This month’s spotlight is on one of Wicca’s precious gems, writer Scott Cunningham.
Wiccan Pioneer
When I discovered my calling to the goddess in 2004, Scott Cunningham’s Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, is what sealed the deal. I still use the techniques I learned from that one book to this day. It, more than anything else, let me recognize that the time had come to turn my back on ways I was NEVER comfortable with and embrace a path I know I was destined to be on since conception.
Cunningham was born on June 27, 1956. The physical realm lost him at too young of an age, 36, in 1993. In that time, Cunningham wrote 21 books regarding Wicca and spirituality. Five of those books were published after his death.
Wiccan Roots
Cunningham first became interested in the craft through his grandmother’s work with folk magic while he was in high school.[1] Later on, he studied under Raven Grimassi. He practiced as a first-degree initiate until 1982 when he started exploring solitary practice. Reportedly, he left the more structured traditions because he felt constrained because of his open lifestyle.[2]
His group of friends during his formation as a Wiccan reads like a who who’s of witchcraft authors: Raven Grimassi, Donald Michael Kraig and Raymond Buckland.
Scott Cunningham Books
- 1980 – Shadow of Love (fiction)
- 1982 – Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise (ISBN 0-87542-120-2)
- 1983 – Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic (ISBN 0-87542-121-0)
- 1985 – Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (ISBN 0-87542-122-9)
- 1987 – The Magical Household: Spells and Rituals for the Home (with David Harrington) (ISBN 0-87542-124-5)
- 1987 – Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic (ISBN 0-87542-126-1)
- 1988 – The Truth About Witchcraft Today (ISBN 0-87542-127-X)
- 1988 – Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (ISBN 0-87542-118-0)
- 1989 – The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews (ISBN 0-87542-128-8)
- 1989 – Magical Aromatherapy: The Power of Scent (ISBN 0-87542-129-6)
- 1991 – Earth, Air, Fire, and Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic (ISBN 0-87542-131-8)
- 1991 – The Magic in Food (ISBN 0-87542-130-X)
- 1993 – Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Wicca in the Kitchen (ISBN 0-7387-0226-9)
- 1993 – Divination For Beginners (ISBN 0-7387-0384-2)
- 1993 – Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (ISBN 0-87542-184-9)
- 1993 – Spell Crafts: Creating Magical Objects (with David Harrington) (ISBN 0-87542-185-7)
- 1993 – The Truth About Herb Magic (ISBN 0-87542-132-6)
- 1994 – The Truth About Witchcraft (ISBN 0-87542-357-4)
- 1995 – Hawaiian Magic and Spirituality (ISBN 1-56718-199-6)
- 1997 – Pocket Guide to Fortune Telling (ISBN 0-89594-875-3)
- 1999 – Dreaming the Divine: Techniques for Sacred Sleep (ISBN 1-56718-192-9)
- 2009 – Cunningham’s Book of Shadows: The Path of An American Traditionalist (ISBN 0-73871-914-5)
Also while researching this article, I found the following YouTube video showcasing Cunningham and herbal magic.
As I close, I want to encourage all of you just starting on this wonderful adventure of the craft to read at least one of Scott Cunningham’s books. He influenced many that came before you, and his books will influence those who come after you. He was an advocate for living a life true to yourself and allowing others to do the same. A message so sorely needed in a world like today.
Out of curiosity, which of Cunningham’s books are your favorite?
Sources: [1, 2] LGBTQ Religious Archives Network (LGBT-RAN)