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Que es la Wicca?: Brujeria de hoy
¿Cuál es la verdad sobre la brujería actualmente?
Este es el primer vistazo real sobre el tema de la brujería y la religión Wicca. Por siglos, religiones organizadas perpetraron mentiras a cerca de la ancestral práctica de la brujería y hasta nuestros días, mucha gente desinformada piensa que la Wicca tiene que ver con ritos diabólicos y prácticas de magia negra ¡Esto simplemente no es así! Como lo establece el autor Cunningham, la práctica de la magia no es supernatural o satánica. Las brujas y los magos tradicionales a través de rituales practicados por siempre, han utilizado las energías naturales dentro de la tierra y en nuestros propios cuerpos para enriquecer la vida a través de cambios positivos.
Este libro muestra que los brujos son mujeres y hombres provenientes de todos los caminos de la vida y de diversas culturas y religiones. Ellos han encontrado en la Wicca la única religión que promueve el amor por la tierra y hace reverencia al aspecto femenino de lo Las Diosas―un elemento perdido en muchas de las religiones.
Si usted quiere saber cómo funciona la magia exactamente, este libro lo hará. Cunningham le ofrece explicaciones concretas sobre las prácticas má cómo llevar a cabo un hechizo; qué es un pentáculo; la diferencia entre un ritual, la magia ceremonial; y mucho más.
Este es el primer vistazo real sobre el tema de la brujería y la religión Wicca. Por siglos, religiones organizadas perpetraron mentiras a cerca de la ancestral práctica de la brujería y hasta nuestros días, mucha gente desinformada piensa que la Wicca tiene que ver con ritos diabólicos y prácticas de magia negra ¡Esto simplemente no es así! Como lo establece el autor Cunningham, la práctica de la magia no es supernatural o satánica. Las brujas y los magos tradicionales a través de rituales practicados por siempre, han utilizado las energías naturales dentro de la tierra y en nuestros propios cuerpos para enriquecer la vida a través de cambios positivos.
Este libro muestra que los brujos son mujeres y hombres provenientes de todos los caminos de la vida y de diversas culturas y religiones. Ellos han encontrado en la Wicca la única religión que promueve el amor por la tierra y hace reverencia al aspecto femenino de lo Las Diosas―un elemento perdido en muchas de las religiones.
Si usted quiere saber cómo funciona la magia exactamente, este libro lo hará. Cunningham le ofrece explicaciones concretas sobre las prácticas má cómo llevar a cabo un hechizo; qué es un pentáculo; la diferencia entre un ritual, la magia ceremonial; y mucho más.
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
60 people are currently reading
1292 people want to read
About the author
Scott Cunningham
112 books1,315 followersScott Douglas Cunningham was an American writer. Cunningham is the author of several books on Wicca and various other alternative religious subjects.
His work Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, is one of the most successful books on Wicca ever published; he was a friend of notable occultists and Wiccans such as Raymond Buckland, and was a member of the Serpent Stone Family, and received his Third Degree Initiation as a member of that coven.
His work Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, is one of the most successful books on Wicca ever published; he was a friend of notable occultists and Wiccans such as Raymond Buckland, and was a member of the Serpent Stone Family, and received his Third Degree Initiation as a member of that coven.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
May 11, 2025
I really like Scott Cunningham’s writing, so I decided to read his “Llewellyn’s Truth About Witchcraft.” This small book is easy to both read and understand. Truth be told, this book is a perfect gift for anyone who has zero knowledge about Wicca and, while not interested in participating in this religion, is needing more information about it.
I particularly like how Cunningham broke down the key differences between folk magic and ceremonial magic. The author just doesn’t explain what Wicca is, but also explains what Wicca is not. This is a really good book for friends and family members of practitioners.
I particularly like how Cunningham broke down the key differences between folk magic and ceremonial magic. The author just doesn’t explain what Wicca is, but also explains what Wicca is not. This is a really good book for friends and family members of practitioners.
