Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner

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Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner

3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 · rating details · 7,149 ratings · 218 reviews

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 gent...more

Paperback, 240 pages

Published September 8th 2002 by Llewellyn Publications (first published 1988)

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Feb 13, 2012 Jill rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-challenge, kindle, spirituality

Meh. It's an okay glimpse into a very, very broad pagan/witchcraft path, but it's not Wicca, in my opinion. I feel like too much time was spent spelling out the differences between Christianity and witchcraft and that it's not devil worship, as if I already didn't know. I have a feeling I will be dealing with this a lot in introductory pagan/witchcraft books.

It was okay up until his Standing Stone BOS. I didn't care much for his prayers or for his spells, as they are not my own and not how I wou...more

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Aug 27, 2011 Penelope rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: pagan-books

Everyone recommends this book as a perfect beginner's book for Wicca and I can kind of see why. I wouldn't say it's the best book out there but I've read a lot worse and Cunningham does cover the basics really well.

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Feb 28, 2012 Maya rated it 3 of 5 stars

"Wicca: A guide for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham is an amazing book that was recommended by several wiccan/pagan youtubers on youtube.
This is actually my first wiccan/pagan related book that I've ever read in my entire life. I really got interested in the search of my spiritual quest when I discovered this wonderful pagan community in youtube. Yet, I wanted to do a little more of research and just searching the net was too much work for my lazy ass. I thought for me it would b...more

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Feb 21, 2012 Amanda rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: garbage

First of all, I need to say that I’m not Wiccan. I stumbled across this and scrolled through it ( pdf version) for shits and giggles really. It so fluffy, it reads like a young teenage girl’s bedtime story.

For example: He performs this spell over a drawn version of his phone bill and states, “Within a day or 2, perhaps a week, Ill either receive unexpected or delayed money, or will satisfy other financial obligations in a manner that frees me to pay the bill”. Eh, wouldn’t that have happened an...more

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Jul 28, 2011 Steve Cran added it

Scott Cunningham one of the foremost experts on Wicca has written a book geared towards the beginner and solitary practitioner of Wicca. Not every practitioner of Wicca will join a coven. Another piece of good news is that Mr. Cunningham has injected a spirit of individuality and freedom into the craft that does not bind one strictly to on way as the only way.

The book covers alot of ground. It covers Runes, rituals, Sabbat and different meditations. It is a good companion for Silver Ravenwolf's...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: wicca, neo-pagan

I remember enjoying this book a lot, though I haven't read it in a while.
At first, I found it slightly repetitive. It seemed to say everything every other "Wicca 101" book had said. That's not to say the information is wrong or useless; it's just that I already knew most of it. I still found it interesting to read though because it helped me think more deeply about my beliefs. For example, I found this paragraph on page 26 very interesting:
"If you truly desire to know the nature of magic, prac...more

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Apr 23, 2011 Arkwitch rated it 4 of 5 stars

Often times in reading books on Wicca you have to pick and chose what works and what to take seriously. Not so with Scott Cunningham, one of the best writers on the subject. Cunningham provides an excellent guide to Wicca for beginners, one that covers all the basics-what magick is, how it works, and, more importantly, provides a deep understanding of the spiritual roots of the religion tied directly to mother earth and the Pagan old gods.

Wicca: A Guide, is no book of spells or incantations, tho...more

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May 09, 2012 Sveva Caputo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ho dato 4 stelle a questo libro perchè sicuramente per chi si affaccia al cammino pagano per la prima volta è una guida ben fatta e chiara, dove i concetti basilari sono ben espressi.
Cunningham venne spesso accusato negli anni (e tuttora lo è) di essere troppo semplicistico, di non approfondire i vari temi e di descrivere la magia come un processo facile e alla portata di tutti, della serie: "accendi una candelina rossa, pensa intensamente a chi ami e vedrai che questo si innamorerà di te".
In re...more

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Sep 09, 2012 Jade rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: religion

Books on Wicca religion by author Scott Cunningham are often recommended to me, and this particular one is generally considered to be his most popular and best-sold one. It’s often recommended to beginners instead of advanced practitioners, and I, curious to see what all the fuss was about, decided to check it out.

