Library of Thorns
This page is a compendium of my ideal reading list (though in no way an exhaustive one), as it pertains to the subject matters explored in my writings : many of the references compiled here are also talked about in various articles on the blog. While predominantly occult and/or theurgical in nature, these resources are intended for the novice and experimented minds alike. I am letting the reader ponder and explore by judging according to their own discernment, and do not intend to discriminate between beginner-friendly, intermediate, and advanced resources, nor between scholarly works, practical essays, and grimoires.
References are given both in French and English, for these are the two languages I speak and read in. Where a resource is available in both, I have chosen to mention it in its original language. All books listed here are ones I have personally read, still commonly use, and recommend based on what works for me and my spirits.
My practice is centered around an animistic worldview that acts as its main cornerstone. It encompasses three main areas that typically bleed into one another, as one would expect from such spirit topics : European witchcraft and folk magic, fairy faith, and Gallo-Irish polytheism. Specialized topics are organized here into individual sections and categories.
This list will be kept alive and fed, and I will be revitalizing it periodically with new references to include foundational books and resources I find myself aligning with as time goes on and my practices deepen.
On Witchcraft & Folk Magic
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, De Occulta Philosophia
This book is one of these ‘if you could have only one on a desert island’ tomes that I return to the most. I have read it both in French and in English, and would in fact recommend the English version better – particularly the one edited by Donald Tyson, which regroups the three (arguably four) volumes, with ample notes and detailed explanations.
Jim Baker, The Cunning-Man’s Handbook
This is a phenomenal collection of magical charms from the British Isles, rooted in folklore and folk practices with a touch of grimoire magic.
Andrew D. Chumbley, Mysticism : Initiation and Dream
OUT OF PRINT – This book both changed and modelled my understanding of spirit flight and the ‘oneiric sabbat’ in ways that are yet to be rivalled.
—, Opuscula Magica, Volume I : Essays on Witchcraft and the Sabbatic Tradition
—, Opuscula Magica, Volume II : Essays on Witchcraft and Crooked Path Sorcery
OUT OF PRINT – This unparalleled diptych I have found a formidable adjunct to my studies, and a fantastic insight into the Cultus Sabbati’s doctrine of witchcraft and its undercurrents – particularly when working with other Sabbatic grimoires. As helpful primers, if not entirely simple, they really paved the way.
—, The Dragon Book of Essex
OUT OF PRINT – A complicated grimoire of astrological sorcery and stellar witchcraft based upon Ophidian mysteries and the constellation Draco in particular.
Jeanne Favret-Saada, Les Mots, la Mort, les Sorts
IN FRENCH – An incredible academical essay on the French “sorcellerie des campagnes” (countryside witchcraft) by an ethnographer on a quest for meaning who will find herself embroiled closely in land wars.
Jan Fries, Cauldron of the gods : A Manual of Celtic Magick
A surprisingly good manual to which I find myself returning to consistently, full of hidden gems and useful advice for who knows how to read between the lines.
Gemma Gary, Traditional Witchcraft : A Cornish Book of Ways
This one holds a very dear and special place in my heart, for it is the one who taught me how to truly localize my practice, and reflect on the importance of the land as the foundation upon which a magical path is built.
Peter Grey, Apocalyptic Witchcraft
The impact of this book was felt like an uppercut at the time of reading, and still resonates true today. While I may diverge from Peter Grey’s own views on the witch-body (particularly female), this book was the one encouraging me to rewild myself and politicize my practice, and did so like no other – in both direct and undirect ways.
Michael Howard & Daniel A. Schulke (ed.), Hands of Apostasy
OUT OF PRINT – This book is a master anthology proposing short essays on a panel of crafts and practices stemming from traditional and Traditional witchcraft, highlighting magical paths, devotions and practices from famous occultists the likes of Andrew D. Chumbley, Daniel A. Schulke or Michael Howard.
Robert J. Horne, Folk Witchcraft: A Guide to Lore, Land, and the Familiar Spirit for the Solitary Practitioner
Another, most excellent little book that lays solid foundations by breaking down the basics of traditional witchcraft and folk magic. Together with Lee Morgan’s below, they form a great introductory duet – also because neither is purely theoretical, and encourage their readers quickly to get their hands dirty.
