What to Read? Reading By Author: Scott Cunningham

The first "What to Read" segment was solely for "Beginner Books" and came from all different authors and sources... For the next few installments I am going to focus on just ONE author at a time. Many Pagan Authors have their own following of fans who just love their writing style and knowledge. I can't tell you which authors YOU will love, but these lists will hopefully help you to find a favorite or just build your library.

Our first Featured Author is Scott Cunningham (June 27, 1956 – March 28, 1993).

Scott Cunningham was first introduced to the Occult and Pagan world of Covens through a highschool friend. She also introduced him to Wicca, and helped him to start his training. He studied creative writing at San Diego State University, where he enrolled in 1978. After two years in the program, however, he had more published works than several of his professors, and dropped out of the university to write full time. During this period he had as a roommate magical author Donald Michael Kraig and often socialized with witchcraft author Raymond Buckland. In 1980 Cunningham began initiate training under Raven Grimassi and remained as a first-degree initiate until 1982 when he left the tradition in favor of a self-styled form of Wicca.

In 1983, Scott Cunningham was diagnosed with lymphoma, which he successfully battled. In 1990, while on a speaking tour in Massachusetts, he suddenly fell ill and was diagnosed with AIDS-related cryptococcal meningitis. He suffered from several infections and died in March 1993. He was 36.

His most widely known book, and by far most popular is Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner which includes his personal book of shadows. Originally published in 1988, this Guide has helped hundreds of thousands of new Wiccans discover their paths and become comfortable within their new lives... However, it's highly recommended for anyone interested in or following a Pagan Path as just a good guide which is easily altered to fit the personal beliefs of the reader...

Below you will find a full list of writings by Scott Cunningham...

1980 - Shadow of Love (fiction)
1982 - Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise
1983 - Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic
1985 - Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
1987 - The Magical Household: Spells & Rituals for the Home
1987 - Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic
1988 - The Truth About Witchcraft Today
1988 - Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
1989 - The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews
1989 - Magical Aromatherapy: The Power of Scent
1991 - Earth, Air, Fire & Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic
1991 - Magic In Food: Legends, Lore & Spellwork
1993 - Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Wicca in the Kitchen
1993 - Divination for Beginners: Reading the Past, Present & Future
1993 - Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
1993 - Spell Crafts: Creating Magical Objects
1993 - The Truth About Herb Magic
1994 - The Truth About Witchcraft
1995 - Hawaiian Magic & Spirituality
1995 -Hawaiian Religion & Magic
1997 - Pocket Guide to Fortune Telling
1999 - Dreaming the Divine: Techniques for Sacred Sleep
2009 - Cunningham's Book of Shadows: The Path of An American Traditionalist

Below you'll find a few "Reader Reviews" and "Reader Ratings" so that you can see what actual readers think... If you have read any of the writings of Scott Cunningham and would be willing to share your feelings, please post them below in our comments area!

"Ive read his book about herbs....I really like it, its a good reference book.  Ive also read his book about Wicca:Guide to the Solitary Practitioner.  Its what opened my eyes to what Wicca was about so Id give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars."  -  Amaranth361 (via CafeMom)
 
"Wicca in the Kitchen (encyclopedia of) by Scott Cunningham is a book I refer to often. I would give it 5 stars as a reference book. It has very little magical instruction though so if that is what you are after I would recommend looking elsewhere. That said I love this book and keep it on hand in my kitchen at all times. It lists the magical and healing  properties of almost all imaginable foods. I turn to it when I want to prepare myself a dish that will give me extra "oomph" in my magical desires. It is also a great reference for preparing festival (or other symbolic foods). If you enjoy food, cooking, and magic then there is no way you could not love this book."  -  Teralita (via CafeMom)

"I'd recommend them all because they're easy to read and not intimidating at all for newcomers.  My favorite is Incense, Oils, and Brews because it was my first spell book and focused on my favorite things."  -  Sherriet (via CafeMom)

"I have a lot (trying to get all) of his books. I love them all so far and would recommend them to everyone."  -  Pixie92 (via CafeMom)

"I have read and own "The magical household: spells & rituals for the home."
It has has things on old timey house lore, and the chapters are: the hearth, thresholds of power, furnishings, dreaming, stove and spoon, bathing and brushing, the indoor garden, fur,fins, and feathers, the mystic garden, the garage, protection, by broom and rag, household purifications, moving, the magical year, house spells, household omens and portents, & the household altar. And it just gives you really great info in every chapter. and covers every section of the house. i think one of my favorite sections are the "by broom and rag" section. its about how cleaning the home is a ritual itself :). i also like the "moving" section, very kool stuff in there.  I would give this book 5 stars lol. :)"  -  Pinkdragonsegg (via CafeMom)