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lurker_stalker's review against another edition
5.0
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.
theequeendee's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
A decent beginners guide for Wicca for anyone who would like to learn more about Wicca.
prairie_meg's review against another edition
4.0
Being raised Catholic (though no longer practicing, and instead have long considered myself agnostic) I have always been fascinated by paganism and “alternative” religions. I’ve always found the religion I was born into “lacking”. Since I was a kid I’ve devoured any folk tales and mythology I could get my hands on and found these stories and fables resonating with me more than the bible ever did. In university I took a course on world religions and it was like a light went on. So it was only a matter of time, I guess, until I stumbled upon pagan and neopagan beliefs. That, combined with a Witchery opening a few blocks from my home (which immediately intrigued me!), brings me to this book.
On any list of “recommended reads” for Wiccans, neopagans, or those practicing witchcraft the works of Scott Cunningham are always near the top and considered the best introductory books on this topic. I can understand why. The book is an easy read, concepts broken down simply, and very welcoming to anyone curious about Wicca. Seriously, a big message I picked up from the book is that “you do you” is a big part of Wicca. It’s also nice to know that this is a religion that won’t shame you for other [natural] behaviours some might find sinful and is welcoming to people from all walks of life and orientations. I also found the discussion on the Divine fascinating, and enjoyed reading about his thoughts on what happens after death.
My biggest complaint is that I found it almost too simplistic. I’d love to know more about the history/philosophy/spirituality of Wicca (yes, I know it formally started around the 1950s) - such as the historic origins of its practices and ceremonial days
At the sam time of this I’m also reading Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin. That book seems to be more in line with what I’m looking for.
But with all that said, I can see why so many people have recommended Scott Cunningham’s book. It’s a great introduction to the topic and a great steppingstone for wherever you want to go next.
On any list of “recommended reads” for Wiccans, neopagans, or those practicing witchcraft the works of Scott Cunningham are always near the top and considered the best introductory books on this topic. I can understand why. The book is an easy read, concepts broken down simply, and very welcoming to anyone curious about Wicca. Seriously, a big message I picked up from the book is that “you do you” is a big part of Wicca. It’s also nice to know that this is a religion that won’t shame you for other [natural] behaviours some might find sinful and is welcoming to people from all walks of life and orientations. I also found the discussion on the Divine fascinating, and enjoyed reading about his thoughts on what happens after death.
My biggest complaint is that I found it almost too simplistic. I’d love to know more about the history/philosophy/spirituality of Wicca (yes, I know it formally started around the 1950s) - such as the historic origins of its practices and ceremonial days
At the sam time of this I’m also reading Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin. That book seems to be more in line with what I’m looking for.
But with all that said, I can see why so many people have recommended Scott Cunningham’s book. It’s a great introduction to the topic and a great steppingstone for wherever you want to go next.
witchylevy's review against another edition
5.0
Great beginning book on Wicca as a spirituality and religion, and how practitioners can follow their need/calling into this path when solitary by choice, preference, or necessity. It has honestly taken me too long to read this (I became Wiccan around age 15 and I'm 30 now lol). If I'd found this book then it would have answered so many questions for me. I'm more of a Pagan Witch than Wiccan now but it was still an enlightening read.
aobenstine's review against another edition
5.0
This is soooo great. My girlfriend and I picked this up, interested in learning about Wicca and practicing it and such, and it's a great book to learn from!
ericaroseeberhart's review against another edition
4.0
Simplistic and straight forward. This is a very starter level read for someone who needs a refresher course on witchcraft or has next to no knowledge of the practice. I would say this is the syllabus of Wicca, which will best set you on the path to find out more detailed information, while also being very confidence building to newcomers who may not want or have the confidence to find or join a coven. There truly seems no judgement cast towards solitary practitioners.
basilica_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Although some of the information is a little outdated, Scott Cunningham offers one of the most full and comprehensive resources I have read.
roos99's review against another edition
4.0
Ik denk dat dit boek een goede basis vormt voor iedereen die meer willen leren over paganisme, occultisme en natuurlijk Wicca. Dit boek is echt voor beginners maar legt een stevige basis (ook met het Book of Shadows dat toegevoegd is). Een iets bredere blik op de religie was naar mijn idee wel passend geweest, de theïstische insteek is er natuurlijk ook gewoon eentje maar ik had niet het gevoel dat een atheïstisch individu zich erg welkom voelt bij Wicca na het lezen van dit boek.
Ik denk ook dat er iets meer aandacht naar de filosofie van Wicca zou mogen gaan. Rituelen doen voor geld (waar ik zelf zo m’n ideeën over heb) vaker benoemen dan een connectie met Moeder aarde vormen voelt voor mij als een gekke verhouding.
Maar ik kan oneindig moeilijk doen over details, met Wicca als religie zonder leider is het lastig het met elkaar eens te worden. Al met al was het een leerzaam boek.
Ik denk ook dat er iets meer aandacht naar de filosofie van Wicca zou mogen gaan. Rituelen doen voor geld (waar ik zelf zo m’n ideeën over heb) vaker benoemen dan een connectie met Moeder aarde vormen voelt voor mij als een gekke verhouding.
Maar ik kan oneindig moeilijk doen over details, met Wicca als religie zonder leider is het lastig het met elkaar eens te worden. Al met al was het een leerzaam boek.