March 28: Death of Scott Cunningham
Friday March 27, 2009
It's been several years since the death of Wiccan author Scott Cunningham in 1993, and it never fails to amaze me how much of an impact his books have had on modern Pagans and followers of magical paths. For me personally, I think the one that affected me the most in my studies was The Magical Household. It was a book that reminded me that while it's one thing to hold rituals and memorize correspondences, it's another thing entirely to live a magical life on a daily basis.
One book I always recommend for new folks is Cunningham's Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, because despite its shortcomings, a reader who has no inkling of what Wicca is can still understand the concept of becoming one with the Divine. I've also come to use his Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews frequently as a reference, simply because I like the way he breaks down the ingredients into the why, as opposed to just presenting a list of stuff with no explanations.
Scott Cunningham's books remain some of the most often used titles even today, sixteen years after his death. What other authors have you been influenced by in your magical practice and spiritual path?
One book I always recommend for new folks is Cunningham's Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, because despite its shortcomings, a reader who has no inkling of what Wicca is can still understand the concept of becoming one with the Divine. I've also come to use his Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews frequently as a reference, simply because I like the way he breaks down the ingredients into the why, as opposed to just presenting a list of stuff with no explanations.
Scott Cunningham's books remain some of the most often used titles even today, sixteen years after his death. What other authors have you been influenced by in your magical practice and spiritual path?
Comments
I’ve always been a fan of Scott Cunningham. In fact my first “official” pagan book that I purchased was his Earth, Air, Fire, Water. I still have it and it’s been from one end of the country to the other a back a few times and now dogeared and water stained.
Edain Mccoy and Dorothy Morrison are two of my favorite authors most of their books have a very down-to-earthish style about them. These are two women I could see sitting around sipping mead with.
Without a doubt, my favorite Scott Cunningham book is his Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. I’ve come to rely on it for useful and practical information in making all my herbal mixtures, potions, and dedications I use during rituals. I have read his other works, but this is definitely one of my first “go-to” books.
Oh yeah - I agree with Blinda on Edain McCoy - She’s a great author I find very easy to read.
Also, I love Konstantinos for the best nighttime ritual information, Raymond Buckland the authority on pretty much everything Pagan, and Valerie Worth. Her Crone’s books are one of the only one’s I’ve ever seen that actually give rituals from the olden days, for better or worse.
Oh man I totally forgot about the crone books. those are pretty awesome and my hubby loves Konstantinos.
I love Scott Cunningham. I’ve got nearly all his pagan books, except for his Earth, Air, Fire and Water (I’m having a hard time finding it!) He was among the first books I’ve read, and I still use them for references. He’s deeply missed.
Buckland & McCoy are good, and so are D.J. Conway & Silver Ravenwolf. Oberon Zell’s “Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard” has a ton of information. I’ve found Konstantinos to be a bit lacking in the ethics department; especially with beginners you have to stress karmic backlash if you try to bind others to your will in any way. The author of the article mentions shortcomings of “Solitary Practitioner” but does not elaborate. What are these shortcomings in your view? I still recommend Cunningham to beginners over others, and for herbal info “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs” is tops.
Olytanis - you can read my thoughts on this book at the link within the article, or by clicking here: Wicca For Solitaries.
Some of the authors folks have mentioned above are quite useful, while there’s a couple on there whose scholarship is less than stellar, and as such, their work maybe should be taken with a grain of salt
patti
really injoy scott cunnngham’s book’s,Have 9-of them now.The best!.
Scott was by far one of the premier Pagan writers who offered a great amount of information and instruction for those looking to walk the path.
I myself have a number of his publications, and refer to them, especially the “Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs”.
He is indeed greatly missed.
I Love Scott Cunningham, I enjoy his straight forward approach, I only wish I had found him sooner! Tanis, you should check out The Celtic Connection - that’s where I got all my Scott Cunningham books including Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Besides this site and WitchVox, that is the only other pagan/wiccan site i have bookmarked!
Scott’s were the first books I read on Wicca, and truly pointed me along the path. It wasn’t until about 8 years later that I learned that my son and Scott attended the same high school in San Carlos (San Diego). What a small world.
I came upon one of Scott Cunningham’s books (guide for the solitary) while browsing through my friends library while housesitting. I now consider that to be a life altering moment. I was raised catholic, although haven’t practiced in years, never felt a connection to any “religion”. I’ve researched several feeling empty of some type of faith, they just didn’t speak to me. I read the book in a day, and have been on this wonderful path every since. I’m now in my first degree class and feel like I am finally where I should be. I have nearly all of his books and although have read numerous others, always come back to his for reference. In fact to convince my family I have not converted to “devil worshipping black magic stuff” I have had them read his book and although we agree to be on different paths they can understand why I am drawn to the Wiccan Path.
I love Scott’s books. They’re great primers. I also like the practicality of them.
Dorothy Morrison is also a favorite of mine. Her Everyday Moon Magic is well-laid out, extremely practical, and packed with information.
Basically, I like authors who have obviously done the work and aren’t just talking theory and/or ritual.