Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Cunningham's Magical Sampler: Collected Writings and Spells from the Renowned Wiccan Author

Rate this book
Find the knowledge and inspiration you desire with this collection of Scott Cunningham's spells, essays, and rituals―collected for the first time from his best contributions to Llewellyn's Magical Almanacs . Delight in Cunningham's timeless wisdom on popular topics such as the Sabbats, protection magic, moon spells, and herbal remedies. New and longtime fans will marvel at Cunningham's ability to breathe magical life into such unique topics as tattooing, the divine history of sneezing, dressing with power, Greek oracles, birds of the deities, and more. Well known for perfecting his spells and rituals through experimentation before publishing them, Cunningham wrote with unmatched simplicity and grace. His words in this collection are sure to inspire you on your path to an enchanted life.

264 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2012

25 people are currently reading
505 people want to read

About the author

DeTraci Regula

10 books6 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
73 (48%)
4 stars
53 (35%)
3 stars
18 (12%)
2 stars
5 (3%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Shaheen.
4 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2012
Cunningham's Magical Sampler is a stellar collection of magical writings from one of the most respected Wiccan Authors of our time. Scott Cunningham became a pivotal force in the Wiccan community as an Author and teacher. He was one of the key figures in pushing Wicca and Witchcraft into the mainstream.

As you read through the Magical Sampler you are reading through Cunningham's personal collection of articles and notes. This collection of information is filled with diverse ideas and topics, from history, to folklore, to herbology and spells. The information is both practical and intermediate, giving everyone something to muse on.

Cunningham always writes in a way that makes you feel like he is right there, gently instructing you with each step. Nothing about this text is hard to follow, but on every page is a new layer and facet of magical information. This is truly a treasure for anyone interested in Wicca and Witchcraft.

This isn't a book that you have to read from start to finish, it is a flexible treasury of information that you can thumb through, as you need. As you read through you get the impression that nothing within is hard-fast rule, but rather suggestions to add to your personal practice.

One thing that I found very fascinating about the text is how it acts almost as a historical account of Cunningham's life and the time that he was living in. He explores spellcraft and technology and he talks extensively on the mystical identity of Hawaii. So much of his personality comes through, making the text much more relatable.

The book is laid out in five distinct sections: Personal Power and Growth, Instruction and Applied Magic, Herbs and Food, Nature and Earth Power, and Ancient Cultures and Lore. My favorite section is on herbs and foods because of the interesting exploration of "Shakespeare's Herbal Code".

The closing section called, "The Magic of Scott Cunningham", by Donald Michael Kraig is extraordinary! Kraig gives wonderful accounts of Cunningham's life and glimpses into his distinct personality.

Cunningham's Magical Sampler is an incredible addition to any magical library and it is sure to be another Llewellyn classic! The book is scheduled for release on November 8th.

Shaheen Miro is an intuitive reader, Reiki practitioner, fashion design student, artist and writer. Contact: 937.213.3426 / shaheen@shaheenmiroinsights.com /

© Shaheen Miro 2012
Profile Image for Debra.
Author 12 books115 followers
July 8, 2017
Cunningham’s Magic Sampler is exactly what the title says: a sample collection of articles and excerpts from Scott Cunningham’s work before his death in 1993. I read and recently reviewed his book, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, but the Magic Sampler gave me more insight to the variety of work he published and Cunningham himself.

There are a number of useful tips for aspiring Wiccan practitioners, and articles on all sorts of things. There are even a few healing food recipes. Most poignant, though, is the essay in the last part of the book, written by his friend and former roommate, Donald Michael Kraig. The essay is a beautifully written piece that reveals more about Cunningham’s personality, his beliefs, and some of the things he was passionate about such as the magic and history of Hawaii.

