Rating: 
Summary: Not as good as I expected
Review: Everyone (EVERYONE) who is a witch raves about this book, about how good it is, about how complete it is. I don't agree, so sue me. I found it much dissapointing. His explaining of Wiccan theories and philosophies are a measly OKAY. He says something, leading you onto belive something, then turns around and says the thing he was implying in the explanation is not true. Also, I got the vibe that he wasn't really taking the time to find the exact, best wording, just sorta jotting it down and not really even thinking about his readers. I found it rather topsy-turvy, turning around in odd directions and squirreling down paths unneeded. I do think that Scott put a lot of effort into this book and I respect him for that. I have to admit though the BOS (book of shadows) was pretty good and the spells, invocations, blessings, formulas were superb, but the whole BOS was a little short and didn't go much into practices of the Sabbats at all, just a simple, vague ritual and oh we're done! This work however gives you very basic things, rather vague, (on purpose, I think) to allow you to conture the ritual or info to your own liking, spitting out things you don't like and swallowing things you do. It allows you to bring your own twist to Wicca and is very encouraging. Not many books do that, some are rather tight-butted, saying that you must be initiated into a coven to be a Wiccan truly and you must stick to tradtition, never seek out others and never change anything. I really love Scott for the fact that he said "Some people say it take a Wiccan to make a Wiccan. I say it takes the Goddess and God to make a Wiccan. Who's better qualified?" I loved his detication rite: simple, meaningful and overally nice. I found this book rather hmm how do I say this lacking. Lacking in complete rituals and a better list of reading in the back and an actual clear explanation of theory. Scott's books are really good (espechially his encyclopedias) except this one. I wouldn't spend my money on this if I were you, buy True Magick: A Beginner's Guide by Amber K. She has probably the best explanation of theory and philosophy I've ever seen. (AND TRUST ME I HAVE READ A LOOOOOOTTTTT OF BOOKS ON WICCA!) Blessed be, Gwen
Rating: 
Summary: Very basic & an easy read for the beginner
Review: Having no real experience with Paganism, I jumped in and bought a bunch of books. Without any knowledge I found it tough to read other Pagan/Wiccan books. Thankfully, I'd gotten this book just days after others. So, I read it. It's GREAT for beginners. It's basic & not intimidating. It's a gentle start! I now have a better understanding & can continue my studies with a more solid base.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Book Starting Out
Review: This book is easy to follow and read. He presents the information in a way that allows you to make up your own mind and choose how you want to follow. A must have for any newbie!
Rating:
Summary: Could have been better.
Review: Having poured through philosophical works, I can look past the cut and dry style of writing the author uses. I try to be balanced about different forms of Wicca, as nitpicking about trads and originality creates tension - much like the Christians have persecuted each other during the bloody Inquisition. Still, there is too much of a crystal-waving happy happy tone. It undermines the fact that there is a bigger magical world, where rivals toss magic to ruin love and crush lives. Magic can be as much a weapon as a savior, and Cunningham tries to hard to "include everything" into a Wicca book. Theology and magic work are the only real necessities. A true seeker wouldn't really care about all the varieties of pink Zimbabwe quartz crystals, or herbalism (just yet). There is also little history, and again, the "burning times" are mistaken as an all-out Pagan slaughter, when it was more of a Christian political nastiness. At least it makes a decent beginners book in a pinch. But more for the reserved people, who likes things watered down.
Rating:
Summary: The best book in the world!
Review: Before i read this book, i had only a very basic knowledge of Wicca. But it opened up my eyes to a new world i learned so much. It covered everything, what wicca was, where it came from, the misconceptions surrounding it, the religious festivals, tools, and it also gave you a sort of starter Book of Shadows. The best thing about it was that it was designed for a beginner and so didn't overwhelm me. Plus it wasn't based for a wiccan in a cult. I really recommend this book to anyone who has even the lightest interest in witchcraft!
Rating:
Summary: love it
Review: I love this book. I like all of Scott Cunningham's books, but this is probably my favorite. He writes so clearly and warmly..his love of the craft is shown through his writing. The book is well-organized, with three sections. Section 1 is theory, which talks about the different aspects of the craft such as the deities, the tools, preparation for ritual, magic circle and altar, and others. Section 2 is in regards to the practice, in which he shows you exercises and techniques to use to build your own magical powers, self-dedication, and (very good) chapter on ritual design. He gives very clear directions on sacred space which was very helpful. Section 3 is his book of shadows, which includes everything one could need in designing & performing a ritual, correspondences, prayers and invocations, sabbats and esbats, recipes for food and incense and oils, spells, and so much more. This is such a great and easy to follow book. If you were only to get one book on Wicca, get this one. It has all the information you need on how to get started. The instructions are thorough and the rituals are simple and sweet. A must have for your library.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book for Beginners
Review: A friend of mine bought me this book when I was starting to grow my roots in Wicca, and I really do owe her one. Some people think that Scott Cunningham - Goddess bless his soul - was too 'loose' when he wrote this, and that he is trying to tell people that Wicca is whatever they want it to be. I disagree with this allegation - he says in the book that this is not his intention, and I never got the feeling that it was. I personally didn't finish reading the book and think "Gee, this religion has no rules whatsoever!" Perhaps the most helpful part of the book for those who aren't total beginners is the Book of Shadows and the Grimore in the back. While it's best to use spells and rituals of your own creation, Cunningham's rituals are good examples to read if you get stuck writing your own. This book would also be good for people who don't practice Wicca but would like to know more about it. Cunningham presents the information in a user-friendly way that is very good for beginners or near-beginners. Even though I don't consider myself a beginner per se, I still use this book as a reference from time to time. I reccomend this book for all budding Wiccans (and their family members who want to know what's going on).
Rating:
Summary: Good Beginner's Book
Review: Wicca, a guide for the solitary practitioner is exactly what it says it is. This book is excellent for the novice, a real slice of what Wicca is.
While Cunningham is overly goddess focused, it's forgivable, especially since the book contains some of the best simple working rituals around.
This book should be on every novice's bookshelf, with its companion volume, Living Wicca.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: Cunningham does a stellar job of pointing out an unbiased view of Wicca. Great for getting started and to just reference back to. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in Wicca.
Rating:
Summary: helpful manual
Review: That's alot of pages for a nice price, filling your brain with delightful little Wiccan notions to combat "reality." Conversational language about a topic that proves interesting and worthwhile. Enjoyable book.
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