I have to say, it’s definitely not my favourite book on Wicca, and there are much better books out there intended for a beginner’s audience. I have some issues with the way Cunningham...more Books on Wicca religion by author Scott Cunningham are often recommended to me, and this particular one is generally considered to be his most popular and best-sold one. It’s often recommended to beginners instead of advanced practitioners, and I, curious to see what all the fuss was about, decided to check it out.

I have to say, it’s definitely not my favourite book on Wicca, and there are much better books out there intended for a beginner’s audience. I have some issues with the way Cunningham presents Wicca as being either ‘light’ or ‘dark’; good or bad. He is firm on the fact that a Wicca would never do anything to cause another being harm, and tells aspiring Wiccans to stay away from the ‘dark side’ of magic. From what I’ve gathered, Wicca is about recognizing both the light and the shadow of life and nature, accepting them as a cycle, as one whole – two sides of the same coin (also existing within a person, by the way). I don’t think Cunningham’s is a balanced or healthy approach, and not typical of Wicca, either.

Another problem I have with this book, is that Cunningham really doesn’t seem to delve into the spirituality/philosophy behind Wicca, nor behind its rituals, its tools, its materials, and its incantations. Of course, there shouldn’t be too much depth in a beginners’ book, but here he makes it come across as if there’s nothing behind it at all, except some sort of vague connection/feeling to and for Mother Earth. His chapter on magick was especially lacking since he didn’t explain the reasoning/philosophy behind it all; nobody just looking into it can grasp the concept of magick and how it’s used in Wicca from the way he’s written that particular chapter. A lot is missing, too – where is the chapter with practical and specific information on elemental magick, for example?

And when he does give away a bit of helpful information on a specific topic, he does so scattered throughout the entire book – he’s constantly referencing different chapters/pages both back and forth, which seriously made me question the sequence in which he penned down this book.

I consider Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner to be far too fluffy, presenting an unrealistic, sweet, and ‘good’ view of Wicca. It’s also vague and broad, not even touching upon the different traditions existing within Wicca; at times, it feels more like a book on general paganism/new age than on Wicca itself. I also have a bit of trouble with the fact that Cunningham sometimes claims things without backing them up, and throws around out-of-context sentences that seem to make no sense unless one conjures up a skewed explanation/reasoning for them (such as the comment that both love and the field of (para)psychology fall in the water-category of spells; p. 43). (Again, this is also an example of titbits of info hidden away in one or two sentences throughout the book.)

I did, however, very much enjoy his chapter on music, dance, and instruments. I thought this was executed rather well, made some nice references to elemental magick, and covered a subject that I don’t come across that often in general Wicca books. However, again, this information is useful for paganism in general, not specifically Wicca.

Sadly, this isn’t a very good book in my opinion, and not one I would specifically recommend as it paints an unbalanced and incomplete view of the Wicca religion. There’s still other books by Cunningham that I wish to read, which have higher ratings as well (his works on herbs, crystals, incense/oils, etc.), and I certainly hope that they’ll be better than this one.

If you’re a beginner looking for a good start, I would rather recommend Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy & Practice, by Thea Sabin. It’s much more complete, especially in the philosophy/beliefs section, and paints a realistic picture of Wicca. It’s also doesn’t push the author’s personal opinion on its readers as much as Cunningham does in his book.(less)

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Mar 17, 2013 Diane Cortese rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: pagan-and-spiritual

The author did a good job in covering the basics of Wicca for the solitary practitioner. As a Wiccan, I did notice a few places where he could have elaborated or where he treated an issue in a more complex manner than necessary. With that said, it is still a good "starter" book.

