The Magic of Social Change: Book Recommendations for Changemakers
Following my class The Magic of Social Change at Witch School 2024, these are a few of the books I've personally loved that blend spirituality and social change that I recommend for students & a geenrally curious audience.
Support your local bookstore where possible, otherwise the books are linked on Amazon for global readers.
Starhawk
Starhawk is a renowned author, activist, and spiritual leader known for her pioneering work in ecofeminism, modern witchcraft, and Goddess spirituality. She has written extensively on the intersection of spirituality, politics, and environmentalism, advocating for social justice and ecological sustainability. As a co-founder of the Reclaiming tradition, Starhawk has inspired many through her teachings, workshops, and activism, promoting the power of community and ritual in driving social change. These are the two I've personally got the most out of:
The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess "The Spiral Dance" is a classic work by Starhawk that explores the revival of Goddess-centred spirituality. This book serves as both an introduction to the practice of modern witchcraft and a profound exploration of how these spiritual traditions can fuel social change. Starhawk combines history, mythology, and practical exercises to empower readers in their personal and collective transformation. Particularly great for anyone working in the climate change or conservation space!
Dreaming the Dark: Magic, Sex, and Politics "Dreaming the Dark" explores the intersection of magic, politics, and personal empowerment. Starhawk draws on her experience as an activist and spiritual leader to illustrate how ritual and community can be powerful tools for social change. This book challenges readers to envision a world where magic and activism are intertwined, offering practical advice for bringing these visions to life. It’s an inspiring read for anyone interested in the connections between personal transformation and societal change, blending mystical insights with practical applications.
adrienne maree brown
adrienne maree brown is a transformative facilitator, writer, and activist known for her work in the realms of social justice, Black liberation, and speculative fiction. Drawing on her background in social justice organizing, emergent strategy, and Afrofuturism, brown offers insights and tools for personal and collective transformation. Brown explores themes of resilience, imagination, and community building. She emphasises the importance of centring marginalised voices, embracing complexity, and cultivating practices of joy and pleasure in social change work. brown's work has had a profound impact on movements for justice and liberation, inspiring changemakers to engage in visionary organising and create worlds rooted in justice and abundance.
Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds "Emergent Strategy" is adrienne maree brown's groundbreaking exploration of how movements for social change can learn from the principles of emergence found in nature. Drawing on insights from science fiction, Black feminism, and decentralised organising, brown offers a framework for adaptive, decentralised, and interdependent strategies. This book invites readers to embrace complexity, uncertainty, and nonlinear change, and it provides practical tools for cultivating resilience, collaboration, and transformative action. brown's insights into emergent strategy offer valuable guidance for changemakers seeking to create more inclusive, adaptive, and effective movements for justice and liberation.
Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good "Pleasure Activism" is adrienne maree brown's exploration of pleasure as a political and transformative force for social change. Drawing on Black feminist thought, queer liberation, and disability justice, brown challenges conventional notions of activism rooted in sacrifice and struggle. Instead, she invites readers to embrace pleasure as a site of resistance, healing, and liberation. This book celebrates the myriad ways in which pleasure can be a catalyst for personal and collective transformation, from sexuality and art to nature and community. brown's vision of pleasure activism offers a radical reimagining of social change work, centring joy, desire, and abundance as essential components of justice and liberation.
Anodea Judith
Anodea Judith is a leading authority in the field of energy medicine, particularly known for her work on the chakra system. With a background in psychology, yoga, and spirituality, she combines these disciplines to provide deep insights into personal and collective healing. Anodea Judith is an accomplished author, therapist, and teacher, whose writings and workshops have guided countless individuals on their journeys toward self-discovery and empowerment. Her work emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and spirit to foster holistic well-being and transformative growth.
Wheels of Life: A User's Guide to the Chakra System "Wheels of Life" is Anodea Judith's seminal work on the chakra system, offering a comprehensive guide to understanding and balancing the body's energy centers. This book explores each of the seven chakras in detail, providing practical exercises, meditations, and visualizations to help readers enhance their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Anodea Judith's clear and accessible writing makes complex concepts easy to grasp, making this book an essential resource for anyone interested in energy healing and personal transformation.
Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self "Eastern Body, Western Mind" bridges the gap between Western psychology and Eastern spirituality by exploring the chakra system through the lens of developmental psychology. Anodea Judith provides a detailed analysis of how each chakra corresponds to different stages of psychological development and personal growth. The book is like a personal text-book of practical tools for healing and self-discovery, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to integrate mind, body, and spirit in their journey toward holistic well-being.