January 25, 2012
I gave this book to my family and friends when I came out of the broom closet. It's a great reference for people who are really trying to understanding that I am not dancing naked at Black Masses or worshiping Satan.
April 9, 2012
The Truth About Witchcraft Today is a good introduction to Wicca and Folk Magic, giving the basic information on the ideologies, practices, and how to get involved in the religion if one is so inclined. The only drawback is that it has a very defensive tone, as if expecting that the readers had been wallowing in misinformation and believing those who practice witchcraft to be Satanists prior to picking up the book. This is likely due to the fact that it was published in the eighties, when the general public was significantly more hostile to religions outside the mainstream. Overall, it's a good (and quick) read if you're interested in learning about witchcraft.
August 23, 2007
This is a good book to give someone if they are freaked out about the fact you are a witch. Other than that, though, it is really too basic for any other use.
January 28, 2021
I wish all books I read will be like The Truth About Witchcraft Today by Scott Cunningham. I like to discover new things and go from 0% of knowledge on the subject to a basic understanding in an eye blink. And this book certainly gave me that. I wanted to learn about Wicca and this quite short, well-structured book provided all I needed to know. It was not too detailed, but very concentrated with facts. In other reviews I read people perceived Scott Cunningham’s style as rather defensive when it comes to Wicca, but I felt like he just wanted to warn others about the discrimination that could follow when wiccans are exposed. Let’s hope that 30 years later it got better. Outstanding book that deserves 5 stars!
July 1, 2008
five stars for nostalgia. i found this book after reading 'the mists of avalon' and it intrigued me enough to study further. cunningham has an eloquent writing style that makes his the best reads of any pagan books i've read so far.
now look at me, i'm a big ol' eclectic pagan.
now look at me, i'm a big ol' eclectic pagan.
December 1, 2013
I've been curious about Wicca since middle school, but after reading this book I'm even more sure that the religion isn't for me, even as someone who considers himself a polytheistic animist. As with Buddhism, there are too many rules for me, and too few deities. According to Mr Cunningham, the only deities in Wicca are a god and a goddess, and any belief system I'd want to partake in would have to have far more gods, goddesses, and other deities than that. It's possible that the layout of the book had a negative effect on my perceptions, with its emphasis on combating misinformation about Wiccan practices rather than talking much about the practices and beliefs themselves. I don't think this is all of it, though. It also annoys me that the book was written by a wealthy, white, straight, cis man who uses trigger words, discusses gender in a very binary way, and just generally comes from a place of ignorant privilege. Can't say I recommend this.
April 16, 2008
This is an informative book that would would be good to use as an introduction for family & friends, however, I personally find Cunningham to be very defensive and sometimes hostile in his attempt to clear up the misconception that witchcraft=satanism. Overall, tho, I thought it was interesting & worth the reading time.
Want to read
July 21, 2020Wow. Just the sight of this cover fills me with SO much nostalgia! I really want to reread it. Also, this is such a LOOK! Like she’s on her way to a board room to curse some oil company CEOs. What a queen 👑
May 24, 2024
A SHORT OVERVIEW OF WICCA AND MAGICK
Scott Douglas Cunningham (1956-1993) was an American author of books on Wicca and other alternative religious subjects; he was a member of the Serpent Stone Family, and received his Third Degree Initiation as a member of that coven.
He wrote in the introductory ‘Note’ section of this 1988 book, “This book first appeared as a 32-page pamphlet published by Llewellyn in 1987 under the title ‘The Truth About Witchcraft’… I wasn’t credited with writing it… I decided that I’d write a larger version of it… In this greatly expanded book we’ll look at the reality of folk magic and Wicca---known to the outside world as Witchcraft. Its purpose is not to proselytize but to discount centuries of negative propaganda and to shed some light on these still obscure subjects. It’s my hope that [this book] will do its part in halting at least some of the persecution, which continues today.”