Cunningham expresses Wicca as a duality, though he explains that some Wiccans may mostly worship the Goddess "as a reaction to the patriarchy of mainstream religions." This makes it sound like a rebellious act. It may si...more The author did a good job in covering the basics of Wicca for the solitary practitioner. As a Wiccan, I did notice a few places where he could have elaborated or where he treated an issue in a more complex manner than necessary. With that said, it is still a good "starter" book.

Cunningham expresses Wicca as a duality, though he explains that some Wiccans may mostly worship the Goddess "as a reaction to the patriarchy of mainstream religions." This makes it sound like a rebellious act. It may simply be to connect more to the feminine power within.

On the tools, the broom (besom) is used as a purifier or banisher but have not heard of it associated with water--as it is made from wood and tree/plant bristles and normally associated with Earth(North.) I have read that the censer, crystal sphere, bell, and pentacle are generally secondary to the wand, athame, cauldron, and chalice. Of course he may be introducing these tools to provide a larger list than other writers. The athame is the magic knife and I noticed he tried to correct this in his glossary though he does not explain its many uses.

The part on preparing for ritual with the bath, proper clothing and jewelry is unnecessary and might put the reader off as being too structured. On the steps of ritual, he puts forth a good basic design though a bit lengthy on details. The 3 most important are the Three C's (consecrate, cast, call) to be done in that order, which he could have said in very few words.

I disagree with his footnote (Breaking the Circle,) that some Wiccans believe a counterclockwise movement is negative. Contrary to this, many books say moving clockwise is waxing or growing energy, and moving counterclockwise is waning, or letting go of energy--(to mirror the moon's cycles.) I have been witness to the deliberate use of counterclockwise action in my years of practice with others.

I also disagree that Wiccans believe in reincarnation and past lives. There are so many converging beliefs that you cannot make a general statement. What Wiccans recognize are the cycles of birth, life, and death and see in nature that life can begin anew--as the plants deep in the soil. How far they take that belief differs.

I did like the addition of using gestures and mirror work because this is rarely mentioned in beginning wicca books. I also found his use of stones as his source of power in practice and in visualization interesting. His explanations on the Sabbat are a start to understanding the earth's cycles and I admire that he tied it to the goddess and her son/consort as a life cycle. This can be a complex concept. The part on breathing, meditation and visualization was excellent. The practice on energy-play was new to me and seems helpful. The BOS part is a good sample of what could be in your individualized book. I did think the Spells section was too short, though I was impressed with the spells he cites. They are unique and the actions make sense symbolically. Doing magick for the bill he needs to pay was a great example in setting your intent and visualizing a desired outcome.

As this book is an intro to Wicca it should be supplemented with other sources to compare. I got the book after years of practice, which made it repetitive but yet each Wiccan book holds different things that may speak to you so they are all worth browsing. Note: Many introductory Wicca books are written by male authors. I would recommend adding some books on the divine feminine to balance them out.
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Jan 25, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: lend-to-friends

I have to admit this was the first Wicca book I ever read so I can't compare it to anything out there. All I can say is the subject was covered nicely and it was in a simple language that even someone who didn't know a thing about it would understand what is being said without going into great detail.

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Jul 11, 2011 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, lifestyle, nonfiction, spiritual, pagan

Wicca is truly a beginner's book, and one of the best I've read. I haven't gotten much further than beginner books in the last ten years, so I might know. ;) The organization is really compelling: by layout out theory before ritual and aspects of practice, rather than indulging the reader and jumping straight into "Magick!", the reader has a true chance to decide whether or not any of it aligns with his or her belief system. There are so many useful little tips in this book that even though it c...more

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Aug 11, 2008 J.A. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Cunningham's masterpiece is an excellent first guide to the Old Religion, with an emphasis on personal autonomy and a do-it-yourself spirit. Highly recommended for anyone just starting out on the path.

