Book Recommendations for Intermediate Witches & Pagans

Comment some of your book recommendations for intermediate practitioners & pagans!
0:00 Intro to Video & Quick Disclaimer
01:44 Anthropological texts
04:36 Books written on or about witchcraft & folklore
16:49 Books written about paganism & religion
19:45 Historical magical texts
21:20 Closing thoughts & outro
Books Featured:
Power and Magic in Italy by Thomas Hauschild
Magic: A theory from the South by Ernesto Dimartino
The Little Work by Durgadas Allon Daniel
Of Blood and Bones by Kate Freuler
The Altar Within by Juliet Diaz
Utterly Wicked by Dorothy Morrison
New World Witchery: A Trove of North American Folk Magic by Cory Thomas Hutcheson
The Spiral Dance by Starhawk
God against the Gods by Jonathan Kirsch
An Introduction to Roman Religion by John Scheid
The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation
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[@xJadeWolfxx]

I read almost all of Utterly Wicked in one sitting because the author is so funny. I wish more witchcraft books had that much personality because with some books it's definitely dry reading which can be rough sometimes.

[@rokelle_2012]

I agree. I've heard so many lovely things about Psychic Witch by Mat Auron, but I'm having a time getting through it because he is quite dry. Good information, great exercises, dry delivery.

[@kaylawilliam7893]

@@rokelle_2012 Same! The information that he gives is sooo hard to come by in most witchy books, but it reads almost like a textbook.

[@argusgoose8758]

I’ve been reading “Nordic Runes: Understanding, Casting, and Interpreting the Ancient Viking Oracle” by Paul Rhys Mountfort. It’s a really interesting read that’s jam packed with poetry from old english, Icelandic, and Norwegian sources. I’m not sure if it’s beginner or intermediate but it’s been a great source and a little hard to put down.

[@kaylawilliam7893]

For ways of working with the rosary and Mother Mary "The Way of the rose" is a amazing book that differs from the traditionals ways to work with it.

[@jpfoxsays]

Definitely second this recommendation

[@to_the_sunrise7324]

Thank you for this comment because, doing the rosary in the traditional manner makes me slightly uncomfortable.

[@kirstencorby8465]

I go to their online Zoom rosaries occasionally. I have to read Clark's first book too.

[@allipatrick3333]

Oh thank gods you posted! I’ve been looking for some books with information I don’t know! Love from Chicago ❤️

[@dariusguilford7200]

Great video, I especially liked the recommendations for academic texts. So many of my favorites, too. I was particularly interested in Utterly Wicked by Dorothy Morrison. I'm ordering it today but couldn't wait for delivery so I bought the Audio book this morning. Loving it. Livid pissed is my new favorite phrase. P.S. I also loved Spells for Change, beautiful.

[@malloryhawk2061]

Great recommendations, I have five books you recommend (The Little Work, Blood & Bones, Altar Within, Utterly Wicked, New World Witchery). My mother's favorite book was the Spiral Dance by Starhawk, I remember her hidden library (she was in the witchy closet) on Italian Witchcraft and Starhawk books when I was 5. Here are the following I think witches would like for intermediate books; any book by Jason Miller (The Sorcerer's Secrets, Financial Sorcery, Elements of Spellcrafting), Hex Twisting' Countermagick for the Irritated Witch by Diana Rajchel, Uncrossing: Identity, Cleanse and Heal from Hexes, Curses, and Psychic Attacks by Katrina Rasbold. Also, I have beginner books I think witches may like for fundamentals: Intuitive Witchcraft by Astera Taylor, Your Magickal Power by Deborah Lipp, Spellcrafting by Arin Murphy-Hiscock, Grimoire by Skye Alexander, and Practical Magic by Brandy Williams (2004). Also, Real Magic by Dean Radin is about a scientist's perspective on how magic is real.

