The Lotus Pond - Wicca

Introduction to Texts

Wicca is a new religion that has been influenced by many people and many documents. Some of these documents are relatively new, while others are thousands of years old. I believe that one should be familiar with the documents that have influenced modern Wicca in order to be a well educated and intelligent Wiccan. There is a lot more to Wicca then just knowing when the next full moon is. And also remember that in some cases these documents actually present false or disproven information. Take everything you read with a grain of salt, especially anything by Margaret Murray!

Note: In most cases, the documents and books presented below are in the public domain. A few are not, but have been so widely published on the web, that I have reproduced them here without seeking permission. (And in some cases, I am trying to hunt down the people to ask permission from.) If you are the copywrite owner of one of the documents below and object to me presenting it here, please use the link to the left to email me. I will gladly remove the document(s) in question or seek permission once you present your suit.

Some links will take you to another site, and they will open in another window. Other links will take you to a document that is archived on this site. Use your browers back button to return to this page, or use the menu on the left hand side of your screen. (Only documents on this site will be accessable through the side menu.)

Liturgy

The use of the term liturgy is a thing generally avoided in Wicca. However, I believe it to be an apt term to apply to the poems and other works at generally form the basis of Wiccan ritual. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it to mean "3 : a customary repertoire of ideas, phrases, or observances", which is clearly what these pieces represent.

Influential Books

Aradia by Charles Leland - the inspiration for Strega, Italian witchcraft, and the modern Wiccan piece Charge of the Goddess. Many scholars and historians believe that Leland was dupped by his contact, Maddalena, or that he actually made up the entire thing all by himself. Irregardless, this book does influence modern Wicca.
The Witch-Cult in Western Europe by Margaret Murray - a big old load of hooey, but an infulential one. Ms. Murray was one of the first people to (erroniously) suggest that witchcraft was a survival of an ancient, far-reaching Goddess religion. To put it bluntly, this book is full of crap. Ms. Murray has only presented the evidence that she believes supports her theories, while ignoring anything that doesn't. Her theories were all proven false many years ago, but some Wiccans and witches insist on claiming that they are true. Read this so that you are aware of what she said. For the real history of Wicca and paganism, read Ronald Hutton's The Triumph of the Moon.

General Documents

Textbooks

Several people have gone out of their way to provide excellent, free texbooks on various aspects of Wicca. I have provided links to some of the best below. As always, remember that the opinions are those of the author, and might be different from what is generally accepted, what I believe, or what you may have read elsewhere. Take everything with a grain of salt.

Maiden Moon by Simon Craft - Billed as an "Advanced Wicca 101", I do feel that this is an excellent introduction to the basics of Wicca. Overall, I am pretty impressed with this textbook, although the section on Wiccan belief leaves me a little cold.This book is no longer avaliable.
Blessedways Temple 101/102 textbook by Amber Laine Fisher (author of Philosophy of Wicca) and Dianne Sylvan (author of The Circle Within) - This is actually the textbook for a course presented by Blessedways Temple in Austin, Texas, but it is provided free on the internet for anyone interested. This is another excellent resource, which covers some topics not in Maiden Moon, and presents some information from a different point of view. Well worth the read. This book is no longer avaliable since Ms. Fisher has converted to another religion.
All One Wicca by Kaatryn MacMorgan - An introductory text to the Universal Eclectic Wicca tradition, with a good deal of information that is applicable to most, if not all, eclectic practices. Ms. MacMorgan can be a bit forceful in presenting her ideas, but don't let that put you off. This book is well worth the read, even if only to discover what you disagree with. And you are likely to find that many of her ideas will make an excellent addition to your practice. Only the first five chapters of this book are now avaliable for free. It is still well worth reading.
An New Walk Down an Old Path by Simon Craft - Another excellent resource by Mr. Craft. Although this is more a Book of Shadows then a textbook, it still provides useful information about how the Dragon Tradition understands and celebrates Sabbats. The section on ethics is also well worth the read.This book is no longer avaliable.