5 Fabulous Books for Pagans and Witches (And One on my TBR List)

You know what I was thinking when I set out to write this post? How can I narrow it down to only five?!? These are books that are spiritually significant in my life and which I would recommend to others. The list has a Hellenic focus because I practice Hellenic Polytheism. 

Instead of ranking them (which would be impossible), I'm going to review them in the order that I read them. Here goes nothing!

Witches, Sluts, Feminists: Conjuring the Sex Positive

Author: Kristen J. Sollée 

Focus: Feminism, witchcraft, social issues

Genre: Feminist witchcraft

I still can't believe that I first read this at age twelve. I still remember sneaking into the bookstore over Christmas break and buying my first witchcraft book when my Christian grandma turned her back. I hid it under my coat for over an hour while my family went shopping, then I raced back home and read it under the sheets. I was never a rebellious kid, so Witches, Sluts, Feminists was my greatest secret for most of middle school. My mom and I had a laugh about it years later.

The witchcraft described in Witches, Sluts, Feminists is very far from the revivalist polytheism that I practice today. But this slim little book will always hold a special place in my heart. It's engaging, informative, and has some fabulous hot takes on witchcraft in popular culture. 10/10 would recommend for activist witches and the politically-minded. Who I would not recommend it for: 12 and under. 😂

Queer Magic: LGBT+ Spirituality and Culture from Around the World

Author: Tomas Prower

Focus: World religions, cultural diversity, Queer life past and present

Genre: Religious non-fiction

This book is life-changing. Before I read Queer Magic, I had no idea of the full diversity of sexuality and gender in world religions. Actually, I received no education about world religions at all. Growing up Catholic gave me the impression that there are a handful of faiths: Christianity, Judaism (and maaaaybe Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, but they're not important, right?). I never had an opportunity to look outside of my tiny Christian perspective. 

Well, this book broadened my worldview and provided me a lot of comfort as an isolated queer kid. Queer Magic is a tour of the entire globe, with a chapter on each continent and exclusive interviews with queer people of faith, particularly magic practicioners (the author is Pagan). It also includes a lot of beautiful prayers, rituals, and exercises. One of its greatest strengths is exploring the queerness of various gods, heroes, saints, and other religious figures. Queer Magic will change the way you think about sexuality and gender forever. 

Hellenismos: Practicing Greek Polytheism Today

Author: Tony Mierzwicki 

Focus: Ancient history, Hellenic Polytheism, reconstructionism

Genre: Religion

This book is a great introduction to Hellenic Polytheism, especially for those who are reconstructionist in focus. Hellenismos provides practical information on prayers, festivals, and how to worship the Theoi (Greek Gods). I appreciated its facts-focused writing style and emphasis on history and tradition. 

This book is very focused on ancient worship. Eclectics and witches won't find it as useful as folks seeking to reconstruct the religion of Classical Athens. I'm a revivalist, so I drank up the knowledge but didn't perform any of the traditional rituals. Hellenismos is a treasure trove of information. Even if you disagree with its approach, I'd still recommend this book to anyone interested in developing a relationship with the Theoi. 

The Path of Paganism: An Experience-Based Guide to Modern Practice 

Author: John Beckett

Focus: Paganism, religious foundation, beginning new religion

Genre: Religion

I love, love, love John Beckett because his blog over at Patheos has always been a voice of reason. It was one of the few things that kept me sane throughout the pandemic. So it seems inevitable that I eventually bought Mr. Beckett's book, The Path of Paganism. After reading it, I can say that his book is just as clear, practical, and well-written as his blog, "Under the Ancient Oaks." I wish I had found it back in seventh grade, when I was struggling to build a Pagan practice.

Many people find themselves wanting to practice Paganism and witchcraft but can't shake off a Christian or atheist/materialist worldview. This book delves deep into the foundations of belief and spiritual practice. It's the perfect read for someone looking to live a Pagan lifestyle. 

Dark Horses: A Tale of the Arkadian Terror

Author: Suz Thackston

Focus: Mythology, Demeter

Genre: Historical fiction/mythology/horror

Ok, this is the part where I admit that I'm biased, because I know Suz and I think she's awesome. We met through her Intro to Hellenism class at m CUUPS group and have celebrated several festivals together. When I learned that she's a modern-day priestess of Demeter who's published a novel, I was more than a little excited. Another follower of Demeter?!? That means I'm not crazy!!

(I've been told that it's an impossible dream, but all I want to do in life is become a priestess and publish my novels)

All that aside, though, Dark Horses is just a really good book. The tense plot and exquisite writing make this short novel a tight and compelling read. What I love most is the depiction of Demeter's wrath. I can't give spoilers but the ending almost made me cry in the middle of PE class. If you love obscure Greek myths and raw, nuanced depictions of the Theoi, then Dark Horses is for you. There aren't enough books about Demeter out there and this one is a step in the right direction. 

And one more... 

I can't technically include this one because I haven't read it yet. But Blackfeather Mystery School: The Magpie Training by Irene Glasse and Caine Dreamwalker is at the top of my TBR list. For those interested, Blackfeather Mystery School is a magical training program. Not everyone can attend in-person... so Irene and Caine wrote a book! You can find it here on Amazon. Check it out! I plan to.

All of these books provided me a lot of joy, and I hope that one of them can help you on your path. After all, if Abrahamic faiths are the People of the Book, then Pagans are the People of the Library. 

Your resident book girl,

Rose Eleusis