The Global Heart Awakens: Humanity's Rite of Passage from the Love of Power to the Power of Love In "The Global Heart Awakens," Anodea Judith presents a compelling vision of humanity's evolutionary journey from a power-driven society to one based on love and interconnectedness. She combines historical analysis, social commentary, and spiritual insight to outline the challenges and opportunities facing our world today. This book is a call to action, urging readers to participate in the global shift towards a more compassionate and sustainable future. It’s an inspiring read for those who seek to understand the deeper currents of social change and want to contribute to a more harmonious world. Currently this one is a little hard to find in AUS, but it’s available on Amazon Kindle!
Lynne Twist
Lynne Twist is a renowned global activist, fundraiser, and speaker dedicated to promoting conscious philanthropy and sustainability. With decades of experience working with individuals and organisations around the world, Twist brings a unique blend of compassion, wisdom, and practicality to her work. Through her bestselling book "The Soul of Money" and her inspiring talks and workshops, Twist empowers audiences to transform their relationship with money and embrace a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. Her insights have touched the lives of countless individuals, sparking a movement towards greater generosity, compassion, and social change.
The Soul of Money In "The Soul of Money," Lynne Twist offers a transformative exploration of our relationship with money. Drawing on her extensive experience as a global activist and fundraiser, Twist challenges readers to reevaluate their beliefs about money and its impact on their lives. Through poignant stories and practical insights, she guides us on a journey from scarcity to sufficiency, encouraging us to embrace a mindset of abundance and generosity. This book illuminates the profound connection between our attitudes towards money and our ability to create positive change in the world, inspiring readers to cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and fulfilment in their lives. Since 2020, I’ve read this book every year - it’s my annual abundance money mindset reset!
Byron Katie
Byron Katie is a renowned author, speaker, and teacher known for her powerful method of self-inquiry known as "The Work." Her approach helps individuals identify and question the thoughts that cause their suffering, leading to profound personal transformation and peace. Through her books, workshops, and seminars, Byron Katie guides people in uncovering the limiting beliefs that hinder their well-being and happiness. Her teachings emphasise the transformative power of questioning one's thoughts and embracing reality as it is.
Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life "Loving What Is" introduces Byron Katie's revolutionary method of self-inquiry, known as "The Work." The book explains how to apply four simple questions to any troubling thought, leading to a profound shift in perspective and a release from suffering. Through numerous examples and personal stories, Katie demonstrates how these questions can help individuals find clarity, peace, and acceptance in their lives. This book is an essential read for anyone seeking to transform their inner world and achieve greater emotional freedom. Although it can be hard, I think that this method of self-inquiry is invaluable for conflict resolution, inclusive leadership, personal resilience, and innovative thinking, making it an essential tool for understanding others and driving effective social change.
First Knowledges
The First Knowledges series offers an introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges in vital areas and their application to the present day and the future. Exploring practices such as architecture and design, land management, medicine, astronomy and innovation, this seven-book series brings together two very different ways of understanding the natural world: one ancient, the other modern. Each book is a collaboration between First Nations and non-Indigenous writers and editors. The series is edited by Margo Neale, senior curator at the National Museum of Australia.
For any Green-Witches who aim to live in alignment with their environment, we can ignore the rich history, knowledge, and culture of Indigenous Australian’s - knowledge that emerged through and from these lands, seas and skies. More generally for Australian-based changemakers, these Indigenous knowledge systems, rooted in millennia of connection to land, community, and spirituality, offer holistic perspectives that can complement and enrich Western approaches to problem-solving and decision-making. By engaging with Indigenous knowledge, changemakers gain a deeper understanding of issues such as environmental sustainability, social justice, and cultural diversity.
Books in this series include:
Songlines: The Power and Promise Weaving deeply personal storytelling with extensive research on mnemonics, this book offers unique insights into Indigenous traditional knowledges, how they apply today and how they could help all peoples thrive into the future.
Design: Building on Country Aboriginal design is of a distinctly cultural nature, based in the Dreaming and in ancient practices grounded in Country. This book issues a challenge for a new Australian design ethos, one that truly responds to the essence of Country and its people.
Country: Future Fire, Future Farming For millennia, Indigenous Australians harvested this continent in ways that can offer contemporary environmental and economic solutions. This book highlights the consequences of ignoring our history and details the remarkable agricultural and land-care techniques of First Nations peoples.
Astronomy: Sky Country Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the oldest scientists in human history. Explore the connections between Aboriginal environmental and cultural practices and the behaviour of the stars, and consider what must be done to sustain our dark skies, and the information they hold, into the future.
Plants: Past, Present and Future Plants are the foundation of life on Earth. Plants: Past, Present and Future celebrates the deep cultural significance of plants to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and shows how engaging with this heritage could be the key to a healthier, more sustainable future.
Law: The Way of the Ancestors Law is culture, and culture is law. Given by the ancestors and cultivated over millennia, Indigenous law defines what it is to be human. Complex and evolving, law holds the keys to resilient, caring communities and a life in balance with nature. Law: The Way of the Ancestors challenges readers to consider how Indigenous law can inspire new ways forward for us all in the face of global crises.
