Non Occult Books That Had an Impact On My Practice

[@loca9chica]

“this felt like being in a museum” “this felt like talking to an Aquarius “ I love the way you describe books ❤ thanks for the recommends

[@TheWitchOfWonderlust]

Oh thank you! I'm glad you enjoy my odd way of descriptions, haha.

[@erinlayke]

I liked the descriptions too, I felt like I actually understood what they were trying to say. I also really enjoyed the analogy’s given with the ‘stuffed animals and pickled heads’ book.

[@isadore7221]

I love that more practitioners are doing these types of videos because so much of my craft is informed by non-witchcraft books. It has broadened my horizons so much ❤️

[@manuelaurreaferrer3634]

I am a little Colombian witch and i really struggle with finding non satanized information about the craft and its history in my country. Although my search continues, i do want to recommend you " El libro negro de la brujeria en colombia" by Esteban Cruz Niño. it’s a compilation of stories and travels of the author and how he finds that witchcraft is so integral to Colombian culture and how its hidden in the mundane without being a how to guide for the magic he tells us about.

[@TheWitchOfWonderlust]

Thank you for the recommendation!

[@Bethany.Loveday]

‘Journey into Dreamtime’ by Munya Andrews. I highly recommend it to fellow animists and all practitioners across the world, not just Aussies💕 Munya is an Australian Aboriginal and she talks about some of the Aboriginal beliefs and practices surrounding their philosophy of Dreamtime. Being Australian, I purchased this book to learn more about the traditional custodians of the land I live on, but wow, I have learned so much more and have been mind blown with seeing similar views and practices that I have learned through more European occult practices having very ancient similarities, but far, FAR deeper, rich and ancient. A must read.

[@2392Allee]

Loved this! Can’t wait to read these 😊 some that had a huge impact on my practice: Braiding Sweetgrass - the quotes you shared from The History of Magic made me think of this! it’s written by a woman who’s both indigenous and a scientist: “I could hand you a braid of sweetgrass, as thick and shining as the plait that hung down my grandmother’s back. But it’s not mine to give nor yours to take. Wiingaashk belongs to herself. So i offer, in its place, a braid of stories meant to heal our relationship with the world.” The Earthsea books by Ursula k. Le Guin (I’m convinced Ursula was a witch) Dune W.B Yeats’ preface to Lady McGregory’s Irish Mythology

[@jenniec7715]

"The Hidden Life of Trees" and "An Immense World" are wonderful.

[@FleetStreetBarber765]

Thanks for the post 😊

[@sofia32254]

''Women who run with the wolves'' by Clarissa Pincola Estes. It is more on how in every woman there lives a Wild Woman filled with passionate creativity and ageless knowledge. The book reveals its truths through old stories, fairy tales and their interpretations. Really inspiring..

[@marierose8580]

I'm currently in the middle of reading Peter Wohlleben's "The Hidden Life of Trees" and oh my lord... the feeling it gives me sort of reminds me of what you said about Entangled Life (which I have yet to read somehow even though I literally listen to Rupert's son's music). It's so, so fascinating and has already given me a fresh pair of eyes during my forest walks and a deeper understanding of the complexities of tree life. Highly recommend!

[@chellebelle6458]

These videos feel like I'm having tea with a friend at a cosy bookclub Meetup. Such chill vibes 😊♥️

[@xJadeWolfxx]

To some of the last points about learning your local plants, it made the world feel both bigger and less alien. To know what the flowers were along the trail while hiking, to spot things like wild (or feral) St John's Wort or to try to learn what otherwise unknown in the western occult world plants might be useful for in magic. I've been eager to see the Californian sticky monkey flowers come back this year with all the rain we've. Had, my field guide is almost as critical as my water bottle on trails now. That was largely inspired by videos on this channel.

[@alaelensar95]

As I biologist and someone interested in science overall I have been asked so many times if this doesn't affect my craft, but on the contrary the more I understand how the world works the more magic becomes present in my life. I don't believe science separates us from the world at all.

