Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner

This was an exciting read in a sense that Wicca, as a "major" "religion" (in a sense that people have heard of it), appealed to my existing pantheistic, nature-loving world view. I'm also not a fan of expressing emotion in group settings or just being in group settings, so I'm glad that the author and this book are renowned in the Wicca/Neopagan-curious community. It is also written in such a way that the fiction writer in me wants to write a fantasy novel featuring a culture and/or religious sect that is essentially this type of expression of Wicca.

I most like that the author addresses magic is natural, not supernatural. Many aspects of Wiccan magic is now science, and he half-expects science to eventually prove the rest. However, show more that's almost besides the point, even to a science nerd like me. I love that Wicca sees nature as something high, inherently magical, and a part of everything instead of something lowly, something to escape from in life and death, and disrespect.

I differ from the author in some aspects, such as he recognizes a Goddess and a God, whereas I don't see why I need to personify nature into something else, but on the following paragraph he establishes that it is okay with Wicca to not personify the forces. That tells me he and Wicca are quite open-minded and have room for independent thought and practice. As an oddball, I appreciate the wiggle-room.

Unlike your average internet article on Wicca or even other books, the author goes into depth about how to connect with magic and perform rituals--which are more spiritual and less superstitious than the average person would expect. There is enough depth of information here to start practicing on your own and/or write a Tamora Pierce-esque fantasy story. show less

Initial Thoughts:
1."I am listening to the audiobook."
2."It is like listening to a podcast. He noted how difficult it is to find other pagans, witches,wiccans PWW and even though more than two decades later we have amazing technology. It would be so much better to meet other PWW in real life even if we continue to still practice solo and not join a coven."
3."better to listen to while busy to not fall asleep to the relaxing information of PWW."
4.Listening to this book makes me wish audiobooks for textual and information filled sacred texts like this were more widely available."

I Deeply enjoyed this audiobook. I see why a lot of Pagans, Wiccans, & Witches PWW recommend it. Unfortunately, he died young he could have done so much more. I show more wish I had a physical copy to own and use as a reference. I also hope someone could update and add on to it because 33 years have passed, and some things have changed and modernized. This is one of my top 3 favorites of all the PWW books I have read so far. It contains a thorough glossary of terminology, parts of his grimoire/book of shadows, spells, baking instructions, offering, and diety direction. Highly recommendable. It can also be very overwhelming as it is full of information. Nonetheless necessary in our religion. show less

I am not Wiccan (and the guidelines in this book confirm that), but some outdated terminology aside, Cunningham seems to have put together a comprehensive introduction, including an example Book of Shadows. I liked his emphasis on valuing nature and finding what works for you.

Scott Cunningham gives clear, concise information about witchcraft and the Wiccan lifestyle. After reading this book, I was thrilled to stumble across The Truth About Witchcraft Today, which is a further study of the topic.

After reading both books I couldn't help but wonder how many people would be much happier if they left behind the patriarchal, political dogma of most organized religions and instead followed an Earth based religion.

Book of hippy dippy stuff for spiritually lost people desperate for a non-traditional religious identity in lieu of individual self-esteem. But hey, at least they aren't knocking on my door trying to push this stuff on me or telling me not to drink my beer....at least not yet. So good on ya wiccans!

Cunningham's classic introduction to Wicca is about how to live life magically, spiritually, and wholly attuned with nature. It is a book of sense and common sense, not only about magick, but about religion and one of the most critical issues of today: how to achieve the much needed and wholesome relationship with our Earth. Cunningham presents Wicca as it is today: a gentle, Earth-oriented religion dedicated to the Goddess and God. Wicca also includes Scott Cunningham's own Book of Shadows and updated appendices of periodicals and occult suppliers.

I think this is one of those books that all Wiccans seem to have-it's also the one that I loan out the most and seems to take its time getting back to me (though I did finally find a spell to ensure the return of a book). Good basic information, but very light on the theology of Wicca.