Innovation: Knowledge and Ingenuity First Nations Australians are some of the oldest innovators in the world. Innovation: Knowledge and Ingenuity reveals novel and creative practices such as: body shaping; cremation; sea hunting with the help of suckerfish; building artificial reefs for oyster farms; repurposing glass from Europeans into spearheads; economic responses to colonisation; and a Voice to Parliament.
The next book in the series, Medicine, is set to be released in 2024.
Eckhart Tolle
Eckhart Tolle is a renowned spiritual teacher and author known for his profound insights into the nature of consciousness and inner peace. Through his teachings and writings, including his bestselling books "The Power of Now" and "A New Earth," Tolle has inspired millions of people worldwide to find liberation from suffering and live more fulfilling lives. His teachings draw on a diverse range of spiritual traditions, emphasising the importance of present moment awareness, acceptance, and the transcendent dimension of human existence. Tolle's gentle guidance and accessible teachings offer practical tools for personal transformation and spiritual awakening, making him a beloved figure in the realm of self-help and spiritual literature.
The Power of Now "The Power of Now" is Eckhart Tolle's seminal work that explores the transformative power of living in the present moment. Drawing on his own spiritual awakening, Tolle offers practical guidance for cultivating mindfulness and transcending the egoic mind. This book invites readers to release past regrets and future anxieties, allowing them to experience a profound sense of peace and aliveness in the present moment. Tolle's teachings on presence and acceptance have profound implications for personal growth and social change, offering a foundation for cultivating compassion, resilience, and inner peace in the face of adversity.
A New Earth "A New Earth" builds upon the teachings of "The Power of Now," offering a deeper exploration of consciousness and humanity's collective evolution. Tolle examines the role of the ego in perpetuating suffering and discord in the world, and he presents a vision of awakening to a new way of being based on presence, compassion, and cooperation. This book invites readers to transcend the confines of the egoic mind and align with a higher purpose rooted in love and interconnectedness. Tolle's insights into the nature of human suffering and the potential for collective awakening offer profound implications for social change, inspiring readers to contribute to a more enlightened and harmonious world.
Vandana Shiva
Vandana Shiva is a world-renowned environmental activist, author, and scholar, known for her passionate advocacy of biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and social justice. As the founder of Navdanya, a movement promoting seed sovereignty, Shiva has been at the forefront of the fight against corporate control of agriculture and the commodification of seeds. Through her research, writing, and activism, she has highlighted the devastating impacts of industrial agriculture on ecosystems, communities, and public health. Shiva's work embodies a holistic vision of sustainability, rooted in principles of ecological integrity, social equity, and cultural diversity. Her tireless efforts to defend the rights of small-scale farmers, indigenous peoples, and the planet have earned her numerous awards and accolades, cementing her status as a global leader in the movement for environmental and social justice.
Watch some of her documentaries - I would listen to her being interviewed on podcasts when I needed some motivation during my PhD research!
Ecofeminism by Maria Mies and Vandana Shiva - In this seminal work, Maria Mies and Vandana Shiva explore the intersections of feminism, ecology, and social justice. They critique the capitalist patriarchy's exploitation of both women and nature, offering a framework for understanding the links between environmental degradation and the oppression of women in the Global South. Through case studies and theoretical analysis, Mies and Shiva advocate for a feminist and ecological revolution that challenges hierarchies of power and promotes alternative models of development based on sustainability, cooperation, and equality. This one was foundational in shaping the direction of my PhD research!
Earth Democracy: Justice, Sustainability, and Peace "Earth Democracy" is Vandana Shiva's manifesto for a more just, sustainable, and democratic world. In this book, she articulates a vision of Earth-centred governance that honours the rights of all beings and promotes harmony between humans and the natural world. Shiva advocates for a paradigm shift from corporate globalisation to "earth democracy," which values diversity, decentralisation, and participatory decision-making. Through inspiring stories and bold proposals, she offers a roadmap for building a more equitable and ecologically resilient society rooted in principles of respect, reciprocity, and regeneration.
Joe Dispenza
Joe Dispenza is a renowned author, researcher, and speaker in the fields of neuroscience, epigenetics, and quantum physics. His work focuses on the power of the mind to transform the body and create new realities. Through his books, workshops, and seminars, Dispenza teaches people how to rewire their brains, heal their bodies, and unlock their potential. His approach blends scientific research with practical techniques for personal growth and transformation, making his teachings accessible and impactful for a wide audience.
This is an area where the science and research behind the work isn’t quite mainstream or widely accepted: use your own discretion and take what resonates with you and leave what doesn’t. Personally, I’ve got the most value from the meditations Joe offers on his website.