[@alexandrakeenan3670]

Your description of Magic: A History reminded me of a publicly-available UCLA course called "Science, Magic and Religion". I don't recall the instructor using the triple-helix metaphor, but it was very much in that vein of talking about the creative tension between the three strands. It's still available on the UCLACourses KZbin channel.

[@violetrain28]

This book you've probably heard of but Women Who Run With the Wolves is an amazing read. Definitely occult related but completely different from your typical "witchy" book.

[@kirstencorby8465]

Oh my gosh, Olivia, I was thinking about The Alphabet v. the Goddess right before you brought it up! The hand book brought it to mind somehow.

[@lissagandor7841]

One of my favorite spiritual-ish books was Wintering by Katherine May. It’s more like half series of essays + memoir. Just the way the author writes is so revealing and thought provoking

[@brandyjean7015]

I always appreciate the random meaningful 2nd hand book finds.

[@lisemzarate4029]

Illusions, by Richard Bach, gave me that affirmation of mindset when I was 19, and soothed some of those religious fears I was raised in. This book helped me learn how to manifest before I knew what it was, and the feather became a real life object in my life, it forever changed my perspective and plans for my future. Easy read, esoteric in nature, but overall an interesting story, funny and sad, super relatable.

[@WindriderLirian]

“Gathering Moss,” by Robin Wall Kimmerer-spoke to me so much more than “Braiding Sweetgrass.” I liked both books, no hate on her sequel, but something about “Gathering Moss” connected with me do much more clearly.

[@ChaoticWitchAunt]

Same wavelength. 😤

[@NovaStella_]

I've been using a plant guide app on my phone since watching your videos, and I'm saving up for an actual field guide from my bookstore. But it's so nice to be familiar with just the different species of Grass in my front lawn, and last summer I found out that the huge bush growing by my front door is EDIBLE HONEYSUCKLE. Strongly suggest familiarizing yourself with your local plants, it's so much fun :D

[@kestrelthenaturewitch]

Thank you for all the excellent reading material, I'm excited to dive into several of these! I'd also like to recommend the book "My Friend Fear" by Meera Lee Patel. I originally thought it was going to be one of those fluffy "just be happy!" books. Instead it was a road map of sorts to getting to know fear and build a relationship with it. It's also just a really pretty book, so, bonus points for that!

[@ashleybilke-blackfeatherst1618]

I found Horse Boy by Rupert Issacson incredibly impactful, as well as Wilding by Isabella Tree. Highly recommend both.

[@hazelmartin7911]

I am pretty science focused as well, and actually thought I had one of the books you mentioned, but when I paused and went to look, it was actually called Talk to Your Plants. I've had Entangled Life in my books to read list for a while. This made me go ahead and get on the waiting list at the library. Thanks for such a great list.

[@genghisgalahad8465]

A rich trove discovery from Magic history that calls to me to Philippine nature Magick traditions! Excellent collection! Will make sure to round back when availing of this list! Thank you, Witch of Wonderlust!

[@astalkus7540]

In "entangeled life" he wrote a bit too much about truffles. Like it was interesting, but it felt like "yea yea those are my studies, BUT DID YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE TRUFFLE!?" Which is funny dont get me wrong, I enjoyed it. But I felt kinda confused by it.

[@TheWitchOfWonderlust]

Okay I agree with you there😂 he definitely had a love affair with those truffles

[@FnkyMdnss]

Not here to comment on the content itself, but for some reason I haven't seen any of your videos for a while and just ... I wanted to really appreciate the VIDEO QUALITY, like... IMAGE quality. It is top notch, hella amazing! 🤩🤩🤩

[@TheWitchOfWonderlust]

I appreciate that!

[@stringtheorywitchcraft5370]

Who's in your room - Ivan Misner and Stewart Emery Required reading about networking for a business course I was taking. Hated it at first then had a fellow practitioner mention that this could contain interesting ideas for spiritual practice. I admit I laughed for a minute but changing the reading perspective made this book much more interesting. I suspect a number of topics from the business world could be similarly reframed. For novels, Small Gods by Terry Pratchett is a fantastic look at the concept of gods, divinity, the church, and belief.

