Like many Pagans and Witches, I’m an avid reader. Every year, I find myself wishing for more hours in the day to tackle the ever-growing mountain of books on my reading list. I know I’ll never get to them all in this lifetime—a bittersweet truth for any bibliophile. I read 18 books this year, and here are the best books I read in 2024.
Thrifty Witchery: Magick for the Penny-Pinching Practitioner
by Martha Kirby Capo and Vincent Higginbotham
From its title, Thrifty Witchery might sound like a guide to dollar-store Witchcraft, but this book offers far more depth than the playful name suggests.
I should note that Martha is a friend, and to my surprise, she even thanked me in the acknowledgements. That said, this review reflects my honest enthusiasm for the book—it’s an excellent resource for any Witch.
The book is thoughtfully divided into the Intangibles and the Tangibles. The Intangibles delve into self-empowerment and the “trifecta” of magick—intuition, wisdom, and intention. This section provides a solid foundation in Witchcraft, offering well-organised and thoughtful insights, making it an excellent primer for new practitioners and a refresher for the experienced.
The Tangibles focus on practical tips and hands-on magick, covering foraging, crafting, and repurposing everyday items. The exercises and instructions include grounding techniques, infusing life into tools, creating divination tools and oils, and crafting protective items like black salt and eggshell powder. This section shines as a resourceful guide to accessible magick.
Despite having two authors, the book maintains a seamless, encouraging tone that feels personal and engaging. Thrifty Witchery is a valuable addition to any Witch’s bookshelf, perfect for beginners and an excellent resource for teachers of the Craft.
All the Living and the Dead: A Personal Investigation Into the Death Trade
by Hayley Campbell
Why would someone choose to work with the dead? And what does confronting mortality every day do to a person? Hayley Campbell delves into these questions in her fascinating and profoundly human exploration of the death trade. From embalmers to gravediggers, pathologists to crime scene cleaners, Campbell gives voice to those who perform the essential yet often invisible work that shapes our relationship with death.
Campbell’s ability to blend personal reflection with thoughtful, respectful interviews makes this book so compelling. It’s not always an easy read—the interview with a bereavement midwife is heartbreaking, and the chapter on mass fatalities is both fascinating and enraging (I learned a lot in this chapter)—but Campbell approaches each subject with honesty and sensitivity.
All the Living and the Dead was one of my favourite books of the year.
By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept
by Elizabeth Smart
In the late 1930s, Elizabeth Smart read the poem Daedalus and fell in love with its author, George Barker. She tracked him down and flew Barker and his wife from Japan, where he was teaching, to the United States. What followed was an 18-year, tumultuous affair during which Smart had four of Barker’s 15 children (by four women). By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept is her 1945 novel in prose poetry inspired by this tempestuous relationship.
Smart’s writing is raw and achingly beautiful, capturing the ecstasy and torment of passion with a poetic intensity that stays with you long after reading. There’s a hilarious 2-star review on Goodreads by Rose Gowen in which she wrote, “Girl, he’s not worth it.” You can’t help but wonder, but Smart’s fearless exploration of her emotions transcends the specifics of her affair with Barker.
I can’t fully grasp the mythic, stormy love affairs that fuel such art, but I loved this book for its fearlessness, uncompromising honesty, and remarkable language.
Listen: How to Find the Words for Tender Conversations
by Kathryn Mannix
Kathryn Mannix’s Listen is a wise and compassionate guide to navigating life’s most delicate conversations—whether about adoption, sexuality, pregnancy loss, ageing, death, or grief. Drawing on her extensive experience as a palliative care doctor, Mannix offers practical tools and profound insights to help us approach sensitive topics with curiosity, care, and tenderness.
Mannix reframes these moments not as “difficult” or “challenging,” but as opportunities for “tender conversations.” She invites us to be fully present and empathetic, resisting the urge to fix or solve and fostering connection through thoughtful dialogue.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its storytelling. Mannix shares moving, relatable anecdotes that vividly illustrate her principles, weaving in the wisdom she has gained from years of guiding others through life’s most fragile moments.
This gentle, thoughtful book will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find the right words.
Sagittarius Witch, Scorpio Witch, and Cancer Witch: Unlock the Magic of Your Sun Sign
by Ivo Dominguez, Jr and others
These titles are part of Llewellyn’s Witch’s Sun Sign Series, a collection of 12 books blending astrology and Witchcraft. Ivo Dominguez Jr., who collaborated with writers representing each Sun sign, anchored the series. Ivo, an acquaintance, invited me to contribute to Sagittarius Witch. I also explored Scorpio Witch because Scorpio is my rising sign and Cancer Witch as my Moon is in Cancer.
The series offers an engaging and accessible approach to working with astrological energies, providing practical spells, rituals, and correspondences that align with the strengths and challenges of each sign. What makes these books special is their focus on empowering readers to embrace and harness their unique astrological traits.
These charming little books are a delightful exploration of the intersection of astrology and Witchcraft and a thoughtful gift for anyone curious about incorporating astrology into their magickal practice.
Wicca Practical Magic: Getting Started with Magical Herbs, Oils, and Crystals
by Patti Wigington
Patti Wigington’s Wicca Practical Magic is a warm and approachable guide for those new to Wiccan magic. The book begins with a brief overview of Wicca before diving into practical applications of herbs, oils, and crystals. It includes simple spells, meditations, and foundational rituals, making it an excellent starting point for beginners eager to incorporate magic into their everyday lives.
While it doesn’t explore the deeper history of Wicca, spirit work, or advanced magickal theory, it excels as an accessible and hands-on introduction. This book is perfect for anyone curious about Wicca and looking for straightforward, practical ways to engage with the Craft. Its gentle tone and practical focus make it an inviting resource that encourages further exploration.
Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World
by Tyson Yunkaporta
Tyson Yunkaporta’s Sand Talk is a profound and thought-provoking exploration of Indigenous ways of thinking, knowing, and connecting. With humour and humility, Yunkaporta masterfully weaves storytelling, philosophy, and personal reflection to share the wisdom embedded in Indigenous systems, offering a perspective that challenges Western paradigms of progress and sustainability.
Sand Talk was one of my favourite reads of the year. I appreciated Yunkaporta’s friendly, inviting voice and learned a lot. The book also affirmed and clarified my thoughts on the vital connection between nature and culture. I highly recommend it to everyone, especially Australian Pagans seeking to deepen their understanding of these interwoven relationships.
As the year draws to a close, I’m grateful for the books that enriched my journey, a little wistful for the ones I didn’t get to, and eager for the discoveries awaiting me in 2025. I hope this list inspires your reading adventures in the year ahead. If you’d like to see more of what I’m reading, connect with me on Goodreads—I’d love to share recommendations and discover new favourites together.
