Does anybody know of any good books or websites that would help me get started, I don't want to be Wicca as I have already looked into this, but I feel I want to learn more so any ideas would be appreciated.
No negative or useless opinions please.
I recommend Christopher Penczak's "The Inner Temple of Witchcraft" to beginners.
There's a little bit about Wicca in the history section, because Wicca has now become what will be a major part in witchcraft history. But the rest of the book is set up to be followed much like Christopher's live beginner witchcraft course, and can be used with any religious belief or lack thereof.
Mellow - one may certainly study witchcraft without studying or following the religion of Wicca. The two may be combined quite nicely, but they don't *have to be*. Witchcraft is a set of skills, quite literally, a craft. It is not religion specific and does not require any religion to be practiced.
There are many aspects of witchcraft, so it would depend on which area you are interested in. Your best sources for practicing witchcraft are most likely going to be Wicca or pagan pages, even if they are not the faith you follow, these are the faiths that generally utilize and embrace witchcraft or the use of magic. There is herbal magic, candle magic, gemstone and crystal magic, elemental magic, and so forth. One website i find particularly helpful is WNW.wicca.com it has these all broken into categories and is fairly easy to navigate. If you are interested in herbal magic the best book I have found is Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs which has a glossary both by herb name and by desired effect (IE love, money, peace, protection).
WNW.hecatescauldron.org also has some good links for candle and oil magic and also basic information on witchcraft, Wicca, and paganism (which are all different things)
The biggest thing is make sure you understand what you are doing and why, witchcraft is really quite personal there is no right or wrong way to do something just right or wrong reasons. Good luck, and blessings on your journey.
I suggest your next lesson be from Aliester Crowley. Track down a copy of "Magick in Theory and Practice" and give that a whirl. Do some research on paganism, Voodoo, Root-work. Study meditation, crystals, Charis, energy. The Kabbalah and Golden Dawn as well.
I'll agree with Crystal Clear and recommend Christopher Penczak's books. But I do want to say that even though a book may be geared towards the Wiccan religion, that doesn't mean it doesn't contain useful and value able information about the practices of Witchcraft...all you have to do is omit the information on Wicca. I'm not Wiccan, however the only books I had/have access to is Wiccan books. I've learned a lot about Witchcraft through these books.
I'll also suggest these sites for more information:
-this one states mostly what I believe Witchcraft to be...a non-religious practice
http://www.angelfire.com/co2/evenstar/faq.html
-These discuss Witchcraft in a religious context, however it still may be practiced without being religious, again just omit any religious associations.
http://www.shadowdrake.com/HSDwitchFAQ.html
http://www.blue-moon-manor.com/
http://www.traditionalwitchcraft.net/index.php
Also perhaps try sear aching around here
http://www.sacred-texts.com/
@MellowTones - Witchcraft does NOT require religious beliefs or practices in order to be properly practiced. I suggest you not speak about things you know nothing about, lest it keeps your foot out of your mouth
I would like to start studying witchcraft?
