Lesbian witchcraft books explore the intersection of lesbian identity and witchcraft practices. These books seek to empower lesbian individuals by connecting them with a tradition known for its connection to feminine power and spirituality. The authors of these books often provide insights into rituals, spellwork, and the use of herbs and crystals in witchcraft. Additionally, they explore how witches and lesbians have been historically persecuted and oppressed, and how reclaiming these identities can be a form of resistance. In these books, lesbian witchcraft is presented as a way to cultivate self-love, acceptance, and healing. They emphasize the importance of embracing one's own unique path and connecting with nature and the divine.
Diana Pinguicha
Goodreads
Rep: mostly Portuguese cast & setting, lesbian mc, lesbian Muslim li, lesbian side characters
TW: religion-based self harm, homophobia, internalised homophobia, blood, murder, body horror
Maywitch reads like one of the standard urban fantasy secret agent thrillers except that it s full of lesbians and bisexuals whose relationships are treated in exactly the same way as straight romances are in the rest of the genre. Plus, it s full of the metaphors and subtext that were the closest thing you could get to actual representation back when a lot of us were growing up.
They emphasize the importance of embracing one's own unique path and connecting with nature and the divine. By combining elements of witchcraft with lesbianism, these books offer a unique perspective on feminism, spirituality, and sexuality. Many lesbian witchcraft books also explore the concept of the divine feminine and the goddess.
Column: Ten Essential Books for the Queer Pagan
This month, I wanted to highlight some of the books on Queer Witchcraft and Paganism that I have personally found to be essential to the Queer practitioner.
All of these books have been helpful to me in various ways and appear in the bibliography of my latest book project, a work focusing on Witchcraft for Queer men. (Stay tuned!) As I have been compiling my research materials, I have been struck at how some of the titles that were especially important to me when I was younger are now out-of-print, with some now going for hundreds of dollars from second-hand book sources. This greatly reduces the availability of this information to the general public and is a terrible blow to the Queer Pagan community. Thankfully, many titles are still available, with new ones being released all the time. What follows are my top ten favorites with a mixture of both old and new.
Gay Witchcraft: Empowering the Tribe by Christopher Penczak
The cover to Christopher Penczak’s “Gay Witchcraft” [Red Wheel/Weiser]
Now a classic, this 2003 release was really the first to explore the specifics of Witchcraft through the lens of the gay experience. Prior to this publication, the vast majority of books written by Witches were from the perspective of heterosexual fertility, as exemplified by traditional Wicca, which often left queer people feeling left out, marginalized or outright excluded. Here, Penczak offers up a vision of Witchcraft that is both traditional and modern, paving the way for queer people everywhere to practice in a way that speaks directly to them without apology.
Cassell’s Encyclopedia of Queer Myth, Symbol and Spirit: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Lore by Randy P. Conner
One of the most important books on the subject of queer spirituality ever written, this book is now sadly out-of-print, and copies are being sold by used bookstores for nearly a thousand dollars. Exploring the vast dimensions of queer culture, myth, religion, and literature, this book opens the doors to the myriad of queer spiritual experience throughout time and provides us with a necessary anchor to the past, revealing that we have always been the custodians of the divine. It inspires us to reclaim this sacred role in ways that are both personal as well as traditionally informed.
Witchcraft and the Gay Counterculture: A Radical View of Western Civilization and Some of the People it Has Tried to Destroy by Arthur Evans
While a bit dated – Margaret Murray was still considered a reliable source when this was published in 1978 – Witchcraft and the Gay Counterculture does provide an illuminating view of how queer expression has been both suppressed, as well as how it has been lumped in with other “heretical” acts (i.e., Witchcraft). Especially where sexual imagery and acts were featured and especially when those acts involved same-sex activity. Using references from around the globe, including cave-paintings, Evans explores a world in which sexual relations between those of the same sex were not only tolerated, but revered or even considered necessary for the survival of the group. It is definitely an eye-opener for those who have only been exposed to ideas stemming from post-colonial repression. Sadly, it is also out of print.