He says in the Introduction, “Wiccans are women and men of every profession, cultural background, and religious upbringing. For many of them Wicca is the only religion they’ve found that encourages love for the Earth and its inhabitants (human, animal, and vegetable), and that promotes the practice of folk magic to transform their lives into positive experiences. Women, especially, are drawn to it because of its acceptance of the feminine aspect of Divinity---the Goddess. For Wiccans, theirs is the only religion that allows a truly intimate link with Deity.” (Pg. 5)
He explains, “Folk magic isn’t ‘the Devil’s work.’ It isn’t Satanism. It doesn’t involve living sacrifices. It doesn’t consist of talking to spirits or bondage to demons. It isn’t dark, dangerous, evil or supernatural. Folk magic isn’t anti-Christian, anti-religion or anti-anything. Folk magic is pro-life, pro-love, pro-healing. It is a tool with which people transform their lives. It is a relationship with the Earth.” (Pg. 15)
He adds, “Spells are designed to release personal power within the magician. It is this energy---along with natural objects such as crystals, herbs, oils, incense and the like---that powers the spell, that gets it moving. How does it work? We can’t fully explain it yet, but the following theory seems valid: There is a power in the universe. It is the power of life. This is the inexplicable force behind the wonders that early humans encountered… all that is manifest---is a product of this power. Humans have given the names of ‘God’ and ‘Goddess’ to this energy source. It is that which is worshipped in every religion in various forms.” (Pg. 19-20)
He adds, “Once the energy has been freed from its material forms, it is no longer bound by physical laws. The folk magician can move it ten feet or ten thousand miles to do its work. The folk magician’s knowledge and experience---not the distance involved---determines the spell’s effectiveness.” (Pg. 22) He continues, “The method by which the power changes its target is either determined by the magician during the ritual or is left up to circumstances at the time of its arrival. Exactly HOW this change takes place cannot be explained---at least not yet.” (Pg. 22-23)
He advises, “If magicians perform effective magic, it follows that they must ensure the proper use of this power… Even folk magicians with no religious or spiritual feelings---for folk magic isn’t truly religious in nature---sense responsibility in wielding this power.” (Pg. 39)
He explains, “Folk magic is but half of what is termed Witchcraft. The other half is the religion known as Wicca. There are at least five major ways in which Wicca differs from other religions. These are: *Worship of the Goddess and God *Reverence for the Earth *Acceptance of magic *Acceptance of reincarnation *Lack of proselytizing activities.” (Pg. 62) He acknowledges, “Not all traditions agree in whole with thee five points. Many others would add several more. And indeed, one of the major divisions within Wicca is the prominence of the Goddess in worship… some Wiccans… devote their religious and magical activities exclusively to the Goddess. For others, the balance of BOTH the Goddess and God is seen to be ideal for religious workings… Some traditions insist that that the human soul always incarnates in the same sex; i.e., if you’re female in this life, then you always were and always will be female.” (Pg. 86-87)
He points out, “Many Wiccans begin their year with Samhain (October 31st)… Samhain is linked with the coming of winter and ancient hunting rituals. This date will be recognized in the United States as Hallowe’en or Hallows Eve, a night on which adults and children dress in costume and attend parties, and newspapers blazon stories about Witches, curses, and ghosts across their pages. These are folk memories of the old European customs that were played out at this time of the year. Wiccans usually ignore such occurrences, for this is a sacred night.” (Pg. 116)
He notes, “Folk magic… is governed by one basic dictum: harm none… Wicca follows the same rule, though it is often differently worded: ‘An it harm none, do what you will.’ …This phrase is almost universally known to English-speaking Wiccans. Its origins remain shadowy. Many feel that it … was based on the magical motto of ceremonial magician Aleister Crowley: ‘Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. Love is the law; love under will.’ … Sure, Wiccans get angry. They may get into fist fights or toss a drink in an obnoxious man’s face. But they’d rather cut off their right arm before ‘hexing’ or ‘cursing’ another human being.” (Pg. 125-126)
