheism/Hellenismos in particular given what you've already studied and heritage. As such, you're not likely to find much of that in most pagan groups as the majority tend to be Neopagan, often heavily borrowing from Wicca.

Though based in Greece, I think YSEE has an active chapter in NYC. Another group to look into online is Elaion which has members in North America and parts of Europe. I don't think there are local gatherings per se but likely members who are in NY and perhaps people could arrange to meet up. The group does have what they call PAT rituals (Practicing Apart Together) so that members worldwide engage in the same festival at the same time.

Another group to look into (but is based in Greece) is Labrys. They also offer a wealth of information and they've published a very accessible primer in modern Hellenic practice which has been translated into English, Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship.

Edited to add: also, a subreddit of interest r/HellenicPolytheism

Thanks for stopping by the sub, may I ask your age please?

If you are new to Heathenry perhaps you should begin with some core reading to better understand our relationship with the Gods? We don't (usually and generally) ask them for anything as individuals or pray to them like people do in other religions to their god(s). Expecting a gift like protection means earning it, through your deeds, reputation, and the gifting cycle of your Kindred and/or family. I suggest reading this book, to begin a better understanding

Here are the books I started with that have been very helpful...

I did not start with the Eddas, I started with this book...

[The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland](
http://www.amazon.com/Norse-Myths-Pantheon-Folklore-Library/dp/0394748468)

It is a modern launguage retelling of the Lore in an easier to follow format. I read this book first so I have an understanding of the specific myth then I dive into the Eddas.

I also purchased a few Asatru specific books that give an overview of the Gods and Goddesses, give a brief history lesson, and discuss some of the rituals of Asatru like Blots, holidays, toasts, ect.

Essential Asatru: Walking the Path of Norse Paganism

A Practical Heathens Guide to Asatru

and

Heathenry: A Study of Asatru in the Modern World This one I have not read yet so I have no idea how good it is.

I also purchased The Prose Edda: Norse Mythology

I have a really hard time reading the Eddas since I have always had a hard time with that type of poetry so I have only purchased the one Edda and I am slowly making my way through it. There are a few different Eddas out there so read reviews of them on Amazon before buying to see what everyone is saying about it.

I didnt do this with the Asatru Edda and after I bought it found out they tend to fill in holes in the myths with their own assumptions. Im not educated enough to give examples but most of the reviews mention it. I was advised not to read that version until I become more familiar with the Lore as it was written first. Also, this book is as physically large as a school text book. It is soft cover but very awkward to hold and read.

Good luck. I am very much a beginner but have found the above resources helpful.

I am assuming you mean pagan origins for christianity. This what I remember from Catholic school.

When the Roman Catholic Church came to Britain and Ireland, Gaul had already brought Druidism over to the islands. So they had many holidays. In order to convert people they added a ton of "saints" to the canon. These included St. Bridgid and other females because they were such popular goddesses that the church could not stop the heathens from worshiping them.

Likewise, as /u/cheesehead144 pointed out, many holidays in the new christian faith were placed to overlap with druidic holidays. They also built the churches in the sacred groves and other nature sites holy to the older faith(s). These acts were done to promote the new religion of the land by crushing the old one.

It is also partly to blame for the way women were treated in those countries. A Patriarchal religion cannot have strong female leaders.

Wikipedia has some good articles about the early history of the catholic church in regards to Gaul, Britain & Ireland.Wikipedia: Catholicism

Also the druid page talks about it.

There are several books talking about the transitional period [Druids] (http://www.amazon.com/The-Druids-Celtic-Priests-Nature/dp/0892817038/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1404615377&sr=8-3&keywords=druids) for instance.

Also some good primer books include Paganism: An Introduction to Earth Based Religions and it's sister book Pagan Spirituality. They are both a workbook type book designed to help you grow your chosen path.

As far as did pagan faiths around the globe affect other religions, I am less able to answer. When I think pagan I tend to not include faiths that remain steady from before christ's time. Such religions as Tao, Buddhism and Norse.

I do believe that all the faiths from early recorded history play a major part in our development intellectually, artistically and spiritually as a world. Each new religion must build upon the one they conquered, or else face resistance.

As for the connection astrologically, Wikipedia describes the Age of Aquarius pretty clearly.

