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leah_markum's review against another edition
4.0
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, 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.
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, 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.
mylitlifewithlita's review against another edition
3.0
A comprehensive introductions that leaves you feeling like there is so much more to learn… but, that is one of the goals of a Wiccan!
dandreamelissa's review against another edition
4.0
Very clear and easy to follow. Excellent primer for beginners or people who or generally interested in learning more about wicca.
bunniesgutzz's review against another edition
2.0
Overhyped many highly recommend Scott's work but I have to disagree.
erwikka's review against another edition
3.0
So I listened to this on audiobook while working. This is one of the rare cases where I recommend the physical copy of the book. It was so informative and I did enjoy it thoroughly. I just wasn’t a fan of the narrator and feel like this book works better when you physically read it. If you are interested in Wicca or just curious I do highly recommend this book.
aredalexandria's review against another edition
While I am not Wicca and do not practice it as a religion, in my life I am drawn to various methods of connecting with nature and personal, individual energy, particularly through intentional mindfulness. As huge components of Wicca involve all of those things, I found this to be a helpful read in suggesting different ideas of how I can manifest and incorporate more of these things into my life.
romarioribeiro's review against another edition
5.0
"all the love and lucky we need is in ourselves."
emmett_08x's review against another edition
4.0
I personally feel that this was maybe one of the better beginner introductions that I've read for Wicca and I really enjoyed the way Cunningham approached everything. I can't wait to continue reading more books about Wicca!