He asserts, “A few---not many, but a few---Wiccan traditions do utilize sex for its mystical and magical properties and to alter consciousness. But such rites---as rare as they are---are only performed in private between two consenting adults. Ritual sex is never engaged in before other Wiccans or anyone else. Coven orgies are nonexistent. Wicca is not a swing club; Sabbats and Esbats aren’t excuses to have sex.” (Pg. 130)
He argues, “What most people don’t understand is that there are sexual elements in every religion, even in Christianity. The Bible is filled with rapes and ritual intercourse… Most of the sexual aspects of Christianity have, of course, been covered up with confusing translations, or have been conveniently left out of the authorized versions of the Bible. But they are there.” (Pg. 131)
He points out, “What has been termed the ‘New Age’ has arrived. In some ways it’s a high-tech echo of the occult renaissance that occurred from 1966 to 1974 in the United States and Great Britain. Powerful marketing campaigns are bringing age-old tools such as tarot decks, rune-stones, and crystals to millions of new and interested customers… Magicians and Wiccans are drawn to ‘Old Age’ tools and rituals. They don’t necessarily channel entities. To many of them, the New Age is a watered-down version of ancient magical and spiritual processes which use the mechanized tools of the computer age. Many particularly decry the rising prices of such things as stones and herbs, as interest in them increases.” (Pg. 150-151)
He concludes, “Perhaps the current wave will awaken the majority of persons to the spiritual reality of the physical world. Perhaps it will enhance the desire to preserve our planet by halting mindless, blind development and the misuse of life-threatening technology such as nuclear power. In the New Age achieves nothing else, it will have done its work.” (Pg. 153)
This book will be of keen interest to those seeking a brief overview of Wicca and Witchcraft.
Scott Douglas Cunningham (1956-1993) was an American author of books on Wicca and other alternative religious subjects; he was a member of the Serpent Stone Family, and received his Third Degree Initiation as a member of that coven.
He wrote in the introductory ‘Note’ section of this 1988 book, “This book first appeared as a 32-page pamphlet published by Llewellyn in 1987 under the title ‘The Truth About Witchcraft’… I wasn’t credited with writing it… I decided that I’d write a larger version of it… In this greatly expanded book we’ll look at the reality of folk magic and Wicca---known to the outside world as Witchcraft. Its purpose is not to proselytize but to discount centuries of negative propaganda and to shed some light on these still obscure subjects. It’s my hope that [this book] will do its part in halting at least some of the persecution, which continues today.”
He says in the Introduction, “Wiccans are women and men of every profession, cultural background, and religious upbringing. For many of them Wicca is the only religion they’ve found that encourages love for the Earth and its inhabitants (human, animal, and vegetable), and that promotes the practice of folk magic to transform their lives into positive experiences. Women, especially, are drawn to it because of its acceptance of the feminine aspect of Divinity---the Goddess. For Wiccans, theirs is the only religion that allows a truly intimate link with Deity.” (Pg. 5)
He explains, “Folk magic isn’t ‘the Devil’s work.’ It isn’t Satanism. It doesn’t involve living sacrifices. It doesn’t consist of talking to spirits or bondage to demons. It isn’t dark, dangerous, evil or supernatural. Folk magic isn’t anti-Christian, anti-religion or anti-anything. Folk magic is pro-life, pro-love, pro-healing. It is a tool with which people transform their lives. It is a relationship with the Earth.” (Pg. 15)
He adds, “Spells are designed to release personal power within the magician. It is this energy---along with natural objects such as crystals, herbs, oils, incense and the like---that powers the spell, that gets it moving. How does it work? We can’t fully explain it yet, but the following theory seems valid: There is a power in the universe. It is the power of life. This is the inexplicable force behind the wonders that early humans encountered… all that is manifest---is a product of this power. Humans have given the names of ‘God’ and ‘Goddess’ to this energy source. It is that which is worshipped in every religion in various forms.” (Pg. 19-20)
