Book Recommendations: The Writings of Thorn Mooney

When I was a beginner witch (I still very much feel like a beginner witch most days), I was given a list of recommended books covering topics such as history, basic craft elements, ritual, etc. There are countless books about witchcraft, and many others recommend reading as much as you can as part of your learning. Reading is enjoyable to me and it brings different perspectives into my awareness.

While still in outer court, I decided to read “Traditional Wicca: A Seeker’s Guide” by Thorn Mooney. I eagerly anticipated the release of her second book “The Witch’s Path: Advancing Your Craft at Every Level” in 2021. I just finished reading her latest book, “Witches Among Us.” I am grateful for Thorn and the content she has shared in these books.

If you are just starting out or even slightly curious about witches of today, read “Witches Among Us.” On her Youtube channel, I have heard Thorn state that she hoped this could be an educational text just like you might find for other religions. I think she delivered. The book provides objective information about the many aspects of witchcraft and wicca. I told my mother, who knows I identify as a witch, about how I would like to lend the book to her. She is excited to read it and, in a way, get to know me better.

If you are more of a beginner witch, or specifically interested in Wicca, spend some time with “Traditional Wicca: A Seeker’s Guide.” It lays out all the things you need to consider when exploring Wicca and seeking out training with a Coven. I really appreciate that throughout the book, Thorn invited others to share some about their personal experiences. Many of them reflected some of my own and it was very validating to “hear” from several people.

If you are on your way to being beyond a beginner, (or way beyond…or like to adopt a beginner’s mind), check out “The Witch’s Path: Advancing Your Craft at Every Level.” This is a book for all witches. To me, the book focuses on what we do as witches and how to shake up our practices if we find ourselves in a rut or disconnected. As soon as I finished the book, I knew I would be referencing it for a lifetime. Each chapter has prompts inspired by the elements, which provides options that could be chosen based on one’s needs. This book could be used in bibliomancy. Flip to a page, notice the chapter, and then go the end with the prompts to know what you might need to focus on. Plan to choose a prompt every season. There are many ways to revisit this book over and over.

When thinking about Thorn’s writing style, I appreciate the tone. It is educational and doesn’t seem to talk down to the reader. I don’t feel like a newbie or “baby witch” when reading her works. I also appreciate that she provides suggestions for further reading…so many suggestions for a variety of topics in the realm of witchcraft.

When I was pondering topics for my blog, thinking about areas I need to grow in, I thought about this book. I realized in creating this blog, I was working on prompts from the chapter on community. One prompt encourages the reader to be more present in community spaces and another suggests creating your own. So here I am. It is really scary and gives me much anxiety, but I feel sharing what I can is important. It will help me grow and I am open to who I meet and what I learn along the way.

You can find Thorn Mooney at thornthewitch.wordpress.com