Over the past few years, I’ve purchased more books on magick, witchcraft, and the occult than I can count. Some were devoured immediately, others skimmed and set aside, and a few sat untouched, waiting for the right moment to reveal their wisdom. I’ve realized I tend to stumble across the books I need at exactly the time I need them—even if they’ve been buried under a bed or stacked in a corner for years.
Building a Magical Libary
Recently, I decided to curate a proper magical library in my office. My husband has been staining boards and installing shelves, turning my space into a true sanctuary for meditation, tarot, rituals, and writing for Grandma’s Grimoire. Going through my books has been an act of reflection and rediscovery, reconnecting me to the lessons, memories, and aspirations tied to each one.
Here is a selection of books I have in my magical library—a deeply personal collection of books that reflect my spiritual journey. Most of them are available on Amazon, so I have included my Amazon Associate link and will earn from qualifying purchases; however, each of these books are, in fact, ones that I have purchased myself or received as a gift and that I recommend. I have other bookshelves filled with books that I do not recommend, but that’s a post for another day! With that said, be sure to also support your local bookstore and don’t forget to visit your local library!
The Books That Started It All
These were some of the first books I added to my magical library. These are hardcover and look gorgeous on my shelf:
- High Magick by Damien Echols
This was one of my very first introductions to magick, and it holds a special place in my heart. Damien Echols’ story of resilience inspired me, and his teachings on the Middle Pillar, Qabalistic Cross, and LBRP gave me my first taste of magickal practice. This hardcover marks the beginning of my journey and remains one of my most treasured books. - Ritual by Damien Echols and Lorri Davis
While this book didn’t meet all my expectations, it has earned its place on my shelf for specific tools I find useful. The Rose Cross template for sigil creation on page 192 is useful, as are the correspondence tables in the appendix. It’s also a lovely hardcover that complements my collection. - Hidden Paths by Denis Poisson (Foolish Fish)
This limited-edition (#574 of 600) hardcover is incredibly special to me. Foolish Fish’s YouTube channel sent me down the rabbit hole of Qabalah, pathworking, and so much more. He introduced me to the work of Josephine McCarthy, a highly respected teacher of Western esotericism and author of the Quareia magickal course; Jason Miller, a modern-day sorcerer known for his practical, results-oriented approach to magick in books like Consorting with Spirits and The Sorcerer’s Secrets; and the Glitch Bottle Podcast, an exceptional resource for exploring Western magic, mysticism, and the occult through interviews with leading figures in the field. Through their work, and countless books I’ve since added to my collection, I’ve discovered transformative practices and deeper paths of learning. While I mostly watch Denis’s videos for certain tutorials, like his mind palace or sigil crafting, this book feels like an anchor for everything he’s taught me.
Daily Reflections: Wisdom for Everyday Living
These books offer daily inspiration and meditations, blending mindfulness, spirituality, and practical advice.
- The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo
One of the first books I purchased on my spiritual journey, this New York Times bestseller provides a daily entry of wisdom, storytelling, and reflection. I love how it aligns so naturally with my practice. For instance, the January 19th entry on “Remembering and Forgetting” reflects on how much of our spiritual search is about rediscovering who we already are. - Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
This accessible guide to mindfulness offers short lessons that feel grounding and inspiring. It was one of my earliest introductions to meditation and remains a beautiful reminder to stay present and connected, no matter what life brings. - Raise Your Vibration by Kyle Gray
This guide offers 111 daily practices to elevate your spiritual energy and align with your highest self. Each short chapter provides actionable steps, affirmations, or reflections that are both simple and impactful. It’s one of those books I can turn to whenever I need a boost of clarity or positivity. This book was the one inspired my 11-day Chakra Challenge! - DailyOM: Inspirational Thoughts for a Happy, Healthy, and Fulfilling Day by Madisyn Taylor
This beautifully written book provides short daily reflections that focus on mindfulness, gratitude, and personal growth. It’s perfect for moments when I need quick inspiration to center myself and reconnect with my intentions.
Magickal Protection Books
These books focus on the essential work of protection and energetic boundaries, offering rituals and techniques for creating safety and resilience in spiritual practice. They are a must-have for any magical library!
