Recommended Reading

Let me say that, in my opinion, the very best information
that a beginner needs to get started with are in Scott Cunningham's books. He very plainly tells you what you need to know without talking down to a novice. And even the seasoned Witch would do good to go back and read his books, to remember the basics and remember why we chose this path in the first place.

Books by Scott Cunningham:

The Truth about Witchcraft Today
Wicca, a Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
Earth Power
Earth, Air, Fire and Water, More Techniques of Natural Magic.

Other recommended books:
The Wiccan Handbook...........Eileen Holland
To Ride a Silver Broomstick.......Silver RavenWolf
The Witches' Bible.......................Janet and Stewart Ferrar
The Spiral Dance..........................Starhawk
Book of Shadows (an autobiography)....Phyllis Curot
Practical Candleburning............Raymond Buckland
The Wiccan Mysteries.................Raven Grimassi

Stregha............(Italian Witchcraft)
Ways of the Stregha......................Raven Grimassi
These are some good books to get started with. As you get more into it all, you will talk to others that also have their favorite books.

If you are interested in shamanism, my favorite books are by Carlos Castenada. It is the stranger and darker aspects of shamanism. And of course, modern day shamanism is not so formidable. His books convey the dangers and intensity of becoming a shaman.
The Teaching of Don Juan: A Yaqui way of Knowledge
A Separate Reality: Further Conversations with Don Juan
Journey to Ixtlan: The Lessons of Don Juan
Tales of Power
The Second Ring of Power
The Eagles Gift
The Fire from Within
The Power of Silence
The Act of Dreaming
Wheel of Time.

Carlos Castenada passed to the other side, June, 1998