Welcome to Wellington City Libraries' page of resources on Wicca/Witchcraft. Here you'll find a cross-section of what the library holds on Wicca, some quick links into our online databases and the library's catalogue, and links to websites on Wicca selected by our subject librarians. The Dewey Decimal call number for Wicca as a subject is 133.43. (A comprehensive list of Dewey numbers for other religions can be found on the Beliefs homepage.)
(Last updated 4 November 2008)
Recent items:
Feature: MyLibrary
MyLibrary is a free service which allows you to set up your own portal page to bring together lists of new books, CDs and DVDs in our libraries, plus links to databases and other useful websites in the subject areas you are interested in.
Our librarians compile monthly lists of new items across the different subject areas in the library's collection, e.g. Religion & Beliefs, Classical Music, Picture Books, DVDs, new fiction books (organised by genre), Cooking, Art Resources, and many more. You can customise your own personal portal to include any of these lists, add your own favourite website links, and more.
For many subjects, these monthly lists are available going back a number of years.
Check out an example of a MyLibrary portal page, and have a look at the libraries' Religion & Beliefs MyLibrary page for more new books on Religion.
Elemental magick : meditations, exercises, spells, and rituals to help you connect with nature, by D.J. Conway. (2006)
"For more than a thousand years, alchemists and magicians have recognized and used the four Elements or building blocks of the universe. While most seekers have a basic knowledge of these Elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and a nebulous fifth Element, Spirit), few realize that Elemental energies are all they need for a successful working. Elemental Magick gives you advanced techniques for using the Elements." -- Book jacket.
The illustrated encyclopedia of witchcraft & practical magic : a visual guide to the history and practice of magic through the ages - its origins, ancient traditions, language, learning, rituals and great practitioners, by Susan Greenwood and Raje Airey. (2006)
"A detailed historical and anthropological study of the traditions and practices of witchcraft around the world... Contains over 60 spells, charms, rituals and invocations, and gives instructions on dowsing, reading runes, sensing auras, scrying and space-clearing, with step-by-step photographs of ritual practices that will help you unlock your magical abilities".
The way of the green witch : rituals, spells, and practices to bring you back to nature, by Arin Murphy-Hiscock. (2005)
"The way of the green witch is the path of the naturalist, the herbalist, the wise woman, and the healer. It is a return to witchcraft in its purest form. Recognized Wiccan High Priestess Arin Murphy-Hiscock leads you step by step on a magical journey down the green path in this inspiring handbook".
Power spellcraft for life : the art of crafting and casting for positive change, by Arin Murphy-Hiscock. (2005)
Arin Murphy-Hiscock is a High Priestess within the Black Forest Clan, and has been active in the New Age community for more than nine years. She is the New Age consultant for Provenance Press, and has published several articles both online and in local Pagan journals. An Amazon customer describes this as "a basic "cook book" of spells."
The occult tradition : from the Renaissance to the present day, by David S. Katz. (2005)
Despite the growth of modern science and a general disenchantment of the world, the 'occult' or 'esoteric' tradition has evolved in the West... Paradoxically, the turn to science and the triumph of evolution in the nineteenth century produced an explosion of occultism, increasing its power as a kind of super-science. This book describes the growth and meandering path of the occult tradition over the past five hundred years, and shows how the esoteric world view fits together. (drawn from Amazon)
Witches' craft : a multidenominational Wicca bible, by Bruce K. Wilborn. (2004)
A comprehensive guide to the practices and traditions of the Wiccan religion. Includes Wiccan denominations often ignored by similar titles.
The occult, (new edition) by Colin Wilson. (2004)
Originally published in 1979, this is a comprehensive look at magic, witchcraft and spiritualism throughout the ages.
The witch's guide to life, by Kala Trobe. (2003)
Practical advice for every "modern, magickally minded person". The author explores what it really means to practice witchcraft, including how to implement a positive metaphysical philosophy as an aid to overcoming life's many challenges.