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May 07, 2013 DJ Harris rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Wiccans

Recommended to DJ by: Alan White

Shelves: religion, wicca, review

This is Scott Cunningham’s attempt at simplifying all things Wicca for the "newbie". It does cover subjects with a common sense approach, but leaves out many needed fundamentals. He does have a gentle voice, very inviting for the inexperienced, won't be appreciate by the seasoned pro.

It is important to note that Scott Cunningham practiced Wicca 20+ years and was the author of more than 50 books. He passed from this life on March 28, 1993, after a long illness. He is missed.

Blessed be.

Get Your Co...more

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Aug 08, 2011 Daniele Robbers rated it 5 of 5 stars

I just order this book and the living Wicca Scott Cunningham is one of my favorite resources I step way from my practice for many years... I went into a spiritual depression of sorts. It been so long I want to revist the books that moved me. The Intro to this book rang so true for me it brought a shiver in to me. This time I know I am not going to get as much from it being I have read it before but it is the best starting point I know. If you are starting from no where this is the best book you...more

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Jul 01, 2010 Alice rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, religion

No, I'm not turning into a witch (regardless of what my ex thinks). I'm just an insatiably curious person.

The book was interesting - the author has the unorthodox view that everyone can basically make up their own version of Wicca. Don't want to join others? Do it alone! Don't like the rituals? Make up your own! Choose your own names and symbols for the God and Goddess! I can see the appeal - but one of the (only) good things about religion is the community that develops. People who will assist...more

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Oct 04, 2011 Johnny Martin rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I took my first brave step into exploring paganism this is one of the books I fortunately encountered. Although I don't class myself as Wiccan now, it certainly provided a fantastic overview of this spiritual path and introduced me to elements of paganism that I have kept as part of my own belief structure ever since. The ancient Celtic calendar, also known as the Wheel of the Year, is given an adequate introduction and there are some beautiful poems and blessings for each Sabbat, plus idea...more

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Apr 11, 2011 Christian rated it 3 of 5 stars

As a starting Wiccan back when i was about 13 this was invaluable to me as it was a way for me to be 'shown the ropes' without becoming embroiled in a coven where decisions could be made on my behalf to my detriment.

Anyway...

This book does exactly what it says on the cover and offers an in depth guide to becoming a Wiccan (a solitary practitioner). This book is POPULAR and pretty much every Wiccan i know has a copy of this somewhere that may speak for itself you may say?

There are better books ou...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Ema rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First book read in 2012!
Anyway, I liked this book a lot. Things were explained very clearly, so I feel like I understand certain things much better now.
I did not really like the Book of Shadows part. I'm sure some people got something out of it, but I didn't.
This book made me feel like I understand Wicca better than before I read it, but as of now, I still feel like I am better off being eclectic using some Wiccan-based practices. I will continue reading books about Wicca, because I feel very dr...more

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Apr 15, 2011 David rated it 3 of 5 stars

I've heard a lot of hype about this book, so I wanted to check it out. At the end I'm kind of disappointed in how light weight the information is. It's not very comprehensive. The 3rd part of the book is actually his Book of shadows which is a reference guide. I guess if someone was completely new to spirituality it would be an okay beginner tome. You have to start somewhere I suppose.
After reading through it, I'm not sure I would recommend it. I didn't learn anything new, and it did not impact...more

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Sep 23, 2011 Carol Weekes rated it 5 of 5 stars

The late Scott Cunningham presents a clear, concise, and easy-to-read introduction to the topic of Wicca, both for the new practioner and for those simply interested in expanding their understanding of a path that dates back centuries. Cunningham is known for his earnest and down-to-earth approach to his chosen topic. He explains each concept so that the lay-person can understand the history, meaning, approach, and results of the practice of Wicca and Paganism. Highly recommended for anyone with...more

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Jan 11, 2012 Jack Yeaton rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is an Excellent book. It is very informative and written in layman's terms. It's not a hokey book filled with supposedly ancient, and rather vague, material like most. It flows well, and is absolutely centered around the reader. It contains easy to use information, that is useful to any practitioner. I gave this book a five out of five because it is easily digestible, Easy to use, and Informative. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn about the craft. It is a perfect gui...more

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Jul 15, 2012 Sandra rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: wicca

I simply LOVE this book and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone new to Wicca, as it was one of my first. While many find it repetitive, folks with a short attention span, or short memory might find that aspect to be of some help. Since I was new to Wicca, the book was perfect. I do not belong to a coven, so I have adopted Scott's "Standing Stones" as my own tradition. It has served me well. I like that he really explains things in such a way that even a beginner has the confidence to "go it alone".