Paul Huson, Mastering Witchcraft
An oldie but a goldie, which was instrumental in my learning and taught me how to step into my own power and embrace the darker sides of magic.
Jacques Lacarrière (ed.), Les Évangiles des quenouilles
IN FRENCH – Written in Old French, this peculiar narrative collection of medieval beliefs, sayings, recipes, remedies and superstitions is told from the perspective of six wise-women as they spin. The folk wisdom shared here makes for an intimate foray into old French lore.
Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold, Serpent Songs : An Anthology of Traditional Witchcraft
More like siren’s songs, this collection of essays by renown practitioners of various strands of traditional witchcraft and Traditional Witchcraft lulled me unto the path that is now mine.
Bernard Mees, Celtic Curses
A fascinating account on the practice of defixio in Celtic lands with enough actionable advice to pick up the tradition.
Jules Michelet, La Sorcière
IN FRENCH – A personal favorite of mine, this one is halfway between a historical essay and a novel. The only take on ‘the witch as a feminist icon’ I will ever accept – and yes, it was written by a man in the late 19th / early 20th century. This is also the book that freely inspired Eiichi Yamamoto’s 1979 spectacular animated movie Belladonna of Sadness.
Lee Morgan, A Deed Without A Name : Unearthing the Legacy of Traditional Witchcraft
This is without a doubt the book I wished was put into my hands when I first got interested in traditional witchcraft.
Carl Nordblom, Historiola : The Power of Narrative Charms
Quite simply the best book out there about a particular and somewhat under-represented strand of folk magic that is also the basis of my own craft : spoken charms and verbal spells. It won’t teach you how to raise the necessary power, but will outline the specifications and techs behind it.
Shani Oates, Crafting the Arte of Tradition
Shani Oates, Maid of the Clan of Tubal-Cain, is a prolific author and writer, but this book is the one that resonated most deeply with me, and made many things really click together – with a particular shout out for the uses of a stang.
Jonathan Roper (ed.), Charms, Charmers & Charming
On the many powers of rhetoric magic and performative speech across a variety of traditions. A treasure trove of inspiration.
Xoanon (ed.), Psalterium Caini (The Psalter of Cain)
Containing some of the best and most powerful meditations I have ever worked with – with a special mention for ‘The Cup of First Murder’. Sabbatic witchcraft distilled, but retaining all its initiatory and evocative potential.
Online Resources
Kitchen Toad
With Cunning and Command
Casa de Cadejo
Witchcraft In Red
Cailleach’s Herbarium
Podcasts
Glitch Bottle Podcast
New World Witchery
Rune Soup
Betwixt and Between
Spirit Box Podcast
On Fairy Faith
Gillian Alban, Melusine the Serpent Goddess in A. S. Byatt’s Possession and in Mythology
Quite a specialized book, this tome of literary theory traces back the lore of serpent women and ophidian priestesses through the myth of the French fairy Melusine. A foundational book for anyone having ties with various water spirits and snake spirits in particular.
Morgan Daimler, Fairies: A Guide to the Celtic Fair Folk
A comprehensive little guide by someone who actually works with the Gentry, this theoretical work lays solid foundation by presenting the beings populating the Celtic Otherworld with accuracy, disguising nothing of Their beauty and terror.
—, Living Fairy: Fairy Witchcraft and Star Worship
A foundational work on the overlapping of astrology and fairy faith.
Walter Evans-Wentz, The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries
An absolute cornerstone of a book, with foundational research on the fairy lore of Gallic and Gaelic lands and detailed accounts of practices and myths. The book on the topic which could arguably be called the end-all, be-all of Celtic fairy lore in my eyes.
Alaric Hall, Elves in Anglo-Saxon England
A must for British fairy study, with a refreshing take on elves and their cross-fertilization with the fae.
Thomas Keightley, The Fairy Mythology
One I have gifted to a dear friend – and have missed ever since. A handy dictionary of European fairies.
Robert Kirk, The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and Fairies
The fascinating account made by a reverend (yes !) collecting fairy lore from the Highlands. Perhaps the book that goes into the most probing details about the very nature of the fae.