[@pomegranateandivy9833]

I'm catching myself looking forward to your video at the end of a long week. And this one is even better, because you actually suggested some books that I haven't read yet. So yeah. Very excited about "The Altar Within". Let's see, if it challenges me. 🤔😎 I consider myself to be quite self aware, too. Always enjoy some outdated beliefs being crushed to pieces. 😂 I'm also very interested about "The little work" - never heard of that one before. "God against the gods" is also for me. 🙂 Thank you, Frankie! Have a great weekend!

[@KaisTears]

I look forward to your videos every week! I love your content!🖤

[@taylarb7703]

Thank you so much Frankie! I’ve been stuck looking for intermediate books for like a year. Everyone has stuff for beginners but after that it’s pretty hard to find new stuff (in my personal experience). This video was a big help, thank you

[@alexcookie738]

For real!! Everything is a beginners guide 😭

[@everchangingpoet]

The Altar Within has been so important to me since I received it. There is so many hard truths that are necessary. So happy to see you recommend it.

[@rokelle_2012]

I love Juliet Diaz because she is just so raw and unapologetically authentic with what she says. I LOVED Witchery and I really want to get Plant Witchery and the Altar Within.

[@XfallenangelX21]

Ayyy I follow you on Tiktok too - glad to find you on here. Thanks for the recs. I needed some new books outside of the usual beginners!

[@m.appleton9956]

“Then I read some fiction books and they all made me cry, so now I have to go back to nonfiction…” you and me both, girl. 😂

[@autumnwuffy3787]

Thank you for all that I’m definitely getting the last one! I recommend Jesus through pagan eyes very good if you’re looking into Christian witchcraft or Cristopaganism. It’s also good if you’re coming from a Christian background. It’s also written by a Reverend which is very interesting. I hope you enjoy and best of luck on your journeys

[@rokelle_2012]

I will definitely have to pick this one up. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@jordangarlow4587]

I love Entering Hekate’s Garden by Cyndi Brannen for those interested in herbalism/green witchery. I would say if you aren’t pagan, it might be a little hard to get thru. But it is one of my absolute faves.

[@alexliberty6091]

Blood and bones is great to have on hand!. I definitely felt a spark looking at The Little Work. ✨ Thanks for sharing!!

[@krimpii]

Whaaat I’m here before a thousand views? Recently started watching your content, and I’m so thankful for what you do!

[@dexaria]

I really like the way you’ve tied your scarf it’s super cute!

[@lydiab5564]

So happy to see Starhawk on this list! One of my favourite things about the 20th anniversary edition of the Spiral Dance is that the latest updates include notes on how her practice has moved away from more binary notions of gender. Fiction recommendation - Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner. It's an early twentieth century comical novel about a middle-aged woman who moves to a quiet village and joins a witches' coven :) Super interesting as it predates the birth of Wicca

[@VillageofShadows765]

Very nice review 😃😃Of Blood and Bones is a good read.

[@meganslater5421]

I just purchased Little Work. I am looking to expand my craft so thank you for the suggestion.

[@AiriAnew]

Nice picks. Can't wait to read "The Altar Within" (Juliet Diaz).

[@rokelle_2012]

I want to get ahold of it and Plant Witchery. Plant Witchery has been sold out for a while though.

[@maryh2730]

Me furiously writing down every book recommendation lol thank you Frankie I'm really enjoying these videos

[@raquelr.6324]

This is so helpful! Bookmarking for later. I've been starting to take notes on my beginner books and I'm getting so mad lol

[@cloverCLOVER10184]

im gonna cry out of happiness just what i was looking for ty

[@michelleoliveira121]

Thank you for the great recommendations! I live in Germany and Hauschild you can speak as house without the e in the end, if it helps

[@BroodingStoriesAfter_Nightfall]

I got Kate Freuler of Blood and Bones. Thank you for the recommendation.

[@ThePuppyluv24]

My all-time favorite fiction series is by Sabaa Tahir - An Ember in the Ashes :) I read it for a young adult literature class that I took several months ago and fell in love with it almost immediately!

