As a new Witch, we all get the advice of “read, read, read!” It’s not always easy to find a good book to start, so I decided to do a review of all the books I read. I don’t plan to say “You should read that book” or “You shouldn’t read that book”. My review is to give you what is good and what is not so good about a book to give you the chance of choosing for yourself if it would be a good read for you.
Wicca, by Cunningham
Highly cited as a “Must read” author for new Witches, Scott Cunningham is probably the first to have written about the solitary practice, the practice of witchcraft outside coven. I’ve read the French translation by Céline Parent-Pomerleau, La Wicca, Magie blanche et art de vivre. It’s the first “occult” book I ever owned, gifted to me by mother when I was 15 years old and just starting on my path.
The book
- Author: Scott Cunningham
- Date: 1988
- Original language: English
- Page: 253
The book is made in three different parts, with a glossary and a bibliography. The first part talks about the theory about the religion of Wicca, the second part talk about the practice, and the last part is a small Book of Shadow to get you started right away.
What’s good
The book is a good Wicca 101 course at the time of publication. It gives you a good base for what this religion is, what are the beliefs, and how you, alone wherever you are in the world, can start practicing it today with only that.
Also, the theory and everything is not presenting the material as a hard doctrine you have to follow exactly. Cunningham often gives alternatives, or example to guide you to do what feels good to you. As he says, he teaches some building blocks so you can build your own rituals and spells. It gives you freedom, not rules.
The glossary I find good for beginners, it’s a great help when you are just starting and are completely lost.
What I liked the most is the bibliography. It lists a good amount of books on several subjects by respected and known authors. It’s a starting point to read more and slowly build your witch library.
What is not so good
For someone interested only in witchcraft and not the religion of Wicca, this book would not be the best. All the material is around the triple Goddess and the Horned God, and even if some of the material refers to other gods and goddesses, it always comes back ultimately at the practice of Wicca and the celebrations, beliefs of Wicca.
Also, this book is really just a starting point, an initiation. A book one for beginners. I feel like everything, every part, every subject is just mentioned, maybe define a bit, but that’s all. There’s no deep explanation, nothing advanced. This book feels like a plant starting kit with a plastic pot, some soil and a few seeds and tells you “plant the seeds, water, and good luck”.
In my opinion
This is a good book and still a great suggestion today for the complete beginner who is just starting and has an interest in following the religion of Wicca particularly. For someone who has no interest in Wicca or who is a bit more experienced, this book is not essential.
Moonflower Coven 