> The Age of Aquarius is an astrological term denoting either the current or forthcoming astrological age, depending on the method of calculation. Astrologers maintain that an astrological age is a product of the earth's slow precessional rotation and lasts for 2,160 years, on average

> In 1929 the International Astronomical Union defined the edges of the 88 official constellations. The edge established between Pisces and Aquarius technically locates the beginning of the Aquarian Age around 2600 AD.

There seems to be no real link with Christianity and the astrological ages at all, let alone the [Age of Aquarius]
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrological_age#The_Age_of_Aquarius_.28The_Aquarian_age.29) Astrology was used by Islamic, Greek, Egyptian, Indian & Japanese cultures, but seems to be more of a scientific pursuit (astronomy) in christian cultures through the world.

TL;DR: Religions build upon the one they conquered, or else face resistance and astrology does not appear to have christian connections.

Sidebar and wiki, obviously. You might also want to try out a couple books and resources to get you started. I'm partial to Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions to give an overview of all of the various aspects of nature-based religions (so it covers Wicca, modern druidism, and other paths).

If you're looking for more of a magical introduction, though, Lisa Chamberlain's Wiccan series isn't abominable. "Wicca for Beginners" is a good read in particular if you're looking for more on specifically Wicca.

Be aware that there seem to be as many interpretations of the Wiccan path and magic practice overall as there are stars in the sky and so you'll run across people who will disagree/despise any book you pick up. Also, for many, Wicca is a religious practice, not just a magic path. (For me, magic and religion are deeply intertwined.) So it's not just "sorcery" or a magic path that you're going to be exploring--you'll also be learning about deities and spirits that many practitioners truly believe exist and should be respected/worshiped for magic to "work."

... and then you'll run across Wiccans who say the gods are allegorical and it's all just a symbolic way to think about cosmic energy. It runs the gamut.

So yeah, start there, and it ought to give you a pretty good foundation from which to continue your magical and spiritual explorations.

Yes! There are quite a few (at least as far as pagan groups go). There's a large hellenic polytheist community on tumblr (just search tags like hellenic polytheism, hellenismos, or different deities). Here is the wiki article. There have been various groups slowly gaining popularity since the late '90s in and outside of Greece. This book describes what day to day Hellenic worship looks like.

Living Theurgy is a pretty thorough book on the subject. And it's not $247 for a paperback.

Ars Theurgia Goetia has a different set of spirits from Ars Goetia, these being "aerial" and "one part good, one part evil." Calling spirits into objects is a very old practice and is much more diverse than just Theurgy. Often the object is a vessel of water or a clear crystal, and these traditions were the inspiration for the whole "genie in a bottle" thing. The Hygromanteia and the Almadel are good examples.

Indigenous polytheism is typically a-doctrinal, and pretty much any reconstructionist or recon-derived religious body is going to be likewise. So there is no one book about "Nordic beliefs", nor any central text that will let you practice as a "Norse Pagan". If you really want to read about the mythology, you can't go wrong with the Eddas and Sagas, and you can choose a translation of your liking for that one. But, it cannot be understated, that mythology is not religion, and if you're interested in approaching Norse Paganism (Heathenry or its derivatives) seriously, you'll need to look into more of the contemporary practice. A book like this one is a good place to start.

If not and you're just interested in the mythology, then /r/Norse is thataway.

I do not practice theurgy myself, so take my advice with a grain of salt. However, I do have an interest; although I'm still curious as to if it would fit with my other practices and belief.

I would recommend starting with this book...

The Practical Art of Divine Magic: Contemporary & Ancient Techniques of Theurgy

And perhaps considering this school...

http://www.thedivinescience.com/

ust think of the Gods and ask for their help or favor. You dont need to create massive altars or anything yet. You are just in the learning stages, but I do recommend these books.

1st. Hellenic Polytheism by LABRYS

Due to the fact that the book give you a starting point. Easy to read and very informal to give you a basics as a starting point. Scripts and photos as guides.

2nd Kharis: Hellenic Polytheism Explored by Sarah Kate Istra Winter

Still a beginner book, but with more detail on relationships with the Gods, festivals, and rituals.

