2021’s best books about witchcraft, tarot, and astrology

It’s the time of year when everyone is publishing “best books” lists, so I thought I’d add my own. This list focuses on the best books about witchcraft, astrology, and tarot I’ve discovered in 2021.

Let me start by saying that all these books are good for beginners. I don’t remember exactly when I started calling myself a witch — I’ve felt drawn to witchcraft for many years — but I just started taking it seriously in 2021. Here’s a list of witchy books I’ve read, am currently reading, and some I’ve only had the chance to skim so far.

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Books about witchcraft I read and finished in 2021

Paganism for Beginners: The Complete Guide to Nature-Based Spirituality for Every New Seeker*

This is the first book about witchcraft that I read, unless you count Llewellen’s Witches’ Datebook*, which I’ve been using as a planner for at least three years. Paganism for Beginners is exactly what the title suggests. It gives an overview of different pagan traditions, such as Wicca, Druidry, and eclectic witchcraft. Althaea Sebastiani also covers various deities, pagan beliefs, and symbols. It’s interesting, informative, and uses fun typography and colors. This book is also nice and short and easy to read.

The Green Witch: Your Complete Guide to the Natural Magic of Herbs, Flowers, Essential Oils, and More*

More of a reference book than one you want to sit and savor, The Green Witch is full of information about the magical properties of plants and crystals. This book also has a lot of how-to guides for witches interested in crafting their own brooms, balms, potpourri, incense, and more.

Llewelleyn’s Witches’ Datebook*

As mentioned above, I love this datebook. It was my first introduction to studying magic. In addition to including the phases of the moon and astrological transits, the slots in the weekly planner contain random tidbits of information like, “Dragon’s blood is a tree resin that conveys ferocity and protection.” How fun! It also has recipes, rituals, and articles by different featured contributors in each edition. I love the artwork, but saw complaints about it on Amazon. This year, I went ahead and bought myself the 2022 witches’ wall calendar * and the 2022 Magical Almanac* because why not bundle?

If Llewellen’s datebook isn’t your thing, I recommend the We’Moon 2022 Calendar*. My dear friend gifted this to me this year, and I’m using it to record my daily tarot card pulls! This one is also full of beautiful pictures, poetry, stories, and tons of info about astrology.

The Black Book of Isobel Gowdie: and other Scottish Spells & Charms*

I bought this book to help with research for a novel I’m writing — my protagonist is a witch — and ended up totally loving it! Kudos to Ash William Mills. He did his research and collected an enormous number of historic Scottish spells and information about black books and famous witch trials. Anyone who wants to learn how to cure a sick goat needs this book. And if not, it’s still a fun read.

The Harry Potter series*

I’m not joking! J. K. Rowling includes a lot of legit info about witchcraft. Did you know that mandrake is a real plant that can cure or kill you (not by screaming), depending on how you use it? I finished the entire series this year and couldn’t *not* include it on this list!

Books about witchcraft, tarot, and astrology I have not finished reading

I bought a bunch of books this year that I haven’t had time to finish, or even start! However, I have at least flipped through each of them and am excited to read!

The Power of Tarot: To Know Tarot, Read Tarot, and Live Tarot*

This book is by Liz Worth, one of my personal tarot sheroes. Liz is the tarot reader who introduced me to the wonder of email tarot readings.

Tarot and Individuation: A Jungian Study of Correspondences with Cabala, Alchemy, and the Chakras*

I bought this book because Power of Tarot author Liz Worth pointed out that it’s featured in The Craft. Nancy, my favorite character, carries it in one of the scenes.

Who else loved Nancy and thought Sarah was the worst???

Anyway – this book is a Jungian analysis of the tarot. I’m very fascinated by the theories of Carl Jung, so this book is high on my list for 2022.

Bohemian Magick: Witchcraft and Secret Spells to Electrify Your Life*

By Veronica Varlow. The art and design of this book alone make it a worthy purchase.

You Were Born for This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance*

This book is by Chani Nicholas, a blogger and astrologer I’ve been following for at least six years. I started reading this book a few months ago and quickly realized I would need to devote time, and probably a full notebook, to it.

I also subscribe to the CHANI app, which is so much more than an amazing source of information about astrology. The app includes guided meditations, rituals for every major cosmic transit, journal prompts, and personalized horoscopes written in affirmation format! CHANI is easily my favorite app.

Well, friends, that’s all for now. Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this list. If you’ve read any of these books, please share your thoughts on them in the comments!

*as an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases made after clicking this link.