John Kruse, The Darker Side of Faery
Covering the most gruesome and cruel aspects of engaging with the Pale Ones, this book is a sobering reminder for anyone who might be tempted to skip the calculation of risks. An exercise in caution – and everything that is said in here is true, as far as I have been able to experience.
Eddie Lenihan, Meeting the Other Crowd : The Fairy Stories of Hidden Ireland
I thoroughly enjoyed this modern book by a gifted storyteller on a quest for what lies hidden in the Irish landscape.
Lee Morgan, Sounds of Infinity : Traditional Witchcraft and the Faerie Faith
An odd one – excellent information throughout, captivating and deep records, though I wince just thinking about what it must have costed to reveal so much. The grimoire part and applicable practice, however, did not resonate as much with me.
Andrew L. Paciorek, Strange Lands : A Field Guide to the Celtic Otherworld
This book is precisely what it says it is : a field guide. Strange, quirky, but thorough. In short : a hidden gem that I rank above Katharine M. Briggs’ encyclopedia in my heart.
Lewis Spencer, British Fairy Origins
A richly detailed exploration of fairy myths in the specifically British countryside.
Lady Jane Wilde, Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms & Superstitions of Ireland
An all-time favorite, and one of my most prized possession. If I could save only one book from this category, this would be the one.
Online Resources
On Gallo-Irish polytheism & Reconstructionist Forms of Paganism
Alexander Carmichael, Carmina Gadelica
Quite simply my Bible. The charms collected here, though sometimes controversial in their authenticity, are impossibly beautiful and potent. They cover a wide range of applications and ailments, but are also aimed towards a mundane integration of the divine and the harmonization of the hidden powers of those invisible we share the world with.
Early Irish Myths and Sagas (Penguin ed.)
This has been my go-to reference for major Irish myths.Michael J. Enright, Lady With a Mead Cup: Ritual, Prophecy and Lordship in European Warband from La Tene to the Viking Age
A thought-provoking study on rituals of sovereignty dissecting the feminine influence in the sacredness of prophetic powers, inebriation and brewing as part of the way of the land. Examines the intersection of Germanic and Celtic cultures.
Lady Augusta Gregory, Irish Myths and Legends
My favorite retelling of Irish mythology.
Marissa Hegarty, An Introduction to Gaelic Polytheism
A thorough primer rooted in archeological evidences, this book covers a lot of ground and is the best starting point I have come across for a budding Gaelic recon.
Jeffrey S. Kupperman, Living Theurgy: A Course in Iamblichus’ Philosophy, Theology and Theurgy
Not an easy one, but an exhaustive study on fundamental religious philosophy. The sections on animated/ensouled statues were what originally drew me to this book.
The Mabinogion (Penguin ed.)
This particular edition has been my reference point for Welsh mythology.Caitlín Matthews, Celtic Devotional: Daily prayers and blessings
A handy ‘book of hours’ for daily practice in private devotion, to favour self-reflection at the altar and provide scaffolding for prayer when finding the words can prove difficult.
Florence Marian McNeill, The Silver Bough
A comprehensive study on Celtic folklore that comes highly recommended.
Charles William MacQuarrie, The Waves of Manannán : A Study of the Literary Representations of Manannán Mac Lir from Immram Brain (c. 700) to Finnegans Wake (1939)
OUT OF PRINT – An incredible account of the mythical importance of the Lord of the Waves, Son of the Sea – and of my own personal patrons.
Silence Maestas, Walking the Heartroad : The Devotional Path in Spirit Work
I remember reading this one for the first time and feeling so grateful for the gaps it bridged between different aspects of my practice. Devotion, intended for spirit workers.Phro Nesis, Arpenter le Chemin des Dieux: Manuel de Dévotion
Similar to Silence Maestas’ book above, this French primer on contemporary polytheist devotion (its calling, its cultivation, its boons) is one of a kind, and an excellent manual grounded in practical advice - written with a compassionate approach by a level-headed practitioner.
Séamas Ó Catháin, Festival of Brigit: Celtic Goddess and Holy Woman
OUT OF PRINT – The best and most comprehensive study on the Fiery Arrow, my beloved foster-mother and Exalted One.