This book has instructions on it:

Patrick Dunn - The Practical Art of Divine Magic

One of the first exercises described:

\> EXERCISE 1.2: EXPERIENCING THE ONE

>This exercise is the complement of the previous exercise. Where in the previous exercise we explored the nature of matter through our imagination and found that apart from our senses it is at best a tenuous fog of possibility, in this exercise we will strive for an experience of the One. This isn’t an exercise you will succeed at immediately or find easy, and in many ways it is a constant practice you can and should undertake regularly, both to give yourself perspective and to continually strive for henosis. It is possible for us to experience the One as well as matter because we exist in every level of existence: we are bodies, minds, souls, and as such partake of the One itself. As Pauliina Remes puts it, “The fact that the human soul extends to as many, or almost as many, levels as the metaphysical hierarchy ensures that it has the cognitive and other powers suitable for the penetration of all these levels.” 2 The more work with theurgy you do, the easier a taste of the One will become.
>
>I take this exercise from the Hermetica, where it is described like this:
>
>Enlarge yourself to an unmeasurable size, leaping outfrom the whole body, and, having transcended time,become Eternity, and you will know the divine.Think that nothing is impossible to you; consideryourself to be immortal and able to understandeverything: all arts, all sciences, all the ways of life;become the highest of the heights, and the lowest ofthe depths. Gather together all the sense perceptionsof objects in yourself, of fire and water, dry and wet,and in the same way, be everywhere—in earth, insea, and in the heavens. Be not yet existing. Be inthe womb, newborn, old, dead, and that whichis after death. And understanding all such thingsthe same—time, place, events, qualities, quantities—then you will be able to know the divine.3
>
>STEP 1: When first beginning this exercise, it helps to get as comfortable as you can. As you become familiar with it, you can do it while doing other things (although I wouldn’t recommend doing it while driving!).
>
>STEP 2: Focus on your breath. Aim for a four-fold breath, where you inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four, exhale for a count of four, and hold for a count of four. If you’re sitting still, with some practice you should be able to do this, but if you’re moving about you may find it easier to aim for a count of two rather than four or otherwise modify the time.
>
>STEP 3: Imagine yourself from outside yourself, as if you have a floating-eye perspective of the scene. It is as if you are watching yourself sitting or lying there, like in a movie. You may close your eyes if you want.
>
>STEP 4: Build up this image of yourself as accurately as you can. Then slowly begin to lift your perspective upward, taking in the room, then the building (assuming, of course, that you’re inside), then the city. With each breath, take in a bit more, and don’t be afraid to go slow. If you begin to lose focus, rest on that level of perspective for a while.
>
>STEP 5: Eventually, you will take in the whole world, then the solar system, then the galaxy, then the whole universe as a whole. If you don’t manage this the first few times, don’t worry. You are gaining benefit just by seeing the big picture as high as you can.
>
>STEP 6: When you can hold the universe in your imagination, contemplate the totality of it without focusing in or catching on any one thing for a few breaths.
>
>STEP 7: Now, holding it all in your mind at once, let the boundaries between all its parts dissolve: the galaxy is the same as the people, and all perspectives collapse. If you can do this, you may glimpse a moment of unity.
>
>STEP 8: If you can achieve step 7, which may take some time, try now to abolish even the boundary around the universe. The experience of this is hard to describe, but you will probably find your discursive, binary mind stopping in a sudden awareness of unity. This is a glimpse of henosis.
>
>STEP 9: Whether you got to step 7 or not, after holding the image of the entire universe, or the oneness behind it, for a while start to move back inwards to the galaxy, solar system, planet, continent, and location. This helps ground the experience; in theurgy the return is as important as the journey.

I second The Longship.

​

Asatru is a type of Heathenry. Heathenry is an umbrella term for religions, philosophies, piety, lifestyles that are based in Germanic Paganism and/or Germanic Pagan culture.

A good place to start is reading books.

Here are the ones I recommend:

A Beginner's book: https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Heathens-Guide-Asatru/dp/0738733873/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542673929&sr=8-1&keywords=heathenry

​

And the Poetic Edda translated by Jackson Crawford: https://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Edda-Stories-Hackett-Classics/dp/1624663567/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542673980&sr=8-1&keywords=jackson+crawford

​

Also, for some spiritual music to meditate to, I recommend starting with

Wardruna: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fnPwj1AMpo

And this song by Heilung: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqdk34f210w

​

Ancestors are very important to Heathenry, so I would meditate on some of your ancestors that have passed on, if you don't already.

​

Connect with the energies of your local land and woods. Some Heathens think these energies are literal beings called Land Wights. Some see them a bit more fluid and amorphous but still relational energies tied to the local land.

​

I also recommend learning a bit about the three major ritual forms: Blots, Sumbels, and Fainings.

