Pagan Books: Why Dumb It Down?

[FearedBliss]

I actually started off by reading Wicca: A Guide for the solitary practitioner by Scott Cunningham, I like it very much. I love the emphasis he puts on being Eclectic and using Wicca as a foundation for what you feel is right. I believe that is the correct way to do it since it's your connection with the deities that matters. Everyone has to discover their own personal connection.

[WiccanTexan]

@FearedBliss - Scott is a good basic intro, and it sounds like you've got his point.

[AloofPeregrine]

Rumor has it you are selling tickets to Hell. I'd like one. I'm overdue for a vacation and I'm looking forward to some of the most delicious ice cream in the USA. What is the weather like in Michigan this time of year? LULZ.

[WiccanTexan]

@AloofPeregrine - I have no idea; I'm in Texas. It's pretty much as hot as Hell at the moment.

[AloofPeregrine]

@WiccanTexan I'm in Texas too and I can say, it is hotter than Hell. It's only going up to about 80 degrees fahrenheit there today.

Just another one of my usual dumb jokes on Hell, Michigan. :)

[ScooterSam82]

great videos, from Binky. (my online name :D

but I cannot change this one to that lol

[WiccanTexan]

@GreatLakesNighthawk - I don't feel that a beginner in the Craft means that they're a beginner to research, and find it insulting that the automatic response is offering pablum.

[GaleZMe]

"The Masks of Misrule", are all quite good as witchcraft books go. There's some new ones just out too from some of the same authors. Look them up if you're into this stuff. They're even interesting for someone like me who is just wondering what the heck's being peddled in society these days.

[GaleZMe]

@GaleZMe PS: another one is "Resurrection of the Meadow".

[GaleZMe]

I don't have five cent's worth of use for paganism or wicca or Christianity or Islam or any other form of so-called "Spirituality" out there. However, as books on Witchcraft go; I have to admit they're getting better. R. Artisson and other authors who are now divulging information that is far, far above and beyond the fluffy, sugary-gooey junk about "Wicca" that has been in circulation for the last several decades.

"Call of the Horned Piper", "The Witching Way of the Hollow Hill",

[niamh2739]

you sound like a great priestess

[misstvland]

Hi,

Great video! I'm still in the researching stage of paganism, and my first book was 'A History of Pagan Europe' by Prudence Jones and Nigel Pennick. It's a great overview of pagan beliefs in the ancient world, and Triumph of the Moon is one of the next books on my list.I'm not that young (23), but I've been looking at history and facts first, and maybe going into books on modern practice further down the track. 

[Penardun]

Totally agree with you. Well said!

[bRadicalmagic1]

Why all of the conjecture? Why not just say that you are a satanist. And because you are a satanist tell us how you have given your soul to seek the biggest LOSER of all time.

[WiccanTexan]

@bRadicalmagic1 - Satan is a part of the Abrahamic theological structure. I don't follow that structure. NIce try.

[bRadicalmagic1]

@WiccanTexan Do you think God cares one hoot that you "Don't subscribe to Abraham theological structure? "  You probably think that hell doesn't exist because you don't believe in it? Talk about insulting my intelligence! Nice try.

[ufoplejarenbarbie]

many wiccans don't have any powers!...some join as a trendy fashion or a bi-sex thing...or feminazi politics of goddess worship...(a religion without goddesses is 50 percent atheist)...some gain powers early like in the 4th grade...and are ready for the real stuff in the higher books...most covens are ruined by bitch gossip and drive off the real witches and wizards!...the smartest remain solitaire and covert!

[WiccanTexan]

@ufoplejarenbarbie - I'll disagree on the coven. A well-run one (aka, mature, responsible individuals) can be an incredibly good experience. Our last one stayed intact, with all of us friends afterwards, for 11 years. You're taking the extreme elements of covens that don't work and seeing them as the norm. It's the stable ones who also tend to stay private.