He adds, “Once the energy has been freed from its material forms, it is no longer bound by physical laws. The folk magician can move it ten feet or ten thousand miles to do its work. The folk magician’s knowledge and experience---not the distance involved---determines the spell’s effectiveness.” (Pg. 22) He continues, “The method by which the power changes its target is either determined by the magician during the ritual or is left up to circumstances at the time of its arrival. Exactly HOW this change takes place cannot be explained---at least not yet.” (Pg. 22-23)
He advises, “If magicians perform effective magic, it follows that they must ensure the proper use of this power… Even folk magicians with no religious or spiritual feelings---for folk magic isn’t truly religious in nature---sense responsibility in wielding this power.” (Pg. 39)
He explains, “Folk magic is but half of what is termed Witchcraft. The other half is the religion known as Wicca. There are at least five major ways in which Wicca differs from other religions. These are: *Worship of the Goddess and God *Reverence for the Earth *Acceptance of magic *Acceptance of reincarnation *Lack of proselytizing activities.” (Pg. 62) He acknowledges, “Not all traditions agree in whole with thee five points. Many others would add several more. And indeed, one of the major divisions within Wicca is the prominence of the Goddess in worship… some Wiccans… devote their religious and magical activities exclusively to the Goddess. For others, the balance of BOTH the Goddess and God is seen to be ideal for religious workings… Some traditions insist that that the human soul always incarnates in the same sex; i.e., if you’re female in this life, then you always were and always will be female.” (Pg. 86-87)
He points out, “Many Wiccans begin their year with Samhain (October 31st)… Samhain is linked with the coming of winter and ancient hunting rituals. This date will be recognized in the United States as Hallowe’en or Hallows Eve, a night on which adults and children dress in costume and attend parties, and newspapers blazon stories about Witches, curses, and ghosts across their pages. These are folk memories of the old European customs that were played out at this time of the year. Wiccans usually ignore such occurrences, for this is a sacred night.” (Pg. 116)
He notes, “Folk magic… is governed by one basic dictum: harm none… Wicca follows the same rule, though it is often differently worded: ‘An it harm none, do what you will.’ …This phrase is almost universally known to English-speaking Wiccans. Its origins remain shadowy. Many feel that it … was based on the magical motto of ceremonial magician Aleister Crowley: ‘Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. Love is the law; love under will.’ … Sure, Wiccans get angry. They may get into fist fights or toss a drink in an obnoxious man’s face. But they’d rather cut off their right arm before ‘hexing’ or ‘cursing’ another human being.” (Pg. 125-126)
He asserts, “A few---not many, but a few---Wiccan traditions do utilize sex for its mystical and magical properties and to alter consciousness. But such rites---as rare as they are---are only performed in private between two consenting adults. Ritual sex is never engaged in before other Wiccans or anyone else. Coven orgies are nonexistent. Wicca is not a swing club; Sabbats and Esbats aren’t excuses to have sex.” (Pg. 130)
He argues, “What most people don’t understand is that there are sexual elements in every religion, even in Christianity. The Bible is filled with rapes and ritual intercourse… Most of the sexual aspects of Christianity have, of course, been covered up with confusing translations, or have been conveniently left out of the authorized versions of the Bible. But they are there.” (Pg. 131)
He points out, “What has been termed the ‘New Age’ has arrived. In some ways it’s a high-tech echo of the occult renaissance that occurred from 1966 to 1974 in the United States and Great Britain. Powerful marketing campaigns are bringing age-old tools such as tarot decks, rune-stones, and crystals to millions of new and interested customers… Magicians and Wiccans are drawn to ‘Old Age’ tools and rituals. They don’t necessarily channel entities. To many of them, the New Age is a watered-down version of ancient magical and spiritual processes which use the mechanized tools of the computer age. Many particularly decry the rising prices of such things as stones and herbs, as interest in them increases.” (Pg. 150-151)
He concludes, “Perhaps the current wave will awaken the majority of persons to the spiritual reality of the physical world. Perhaps it will enhance the desire to preserve our planet by halting mindless, blind development and the misuse of life-threatening technology such as nuclear power. In the New Age achieves nothing else, it will have done its work.” (Pg. 153)
This book will be of keen interest to those seeking a brief overview of Wicca and Witchcraft.