[@wendysweeklywisdom9396]

Absolutely love alphabet and the goddess. Helps to understand younger peoples mindset as due to the early use of qwerty keyboards they are stimulating both hemispheres if the brain. This relates the the more visual use of if emoji’s in communication etc… highly recommended reading!

[@lilyshealinggarden5648]

Thank you.. this really helps, I am still building my practice and how spirituality relates to me, I don't know.. but thank you

[@melolore1280]

The lost book of herbal remedies is an amazing guild book. It’s opened my eyes to a whole plethora of goodies growing right outside my door. It has been immensely helpful. Blessed Be Olivia 🔮

[@faaumukaimana2720]

Foucault's Power and Knowledge interviews were unexpected companions for thinking about power in my Craft.

[@Heybaby_124]

Hello! I just wanted to say thank you for all that you have taught me, you have been a major inspection and impact in my practice! I no longer practice witchcraft as I have finally found my true faith, but I still love and enjoy your videos. Thank you for being you and being here! 🥰

[@Artemis_in_the_Woods]

Thank you for a wonderful video! Added some to my to read list (really want to read "The Plant Hunter" now!). If I can make a recommendation for non witchy books re fungi/microbes that were huge for me, " Liaisons of Life; From Hornworts to Hippos, How the Unassuming Microbe has Driven Evolution" by Tom Wakeford and/or "I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within us and a Grander View of Life" by Ed Yong. Edit to add: saw someone else commented about "The Secret Life of Trees", so fucking good. Can't recommend that one enough also.

[@roseyherber]

I also bought The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies, I was dubious, but love the book ❤

[@katelynstrack4964]

Love your book review vids! I never fail to find something interesting to read!

[@veerani]

Side note- on the cold bath thing-you would love the mythology behind Shiva

[@WisdomClarity]

Thanks so much. Watching your journey has inspired me in so many ways and comforted me at some of my darkest times.

[@sofia32254]

''Sacred Space'' by Denise Linn, ''Tertium Organum'' by P D Ouspensky

[@yellowdressbookstore6602]

"The author does not have as much say as you think" ..... I am going to group my books togeher by publisher during the next snow week to find the similiaites and differences. So excited for this!

[@marshahostetler]

Hello I am new here and I so appreciate your reading list the first one is one that spoke to me. I am very connected to earth energy right now I have been working with it for over a year now. It comforts me so I was so excited to see this on your list. Love and light to you!

[@jinxminx55]

the alphabet vs the goddess is super cool. he also wrote a book called art and physics that talks about how scientific discoveries have been prefigured by art. really cool.

[@jenniferneustedt5093]

I live in Washington and have a book on herbs and wild plants found in my state

[@andrewjenkins9965]

Well clearly, as a museum nerd, I'm going to need the museum book.

[@madisonb.3856]

This is a video I didn’t know I needed. Wonderful reviews☺️

[@buddhabro.9130]

Three books I've discovered, one of my all-time faves, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, OMG I love this book. The author shows how she is a botanist and scientist who grew up with her family's Naive American traditions approach to the land and nature. Sacred Actions by Dana O"Driscoll, A member of the American druidic society, talks about earth conservation through the structure of the wheel of the year. Lastly, I'm a practicing Buddhist, so I researched witchcraft in Asia. I found The tao of the Craft by Benebell Wen. In this book, she talks about how Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucian thought converge with witchcraft in the eastern esoteric tradition. (she also has a youtube channel)

[@tribeofdog]

ohhhh I need to check out that last one!!

[@jamesgoesoff1992]

we all live in a limited spectrum of existence our sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch are so limited compared to what the universe displays. we are all trying to make sense of the whole picture from the bits and pieces.

[@fenrirworg]

just in time for this video! i just finished watching the previous book recommendations video you made, can't wait to check out these books too! thanks!

[@cherryghoulaid]

the witchy Milo Thatch I never knew I needed

[@jaydenhickman9870]

I'd love to hear more about the hand book if you do a re read!