[@DuxNoctis]

Thank you! I love your recs 🥰 Fiction books that found me recently, maybe there's something for you & for someone in here as well =) Cemetery Boys - Aiden Thomas All the Light We Cannot See - Anthony Doerr This Is How You Lose the Time War - Amal El-Mohtar Requiem: A Hallucination - Antonio Tabucchi

[@arcane_abomination]

Of blood and bones is my favorite magick book to date! It's absolutely wonderful and the closest book I have ever found to my personal practice.

[@gremlin4130]

You should try one of Katrina Rasbold's books, she goes through everything so well and i just love the way she writes. Highly recommended.

[@lennytherat]

I've been reading Patrick Rothfuss's "Kingkiller Chronicles" series. The first book is called "Name of the Wind". It is a very refreshing fantasy read because it isn't (usually) very heavy on graphic violence that most fantasy books have fallen into after Game of Thrones blew up. Its also unique and wonderfully written! Only two books in the series, and a very straightforward writing style so you can finish it up pretty fast. 12/10 recommend even for someone on the picky end.

[@rokelle_2012]

I am currently in the middle of reading Psychic Witch by Mat Auron, Of Blood and Bones, and I just started your book, Spells For Change (title included in case ANYONE was unaware Frankie had a book). Before I started the latter two, I read Witchery by Juliet Diaz and I absolutely love it. I honestly think after I finish what I'm currently reading that I will go back to it and read it again. I loved a lot of what she says there, so authentically and unapologetically. I really want to get a copy of Plant Witchery and The Altar Within.

[@rochellethundercloud346]

I advise runic wisdom,or Scottish witchcraft. I have both or even the witches grimore. also,crystals and gemstones book.very useful to know what to use.and what cannot at all be wet

[@ivyarianrhod]

For fiction, I highly recommend Marion Zimmer Bradley, especially The Forest House (prequel to the Mists of Avalon), The Fall of Atlantis, and Firebrand (about Cassandra). Also the Darkover novels. Really, I recommend everything by her. For easy, young-adult stories about magic that might make you cry but won't tear your heart out, I recommend Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar books. I always go back and reread those when I want a comforting friend away from the anxieties of the world.

[@jujudiamond97]

* can you do a video on how you take notes or highlight/annotate books? Idk I'm such a nerd and would LOVE that lol *

[@anna_corinne]

Can you recommend more Italian witchcraft/folk practice books? My ancestors (like two generations back) come from Sicily and my cousin and I are trying to find more books besides the ones you recommended in a previous video. You are such a well of knowledge!

[@ashleyfrost4952]

For witch related fiction books, I would recommend Magic Lessons: The Prequel to Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks, The Near Witch by V.E. Schwab, and The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill. (The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a middle grades book.) :)

[@ancientgypsy8338]

I revisit these book recommendations videos a lot

[@merelkouwenhoven5528]

I love the way you wear your scarf here 😍 tutorial? 😋

[@sararubicubi]

Thanks for the recommendations! Could you also share the name of those books about Diana you mentioned in the beginning?

[@AsukaTakahashi4242]

Read New World Witchery as an ARC (advanced reader copy) and that was the book that made me see Llewellyn in a better light because of how well written and sourced it was. Also, IIRC Spiral Dance is Dianic Wiccan (which despite its name doesn't *necessarily* have to do with the actual goddess Diana) since her contemporary at the time was Z. Budapest and it was the era of second-wave feminism when it was written.

[@pjnaylor]

The Greek Magical Papyri is intense. I, luckily, backed a tarot deck based on it and the book helps with the PGM so much. Our of curiosity, which Drawing Down the Moon book were you looking for? There are numerous with that title.

[@Eduardo-xy8jj]

I love utterly wicked! I really like the protection and reversal magick from jason miller too. The greek magick papiry is my dream book! It’s more expensive here in Brazil lol 😂 but who said our way is a easy path? Greetings and blessings to the brothers from the crooked path ❤

[@bedhairismybae5480]

i tried to read the little work but my brain broke into pieces trying to read it especially when i was burntout 💀 i have yet to go back and try it again, although i plan to

[@pooliewoolie]

For some reason, whenever I watch your videos for a refresher, the smell of soil and rain hits me. And a dew on a leaf.