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself" combines the fields of quantum physics, neuroscience, and psychology to show readers how they can change their thoughts and behaviours to create a new reality. Joe Dispenza provides practical steps and exercises for reprogramming the mind and achieving personal transformation. This book is a powerful guide for anyone looking to break free from old habits and create lasting change in their lives, making it a perfect fit for our course on the Magic of Social Change.
Becoming Supernatural: How Common People Are Doing the Uncommon In "Becoming Supernatural," Joe Dispenza explores how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary feats through the power of the mind. The book delves into advanced techniques for meditation, visualisation, and energy work, supported by scientific research and case studies. Dispenza explains how these practices can lead to profound physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. This book offers a roadmap for tapping into our innate potential and transcending our limitations, making it an inspiring read for those interested in the intersection of science and spirituality.
Roy Bhaskar
Roy Bhaskar was a distinguished philosopher best known for developing the philosophy of critical realism. His work has profoundly influenced the fields of social science, philosophy, and ontology. Bhaskar’s critical realism provides a framework for understanding the complex interplay between structure and agency, reality and perception. His writings offer deep insights into the nature of reality, scientific inquiry, and the potential for social transformation. Bhaskar's rigorous and transformative approach continues to inspire scholars and activists committed to understanding and changing the world.
This is an academic recommendation - the work of Bhaskar is likely expensive or difficult to access without a university affiliation and access to your institutions library. The work is dense, jargon heavy, and mostly relies on the reader having at least a foundational understanding of academic text. However, Bhaskar’s philosophy and meta-theory is simply unparalleled in academia - across the three waves of his philosophy (basic critical realism, dialectic, and meta-reality) he establishes a way of understanding reality through realist ontology and relativist epistemology that can ground so much of the work we do as changemakers and in the spiritual realm. For a primer, I recommend Enlightened Commonsense - if your like it, then try the others. If you want to watch the philosophy unfold and deepen its understanding of ontology, read them in this order:
Enlightened Common Sense: The Philosophy of Critical Realism "Enlightened Common Sense" serves as a comprehensive introduction to the philosophy of critical realism. Bhaskar articulates the core principles of critical realism, emphasising its practical implications for scientific inquiry and social research. This book is designed to make Bhaskar's complex ideas accessible to a broader audience, providing clear explanations and practical applications. It is an invaluable resource for students, scholars, and activists interested in the philosophical foundations of social change and the pursuit of truth and justice.
A Realist Theory of Science "A Realist Theory of Science" is one of Roy Bhaskar’s seminal works, laying the foundations for the philosophy of critical realism. In this book, Bhaskar critiques traditional empiricism and positivism, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of scientific inquiry that acknowledges the reality of unobservable structures and mechanisms. This book is essential for anyone interested in the philosophy of science and its implications for understanding and transforming the social world. Bhaskar's arguments provide a robust framework for analysing social change from a critical realist perspective.
The Possibility of Naturalism: A Philosophical Critique of the Contemporary Human Sciences "The Possibility of Naturalism" extends Bhaskar's critical realist philosophy into the realm of social science. He argues for a realist approach to understanding human behaviour that transcends the limitations of both positivism and hermeneutics. Bhaskar introduces the concept of explanatory critique, which seeks to uncover and address the underlying causes of social phenomena. This book is a must-read for students and scholars interested in the methodological and philosophical underpinnings of social research, offering tools for both analysing and effecting social change.
Dialectic: The Pulse of Freedom In "Dialectic: The Pulse of Freedom," Roy Bhaskar extends his critical realist philosophy to explore the concept of dialectic. He presents a compelling argument for the role of dialectical reasoning in understanding and transforming reality. Bhaskar introduces the concept of 'four-planar social being' and the 'dialectic of freedom,' offering a robust framework for analysing social change. This book is essential for anyone interested in the philosophical underpinnings of dialectics and its application to social and political activism.
From East to West: Odyssey of a Soul "From East to West" chronicles Roy Bhaskar's personal and philosophical journey, blending autobiography with a deep exploration of Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. Bhaskar examines the intersections between critical realism and spiritual practices, offering insights into how these can inform and enrich each other. This book provides a unique perspective on the integration of spiritual wisdom and critical social theory, making it a valuable resource for those interested in holistic approaches to social change and personal growth.
Reflections on MetaReality: Transcendence, Emancipation, and Everyday Life In "Reflections on MetaReality," Bhaskar explores the concept of metareality, a philosophical perspective that goes beyond the constraints of critical realism to address issues of transcendence and human potential. He discusses the possibilities for human emancipation and transformation, emphasising the interconnectedness of all beings and the potential for collective awakening. This book offers profound insights into the deeper dimensions of reality and the possibilities for creating a more just and compassionate world. It is an inspiring read for those committed to both personal and social transformation.
