Cunningham?

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[Morag]

I suspect there are Harry Potter Slash stories (Slash from Kirk/Spock from Star Trek Fandom). I'm not big into Harry Potter fanfic but I heard there are even a few Harry/Dudley stories -- the mere thought of that pairing is scary. 

I frankly would prefer Harry/Dudley to Harry/Mary Sue. Or Harry and his mother. Or his godfather. Or....

I'll stop now.

Hello,  I agree with everyone on SRW, but what about Scott Cunningham?  How do you tell who is full of it and who isnt?

I say nothing on history, but Scott is solid on the other stuff. A bit fluffy IMHO, but solid.

[SatAset]

Hello,  I agree with everyone on SRW, but what about Scott Cunningham?  How do you tell who is full of it and who isnt?

I've read his

Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs 

I thought this book was excellent, well researched and graveyard dirt is still graveyard dirt. 

Earth Power
Earth, Air, Fire and Water

These books are a good introduction to the four elements.  They are a good starting point. 

[Midori]

Hello,  I agree with everyone on SRW, but what about Scott Cunningham?  How do you tell who is full of it and who isnt?

I was Wiccan before the bookstores cottoned on to the rise of Paganism, so I find a lot of rubbish masquerading as Wiccan and Celtic Wisdom.

Having been initiated in the 60's, much of my knowledge predates most of these books. SRW I cannot stand, she is obviously in it purely for money, her info and historical quotes are in most cases inaccurate, and I cannot condone her teaching young folk to lie to their parents about their interest in the occult.

Buckland I am in two minds about. I haven't read much of his writings.

Cunningham I endorse wholeheartedly, his down to earth style, easy to understand rituals, and best of all, to my mind, his assertion that his is Not Holy Writ, and there are other ways. He is an excellent writer for newcomers and seekers.

Cheers, Midori

[Elisabette]

I have all of Scott's books - I don't recall ever reading that in any of them. Source, please?

Yeep. Sorry I've taken so long to reply, I forgot about this thread.

The statement about deodorant is part of a long list of things you shouldn't wear in the magic room. The full quote is

"...wristwatches are definitely taboo within the magic room, as are hair pins, makeup, deodorants, shoes, socks, sandals, boots, and most kinds of metallic or plastic accessories. Jewelry such as necklaces, rings, and pendants are fine, especially if they are of magical designs (such as pentagrams, ankhs, hexagrams) or if they are especially meaningful to you."

This is on page 30 of Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise by Scott Cunningham in Llewellyn's Practical Magick Series. The edition I have was published in 1993, the original copyright is 1982.

Cunningham seems to have paid a lot of attention to ritual bathing and ritual garb, so it makes sense that he would make this statement in the context of the way he practiced, but it's not something I agree is necessary for minor magical workings. I wasn't intending to mock him, and I've found that when I'm crafting magical objects, following his advice about cleansing and garb has been useful.

Betty 

[LyricFox]

One of the things I remember pinging in on that just really didn't make sense to me was an altar layout he showed where there were two items representing fire (or air, can't remember for sure). I remember puzzling over this because his altars tended to be pretty carefully laid out and at no other time did he ever show two items for the same quadrant.

[Elisabette]

One of the things I remember pinging in on that just really didn't make sense to me was an altar layout he showed where there were two items representing fire (or air, can't remember for sure). I remember puzzling over this because his altars tended to be pretty carefully laid out and at no other time did he ever show two items for the same quadrant.

Was it just an error that got missed by the editors, do you think? Basically the equivalent of a typo?

Betty 

[LyricFox]

Was it just an error that got missed by the editors, do you think? Basically the equivalent of a typo?

Betty 

No because it was an illustration and he talked about it, too.

[Elisabette]

No because it was an illustration and he talked about it, too.

Hmm. Yeah, that is weird, then.

Betty 

[Underwater Thing]

Hello,  I agree with everyone on SRW, but what about Scott Cunningham?  How do you tell who is full of it and who isnt?

I think he's a wonderful author and writes wonderful guides and such for solitary practitioners.  He's also very funny, and doesn't take himself too seriously, which is good.  He is usually regarded highly within the pagan community.

[KatAutumn]

I enjoy reading Scott Cunningham's books. I know many Trad Wiccans are not in favor of his information on self-initiation; however, A Witches' Bible by Janet and Stewart Farrar also states that self-initiation is perfectly acceptable and honorable under certain circumstances. If I'm not mistaken, self-initiation is also discussed in a favorable light in Doreen Valiente's Witchcraft for Tomorrow. So, in essence, that one aspect of Cunningham's books should not be a reason to completely discredit his work. Most of his books were correspondence guidebooks rather than Wicca 101 manuals. His Herbal Encyclopedia is my favorite because it is so thorough.

Some people believe Scott's books are too simple to be taken seriously. Faulty history aside, I think Scott emphasized the point that no one author should be taken as a spiritual authority and encouraged his readers to study every source available to them and use discernment. He has also been accused of perpetuating the "pick-and-choose" brand of Wicca. I have studied Wicca for many years (but I still have much to learn) and even though I do not belong to a coven nor have I been initiated into what would be considered a traditional sect (Gardnerian, Alexandrian, etc.) I still consider myself to be very traditional in my faith. I do not care for pick-and-choose Wicca. There are rules and beliefs one must adhere to, and Scott points this out more than once in his book Living Wicca.

Bottom line, his books about herbs and stones are wonderful and a great addition to any Witch's home library.

[HeartShadow - Cutethulhu]

KatAutumn, can you please quote using the quote function when replying to posts?  Thank you.

[KatAutumn]

KatAutumn, can you please quote using the quote function when replying to posts?  Thank you.

Sure thing. Sorry about that.

[Sojourner]

Hello,  I agree with everyone on SRW, but what about Scott Cunningham?  How do you tell who is full of it and who isnt?

I fully admit too being new to alot of this but I really liked Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Gem, Crystal, and Metal Magic.  I've used it as a resource for a very long time in my jewelry craft.    However, it is the only Cunningham book I've read.

[gayars]

Hello,  I agree with everyone on SRW, but what about Scott Cunningham?  How do you tell who is full of it and who isnt?

I like him.  I love his "The Complete Book of Incense, Oils,and Brews."

Gina

[hippiewitchie]

I like him.  I love his "The Complete Book of Incense, Oils,and Brews."

Gina

That's my favorite too! Lots of cool info and very thorough.

Cunningham is one of my favorite Wiccan authors.
Wicca for the Solitary Practioner and Living Wicca are great Wicca 101 books too. Easy to read and I love his laid back style. He does kinda give off that "Pick and Choose" style of Wicca, but, in his defense, there was a whole lot less info to choose from at the time he was out there. (His Incence, Oils and Brews, Wicca for the Solitary, Uncle Bucky's Candle Magic and Laurie Cabott'a Power of the Witch were all I had to chose from at my local library)

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