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Feb 25, 2013 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Let me begin by saying that I have 2 more books by Scott Cunningham.

From what I have derived is that he says the same things in every book he writes. Nothing new, just the same things said a little differently. I was very disappointed in this. I thought I was going to get more involved in the details. I am a Solitary Practitioner, myself and was really looking forward to finding more ways to experience my craft.
Here, in this book, I've found none. Wasted time.

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Jan 03, 2013 Danny rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: religion-mythology

Scott Cunningham is such a popular author in the Wiccan communities. I've come across people who love him and people who hate him. Personally, this was the very first book I read about Wicca and it certainly helped educate me. It is a good 101 book and doesn't go into very much detail. I would recommend it to anyone who is just starting on the Wiccan path or one who is trying to understand it. It also does have some great references in the back that I find very useful.

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Oct 25, 2009 Bondama rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book provides an excellent overview, particularly for those not acquainted with Wicca. Cunningham succeeds, far more frequently than most writers on this "sensitive" subject in explaining the Old Religion. In particular, he does his best to do so in a non-threatening manner. So, so many Christians equate Wicca or White Witchcraft with Devil worship, when the opposite is true. If one does not believe that Jesus Christ is God, why then would we believe in Satan?

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May 07, 2011 Tempest rated it 5 of 5 stars

I found this book very useful, enjoyable, and easy to read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wishing to learn about wicca and solitary practice. Cunningham expresses his opinion and views on wicca strongly but not to the point of overshadowing the importance of the readers personal experience and adaptation. The book makes a point of expressing, this is a way or the common way to do things, not this is the only way to do wicca.

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Jun 09, 2011 Michelle rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: pagan-witchcraft-new-age, books-i-own

Very basic. This is a good introduction to Wicca but I encourage the reader to go out and read MANY more authors. There is so much more to Wicca than this book (even when it comes to basics) but this is a good stepping stone.

Also, if you'd like to save some money, I think this book does NOT ned to be read at all if you get "Living Wicca" by Scott Cunningham. It's more practical and it goes over everything in this book at the beginning.

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Aug 23, 2010 Adele rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone curious about wicca or looking to star out

Recommended to Adele by: my best friend

Curious about Wicca, but don't know much about it. Then this book is for you!!!
This book was my stepping stone into Wicca. This book really helped me along my spiritual path. however if your looking at starting or if your just curious about wicca, this book give you the authours viewpoint. a lot of it is left up to you. but i suggest you read other books on wicca as well as this one.. but i found this one one of the best!

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Aug 13, 2009 Nicole Talucci rated it 3 of 5 stars

A solid introductory book with gobs of information. At times Scott Cunningham seems a little biased or pushy, and has gone off on a few short speeches, but overall the book is very informative. Stays true to the idea of Wicca being what you make of it.

Keep in mind that this book was originally published in 1988 and some of the information is slightly outdated. There is no updated version of the book because Cunningham died in 1993 so some of the "occult suppliers" and mailing lists he talks abo...more

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About Scott Cunningham

Scott Douglas Cunningham was the author of dozens of popular books on Wicca and various other alternative religious subjects. Today the name Cunningham is synonymous with natural magic and the magical community. He is recognized today as one of the most influential and revolutionary authors in the field of natural magic.

Scott Cunningham was born at the William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michi...more

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Books by Scott Cunningham

Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner

The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic

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