January 5, 2024
Re-read January 24 review still the same Another great Cunningham book. If you want to learn about witchcraft. Inside you learn more on what Cunningham learnt and used, and Some more history.
This is a great starter book for new learners or those who just find the topic interesting.
Over all would recommend.
For me the best information were in chapter one then the last half of the book. Felt it was slow at times.
This is a great starter book for new learners or those who just find the topic interesting.
Over all would recommend.
For me the best information were in chapter one then the last half of the book. Felt it was slow at times.
September 9, 2016
I'm sure it's always difficult to understand another person's religion, but I'm not sure this book does the best job possible. I feel like I have a greater understanding of what Witchcraft isn't rather than what it is.
I guess I'll keep looking. If anyone has a recommendation . . . .
I guess I'll keep looking. If anyone has a recommendation . . . .
August 26, 2010
I was recommended books by Scott Cunningham but I have to admit that I didn’t like this book. I felt it was quite prejudiced, and had inaccuracies.
Thank goodness it was short!
I’m putting this back on bookmooch whcih is where I think I got it from.
Thank goodness it was short!
I’m putting this back on bookmooch whcih is where I think I got it from.
July 10, 2019
This small books is packed with useful information for anyone interested in learning about Wicca and Folk Magic(of which I have been practicing long before I realized I was). My whole like I tried and tried to be a good Christian, but in my heart I knew I didn’t agree with it. Still I tried to rationalize it, modernize the text to fit my life, all to no avail. I never felt like a good Christian woman, my beliefs never fully aligned with the Bible, or other Christians. Knowing that the holidays were copied to help conversion, played a big role in my disbelief that Christians had ever had good intentions.
As I sit here today, more knowledgeable on Wicca than I have ever been, I feel at peace. I’m excited to continue my educational journey into Wicca, and i feel more sincere and honest in my magical workings. Folk magic has always been in my heart, and with this book I can allow myself to truly be me. Not because someone told me how to do it, but because I’ve been doing this for years and finally I have the proof that it’s not from Earthly Satanic forces. It’s from the magical forces inside us all.
I’m thankful for this book, and truly feel anyone looking for information on Wicca and Folk Magic read this book.
As I sit here today, more knowledgeable on Wicca than I have ever been, I feel at peace. I’m excited to continue my educational journey into Wicca, and i feel more sincere and honest in my magical workings. Folk magic has always been in my heart, and with this book I can allow myself to truly be me. Not because someone told me how to do it, but because I’ve been doing this for years and finally I have the proof that it’s not from Earthly Satanic forces. It’s from the magical forces inside us all.
I’m thankful for this book, and truly feel anyone looking for information on Wicca and Folk Magic read this book.
January 12, 2023
This is by far, the best book to hand someone when tasked with the explanation of what Witchcraft and Wicca actually entails. Many of us have had to explain over and over again no we don’t worship satan, no our spells are not curses, and so on. I had planned to read this and it just so happened the day before I picked it up, a neighbor was concerned about seeing stacks of Witchcraft books, tarot decks, and a rune plaque in the living room. I read this book with the neighbor in mind, would it make sense? Would it answer the questions likely to come up? The answer was yes. Does it answer every question? No. Does it explain every tradition? No. But that’s okay. If the person you’ve told to read this book has further questions, that’s when you can go into the specifics of what you do. This is a generalized book for the community, but it covers the information so well (despite being 30 years old). I highly recommend having a copy readily available to loan out when people are curious and concerned with your Witchcraft practice.