​

At least, these are the places I would begin.

I recommend Paganism: An Introduction to Earth- Centered Religions
And good luck my friend

The best information comes from personal experience. That said, there is significantly more useful information in printed books than on the internet: Try books by Marian Green, Ronald Hutton, and others (disregard pretty much anything published by Llewellyn unless it was written by Scott Cunningham [who despite "fluffy bunny" leanings knows his stuff, herbally] or another author you know to trust).

You might also want to hang around the magical blogosphere at places like Runesoup, Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom, Witch of Forest Grove, etc. The Lucky Mojo Curio Co. site is tacky as all hell (deliberately so) but an incredible resource, just bear in mind that Cat Yronwode (though very well-informed) is not the end-all be-all to conjure.

[Edited for Lucky Mojo typo and to add links]

This book is great for going over household worship and some traditions involved with it. I really enjoyed it.

There are lots and lots of paths and resources available to you. I found that Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions is a great overall starting point. It breaks down the fundamental characteristics and differences between the many paths. Once you've found a path or two that draws you, you'll know better what types of books and resources will be worth your investment of time and money.

I agree with what some of the other people said about balancing the feminine and masculine but I can understand if you're maybe looking for something that comes from a more feminine perspective. You might be interested in Gemma Gary and
Marian Green. You also might like Pam Grossman. There's a lot of women involved in witchcraft so I would look into more of that.

Edit: I meant Marian Green not Ann Moura

I am a newbie also and currently reading: Hellenismos: Practicing Greek Polytheism Today, by Tony Mierzwicki and have found it extremely helpful.

Hellenismos

Also the very first book I read about the Greek Gods is still one of my favorites, Ingri and Edgar D’Aulaire’s book of Greek Myths. It’s a children’s book, but thoroughly enjoyable for anyone at any age.

D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths

We just got out of Mercury Retrograde, went direct on the 28th. Here is my suggestion, get a copy of Utterly Wicked, Dorothy included a "Swifting Spell" that is fantastic for knocking out all of the bad crud. Another thing you can do is to open at least one window in every room and burn Dragon's Blood and Frankincense....start from the back or top floor of the abode and waft the mixture (in a fire proof dish/bowl) through every room, then leave it to burn out in a central part of the house. Carry Hematite, Carnelian, Amethyst, Aventurine and Moonstone in whatever color bag that you feel gives you power or are drawn to. Also, be sure your karma is clean. If you feel you've wronged someone, apologize for it ;)

Hope things get better for you.

Yes. Here are my favorites:

1 - Thus Spoke The Plant

2 - Sacred Plant Medicine

3 - Plant Spirit Healing

4 - Plant Spirit Shamanism

5 - The Plant Spirit Familiar

The whole dialogue between humans and plants is always taking place. The trick is to learn the language.

If a book appeals to you, I picked up this one recently. What's neat about it is that it has exercises in it such as going for a nature walk to connect with the current season, meditation to meet a deity, and so on. It serves as a good source of general pagan information while also giving you the tools to figure out what YOU believe.

I see this book recommended pretty often, and it's the book I initially picked up. It was a very enjoyable read in very understandable vernacular. I know you're asking for something quick, and a book might not be it, but I mostly read this on my lunch breaks. It was nice to have little bits at a time to mull over through my day.

A Practical Heathen's Guide to Asatru has been a pretty good foundation for me, give it a crack. It lays down a lot of the basics, including generally accepted forms of both blóts and symbels.

If you're new, this one is probably the best at getting you to think about what you really do believe, and pointing you towards a useful path. Paganism: An Introduction to Earth- Centered Religions by River and Joyce Higginbotham https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00CS73G9A/ref=cm\_sw\_em\_r\_mt\_dp\_U\_ZoHjDb2PMDZ2S

Cunningham's Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner, Janet and Steward Farrah's A Witches Bible Compleat, Marian Green's A Witch Alone, Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft are all decent intro books IMO.


You can also find a "buttoad of Wiccan/Pagan/Magic E-books" in this thread

My advice is to read everything you can about it. Some books are better than others, some authors know what they're talking about whereas others are full of it, but not everyone agrees on who's "right." So, just read them all and realize that some may be great sources whereas some books ought to be taken with a grain of salt. Make on your own decisions on what is or isn't correct.

Plants are living things, so I don't see why not.

I haven't read this book myself, but from the reviews, it sounds like it could be helpful for you.