Tomas O. Cathasaigh, Coire Sois, The Cauldron of Knowledge: A Companion to Early Irish Saga
An incredibly dense anthology of essay by a literary theorist and historian specializing in Early Irish literature.
Gearóid Ó Crualaoich, The Book of the Cailleach: Stories of the Wise Woman Healer
A beautiful research on the power of myths and story-telling through the study of a beloved archetype : the wise-woman of Gaelic lore and myths. Not particularly religious, but certainly enspirited.
Ceisiwr Serith, Deep Ancestors: Practicing the Religion of the Proto-Indo-Europeans
A fascinating take for anyone interested in tracing back the roots of the grand polytheistic religions. Also full of applicable advice and devotional practices.
Lucy Valunos, One Heart, Many Gods: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Devotional Polytheism
As someone with no religious background whatsoever, this little book was a boon upon discovery, and helped tremendously when I became overwhelm with religious feelings I was struggling to parse through. Plus, its digital version is entirely free !
Segomâros Widugeni, Ancient Fire: An Introduction to Gaulish Celtic Polytheism
A book that which paved the way for a modern understanding of Gaulish Polytheism.
Mark Williams, Ireland’s Immortals : A History of the Gods of Irish Myth
Without a doubt, my favorite study on the Irish gods from a historical, artistic and literary point of view.
Online Resources
Tairis
Gaol Naofa
Coru Priesthood
Touta Galation
Senobessus Bolgon
Nemeton Segomaros
Followers of the Wheel
A Woman of the Sea and the Forest
Under the Ancient Oaks
On Animism & Spirit Work
Tsultrim Allione, Feeding Your Demons: Ancient Wisdom for Resolving Inner Conflict
In the spirit of ‘knowing thyself’ before stepping into a spiritual practice, I have found this book pivotal in clearing out personal obstacles – from spiritual trauma to imposter syndrome. Its wisdom reveals itself over time.
Martin Coleman, Communing With Spirits
A foundational work for anyone interested in cultivating and deepening their spirit practice. I read it very early on in my magical career and was deeply marked by its approach and conclusions.
Mircea Eliade, Shamanism : Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy
A book which helped me understand on an intellectual level some of my most visceral experiences with spirits.
James George Frazer, The Golden Bough : A Study in Magic and Religion
One of my favorite problematic author… Perhaps one of the most important works of its nature, this anthropological study of religion, magic and mythology before anthropology was even a thing has many flaws, but is still an unparalleled gold mine in my eyes.
Marissa Hegarty, Saining for Gaelic Polytheists
An excellent guide on practices linked to the good maintaining of spiritual hygiene and etiquette within a specifically Gaelic context.
Tom Johnson, The Graveyard Wanderers
A primer on the practice of necromancy which also teaches some basis of graveyard etiquette.
Claude Lecouteux, Fées, sorcières et loups-garous au Moyen Age
—, Chasses Fantastiques et Cohortes de la Nuit au Moyen Age
—, La Maison et ses génies : Croyances d’hier et d’aujourd’hui
IN FRENCH – Lecouteux is a French folklorist whose modern contribution to our understanding of the Other simply cannot be underestimated. I like him this much that I read him both in French and in English.
Draja Mickaharic, Spiritual Cleansing: A Handbook of Psychic protection
An informed crash course on how to work on, and maintain, one’s spiritual hygiene – full of common sense, lore, and recipes (particularly for ritual baths). A must-have for the budding practitioner looking to have their own back.
Eva Pocs, Between the Living and the Dead: A Perspective on Seers and Witches in Early Modern Age
An absolute favorite, this short but incredibly dense research explores the world of European shamanism at great length and provides welcome depths to understudied cultural heritages.
Emma Wilby, Cunning Folks & Familiar Spirits : Shamanistic Visionary Traditions in Early Modern British Witchcraft and Magic
—, The Visions of Isobel Gowdie: Magic, Witchcraft and Dark Shamanism in Seventeenth-Century Scotland
It is impossible to overstate the major influence these two works had on me, post spirit-death / initiation. I would bet money on the fact that Wilby is herself a practitioner, on top of being an accomplished scholar, and she was thus the first to show me how to reconcile both identities.
