Outlines the basic theory and practice of the Earth-oriented religion known as Wicca, and describes exercises and rituals for the solitary practitioner.
Kind of direct, but that makes it feel more genuine
4 stars
This the third 1980s/1990s era intro to Wicca book in a row that I've read, and Scott Cunningham feels the most genuine of the group. I think what I appreciate the most about Scott Cunningham is that there are some things that truly matter to him - namely ecological responsibility and how it ties to a nature focused religion. He gives some forms of rituals and practice, which are fine, but it was refreshing to see someone tying what they believe to something concrete and real. A lot of this kind of literature is so ethereal that nothing seems to matter - empty ritual for the sake of empty ritual. While Cunningham doesn't dictate what the reader should or shouldn't do, he does give some ethical edge to why he does things.
I read this book years ago and felt drawn back to it recently. The library had an audiobook ready so I took it as a sign. Still a great, easy to access book.
Written by the late, brilliant Scott Cunningham, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner is still the best "how-to" book for those interested in Wicca as a religion. The book has three sections, Theory, Practice, and a Book of Shadows. The chapters in the Theory section explain just what Wicca is, how it's practiced in a group/coven structure, and how the reader/seeker can modify that practice to become a "Solitary Wiccan". The author explains the basic tenets of the religion, defines magic, the Goddess, the God, and the days of power. Cunningham's presentation of the "Wheel of the Year" is solid, giving the seeker a framework to begin a year's worth of Wiccan observances.
The Practice section outlines a basic format for Wiccan ritual: preparing the sacred space, casting the circle, calling the Gods, the Work itself, and closing the ritual and breaking the circle. Cunningham's style is simple and …
Written by the late, brilliant Scott Cunningham, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner is still the best "how-to" book for those interested in Wicca as a religion. The book has three sections, Theory, Practice, and a Book of Shadows. The chapters in the Theory section explain just what Wicca is, how it's practiced in a group/coven structure, and how the reader/seeker can modify that practice to become a "Solitary Wiccan". The author explains the basic tenets of the religion, defines magic, the Goddess, the God, and the days of power. Cunningham's presentation of the "Wheel of the Year" is solid, giving the seeker a framework to begin a year's worth of Wiccan observances.
The Practice section outlines a basic format for Wiccan ritual: preparing the sacred space, casting the circle, calling the Gods, the Work itself, and closing the ritual and breaking the circle. Cunningham's style is simple and clear, giving the seeker what they need to pick up at any time of the year and start "being Wiccan". The stories of how he acquired some of his tools are wonderful.
The third section of the book is a fully-developed Book of Shadows, which is the Wiccan equivalent of a Christian prayer book, like a Roman Missal or the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. The "Standing Stones Book of Shadows" isn't merely a template. It's possible for the seeker to run with this BoS as-is and do good Work.
Cunningham's language may, in some spots, seem a bit dated. Wicca was about group/coven practice. To be Wiccan, you sought initiation in a coven. The two main "traditions" at the time were Alexandrian and Gardnerian. Cunningham explains how those traditions are not the only paths to the God and Goddess.
From a writer's perspective, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner gives good information for character development. While writing about coven dynamics and interpersonal relationships in a group are a challenge, this book gives the writer the ability to develop robust characters as individuals.