[@misakijimenez]

Thanks for the video and now I'm curious about "The Hand" book review because of my moon in Aquarius!😊😊

[@DeadManVlog]

Being a creator like you are is a pathless road (if you get what I mean) and you're Clearly doing an excellent job. 👏

[@TheWitchOfWonderlust]

Very kind of you. Thank you

[@DeadManVlog]

@@TheWitchOfWonderlust I believe in credit where it's due. :)

[@SarahDeesJournee]

Finally, a video that combines my love of the witch community and booktube!

[@xcgbfdsc]

Islands of Abandonment by cal Flyn Is a MUST❤

[@GravesRWFiA]

in the 90's I wrote to one author who wrote a witchcraft book and while i liked some parts she kindly wrote back and explained how she had to include thing like casting a circle that EVERY book seems to have because the publishers require it to even look at it. As i progress I realize the books in my study are fewer occult and more natrualist on animals and plants

[@TheEmpressgoth]

Thanks for sharing 👍 😊

[@blonniejenn433]

Best reviews ever! Love!

[@randomguda]

I think you would like this book called Phantoms in the Brain, you should check it out!

[@Kimseinstraa]

This video feels exactly like how you describe "stuffed animals and pickled heads"

[@linds.m86]

Entangled Minds by Dean Radin 💚

[@isadore7221]

Real Magic by Dean Radin changed my life, I'm reading Entangled Minds right now and it's also brilliant!

[@spiritual-wisdom]

I love this video and I really like this book❤

[@nocterniaobscura]

Interesting video, thanks for the suggestions!

[@vickyparsons]

Another class vid from miss Olivia!

[@UnknownDestiny87]

Do have any recommendations on like eqyptian type books? if not that's ok im just curious

[@purplephoenixartbymicheled9298]

🌬💕Loving your channel and I feel in love with your hair style. So now that my hair is growing out. I want to try your Beautiful hair style.

[@zoehenwood9706]

I wonder if you had any recommendations for books around trauma and shadow work that aren't directly 'witchy'

[@batbite_]

Can recommend Deleuze and Guattari's A Thousand Plateaus ❤️

[@andromeda1515]

Whoa chaotic witch aunt just posted one of these the other day lol cute cute

[@vickythinks6749]

You should give us a full review of the hand book 😊🤚🖐✋️

[@cyruscitrine]

Man you're so lucky. Every time I check out The used books in my thrift store it's mostly based on Christianity. I'll sit there and graze through it, but I can never find anything other than a law of attraction.

[@Rosemaryluna206]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@federicacasablanca5398]

Offtopic question: are there any novels with practitioners as protagonists? Any recommendations? Thnx.

[@sandyblack9698]

Ostara blessings 📚🐛💜

[@toffythewitch]

yess another book videooo

[@gutterhalo]

I know there can be so powerful

[@TC-cr2oy]

The secret life of trees.

[@kurtsteiner8384]

Have you tried books by nigel pierson and gemma gary Published by troy books

[@embertea789]

real magic by dean radin phd was amazing. it provided pretty convincing scientific evidence that what we call magic is real and *measurable*. to an extent. HIGHLY recommend.

[@sherryhassler5932]

And that's a little story about how I bought fifty bucks worth of kindle books in two days...

[@SheTouchedGrass]

sigh my goal in life is to finish a book

[@JayDee-yx1fk]

I've very confused by what you mean by "It felt like talking to an Aquarius." I'm just curious.

[@misakijimenez]

I can relate to what she says!

[@TheWitchOfWonderlust]

Just very 'air' energy, things that are more concepts and theories and less grounded ideas.

[@anamercado-ct4jj]

nice

[@storme7787]

All this past week I have been watching your book review and recommendation videos, as well as Chaotic Witch Aunt's, and let me just say I whole heartedly believe that I manifested you guys both releasing new book videos. I'm a little freaked out about it not gonna lie. I love you both so much, and feel like the information you give is so accurate and helpful to new/intermediate witches like myself. You just keep doing you ❤️ and thank you

[@TheWitchOfWonderlust]

Both of us were just saying, great minds think alike!

[@storme7787]

Great minds do think alike 😂❤️

[@CapitalTeaseBurlyQ]

When I was a kid I always thought my mum's Readers Digest 'Magic and Medicine of Plants from 1986 was super cool. I have it now. It's just a great quick reference!