December 24, 2023
I love all of Scott Cunningham's books and therefore cannot give less than 4 stars. The book is a great overview on Wicca but as some others have mentioned it is rather defensive and even hostile towards Christians. I can understand where he is coming from but I am not sure how much this would help form a better picture about Wicca. At one point he states that Wiccans know that there is not the one way to deity and therefore accept all different faiths. Now it is true that Wicca was not as accepted when he wrote the book and there are still enough misconceptions, which he successfully explains. But I don't think a hostile attitude, generalizing all Christians won't help. Of course there are always individuals like the ones he describes, but as much as Wiccans don't want to be put in one category, neither do Christians.
So overall an easy and fun read, with great information, with a little too much hostility towards Christianity. I would still recommend it to anyone wanting to get a short overview or Wiccans who want a short introduction for family and friends to read.
So overall an easy and fun read, with great information, with a little too much hostility towards Christianity. I would still recommend it to anyone wanting to get a short overview or Wiccans who want a short introduction for family and friends to read.
April 17, 2019
Review on spanish.
A modo de guía para las personas interesadas en el tema es comprensible, pero se pierde un poco.
Una gran defensa para la religión Wicca en este libro y un poco de ataque (¿no hay defensa sin ataque?) hacia la demás religiones, énfasis en la católica, y no religiones. Sí, también se metió con los ateos descreídos como yo.
Pero cuando dejaba de lado sus críticas a las otras religiones y sus miedos de ser malinterpretado, me pareció un libro bastante didáctico para entrar dentro de la mentalidad de las personas que practican esta religión. Personas que, todavía tengo "esperanzas" (como buena atea descreída que soy) de que no sean como este autor, dejen de lado sus resentimientos hacia otras religiones y se centren en lo concreto de cuaquier religión: tratar de vivir una vida feliz y que inspire felicidad en los demás.
Un libro cuya esencia informativa sobre la Wicca está ahí y muy bien explicada, pero que hubiera quedado mucho mejor sin salirse de este tema.
A modo de guía para las personas interesadas en el tema es comprensible, pero se pierde un poco.
Una gran defensa para la religión Wicca en este libro y un poco de ataque (¿no hay defensa sin ataque?) hacia la demás religiones, énfasis en la católica, y no religiones. Sí, también se metió con los ateos descreídos como yo.
Pero cuando dejaba de lado sus críticas a las otras religiones y sus miedos de ser malinterpretado, me pareció un libro bastante didáctico para entrar dentro de la mentalidad de las personas que practican esta religión. Personas que, todavía tengo "esperanzas" (como buena atea descreída que soy) de que no sean como este autor, dejen de lado sus resentimientos hacia otras religiones y se centren en lo concreto de cuaquier religión: tratar de vivir una vida feliz y que inspire felicidad en los demás.
Un libro cuya esencia informativa sobre la Wicca está ahí y muy bien explicada, pero que hubiera quedado mucho mejor sin salirse de este tema.
June 12, 2024
In 1999, I became a witch. I know, I know ... in my defense, I also had my worst ever (so far) mental breakdown. I'm an atheist now. I had some fun in my witchy time, but grew up.
ANYWAY
This is a great, quick read about what modern witches and pagans believe and do ... and what they don't. I gave it to my Mom when I came out of the broom closet. Although written decades ago, the information is still current.
Main point is that Wiccans, witches, pagans or whatever you want to call them all have one main thing in common... they are harmless.
One thing that most modern witches/pagans believe is not to pressure anyone else to convert to their religion. Imagine how different world history and current events would be if all religions did that.
Also recommended for writers or journalists needing a quick overview of modern Wicca or paganism.
Blessed be.
(Couldn't resist writing that one last time.)
ANYWAY
This is a great, quick read about what modern witches and pagans believe and do ... and what they don't. I gave it to my Mom when I came out of the broom closet. Although written decades ago, the information is still current.
Main point is that Wiccans, witches, pagans or whatever you want to call them all have one main thing in common... they are harmless.
One thing that most modern witches/pagans believe is not to pressure anyone else to convert to their religion. Imagine how different world history and current events would be if all religions did that.