What struck me most, and I should have realized this before, is that Cunningham was not only a gifted Wiccan practitioner, but an excellent writer. Like many professional wordsmiths, Cunningham struggled to earn a living in the early days, but he certainly had talent. He wrote about Wicca in an easy-to-understand way. For those who wish to add to their collection on the study of Wicca, I recommend both books.
Profile Image for Angy.
118 reviews12 followers
May 17, 2022
When I entered my local metaphysical store for the first time, I was recommended the work of Cunningham, and in particular, this book, as it covered a bunch of different topics related to the magickal realm. It lived up to my expectations and more! I became acquainted with Cunningham's engaging writing style, as well as the information that he presents. He makes it clear that magick is an intuitive form of energy that doesn't contradict science, even if science doesn't quite understand it. My only issue with this book is that it covered a lot of information in a pretty vague manner without too much detail, though that's the purpose of this book. I'll have to read more of his more specialized books to be able to gain a more detailed knowledge of certain topics.
Profile Image for teacupsandunicorns.
381 reviews
June 14, 2020
This was really interesting to read. It features the beliefs of magic in different cultures in Asia, Europe, and Africa as well as America (but most Europe and America). It features some spells as well as the significance of some herbs and flowers and even colors!
Really cool book. If you want to learn some basics about the beliefs of magic, then this is a great place to start!
It explains a brief history of how magic was seen as good and helpful, and not evil or Satanic until Christianity deemed it bad. So now a lot of people are empowered by taking back magic and their personal power, which is awesome!
Profile Image for Erin.
348 reviews10 followers
March 25, 2018
I really enjoyed it. it had great articles and a few spells and tips I had to copy into my own set. scott cunningham has always made magic available to all who wish to explore it. I borrowed it from.the library but I would purchase this to add to my collection for easy reference. :)
Profile Image for Gayle Pace.
1,110 reviews22 followers
December 27, 2012
MAGIC ALL AROUND YOU -

BLURB:
A collection of powerful Magic and natural wisdom from the one and only Scott Cunningham. Find the knowledge and inspiration you desire with the collection of Cunningham's spells, essays, and rituals-collected for the first time from his best contributions to LLEWELLYN'S MAGICAL ALMANACS. Delight in

Cunningham's timeless wisdom on popular topics such as the Sabbats, protection magic and herbal remedies. New and longtime fans will marvel at Cunningham's ability to breathe magical life into such unique topics as tattooing, history of sneezing, dressing with power, Greek oracles, birds of the deities, and more.

REVIEW:

This book contains a collection of Magic that is so powerful and natural wisdom from the one and only Scott Cunningham. For over twenty years, he practiced magic actively. He penned more than fifty books, both fiction and non-fiction. CUNNINGHAM'S MAGICAL SAMPLER contains invocation, incantations and recipes for rituals. It is a fantastic educational resource and a true MAGICAL SAMPLER. Scott had a wide range of interests within the New Age, where he was regarded with much respect. He passed into Summerland on March 28, 1993, after a long illness. CUNNINGHAM'S MAGICAL SAMPLER contains writings from one of the most respected Wiccan authors. Scott Cunningham became a strong force in the Wiccan family as an author and teacher. Wicca and Witchcraft became part of the mainstream because of his diligence to push it through.

The MAGICAL SAMPLER is a personal collection of articles and notes. This is what you are reading. Cunningham had many diverse and off the trodden path ideas and topics, that ranged from history to folklore to herbs and spells. The information gives everyone something to reflect on.

I felt like Cunningham was right beside me, slowly teaching me with each ritual and spell. I think that every page is filled with more and more magical information. This book holds the truth and magic to so many things. Cunningham was a person of his own. He didn't write with a hard fast rule that was put in stone. He gave suggestions and ideas that you could apply to your own magic. I felt he didn't let non-believers change his beliefs, and yet didn't push his ways on others. This book isn't a page turner, It isn't that kind of book. I feel it is a book that you can skip around in. This book is definitely a keeper even if you are not a believer. I think everyone's bookshelf should hold diversity.

The book has five divisions: Personal Power and Growth, Instruction and Applied Magic, Herbs and Food, Nature and Earth Power, and Ancient Cultures and Lore. I found my favorite to be Personal Power and Growth. It's how you can increase your power without "letting it go to your head." With that power or in any of the five divisions, I feel you will grow.

There is another form of magic that Scott brought to people, LOVE.

Love is the greatest form of magic there is.

This book is from my own personal library.

http://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=...

http://bemiown.blogspot.com


Profile Image for Emily Donnelly.
73 reviews10 followers
May 6, 2013
I have read Scott Cunninghams Wicca For the Solitar Practitioner and loved it. He was obviously a very smart man. I am glad to have come accross this book at random to read all of these articles that he has written.
Profile Image for R.M. Watters.
Author 2 books12 followers
June 7, 2015
This is a wonderful read. It is filled with small articles written by Scott. It gives just a brief explanation of things which is perfect for anyone to the Craft whether you be new to it or have practiced for years.
Profile Image for Sarah.
179 reviews9 followers
December 2, 2012
review soon @ thefaeryromanticlibrarian.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Tonya Brown.
Author 8 books46 followers
April 1, 2015
I constantly rave about this book and I recommend it to anyone who asks for a practice book to living your life in a magical way.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.