A review by hrusewif
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, by Scott Cunningham
4.0
Realistically speaking, it's not unproblematic by any means. It's very much clearly outdated in a lot of regards, and has numerous issues- such as, for example, his definition and use of Shamanism, the use of the G*psy slur, some outdated research, and questionable claims, etc; politically, we've moved beyond many of these things (or at least tried to) for the sake of cultural respect, improved archeological evidence, and many other reasons. In that regard, of course, as with my suggestion for all Neopagan materials, you definitely need to be reading this book alongside updated academically inclined materials that give you accurate history, etc.
If you can get past these errors and issues, however? On the surface, it actually holds up surprisingly well compared to other texts of its era (that being the late 90's and early 00's) that I've read... And, sadly, even to most modern texts I've been reading as of late. Especially, actually, to most modern texts I've been reading; many of which have all of the same problems and more, but little of the intellectualism with which Cunningham rights or even shows his topic in general.
To get into that, tput its virtues simply: It's free from a surprising majority of the pseudohistory, anti-Christian bias, and other issues that still continue to plague today's modern texts. It also lacks the childish petulance, and contains a refreshing level of intellectualism and nuance that other texts continue to lack even today. There's a gentle encouragement about not worrying if everything is perfect, while still emphasizing that things are done for a reason that drives home the fact that these reasons are what make a tradition, without being overbearing or stuffy. And, my true love, of course, is that there's an impressive bibliography, reference, and index; though plenty of these texts are likewise out of date by now, the fact they were included at all is lovely- especially when this is still an annoying rarity among modern authors (and when they are included, they're typically circle-jerking they're own work or other equally useless Llewellyn books).
It's also integral to remember while reading it that though he calls it Wicca throughout the book, what he's talking about in the book isn't Wicca proper. What this more correctly is, is one of the first emergent books to outline what would become NeoWicca based on what Wiccan information isn't oathbound and can therefore be shared to some regard with outsiders; Traditional Wicca, even today, still remains a coven based, initiatory mystery religious system with a strict lineage and vetting system. Which means no vettable and lineaged coven, no oathbound initiation, then not Wiccan- and that's the sad fact of the matter. That doesn't make NeoWicca itself a lesser or derogatory path by any means (especially not as one of the largest of its derivative faiths today). But it is integral to remember that they are two very different paths and to update your language, understanding, and expectations accordingly as you rad this text- just as you would with any other outdated source. Petulantly throwing a fit and pretending otherwise as most seem to do is simply childishness.
Otherwise, though... For as old as it is? I feel like it genuinely remains a fairly solid beginner's text in numerous regards. Firstly for anyone who seeks to follow the NeoWicca faith specifically, who doesn't have access to Covens of any type, but still wants a solid, quick-and-dirty entry point; and potentially for those Neopagan beginners looking for a solid foundation to start building some kind of an actual working / active practice on, since it does provide a sort of structural foundation that's easy to modify at will while ignoring what you don't need.
It's certainly better than recommending Silver Ravenwolf or any of her modern students and their continuations of her tripe (yes, I'm still complaining about Arin Murphy-Hiscock. No, I will not stop).
If you can get past these errors and issues, however? On the surface, it actually holds up surprisingly well compared to other texts of its era (that being the late 90's and early 00's) that I've read... And, sadly, even to most modern texts I've been reading as of late. Especially, actually, to most modern texts I've been reading; many of which have all of the same problems and more, but little of the intellectualism with which Cunningham rights or even shows his topic in general.
To get into that, tput its virtues simply: It's free from a surprising majority of the pseudohistory, anti-Christian bias, and other issues that still continue to plague today's modern texts. It also lacks the childish petulance, and contains a refreshing level of intellectualism and nuance that other texts continue to lack even today. There's a gentle encouragement about not worrying if everything is perfect, while still emphasizing that things are done for a reason that drives home the fact that these reasons are what make a tradition, without being overbearing or stuffy. And, my true love, of course, is that there's an impressive bibliography, reference, and index; though plenty of these texts are likewise out of date by now, the fact they were included at all is lovely- especially when this is still an annoying rarity among modern authors (and when they are included, they're typically circle-jerking they're own work or other equally useless Llewellyn books).
It's also integral to remember while reading it that though he calls it Wicca throughout the book, what he's talking about in the book isn't Wicca proper. What this more correctly is, is one of the first emergent books to outline what would become NeoWicca based on what Wiccan information isn't oathbound and can therefore be shared to some regard with outsiders; Traditional Wicca, even today, still remains a coven based, initiatory mystery religious system with a strict lineage and vetting system. Which means no vettable and lineaged coven, no oathbound initiation, then not Wiccan- and that's the sad fact of the matter. That doesn't make NeoWicca itself a lesser or derogatory path by any means (especially not as one of the largest of its derivative faiths today). But it is integral to remember that they are two very different paths and to update your language, understanding, and expectations accordingly as you rad this text- just as you would with any other outdated source. Petulantly throwing a fit and pretending otherwise as most seem to do is simply childishness.
Otherwise, though... For as old as it is? I feel like it genuinely remains a fairly solid beginner's text in numerous regards. Firstly for anyone who seeks to follow the NeoWicca faith specifically, who doesn't have access to Covens of any type, but still wants a solid, quick-and-dirty entry point; and potentially for those Neopagan beginners looking for a solid foundation to start building some kind of an actual working / active practice on, since it does provide a sort of structural foundation that's easy to modify at will while ignoring what you don't need.
It's certainly better than recommending Silver Ravenwolf or any of her modern students and their continuations of her tripe (yes, I'm still complaining about Arin Murphy-Hiscock. No, I will not stop).