The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions by Larry Mitchell
Another “old school” entry, this book presents itself more as a poetic myth and instance of storytelling, depicting the struggles of the queer culture as an underground counterculture. A mythical manifesto, it is a critique of patriarchal capitalism and a romantic call for perseverance in the face of adversity.
Another Mother Tongue: Gay Words, Gay Worlds by Judy Grahn
The cover to Judy Grahn’s “Another Mother Tongue” [Beacon Press]
One of the foundational books of my queer youth, describing the evolution of queer language. Certain terms have long been associated with our peoples, but how did they come to be? With a combination of scholarly research and inspired speculation, Grahn attempts to present origins for some of the words that we have used and have been used against us. “Faggot,” “dyke,” “fairy” – each has its place in the queer historical lexicon, and where their origins have been obscured, here they are revealed, or at least given a suggested poetic context.
Queer Magic: LGBT+ Spirituality and Culture from Around the World by Tomás Prower
I have previously reviewed this book for the Wild Hunt, but my list here would not be complete without it. It is a great primer on the multi-cultural experiences of queer people and how those experiences have been suppressed – often by their own cultures – as a result of colonialism.
Blossom of Bone: Reclaiming the Connections Between Homoeroticism and the Sacred by Randy P. Connor
A scholarly work describing the variations of sexual and gender-variant people from numerous cultures and how homoeroticism has played a foundational role in spiritual and religious practices for centuries.
Bull of Heaven: The Mythic Life of Eddie Buczynski and the Rise of the New York Pagan by Michael Lloyd
I also previously reviewed this book for The Wild Hunt and cannot recommend it enough. It provides a much-needed snapshot of life in the Witch community in the 1970s, and it involves some of the key players at the time and how they helped to shape the movement, especially through the lens of queer experience. A treasure-trove of how queer practitioners helped to shape the greater Witchcraft community and practices.
Queering Your Craft: Witchcraft From the Margins by Cassandra Snow
This is a newer title, released in 2020. It is a Witchcraft 101, but one that is not only inclusive of queer people, but centers us in its narrative. While much of the foundational information will be familiar to experienced practitioners – the Sabbats, tools, elements, and so on – what makes this book unique is that it unabashedly shines a light on the modern queer experience and refuses to shy away from some of the aspects of our lives and culture that others would like to sweep under the rug. It includes spells for attracting sexual partners, and even a spell involving the use of poppers as a devotional! But before you think that it’s all just fun and games, there are also spells for the protection of sex workers, for removing unsafe individuals from one’s life, and even a spell to “deflect and not internalize microaggressions.” (And a spell to hex the patriarchy, too!)
Queer Magic: Power Beyond Boundaries by Lee Harrington and Tai Fenix Kulystin
This anthology explores the intersection of magic and the queer experience, drawing from many sources, cultures, and practices to weave together a diverse tapestry of narratives, scholarly essays, and more that reveal the inherent beauty and power of what it means to be divinely queer. Whether we are drawing from Wicca, Heathenry, Paganism, or Vodou, we find a common thread that expresses the power of the queer soul, regardless of sexual or gender identity, and how that moves beyond the boundaries of what has been considered the norm, to the benefit of us all.
Cover to Cassell's Encyclopedia of Queer Myth, Symbol, and Spirit by Randy P. Conner [Cassell Press]
Cover to Witchcraft and the Gay Counterculture by Arthur Evans [Fag Rag Press]
Cover to The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions by Larry Mitchell [Nightboat Books]
Cover to Queer Magic by Tomás Prower [Llewellyn Books]
Cover to Blossom of Bone by Randy P. Connor [HarperCollins]
Cover to Bull of Heaven by Michael G. Lloyd [Asphodel Press]
Cover to Queering Your Craft by Cassandra Snow [Weiser]
This list is by no means exhaustive and only reflects those that I have personally found to be essential to the queer practitioner. What other titles would readers of The Wild Hunt suggest for the queer bookshelf? Let us know in the comments below!
The Wild Hunt always welcomes guest submissions. Please send pitches to [email protected].
The views and opinions expressed by our diverse panel of columnists and guest writers represent the many diverging perspectives held within the global Pagan, Heathen and polytheist communities, but do not necessarily reflect the views of The Wild Hunt Inc. or its management.