Mallorie Vaudoise, Honoring Your Ancestors: A Guide to Ancestral Veneration
An excellent basis for anyone wishing to start delving into ancestor work to water their own roots. I have found myself recommending it many times to my clients.
Podcasts
‘As Above’ : On Astrology & Astrolatry
Bernadette Brady, Bernadette’s Brady Book of Fixed Stars
—, Star and Planet Combinations
Brady was instrumental in the revitalization of fixed stars lore and constellations in astrology. This is her foundational works, and the ones which introduced me to the subject matter. I come back to them almost everyday.
Chris Brennan, Hellenistic Astrology: The Study of Fate and Fortune
The most comprehensive guide on traditional Western astrology. Dense and packed with layers of complex knowledge.
(coll.) Austin Coppock & Daniel A. Schulke (ed.), The Celestial Art : Essays on Astrological Magic
OUT OF PRINT - An anthology of works by brilliant contemporary astro-mages covering a wide range of topic.Austin Coppock, 36 Faces
OUT OF PRINT - The depth, breath, and scope of this declination of each astrological decan provides the reader with invaluable insight on a highly specialized area of astrology. Illuminating, bold, daring.Liz Greene, Saturn: A New Look at an Old Devil
A particularly helpful book if, like me, you are a Saturn dominated person, this manual will change your outlook on the Greater Malefic.
John Michael Greer and Christopher Warnock (ed.), The Picatrix
An indispensable for any astrological studies – complete with planetary and celestial invocations, instructions on astrological talisman making, and magical correspondences.
Marcus Manilius, Astronomica
Highly recommended by stellar witch Sasha Ravitch and astro-mage Azur Ad Astra in particular, to whom I owe the reference, this ensouled manual is an incredible compendium of the mythopoesis of astrology.
Robert E. Svoboda, The Greatness of Saturn : A Therapeutic Myth
A Jyotish approach to working the medicine of the Greater Malefic. I personally found this text profoundly healing.
Online Resources
Sphere and Sundry
Sasha Ravitch
Upon the Altar
Amaya Rourke
Austin Coppock
Azur Ad Astra
Diana Rose
Podcasts
‘So Below’ : On Places, Animals, Plants & Stones
Mary Beith, Healing Threads: Traditional Medicines of the Highlands and Islands
Drawing from Scotland’s important herbal body of lore and charms, this book applies traditional medicine to modern ailments with thorough research and an informed background.
Corinne Boyer, Under The Witching Tree : A Folk Grimoire of Tree Lore and Practicum
—, Under The Bramble Arch : A Folk Grimoire of Wayside Plant Lore and Practicum
Two amazing books on the lore and magical as well as mundane benefits of beloved European trees and plant allies.
Kevin Danaher, The Year in Ireland : Irish Calendar Customs
OUT OF PRINT – On following the rhythms and tides of the year according to Irish custom.
Gemma Gary, Wisht Waters : Aqueous Magica & The Cult of Holy Wells
One of my favorite books of all time. Indispensable guide for the study of water in witchcraft, magic and spirit work.
Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass
An Indigenous perspective on the importance of stewarding one’s land. This one is humbling, healing, and inspiring all at once.
George Frederick Kunz, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones
A witch’s lapidary like no other.
Lara Maiklem, A Field Guide to Larking
Oh how I love this little one. Practical and inspiring – it will teach you how to spot and collect interesting bits and bobs in various wastelands, and to do so responsibly.
Giles Watson, A Witch’s Natural History
An absolute little gem of a book, on the witch’s most common allies and the wisdom of such sacred animals.
John Wright, The Forager’s Calendar
An amazing seasonal guide for the British Isles that teaches one how to identify, and what to do with, native plants – including mushrooms and seaweeds.
Barry Patterson, The Art of Conversation with the Genius Loci
Where we follow the author’s journey, and learn from his experience getting to know the spirits of the land intimately.
Daniel A. Schulke, Viridarium Umbris : The Pleasure Garden of Shadow
OUT OF PRINT – The single most important grimoire on spirit work applied to verdant gnosis. Absolutely pivotal, haunting, and deep.
Online Resources
Barn Cultus
Bane Folk
Scissor & Sieve
Third Sister
Apothecary
