Key: B: Beginner I: Intermediate A: Advanced N: Novels R: Reference
Books for beginners cater for those who have recently begun to explore the magical realms; the intermediate range focuses on specific subjects with more in-depth instruction; the advanced range is aimed at those with a few more years experience under their cords. Novels are aimed at all levels of esoteric interest and reference books are exactly what it says on the cover.
There is nothing arbitrary about the levels assigned to the contents of the books since magical advancement is a very personal and individual progress. For example: Have A Cool Yule: How to Survive (and Enjoy) the Mid-Winter Festival should be common sense but the idea was stimulated by comments from members of Coven of the Scales (who should have known better) and by remarks made on social media from pagans from all different Paths and levels of experience. Sometimes we just need an elbow in the ribs to make us look at things from a slightly different perspective. By contrast, Magic Crystals & Sacred Stones takes us to the next step beyond an introductory text of working with crystals.
Beginner:
Liber Ægyptius: The Egyptian Book of Magic (1998) B
The Egyptian Book of Days (2001) B
The Atum-Re Revival (2013) B
Black Horse, White Horse (2013) B
Aubrey’s Dog (2013) B
Root & Branch: British Magical Tree Lore (2002) B
Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living (2012) B
Traditional Witchcraft for the Seashore (2012) B
Traditional Witchcraft for the Fields & Hedgerows (2012) B
The Coarse Witchcraft Trilogy ed (2013) B
Have A Cool Yule: How to Survive (and Enjoy) the Mid-Winter Festival (2017) B
Divination: By Rod, Birds & Fingers (2018) B
Intermediate
The Hollow Tree: An Introduction to Qabalah and Tarot (1999) I
Traditional Witchcraft for the Woods & Forests (2012) I
Traditional Witchcraft and the Pagan Revival (2013) I
Magic Crystals, Sacred Stones (2012) I
By Spellbook and Candle : Cursing, Hexing, Bottling& Binding (2013) I
The Secret People: Parish-pump witchcraft, Wise-women and Cunning Ways (2016) I
Power of the Elements (2018) I
Advanced
Starchild I & II a Re-discovery of Stellar Wisdom (2006) A
Traditional Witchcraft and the Path to the Mysteries (2014) A
Pan: Dark Lord of the Forest and Horned God of the Witches (2016) A
By Wolfsbane and Mandrake Root: The Shadow World of Plants and Their Poisons (2017) A
CRONE! An Old Craft Witch’s Year (2017) A
Power of the Elements (2018) A
Novels
The Temple House Archive I: House of Strange Gods (2015) N
The Temple House Archive II: Realm of Shadow (2015) N
Temple House Archive III: Hour Betwixt Dog & Wolf (2017) N
Reference
Old Year, Old Calendar, Old Ways (2018) R
The Dictionary of Magic & Mystery (2012) R
Wort-Lore: By Mandrake, Henbane and Adder’s Tongue (2018) R
To implement the suggestions made in Have A Cool Yule: How to Survive (and Enjoy) the Mid-Winter Festival it takes a lot of advance planning in order to make the festivities a success. Why not invest in a copy now and circumnavigate many of the problems caused by leaving things to the last moment, especially when it comes to avoiding causing offence with family and friends.
What people are saying about it:
“As per usual and in great style, Mélusine Draco presents a wealth of information about this historically proven pagan festival. Whichever way the reader chooses to celebrate…whether it’s a traditional family Christmas or a traditional Yule in the company of pagan friends or as a solitary – there is something for everyone. From a complete festival calendar with some simple rites and symbolism, to carol lyrics, recipes, gift ideas and feasting to the ‘art of using up’ and festive games; everything Yuletide is covered. And with generous doses of light-hearted good cheer and a sprinkling of dark humour, the author strikes a balance that is both useful, informative and entertaining. A charming little book.” Sheena Cundy, Witch Lit author The Madness and the Magic
“This certainly makes a cool yule for me! So much information, such fun too. It puts a whole new slant on our perhaps limited ideas of yuletide. …turns all preconceptions upside-down. Do read, you’ll enjoy.” Elen Sentier, author of Merlin: The Once and Future Wizard, Elen of the Ways and The Celtic Chakras.
“Have a Cool Yule is a lovely guide on how to truly enjoy the festive season in the depths of winter, whether you call it Christmas, the Winter Solstice, Yule or any other name. In the pages of this book you will find time-honoured traditions, recipes and sensible advice on how to avoid the worst of the commercialism and make the occasion what you want it to be.” Lucya Starza, author of Pagan Portals – Candle Magic
Pagan Portals: Have A Cool Yule – How ro Survive (and Rnjoy) the Mid-Winter Festival is published by Moon Books (www.moon-books.net) and from Amazon in both paperback and e-book format.
Melusine Draco 