The study of witchcraft : a guidebook to advanced Wicca, by Deborah Lipp ; foreword by Isaac Bonewits. (2008)
"Lipp, suggests that the reason there are not more advanced Wicca books is because advanced Wicca happens when you stretch beyond Wicca itself. She goes on: When I was trained as a young traditional Wiccan, I was expected to make an extensive study of topics that ranged far beyond Wicca and witchcraft. .... However, she breaks new ground when she encourages readers to explore such traditional spiritual practices as meditation and the study of comparative religion. .... Each of her chapters is supplemented with a helpful homework section and an annotated bibliography for further reading. (Drawn from Publishes' Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)
Bonewits's essential guide to witchcraft and Wicca, by Isaac Bonewits. (2006)
"Bonewits takes novices and experienced Wiccans alike on an insightful, illuminating tour through centuries of Pagan history, discerning fact from fiction as he sheds light on all of the essential Wiccan rites, rituals, ethics, and beliefs."
Instant magick : ancient wisdom, modern spellcraft, by Christopher Penczak. (2006
"Written by one of today's most popular magickal authors, Instant Magick will work for you even if you've never cast a spell before. Even experienced practitioners will discover new and innovative ways to create positive and lasting life changes both big and small. The key to this system is the knowledge that magick is not just all around you - the magick is you." -- Book jacket.
Witchcraft, by Teresa Moorey. (2003)
Explains the traditions and practices of witchcraft, as well as some of the myths and misconceptions commonly associated with this ancient religion.
Wicca : a guide for the solitary practitioner, by Scott Cunningham. (2003)
Cunningham shows how one can write one's own ceremonies to perform.
The complete idiot's guide to wicca and witchcraft, by Denise Zimmermann and Katherine A. Gleason. (2003)
"This guide offers a beginners look at the history of paganism, Wicca, and witchcraft, from the Druids and Celts to the witches of today who practice an earth-based religion, cast spells, and perform natural magic. The book, written by a practicing witch, reveals details of the witches Sabbaths, ceremonies, and altars." (Amazon UK)
The spells bible : the definitive guide to charms and enchantments, by Ann-Marie Gallagher. (2003)
Primarily a step-by-step guide to the practice of magic, the book offers a wide range of spells and charms from the traditional to the modern. Each spell is described in a simple-to-follow format.
Embracing the witch and the goddess : feminist ritual-makers in New Zealand, by Kathryn Rountree. (2003)
Reference books:
The woman's encyclopedia of myths and secrets, by Barbara G. Walker. (1983)
A lending copy of this title is also available.
Online databases & articles
Featured database:
- The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions
Contains details of sacred sites, customs, religious practices, dogmas, beliefs, traditions, festivals and fasts, and artefacts. (Contains 8,200 entries).
Available through Oxford Reference Online - Opposing Viewpoints
Explores topical issues in society and includes some articles on issues relating to the practice of Wicca in society today.
Available through the Gale suite of databases.
Database articles
Wellington City Libraries subscribe to a number of different online databases that provide news and periodical articles on a wide range of topics. Below you'll find some links to recent articles on Wicca, selected by our librarians.
If you have signed on to EBSCO (one of our magazine databases) in the last month, the article links below will take you straight in to the database to view the article. Otherwise, you'll be prompted to use your library card number and surname details to log in and view the articles. If you'd like to discover what our databases have to offer on topics other than religion, visit our online databases section, www.mygateway.info.
- Social Work Practice with Pagans, Witches, and Wiccans: Guidelines for Practice with Children and Youths., by Meg Yardley, in Social Work; Oct 2008, Vol. 53 Issue 4, p329-336.
This article introduces the beliefs and practices associated with Paganism, Witchcraft, and Wicca and describes how social workers may facilitate children and youth friendly enviornments. Strategies are included for working in various settings, including welfare agencies, or schools.
- Witches of Cornwall, by Kate Ravilious, in Archaeology, Nov/Dec 2008, Vol. 61 Issue 6, p42-45.
Examines the work of archaeologist Jacqui Wood in the area of witchcraft trials held in the county of Cornwall, England. Other topics include pagan belief systems, rites and incantations, and fragments of a cauldron.
Useful websites:
- The Witch's Voice
Covers witchcraft basics, magic / magick, holidays, tools, news and political briefs, the Witches' Rede, plus a current list of pagan events around the world in a huge portal with a thousand links to other Wicca / Witch / Pagan sites on the Web. Updated daily. - Wicca (Religious Tolerance Society)
An excellent starting resource, which includes principles, FAQs, information, statistics, and links to related websites. - NZ Spirit Web Directory
Many supporting links.
