Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (Includes Author's Book of Shadows)

If you are totally new to Wicca, or even more general nature based Paganism, this is a really good place to start expanding your knowledge. I knew a good amount about Paganism and especially Druidism before I read this book, but once I became interested in Wicca and read this book, it gave me a good idea of what Wicca was all about. It's really a beginners book and therefore doesn't go into much detail. But it certainly gives you a good all-around idea of the philosophy and spiritual aspect of Wicca, as well as rituals, recipes, seasonal festivals, tools and symbols, the dualism of a God and Goddess and many more basic Wicca concepts. As the title says, it's more targeted to solitary practitioners. So if you can't find a coven, or simply prefer to have your own individualized religion, this is a great source in how to do so. This is more the path of an eclectic Wiccan, but even if you merely have interest in knowing more about Wicca as a religion, rather than making it your own, it's a good stepping stone to it's introduction. Maybe not the best source for researching the history of Wicca, because it is New Age and highly personalized. I would strongly recommend this book if you want a glimpse into the Wiccan world.

This is a good book for those who are beginning to introduce themselves to the world of formal paganism. I am not Wiccan so I can't say how it measures up to the religion but there is a lot of good information for those who don't know what path they will take but at least want to try something. It's not condescending in tone rather it's warm and inviting, with undertones of understanding. It also is not 'baby talk' so the reader can feel mature enough to take the information seriously and perhaps not so strange performing some of the rituals inside. I like it.

Cunningham was indeed a great teacher, with a talent for putting things in plain, easy to understand English, and speaking TO the reader, rather than talking down to them. This book is a must have for any beginner.

I did some research online before purchasing Scott Cunningham's book and found that it came highly recommended. As someone who is just learning about Wicca I have found this book to be informative, reassuring, and very straightforward. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to follow the Wiccan path, or is researching the Old Ways, especially if, like me, you live somewhere where it is just about impossible to find anyone to teach you.

This book is just simply wonderful. Scott Cunningham was a truly wonderful man and fellow Wiccan, no matter if you are new to Wicca or have been practicing for many years, this and all of his books are a must!!! )O(