[@blueconlan9180]

For Fiction : anything by Andy Weir. For magical fiction- if you don’t mind very 90s style stories- night world and night of the solstice and secret circle by LJ smith. For more recent stuff Dresden files.

[@saltacienvecesmas]

Fiction author recommendation: Robin Hobb, if you like fantasy, she's the bomb! I love her, and you can see the evolution on her understanding of the modern world and such things. The Fool is my favourite character by far, you may like them :) Btw, what are the words you end the video with? Sorry, I never catch them :(

[@edenp22]

When you get into reading these books I find sometimes the material us so dense it's like trying to swim in new england clam chowder. It's possible but slow, so very slow. I have to reread things a few times to try to understand what's being talked about. I usually give up.

[@brianna8624]

blood and bones is one of my favorites!

[@samanthahunter4176]

Boy the Spirial Dance and Drawing Down the Moon were the two books I first read during my Coven days

[@kyia9845]

I recently read your book and it mentioned domination magick - do you have any books or resources that you would recommend I look into to that cover this subject?

[@robgau2501]

I love alchemy. I consider myself a Traditional Witch and a Hermeticist. I practice both low and high magick, for lack of better terms.

[@TheCleverlibrarian]

My fiction book suggestions are , The Magicians by Lev Grossman (is a trilogy) , The discovery of witches by Deborah Harkness ( is a series) ,

[@janenurse9300]

I second The magicians. Great books! Tv show is pretty good too

[@nadiamonteiro9239]

Anyone knows if "The Eclectic Witch's Book of Shadows" is any good? I have mix reviews but no one I trust talked about it yet

[@sonya5568]

Heard about you from Norse witch and glad I stumbled on you. Love your energy. I'm learning.

[@eviebug8312]

I LOVED blood and bones. It's so raw and brutal but necessary.

[@eviebug8312]

Oh and for fictional books, check out Circe! It's a modern retelling of the Greek legend of the first witch I believe.

[@tusker4873]

If you want a good fictional book that has elements of fictional magick and sorcery, I recommend The Midnight Bargain by C. L. Polk. This book also has elements of misogyny and sexism and the gradual empowerment of women in the books universe. Story was great, characters were great, well-written, fun read, I highly recommend!

[@lisapicklemagick]

Healing Magic by Robin Rose Bennet was the first witchy//magic book I read. I was literally m e a n t to read it because it was exactly what I needed, exactly what I was looking for when I didn't even know what I was looking for or what I needed. I have yet to find my own copy but I love that book so much.

[@acel721]

Possible words you were thinking of focusing, honing in on, narrowing

[@lauristrash1415]

What do you think of Psychic Witch by Mat Auryn?

[@doejohn2447]

Hello everyone, I'm looking for books and resources on Sun/Solar magic, does anyone have any recommendations?

[@stregamorte]

I feel like you might like Wild Witchcraft by Rebecca Beyer 🤔

[@rodneyillustrations]

Thanks

[@lightninghedgehog5963]

Revelator and Shutter are both excellent fiction books! Also not a book, but The Silt Verses and Old Gods of Appalachia are fiction (folk horror) podcasts which I’ve loved

[@lightninghedgehog5963]

Revelator is from Darryl Gregory and Shutter from Ramona Emerson btw

[@thekarret2066]

Not sure if it's beginner or intermediate, but Backwoods Witchcraft by Jake Richards has been a really fun read; not through with it yet, but it's really nice.

[@SimpleMandy]

Bone and Blood is amazing! Especially for those wanting to work with the Dark Moon. As a lover of alchemy and hermetics I'll have to check The Little Work.

[@theuglybestfriend6573]

were do you get your bones?