[ufoplejarenbarbie]

the actual dummy-down is the myth of the three-fold-rede and hindu karma!...if you or your family have been insulted violated stolen from attacked you are "justified" in zapping a hex on someone!...get a crystal ball...use it as a projection lens to fire revenge at you enemy!...we don't curse the criminals often enough!...dare to be a wiccan avenger on muggles!

[WiccanTexan]

@ufoplejarenbarbie - "muggles" is a fantasy term, hon. Educated Wiccans know the difference between the Eastern karma and what it has been bastardized into. As for justifiable magick for harm, I feel the same way you do. The second part of the Lycian Rede is, "an it cause harm, do as you must." We believe in striving to do no harm, but not being stupid about it.

[ufoplejarenbarbie]

but many do have some powers or psychic skills...best to just get them the wizard of oz glinda (good witch of the north) barbie doll and a ken doll (at toys are us) and light candles on altar...and have them pray via barbie doll goddess idol...do we need every member at term paper undergrad research level?

[WiccanTexan]

@ufoplejarenbarbie - We need every member to strive for more than the basics; to not be content to stay at the "minimum information" level. That's what spiritual growth is all about. How can one claim a faith, educate others about it, when they themselves don't even know it's history?

[ufoplejarenbarbie]

I am 45...i am still shocked how many wiccans are dummied-down...(i became norse pagan as a child watching elizabeth montgomery on bewitched and reading thor comic books)...but most never read 300 library books on their religion...most are bunnys or angry twitches who only want revenge spells!

[thepixieful]

maybe you might work to get a candidate elected. I like your non nonsense business look. but I would not want all pagans to give up their costumes. crowley (rhymes with holy) did both. business suit or costume. old rosy cross crowd said dress for where you are at.

[WiccanTexan]

@thepixieful - Thank you! I generally did videos when I got home from work, because after a busy day I'm usually inspired.

[NewAgeisSewAge]

She is selling tickets to HELL...

[WiccanTexan]

@NewAgeisSewAge - No, I think dying is free. Hel welcomes us all; She's the ultimate destination. ;)  No ticket required.

[PromiseNot2Scream]

I myself have never read Triumph of the Moon, but I intend to search ebay now. I have been in the craft for ten years now and I feel that many of the so called beginner books seem to gloss over the religious aspects entirely, leading you straight into a ritual with no real meaning to it. I personally recommend Spiral Dance and The Twelve Wild Swans to fledglings for their well informed approach and inclusion of politics as well as religion. Thanks for a wonderful video! Blessings on your path.

[WiccanTexan]

@PromiseNot2Scream - Triumph of the Moon is available through Amazon. We have both of the books you recommend, and I agree.

[bbassel]

After watching your video I agree with you fully agree. I do find though, by the title of your video that it sets off the feeling of a repellant to certain individuals. The truth being that "high end" literature is not fully available to the average person intersted in Wicca. Only by researching and for a lot of people ordering online are they able to come across these wonderful books. All the best, Blessed Be

[WiccanTexan]

@bbassel - Well, by the nature of the title, I don't dumb anything down. ;) If they are repelled simply by a title, they're not mature enough for the message. I don't agree with the "high-end" comment. Everything on my reading list can be found easily on Amazon. I've also found them at Half-Price Books.

[wcnprincess]

Thanx for the info:)) I will definitely have to look this up on Amazon. I have heard about this book, but I completely forgot all about it, lol

BB )O(

[ldplummer]

You know, I used to say the same thing as a Christian. I think if we start there, we tend to stay there. I am no longer Christian but I continue to value the studying I did and it continues to inform other spiritual pursuits.

[Buritsu]

Merry meet!

I think ppl who just start

Wicca should read this book

[TheWiccanPath]

Expectations should always be set high.....People can always move at their own pace...Blessed Be!