Also recommended for writers or journalists needing a quick overview of modern Wicca or paganism.
Blessed be.
(Couldn't resist writing that one last time.)
November 15, 2017
Excellent introduction to Wicca and Witchcraft
This is a very thorough explanation of what Wicca and Witchcraft are and are not. This book is short sweet and to the point. Very easily read in an hour or two. Simple to understand language without a bunch of unexplained jargon and it is also totally comprehensive.
If you are curious about the Craft or the religion of Wicca this is the book for you. I have been a Wiccan for nearly 3 decades and after all this time whenever someone expresses interest or curiosity about the subject this is still the book I recommend they read to find the answers to their questions. It is still the best introductory book there is.
This is a very thorough explanation of what Wicca and Witchcraft are and are not. This book is short sweet and to the point. Very easily read in an hour or two. Simple to understand language without a bunch of unexplained jargon and it is also totally comprehensive.
If you are curious about the Craft or the religion of Wicca this is the book for you. I have been a Wiccan for nearly 3 decades and after all this time whenever someone expresses interest or curiosity about the subject this is still the book I recommend they read to find the answers to their questions. It is still the best introductory book there is.
February 8, 2022
I read this because it is on the list of required readings for a local coven's outer court membership. This came out in the days of the Satanic Panic (written a full 5 years prior to the West Memphis Three trial) so you have to take the defensive tone within that context. It's very much a book of its time in other ways. Cunningham's writing is replete with historically inaccurate statements made while romanticizing the practice of the "Old Religion" in the halcyon, pre-Christian era. When read critically, this is still interesting as a snapshot of a particular moment in the evolution of Wicca.
January 29, 2017
I love Cunningham, but this was just not my cup of tea. Overall, this is for someone who wants to learn about Wicca and magic but not necessarily wanting a how-to manual. This book is definitely for people who have very little knowledge of Wicca and witchcraft and are accustomed to the "Witchcraft/Wicca=Satanism" ideal. I felt that he overemphasized the difference between Wicca, folk magic, and Satanism. Over and over and over again.
February 12, 2023
This is an informative and misconception-blasting little book by a renowned Wiccan writer, who has since slipped this mortal coil. It would be great required reading for people who start in on devil worship, human sacrifice, nude orgies, and the like. It is also part bibliographic essay--it cites and recommends many books for further reading. A little gem. It is short, to the point, and inexpensive enough to give to both positively and negatively questioning people.
September 1, 2018
Simple, straight to the point information. Although there are a few controversial statements in this book -- not everything is true -- it is good learning material for beginners. Scott Cunningham has condensed helpful knowledge, including other books to help you on your journey. Just take what you read with a pinch of salt.
March 3, 2022
This book is great for anyone just starting or wanting to learn the basics of witchcraft. I found the majority of it fell in line with my craft. Even though it was written in the 80s, a lot of it still fell in line with how it is now, the year 2022.
February 24, 2025
scott cunningham has the gift of explaining things with intrinsic value within systems whilst still remaining agile enough to balance belief with actionable reality. he provided true wisdom across multiple planes of power and practice; rip.
May 18, 2019
I have a reprint edition from '98. Very short and to the point. I've fallen more into the agnostic camp as time has passed, but this is an excellent intro.
August 19, 2019
Read this book last year, Loved it!
December 16, 2023
This book is a very dated look at witchcraft in the snapshot of the time period for what it was written in but still a very good editorial Viewpoint and worth a thumb through
December 6, 2024
Este é o segundo livro que leio do autor e, juntamente com:
“Wicca: Guia do Praticante Solitário”, são livros perfeitos para iniciar seus estudos na bruxaria, principalmente a Wicca.
“Wicca: Guia do Praticante Solitário”, são livros perfeitos para iniciar seus estudos na bruxaria, principalmente a Wicca.
March 22, 2017
A decent beginner book for learning about Paganism.
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