- Magickal Protection by Damon Brand
This book emphasizes the importance of daily protection rituals, recommending the Sword Banishing performed twice daily and the Master Protection Ritual for long-term defense. It’s a straightforward, results-oriented guide to safeguarding yourself and your space, making it a staple for any practitioner. - Protection and Reversal Magick by Jason Miller
Jason Miller’s practical and well-rounded approach to protection makes this book an indispensable resource. The chapter on the Sphere of Hekas resonated deeply with me, especially as I navigate transformative work like crossing the abyss. This book is about more than just defense—it’s about reclaiming power and creating a foundation of strength.
Tarot and Divination: Tools for Insight and Reflection
I have a few other tarot books, but these are the ones that have made it to my magical library so far:
- The Modern Witchcraft Book of Tarot by Skye Alexander
This beautifully designed book is a favorite for tarot readings. The yellow-and-gold hardcover features full two-page interpretations for each card, with detailed explorations of colors, numbers, and symbols. It’s both practical and visually stunning. - Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom by Rachel Pollack
A classic in tarot literature, this book goes beyond card meanings to explore their symbolic and psychological depths. It’s less about quick interpretations and more about connecting with the cards on a profound level. - I Ching: The Oracle by Benebell Wen
Recommended by Foolish Fish, this book is a masterful exploration of the I Ching. Though I’ve only scratched the surface, I look forward to diving deeper into its insights and connecting with this ancient divinatory system.
Qabalah: A Lifelong Study
It seems that I am quite fascinated with the Qabalah, and even though I barely understand some of these books, I am including them in my magical library in the hopes that their secrets will soon be revealed to me!
- A Garden of Pomegranates by Israel Regardie
This classic text is foundational for Qabalah studies, even though its depth can feel overwhelming. It’s a book I know will reveal more over time as my understanding grows. - The Chicken Qabalah by Lon Milo DuQuette
This humorous and accessible guide makes Qabalah feel approachable, blending deep insights with lighthearted commentary. - Magical States of Consciousness by Denning & Phillips – Focused on pathworking on the Tree of Life, including practical magick.
- The Witches Qabala by Ellen Cannon Reed
I’ve realized this is the book I’ve been searching for! Packed with correspondences for the Tree of Life—planetary attributions, virtues, vices, archangels, incense, and more—it’s a resource I plan to study thoroughly. - The Kabbalistic Mirror of Genesis by David Chaim Smith
This esoteric and deeply philosophical book includes breathtaking illustrations and a commentary on the first three chapters of Genesis. It’s complex but resonates with my desire to explore spiritual mysteries.
Magickal Practice: Tools for Everyday Work
I have quite a few more books that could go in this category, but for now, this is what I’ve chosen to include in my magical library:
- Sigils of Power and Transformation by Adam Blackthorne
This book offers 111 sigils for everything from protection to confidence. It’s simple, effective, and one of my go-to resources for practical magick. - Real Sorcery by Jason Miller
A straightforward guide to achieving real-world results through sorcery. - The Sorcerer’s Secrets by Jason Miller
This book dives deeper into strategy, personal power, and combining mundane and magickal efforts to achieve your goals. - Condensed Chaos by Phil Hine
A foundational text on chaos magick, emphasizing creativity and experimentation in practice. - The 72 Angels of Magick by Damon Brand
This book provides rituals for connecting with the angels of the Shemhamphorash to receive guidance, protection, and assistance in achieving goals. I’ve personally called upon these angels for inspiration and clarity when beginning new art or writing projects, and their presence has brought a sense of focus and creativity to my work. Its simple and accessible structure makes it a practical and powerful tool for working with angelic energy. - The Inner Temple of Witchcraft by Christopher Penczak – A foundational book for anyone starting out in magic. This guide focuses on meditation, energy work, and personal development, offering a solid base for creating your own magical practice.
Seasonal and Nature-Based Magick
These books belong in my magical library because they help me align my practice with the cycles of the year and the natural world.