[Naiant]

"Triumph of the Moon" is a wonderful book, and I highly recommend that. I wouldn't, however, recommend it as an introductory book. Not because it is too hard, but because it isn't what a beginner is looking for.  A beginner would be better served by something by the Farrars, or "Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft." Just as long as they stay away from Ravenwolf.

[safehouse123]

I really think Silver has a place in learning. I have learned to back up everything by other research. I do wish there were more "textbook" type books out there, with the extensive exam at the end like her second book "to stir a magick cauldron"

[isiswintermagick]

Wow thank you...I am new to Wicca and liked your video...thanks again BB

[mari66101]

"Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft " by Raymond Buckland is the first book I read back in 1987 that introduced me to Wicca.

I highly recommned it, along with Scott Cunnigham's "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner."

[HotaruRyu]

I have to say, I really love your videos. What is your livejournal name? I would love to follow you there. Or even if you had a facebook! I consider myself more and more each day to be a Pagan, and Im beginning to accept this and learn what to do. The more people that I can talk to who have such experience the better. :)

[WiccanTexan]

I'm on LJ as Seshen.

[WiccanTexan]

@HotaruRyu - if you get this notice, I'm on Facebook as Seshen Wolfsong.

[Lamondra]

I have only just 'discovered' you, but so far I have to say that I love you! Finally (!!) someone who doesn't float of on a cloud and doesn't assume that nembies will jump right into a ritual they don't understand.

But mostly.. I like your non-floatiness.

[WiccanTexan]

"non-floatiness" LOL!

[MagickalHummingbird]

~*~ Bright Blessings! I Heartily Agree! Many Beings Who Finally Choose Wicca Are Extremely Metaphysically Well~Read Practitioners From Various In~Depth Traditions Such As Hinduism ~Buddhism ~Tao ~Metaphysics ~Occult ~Mysticism. Were Intuitively Advanced & Very Evolved In Deeply Spiritual Magickal Paths In Previous Lives! Dumbing Down Teachings Is Really A Form Of Abuse ~Of Both The Teachings & The Seeker. Even If They Don't Understand Immediately ~Living Wizdom Seeds Are Planted. Blessed Be! ~*~

[Whitebafflosky]

Yeah, most who come to our faith do so because they are lost and want to gain some control over there lives. And the idea of magic is what they are looking for to give them a since of control. And That is why it is our responceablity as Elder's of the faith. Sorry don't know what else to call us. LOL. To Give the new praticishioner's some guide lines and rules to follow to help protect them and others.

[Whitebafflosky]

Ok I understand what your are saying. But part of the reason for starting Newbe's off with the basic's is the protection of them and the protection of others. You don't give a ten year old a chain saw and say cut that tree down. He will most likely do more damage to himself or others than the tree. If you don't start off with a good year and a day foundation of basic's then people can be hurt. To jump into the deeper stuff is just dangous and ill responsable.

[WiccanTexan]

I don't equate newbies with someone who is automatically going to jump in without looking. And I consider knowing the history of your faith to be the FIRST basic to learn. You're assuming I'm talking about magickal work, which I don't use books for at all.

[ffrpgfan]

I have the book now, I got it around a year ago, but I really do wish that I had it when I first started all those years ago. I completely agree that people should start with a solid, well researched base when they're choosing any religion.

[ozzzz156]

I'll have to pick up this book. I'm always interested in perspectives on the relation between Gardener and Crowley. But I really must say that no-one knows what happened in the meetings they had that I am aware of, so anything that either confirms or denies Crowley's involvement is really pure conjecture. Interesting thoughts though. And I agree, people should be given the good stuff right off the bat, unless of course their actions prove their inability to comprehend the material.

93,

Fr. Oz

[treetopInsanity]

wow thanks so much.

[ishine0]

Thanks for this video; I completley agree with everything you are saying! I'm 20 and have been researching Pagan religions including Wicca for about 5 years now and i wish to god that I had started off reading a solid, coherant and 'realistic' book such as Tripumh of the Moon when I began stuyding.. I would have avoided most of crap which seems to be over shadowing some of the more sensible pagan liternature on the market!

