Seeking Recommendation Beginner looking for grimoire recs — what's actually worth reading?

[lekvar]

I've been lurking here for a while, but I'm still pretty new to working with grimoires. A few questions for anyone willing to share their perspective:

1. What are the best starting-point grimoires for a beginner, and why? I keep seeing Key of Solomon, Lemegeton, and Picatrix mentioned — are these actually approachable, or do they need groundwork first?
2. Any translations/editions to seek out or avoid? I hear a lot of these texts are riddled with mistranslations or outright fabrications depending on the edition.
3. What grimoires get hyped online but are actually considered weak or watered-down by more experienced folks? Would rather skip the duds now than waste months on them.

There's a lot out there to learn, so it would be nice to get some more experienced viewpoints.

 

[therootbeersprite]

Scott Cunningham is always a great place to start. A bit Wicca focused, but generally solid.

Once you've spent more time interacting with the forums, I highly recommend going over to The Library and just browsing for a bit. Sometimes it helps to know what interests you and pursue books in that direction, but sometimes you'll find something that sparks an interest that you didn't have before. I'm of the opinion that even if a book doesn't give you much as a whole, it may still provide a little nugget to carry forward with you. But then again, I'm an eclectic practitioner, so if you're looking to follow a specific path to the letter of the writing, this may just end up muddying the waters for you. YMMV.

I recommend avoiding Valerie Worth; Her writings are more poetry than practical. One time I tried to make a blessing sachet from her writings and ended up with a cursed object instead!

 

[Lu_CiD]

if you want grimoires or spirit work jake stratton kent is the best. Dr skinners work as well. they have done a ton of research on the old works and update them for a modern audience as well as correcting any of the various mistakes that occurs in many editions.