[@jessieb5248]

Can you please give us the tea on Raven Grimassi?😅

[@leila9194]

as a german i would assume Hauschild is propably pronunces How - shild, but pronunce the i kinda like in justice... Hope that makes sense. Not that it matters tho

[@TheCleverlibrarian]

Does any one else get stoked when, you find a few peer reviewed papers about the history of folklore in different regions?

[@arianbyw3819]

My current favourite is Welsh witchcraft by mhara starling.

[@bluestory6997]

it’s very difficult trying to find resources on the kind of folklore, practices and gods my ancestors would have followed/used when you are swiss and nobody in your family can decide if we would have descended from celtic, germanic or roman people or you know..the french..just by accident

[@PatriciaKanavy]

Witchy fiction: All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness (Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night, and The Book of Life). Then, watch Discovery of Witches on A&E or Shudder. Books are better, but the TV series is pretty cool! ✨🔮✨

[@pjnaylor]

They left so much out in the tv series. The books were pretty good though.

[@bedhairismybae5480]

while i do not consider myself intermediate practitioner, i might check out some of this~

[@WitchyNectar]

Just as an opinion from me… I have been practicing and studying for almost 20 years. I think READING and learning about ALL things at ALL “phases” is fantastic. Learn and read about whatever interests you and helps you grow. BUT… here’s my big but…. Implementing them into your practice is a whole other ball game. Something’s come easier or with less “consequence” if you have a lot of experience in other things behind you first…. Or just simply more knowledge on yourself and your energies as a whole before implementing certain things at certain “phases/levels” of Witchery. I suggest reading everything… but I think what Frankie meant by “for intermediate” is by.. people with a little more experience practicing vs just studying and reading. I may be wrong… but that’s kinda what I’ve gathered. :).

[@rokelle_2012]

I think it's good to have books at all skills levels on hand, and give them a read through at least once after you get the book and later after your practice has grown and evolved a bit more.

[@BrekkeEl]

I read Blood and Bones as a beginner and I found that it was a bridge too far for me - I felt like I didnt have a full grasp of the fundamentals needed to really take advantage of what she’s covering.

[@midas_two_cents]

At 21:59 was the word you were looking for “specializing” or “personalizing”? I hate brain farts too lmao

[@ChaoticWitchAunt]

Specializing or "honing in" - thank you!

[@omaomaoma7801]

Any recommendations on moving from beginner witchcraft to intermediate witchcraft? been feeling kinda stuck

[@alexcookie738]

It depends on your practice, but I would personally recommend to try and do things outside the book. Like if you want to try and do a protection spell, try one without taking the steps from the book, try using what herbs/colors you feel are protective instead of what the book says- etc

[@msthornback7935]

The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams

[@eleventylevity]

19:58 first Julius Caesar, but it was completely destroyed on the orders of Umar ibn-al-Khattab.

[@kylowr3n]

i was looking into "utterly wicked" on goodreads and oof! it seems there's a lot of hoodoo appropriation and calling on a confederate soldier? think I'll stick with "of blood and bones"

[@rudra150]

I have been reading "Openly Straight" by Bill Konigsberg, for fiction. It is a book that deals with the whole labelling thing in the LGBTQIAP+ community which though is sometimes needed, can become problematic. The main character of this book is gay and his friends and family are well aware of it. However, the fact that he is gay makes his life a little difficult as he is often identified as "the GAY". Thus, when he enters college, he decides to stop telling that he is gay and the novel follows how his decision impacts his life.

[@baclamom]

Emerald tablets of Thoth.

[@ZeldaandFairies]

Fiction book: if you haven't read the Red Queen series yet I really recommend it :)

[@cory7617]

Is talking to ancestors only part of certain religions?

[@rokelle_2012]

I don't believe so

[@eaturskyemonster]

A fantastic fictional series: Throne of Glass= Assassins, Elves, Runes, witches, bad ass female lead, and wonderful dark mysteries.

[@SpectrumDelta]

Love all books by Sarah J Maas! I haven’t read CC yet but heard it’s phenomenal.

[@amylynnjoneshomesteaditch]

LOVE Sara J. Maas!