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About Storm Faerywolf
Storm Faerywolf is a professional author, experienced teacher, visionary poet, and practicing warlock. He was trained in various streams of initiatic witchcraft, most notably the Faery tradition, where he holds the Black Wand of a Master. He is the founder of the BlueRose lineage, with students and initiates across the globe. Author of several books including “Betwixt & Between”, "The Witch's Name", and "The Satyr's Kiss", he is committed to rekindling the ancient connections between humankind and the Hidden Kingdom. He lives with his loving partners in the San Francisco Bay area and travels internationally teaching the magical arts.
After discovering that the sweeping political reforms she’d fought the empire to put into place were impossible to achieve, Zosia faked her own death and retired with her lover to the countryside. After a series of improbable coincidences sees her lover killed by the empire’s men Zosia, consumed by revenge, sets out with her demon familiar to make the world burn. Meanwhile her former colleague, bored with his life, his disdainful husband and respectability, has convinced his daughter to masquerade as Zosia reborn and raise an army for their own purposes. Hyper violent, and filled with queers and people of color, this is basically a pulp fantasy novel without the heteronormativity and patriarchal gender roles.
They delve into different mythologies and pantheons, offering guidance on how to connect with specific goddesses and channel their energy. These books often promote inclusivity and explore diverse expressions of femininity and womanhood. Some popular lesbian witchcraft books include "Lesbian Magic: A Woman's Guide to Heart and Spirit" by Ellyn Aviva, "Lesbians and Witchcraft: Empowering the Feminine" by Rosemary Aubert, and "The Lesbian Polytheist Witch's Guide: A Journey Through Lesbian Sexuality, Spirituality, and Wildest Desires" by Amethyst Asterie. These books offer practical advice, personal anecdotes, and rituals that can be adapted to fit the individual's beliefs and needs. Lesbian witchcraft books not only support lesbians on their spiritual journey but also challenge societal norms and stereotypes. They celebrate the power of femininity and provide a space for lesbian individuals to explore their identities, connect with their inner power, and create meaningful rituals and practices..
Reviews for "Lesbian Witchcraft and Matriarchal Traditions: Books on Feminine Power and Leadership"
1. John - 1/5 - I found the lesbian witchcraft books to be quite disappointing. I was hoping for a compelling story with strong characters, but instead, it felt like a silly attempt at sensationalism. The plot was weak and predictable, and the writing style felt amateurish. Overall, I would not recommend these books to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging read.
2. Sarah - 2/5 - As someone who is a fan of fantasy and witchcraft, I was excited to dive into the world of lesbian witchcraft books. However, I was left feeling underwhelmed. The characters lacked depth, and the relationship dynamics felt forced and unrealistic. I was hoping for a more nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of witchcraft and LGBTQ+ themes, but instead, I found the books to be superficial and shallow. Overall, I would not consider these books to be meaningful or impactful in any way.
3. David - 1/5 - I found the lesbian witchcraft books to be quite distasteful and offensive. The portrayal of lesbian relationships felt exploitative and geared towards a male gaze rather than genuinely representing the LGBTQ+ community. Furthermore, the witchcraft elements felt like a cheesy and cheap attempt at adding excitement to an otherwise weak plot. I cannot recommend these books to anyone who is seeking a respectful and authentic representation of lesbian culture and witchcraft.
4. Emily - 3/5 - The lesbian witchcraft books were not my cup of tea. While I appreciate the attempt to bring diverse representation to the literary world, I found the execution to be lacking. The writing style was mediocre, and the characters felt one-dimensional. Though the themes of lesbianism and witchcraft were interesting, they were not explored to their full potential. For readers seeking more substantial and well-crafted narratives, these books might not be the best choice.
5. Alex - 2/5 - I had high hopes for the lesbian witchcraft books, but unfortunately, they fell short of my expectations. The plot was predictable, and the characters felt like caricatures rather than fully developed individuals. Additionally, the romance aspects felt forced and lacked chemistry. While I appreciate the attempt at inclusivity and representation, I believe there are better options out there for readers seeking captivating stories within the LGBTQ+ and witchcraft genres.