My advice? Do whatever feels right to you. Many modern heathen organizations have developed new rites and ceremonies, such as the profession ritual you've been reading about. I don't think it's based on anything historical, and it just rubs me the wrong way because it strikes me as a holdover from the religion of the White Christ. On the other hand, heathenry is not the religion you were born into, so it may seem entirely appropriate to have a profession ritual. Additionally, we shouldn't feel bad about practicing our religion differently than how our ancient ancestors practiced it, since religions evolve over time. We couldn't even practice it their way if we wanted to, given the huge gap of information we have.

As far as a good place to start, I hear a lot of good things about this book:

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/0738733873/ref=gno_cart_title_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I don't know if it's "brief," since it's an entire book, but I've recommended this one before (and I probably will again sometime) -

Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions

It's kind of a simple overview of paganism explained to someone who is not pagan, or someone who is looking into becoming pagan. It touches briefly on various things but doesn't delve too deeply into anything. It's very introductory.

It was used as a textbook in a course taught by the authors, so it's written in kind of clinical, academic language (but is still plenty easy to read).

• 1 Let them. Tell them that you disagree, and that that is fine.
  
  
• 2 What has this got to do with heathenry?
  
  
• 3 Many like to offer mead. I brew mine myself.
  
  
  I would recommend checking out the reading list. Especially A Practical Heathen's Guide to Asatru and Culture of the Teutons.
  
  
  

I found Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions to be useful when I was just starting out.

I doubt greek epic poems would tell me how to worship and how to view the world as a hellenic pagan?

Was thinking something more like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0738733873/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1492611596&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=asatru

A general guide of sorts.

This book isn't a bad place to start. It's a tad on the fluffy side, but it's an okay primer.

If you're looking for a simple step by step guide to get you started in a non-overwhelming way, I recommend Wicca: A Year and a Day by Timothy Roderick It's the book I refer all my Wicca 101 students to, and is required reading in my coven. Its a year long workbook, that divides the basic knowledge Wiccans use out along a full 366 day time frame.

Living Theurgy

Also going to develop my own system of ancestor worship so will be reading a lot about that.

I'm reading Paganism: An Introduction to Earth- Centered Religions. I like it so far, but I'm only at chapter two.

As to Paganism or Neopaganism, try this book: Paganism: An Introduction to Earth- Centered Religions https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CS73G9A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0GHWBbYSFP08F

Here is the desktop version of your link

The Practical Heathen's Guide to Asatru is everything you're looking for.

https://www.amazon.com/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887

Is that the book?

Added items according to the posts from /u/anarchoheathen. I'll update with /u/bi-furious' post tomorrow evening. Also, can someone sort out the categories for Odroerir Journal, Culture of Teutons, and Myth of Eternal Return? I haven't read them and want to make sure they're listed properly.

Introductory

• If You're New to Asatru - Steven Abell
  
• An Asatru Blog
  
• A Practical Heathen's Guide to Asatru - Patricia M. Lafayllve
  
• Four Documents on Asatru - Bill Linzie
  
  Mythology
  
  
• The Poetic Edda
  
• The Prose Edda
  
  Runology
  
  
• Anglo Saxon Rune Poem
  
• Norwegian Rune Poem
  
• Icelandic Rune Poem
  
• An Introduction to English Runes - R.I. Page
  
• Runes and Runic Inscriptions - R.I. Page
  
  Legendary
  
  
• Heimskringla
  
• Sagas of The Icelanders
  
• Saga of the Völsungs
  
• Saga of the Jomsvikings
  
• The Agricola and Germania - Tacitus
  
• The History of the Danes - Saxo Grammaticus
  
• Beowulf
  
  Cultural
  
  
• Life in Anglo-Saxon England - R.I. Page
  
• Chronicles of the Vikings: Records, Memorials and Myths - R.I. Page
  
• The Viking World - Stefan Brink, Neil Price
  
• The Road to Hel: A Study of the Conception of the Dead in Old Norse Literature - Hilda Roderick Ellis Davidson
  
• Odroerir Journal
  
• The Culture of the Tutons - Vilhelm Grönbech
  
• The Myth of the Eternal Return - Mercea Eliade
  
  Weekly Study Group
  
  
• Week 1, 1/7/15 - The Völuspá
  
• Week 2, 1/14/15 -
  
• Week 3, 1/21/15 -
  
• Week 4, 1/28/15 -