[@eliasharper1175]

REFINING

[@vitoly2659]

haus is house with a z sound

[@hannahleannwhiting4780]

I don’t know if anyone has commented this yet or not, I didn’t see it when I was scrolling but for fiction, I am in love with the All Souls Trilogy series. She currently has four books written so the original trilogy is expanding and she is in the process of writing the fifth and sixth books. The first book is called ‘Discovery of Witches’ by Deborah Harkness.

[@abas1212]

NARROW is the word you are looking for

[@Seroparonia]

Hausschild was pronounced completely incorrect but very cute.

[@Rosey-Witch-Bee]

Nyoom

[@sharky6404]

I'm very confused why you have told people not to use hoodoo. Hoodoo is literally a mix of African American, Native American, Hispanic, Caucasian and even Chinese conjure. It's literally the most American magic. Yes, it originated in the South and Appalachia. Hoodoo has since branched out. I do understand that you want people do their research. I have moved around a lot from different states from southwest to the PNW to the south. I always end up learning new folk magic or something that would be considered hoodoo in nature, that a kind older lady has decided to give me, such as a psalm to pray for promotions. I am not African American nor raised in south. Yes, I'm very lucky to make friends with older women willing to share their tips, tricks, superstitions, and recipes for whatever could possibly help you in a spiritual/witchy way. What did it cost me? Nothing but the kindness and respect of listening to our elders. I would understand a lot more, if you were talking about Voodoo and Santeria which require initiations and are heavily steeped in South America/Caribbean and originated in Africa.

[@ftsumnerwitchdoctor]

that joke about memor-hex is gold. as an older millennial its upsetting at how little relevance that joke will have to the younger generation. but lmao anyway.

[@babysims8898]

My bank account after watching this. 👁👄👁

[@eldritch6871]

wait, so, the reason you said not to perform the spells you thought resembled hoodoo wasn't because you thought it would be wrong to practice against somebody, but because it would be "cultural appropriation?" really?

[@NovaStella_]

If you're looking for a good fictional read, I always suggest the Mo Xiang Tong Xiu novels! They're actually released officially in English, so you don't have to scour the internet for the Google Docs anymore. XD For you, I'd suggest "Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation" it has an amazing magic system, and shows how culture and folklore easily intertwine to create it. It revolves around a boy being taught cultivation and dealing with spirits who still bother the living. He then learns about a branch of cultivation that can control the dead, but is reprimanded by everyone for being interested in the "dark unholy path." The story basically ends up with his developing of his own Cultivation Branch, being killed, and coming back from the dead. Don't worry if that's a spoiler, because all of that takes place *in the first chapter.* XD It Will rip out your heart though, so Fair Warning. "Heaven Official's Blessing!" Heaven Official's Blessing is a book about a prince who becomes a god, is kicked out of heaven, rises back to divinity, is kicked out again, and then raises to divinity again. The book itself revolves around the main character kind of caught in paying off his immortal debts, since his latest ascendance to divinity ended up destroying a god's house. It is HILARIOUS and the character plays the underdog so well. If you're a person who's interested in hearing stories about gods and how they interact with mortals, Heaven Official's Blessing is a fun read! Oh, and also each main character in MXTX's novels is gay! With a canon love interest! If the books are a bit too hard to wrap your head around, all of the novels have been made into an animated show as well. And it's good too, because they're GORGEOUS. Sorry, didn't mean to write such a long comment. Thanks for the video once again, Frankie!!

[@reeti2381]

they turned grandmaster into a live action show called the untamed! it's on netflix but it is in chinese, the subs are pretty accurate tho:)

[@Mika-rv3jm]

As a Heathen, I'm really starting to dig into the eddas and sagas. I started out with stuff like The Viking Spirit by Daniel McCoy, and now I'm trying to interpret things for myself, if that makes sense.

[@Bi0nicFurY]

Of blood and bones is a one of my absolute favourite books, I connected with it so well and regularly still reach for it. I'm looking for more books that run in the same vein if you (or anyone else) had some suggestions?