[daughterofhekate]

I agree with what you are saying, I am now 26, but as a teenager of about 15-16 I started looking into the craft and found it hard to find books that really expressed the spirituality and real philosophy of the religion.

I am now an ancient historian and have recently started to take another look at modern pagan religions, are there any other books that you could recommend for the "academic" beginner?

[RivaWitch]

If you are a high schooler or entering college (usually the age that younger generations starts studying Paganism) Why would books like Triumph of The Moon be "Too Academic"?

This country is dumbing down it's youth.

As A Non-Wiccan Pagan I turn to books on Druids even if not geared toward modern Druids' practice it is a good reference. Many of the Lewellyn Book are not out to teach, Just to make money.

[matteh666]

I love what you are saying about people who are new to witchcraft are capable of understanding in depth. People who ask me for a good 'starter' book often get told anything by valiente, huson or penczak, as they are great authors in my eyes. Although I do think there would be some exceptions to giving a a new person some 'in-depth books' e.g. The Goetia.

[bewitchedfox]

I am one of those gals that loves having research that honestly holds solid ground. I was taught that academia sources is what holds the strongest credibility. The problem that I see the most is there is so much "witch crap" on the web and various watered down books. I feel this is where a lot of the younger people get easily lost.

Please keep updating your recommended reading list and keep up the great work!

[WiccanTexan]

Thanks! My husband & I have 8 six-ft bookcases that are mostly full of religious and occult books. He's spent the last 30 years collecting and reading most of them. I'm still trying to catch up! Our tween has open access to anything that strikes her fancy.

[chalicechiq]

Haha, Seshen, my life-partner and I have 10 6' bookshelves wedged into a small second bedroom in a 2 bedroom apartment...and still not enough room on all of them for all the books we own.

Ah, life as a bookworm...

[brezza307]

thank you Seshen i am not highly skilled in wicca or literacy but i do appreciate the fair go so to speak,i find that in beging my self discoverys in life when it comes to discovering religion particularly wicca/paganusm find that we are not told the truth or are given the knolage in a suger coated fashion.

once again thank you

bri

[erinschimpf]

This is very well done... I have been searching Youtube for pagan clips and Frankly its very sad... there was one that made me sooo mad! I Love your work... very well done.

[neheti]

Hi Seshen - another solid video - Great job.

I agree with you. Its always struck me as odd that some seem to assume that newcomers are incapable. The sad thing is when its the newbie who doesn't believe in themselves enough - you can see that they are smart enough, but they can't see it themselves, so they let books like Hutton's slip by thinking that it will be too much for them.

[WiccanTexan]

I do my best not to assume that someone is unable to handle something outside of the 101 level right off.

[neheti]

I guess I wasn't clear in my response. I agree with you.

I'm saying that - I have had a problem with the students themselves believing that they can't handle books like Triumph of the Moon. Not that I think they can't handle it. I think that they can.

[WiccanTexan]

I think that the "dumbing it down" approach is part of the problem. Students are brainwashed into thinking that they really CAN'T handle it. But of course, the pagan community would never admit that they do some brainwashing themselves. ;)

[neheti]

I can see that.

I try to let them know that they can read the bigger books - to get them to not be so scared of words like philosophy and theology and the like. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. :)

[OrbitalSponge]

I think you're correct, especially as the new sould incarnating tend to be quite advanced from the get go, from what I've heard. I would have loved to find a book that sounds as fascinating as the one you describe when I was roaming the local library (age 13, lol) and going home with books by Blavatsky, Edward C. Peach (Astral Travel) and many others. I can't remember much of what I read now, and can't say I grokked what I read at the time to any great degree, but it also did me no harm.

[bewitchedfox]

THANK YOU! Most books you find in books stores only hit Basic Wicca 101. There needs to more advanced witchcraft books!