- The Witch’s Apothecary: How to Make Magical Potions for the Wheel of the Year by Lorraine Anderson
This stunning book, gifted by my daughter, is filled with magical correspondences and recipes for each sabbat, making it an essential resource for deepening your connection to the Wheel of the Year. It includes recipes for potions, tinctures, and incense for each sabbat, making it a wonderful addition to my magical library. I’ll be starting with the “Warming Bath to Awaken from Winter” to celebrate Imbolc. - The Enchanted Moon: The Ultimate Book of Lunar Magic by Stacey Demarco
A guide to working with the moon’s 28 phases, gardening by the moon, and seasonal magick. - Green Witchcraft by Paige Vanderbeck
An approachable guide to incorporating earth-based magick into daily life.
Mysticism and Liminality: Exploring the In-Between
These books in my magical library delve into spirit work, liminality, and personal transformation.
- Consorting with Spirits by Jason Miller
This is one of my favorite books in my magical library. The Spirit Feast ritual is a staple in my practice, and Jason’s advice on suspending doubt during spirit work has been transformative. - Hekataeon by Jack Grayle
This breathtaking book might be hard to come by as each addition sells out. It is devoted to Hekate, and while I haven’t worked with it yet, I know it will guide me when the time is right. - Weave the Liminal by Laura Tempest Zakroff
A beautiful exploration of modern witchcraft that encourages creating a personal and meaningful practice. - The Witch’s Book of Spirits by Devin Hunter – An advanced guide to working with spirits and exploring “Spirit Land.”
Mythical & Elemental Magick: Connecting with Dragons and Beyond
These books embody the energy of mythical beings and elemental forces, offering guidance for working with their wisdom and power. Clearly, I need to go find a few more to add to my magical library!
- Dancing with Dragons: Invoke Their Ageless Wisdom and Power by D.J. Conway
As the Mother of Dragons, this book is an essential addition to my magical library. It provides rituals, meditations, and spells for connecting with dragon energy, helping to channel their wisdom and strength into my practice. Dragons symbolize transformation, protection, and raw elemental power, which aligns deeply with my spiritual path and personal symbolism—including my full-sleeve tattoo of a mother dragon and her three babies! This book is more than a guide—it’s a celebration of my connection to these powerful beings.
More Treasured Gifts From My Daughter
Here are a few more books in my magical library, gifted by my daughter, each one meaningful and special:
- The Witch’s Complete Guide to Crystals by Sara Hadley – A visual delight with detailed crystal correspondences.
- Potions: A Guide to Cocktails, Tinctures, Tisanes, and Other Witchy Concoctions by Nikki Van De Car – Filled with magical recipes for teas, kombucha, and witchy cocktails & mocktails—perfect for my dry January and beyond.
References and Aspirations
These books for long-term study or quick lookups are a great addition to my magical library:
- Llewellyn’s Witches’ Spell-A-Day Almanac – I have the 2022 edition … just ordered the 2025 edition and am committed to doing a spell a day this year!
- Encyclopedia of Witchcraft by Judika Illes
- Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells by Judika Illes
- The Magical Knowledge Trilogy by Josephine McCarthy – A cornerstone for understanding advanced magick.
- Quareia: The Apprentice by Josephine McCarthy – A course that could take years to master, waiting for the right time. This and several other books by Ms. McCarthy are available in PDF format for free here.
Curating this magical library has been an inspiring and reflective process. Each book holds a story—of how it came into my life, what it taught me, or what it represents in my journey. Together, these books are more than a collection; they are a map of my evolving spiritual practice.
What’s on your magical bookshelf? Share your favorites in the comments—I’d love to hear what books have shaped your journey as you build your own magical library!
For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a Grandma. I was fortunate to have two wonderful grandmothers while I was growing up and I have many happy memories of each of them. Today, I live in a “Grandmother’s House” where my husband and I enjoy lots of time with our family. In addition to my role as Grandma to nine grandchildren, I am a daughter, a wife, a mother of three grown children, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a writer, an artist … and a witch.
✨Grandma’s Grimoire✨ is a collection of family wisdom interwoven with a touch of magick. Our goal is to create a living and lasting legacy that we hope will inspire our future generations as well as anyone who is drawn to it.