By Katrina Rasbold
As we stand at the crossroads of a shifting spiritual landscape, the torch of modern Paganism is being passed to a new generation of visionaries. While we will always honor the foundational texts of our elders, the voices rising today address the complexities of the 21st century—blending ancient wisdom with social justice, digital connectivity, and deep ecological urgency.
Unlike times in the past when we had a handful of authors defining who we are in the world as contemporary Pagans, we are now flooded with names and books to the point that it can be difficult to know who to read. Those of us who have been around for a while feel compelled to wonder who our new Janet Farrar, Laurie Cabot, Oberon Zell, Starhawk, and Raymond Buckland will be. As we begin to lose the vital icons, who steps up to continue what they began?
For this month’s Witch at the Crossroads, I’ve curated a list of ten authors whose work I feel is not just filling shelves but defining the next era of our movement. Keep your eyes on these names; they are the primary voices of our tomorrow. Keep in mind that “contemporary” is only “temporary” and while some names will fade away, others will endure as the defining Pagan voices of our time.
In no particular order:
1. John Beckett
Perhaps the most grounded voice in contemporary polytheism, Beckett’s work on “The Path of Paganism” has become the modern manual for building a practice that lasts. He excels at cutting through the fluff to address the actual theology and ethics of living as a Pagan in a disenchanted world. He remains one of the strongest forces keeping Paganism grounded and accessible through his books, classes, and blog posts. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/
2. Thorn Mooney
Author of “Traditional Wicca: A Seeker’s Guide,” Mooney has become a vital bridge for the middle-aged seeker and Gen Z alike. Her perspective is refreshingly academic yet deeply practical, focusing on the realities of coven life and the rigor required to maintain a meaningful tradition in the digital age. Her ability to simply and articulately explain the practices and tenets created long before she was born is what will carry those beliefs forward into the coming generations. https://thornthewitch.wordpress.com/
3. Christopher Penczak
While already a staple, Penczak’s prolific output via the Temple of Witchcraft series continues to evolve. He is the architect of the most comprehensive system of modern magick for our generation, synthesizing diverse traditions into what I believe is the most cohesive, accessible, and high-functioning spiritual path in Paganism at this time. The sheer body of work he birthed into our community is not only impressive, it is instrumental in creating a working and structured educational framework for magickal practice. Read anything with his name on it and you will not be disappointed. https://christopherpenczak.com/
4. Morgan Daimler
For those walking the darker, more “crooked” paths, Daimler is the preeminent authority on Irish Reconstructionism and Fairy folklore. Their meticulous research and refusal to sanitize the Fair Folk provide a necessary, authentic edge to modern practice. Their knowledge of the historical threads of Pagan origins remains unparalleled and they write with a delicacy that brings the past into vivid light, revealing the intricate and complex nuances that otherwise would be lost in the ages. https://www.patreon.com/cw/morgandaimler
5. Irisanya Moon
A champion of Gaia theology and devotional work, Moon’s writing pulses with heart. She represents the Earth-Steward branch of our community, focusing on the intersection of personal healing and planetary activism. Specifically, her work in the Pagan Portals series by Moon Books is seminal in its ecospiritualist representation. Not since Oberon Zell has an author so faithfully and cohesively embraced the Gaia concept, furthering it into the twenty-first century. https://www.irisanyamoon.com/
6. Angela Puca (PhD)
Bridging the gap between the academy and the altar, Dr. Puca’s work—especially her lectures and her work with “Pagan Religions in Five Minutes”—is essential for the modern practitioner. She provides the intellectual tools we need to defend our traditions and understand their historical context without losing the magic. It is easy to allow supporting facts and educated analysis to present as dry and uninviting to those who do not speak the language. Dr. Puca avoids that trap, creating an educated and fascinating approach to Pagan academia. https://drangelapuca.com/
7. Kelden
Author of “The Crooked Path,” Kelden is a leading voice in the revival of Traditional Witchcraft. His work focuses on folk magic, local spirits, and a historical approach that feels immediate and raw, appealing to those moving away from more polished liturgical Wicca. As a complement to Thorn Mooney’s reverent representation of Traditional Wicca, Kelden provides the mirror expression for non-Wiccan, Traditional Witchcraft. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/byathameandstang/author/keldend/
8. Lilith Dorsey
A powerhouse of Voodoo and Afro-Caribbean-inspired scholarship within the broader Pagan community, Dorsey’s voice is crucial for the inclusive, cross-cultural future of the Craft. Her work on water spirits and justice-based magick is both timely and timeless. Her work to dissolve racism in spiritual practice is vital, as is her gentle disempowerment of the stigma previously associated with Voodoo and other Afro-Caribbean faiths. In a time when those rich and impacting practices are either sanitized or demonized, Dorsey is a calm voice of reason and wisdom. https://lilithdorsey.com/
9. Kristopher Hughes
As a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD) and a native Welsh speaker, Hughes brings a rare, authentic linguistic and cultural depth to modern Druidry. His books, like “The Book of Druidry,” are masterclasses in connecting to the spirit of the land through its original myths. As compelling of an author and artist as he is a public speaker, it is less like Hughes injects both classic and modern Paganism with energy and more that he blasts it with a lightning bolt. He never fails to educate and entertain. https://angleseydruids.wordpress.com/
10. Mat Auryn
With the massive success of “Psychic Witch,” Auryn has solidified himself as the voice of the inner temple. His focus on the psychological and energetic mechanics of magick has revolutionized how the newest generation of Witches trains their primary tool: the mind. https://auryn.net/
The Crossroads is a busy place lately and the air is thick with change. Whether you are a solitary seeker or a seasoned High Priestess, these authors offer the maps we need to navigate the coming decades. With these ten authors on your bookshelf, you’ll have a front-row seat to the evolution of our faith.
Katrina Rasbold is a professional Witch, published author, priestess, and editor of Green Egg Magazine. She and her husband, Eric, are the creators of the CUSP spiritual path and owners of Crossroads Occult. You can reach her and access her Patreon with deeper classes and mentorship through www.katrinarasbold.com.
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