I have seen a lot of topics about guidance and basic stuff. Everyone probably had these problems or if lucky, someone in the family could help about magic since the childhood. Of course when you are new in something, you'll need to follow some advice for those more experienced, that's why there is some covens talking about specific theme.
I found a lot of help in forums (in different forums, paths ,etc) and with books. I have been learning about different paths, that helped me to know each good practice to improve my spiritual life and to preserve my mental health and wisdom (should I add sanity ? hehe).
Cut to the chase, the books and purpose recommended in many forums and paths:
- The Outer Temple of Witchcraft by Christopher Penczak
(For many purpose, including that he talks about foundations of magick, ethics, elements, and a lot of stuff. Recommended for those who are learning about Astral Temple)
- Advanced Magick for Beginners by Alan Chapman
(A different view of magick and practices. In other words another way to learn magick, annd most practical instead of only terms and stories)
- Protection & Reversal Magick by Jason Miller
(Obviously the main theme is protection, but the authors cite many ways to improve your knowledge and protection using incenses, spells, stones, etc)
- Modern Magick by Donald Michael Kaig
(I don't know in which version is the last book, but it was really recommended for beginners, talking about Rituals like LBRP, or elemental exercises, astral or lucid dreaming, tarot decks, etc)
- The great book of spells by Pamela Ball
(Talking about the principles of making spells, elemental energy, crystals, herbs, runes, talismans, candles, annnd etc).
- A course in Lucid Dream by Lynne Levitan & Stephen Laberge
(No description needed ...I hope!)
- Practical Sigil Magick by Frater U.:. D.:.
(No description needed, and not sure if it would be good for 'beginners', but covers completely different ways and methods about using sigils)
These books are more about generalized theme, so I preferred do not put here books like about enochian keys, cursing your enemy, about theistic satanism, demonolatry or necromancy etc...
But you guys can always find many discussions about books or mini guidance. I learned to get all the good practices and phrases of reason in each path or religion that I tried to learn about. Take this (magick) seriously and forget all about Hollywood movies involving magic. All forums well administered, like this for example, is fully of knowledge (including what the admins posted).