- Fox

[WiccanTexan]

On my web site (link on my channel), I have a list of more advanced recommended reading. Check it out! I'd give you the link, but the text comments won't let me do that.

[john4knecht]

I really like the point you're making here. The first book I was ever given was Ray Bucklins big blue book. and Its a good book don't get me wrong but I was a little insaulted as mot of the stuff his book mentions, I allready was just kinda intuetively doing. It didn't give me alot of insite about wicca, and thats really what I wanted to know. I agree with you that duming down to the lowest common denominator is bad Thank you for this *bows*

[WiccanTexan]

I'm not a huge fan of the Big Blue Book, though it's not nearly as bad as some other stuff out there.

[jordansayshi]

Brava!

I like you... you should put out more videos. [=

[WiccanTexan]

Thanks! I'll put things out when I'm feeling inspired, as I want to go with quality rather than quantity.

[shockawenow]

kookoo koo koo

[ZedralZ]

Did you say "witchcrap"? *LOL* Fabulous.

[WiccanTexan]

It's a good, solid non-PC word. One of my personal favorites.

[michaelispan]

I like that word and it will be added to my vocabulary.

[WiccanTexan]

Hehehe. Glad to see I'm making a difference.

[michaelispan]

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughful,commited citizens can change the world. Indeed. It's the only that ever has."

~Margaret Mead

[bicclookfrmwiccbks]

2. When I first started out...the first books I read were Witchcraft Today and Mastering Witchcraft....not exactly Silver RavenWolf. LOL

[bicclookfrmwiccbks]

Two Things.

1. This really helps the theory that no one should be initiated or even dedicated for that matter before 18 years old. It's not that we're exclusionary. It's just that we want you to be psychologically ready for initiation and the curriculum. The curriculum in most Covens(well almost all for all I know) is experiential. So the books just "help" the experience is what matters. Hence...mystery.

[WiccanTexan]

Good point. Our own coven does not accept members under age 21, unless they are children of coven members, in which case they may be interviewed and considered at 18.

[bicclookfrmwiccbks]

If your a Traditional Coven...I can think of 3 good reasons. ;-) LOL

[WiccanTexan]

*grin* The word "traditional" has evolved from being just BTW, so that's not entirely true. However, I do understand your point. I think any coven, traditional or eclectic, needs to have these sort of standards in place.

[YoungWitch]

Haha, point proven right here.

I'm fourteen, and I LOVE reading in-depth Wiccan books. It's often what I look for most. I know so much about the basics of Wicca and Witchcraft, that I'm often buying those kinds of books with deeper thought, whether it be philosophical or ritualistic. Going to school in the bible belt isn't as hard for me, because I tend to know more about my spirituality than other students know about their religion. I'll debate my spirituality with them sometimes, and win.

[craftywytch]

Excellent point! 5 stars!

[MercysHollow]

Ourie Sabot is another one to avoid ;-)

"The New Golden Bough" even though dated is a pretty good read as well.

[AnethSvartalf]

5 stars! Subscribed! Thank you for the suggestion. I love good books!

[Branan001]

that brings up a good point we in this country are being challenged less and less to us our minds

[Hermgirl666]

I have heard a lot of good things about this book--I'll have to get to reading it!

[werewolfchewtoy]

Very well done. I'll check out the book as well.

[Neopagan2007]

Great vid and thanks for the book recommendation. This book sounds like a good one. I've been looking for a more academic book on Wicca and I plan on getting this one. Do you have any preferred authors of Wiccan books? Thanks.

[WiccanTexan]

I don't prefer any particular authors, though there are a few I have a low opinion about (*cough*cough* $ilver Ravingfluff *cough*cough*)

[Neopagan2007]

I definitly have a low opinion of that particular author as well. :)

[Branan001]

O_O lol

[Neopagan2007]

Thanks again on the book suggestion. I purchased it a few weeks ago. It is very interesting and insightful.

[WiccanTexan]

Glad to hear it. It's the best-documented overview I've come across.