Scott Cunningham’s Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner is a well-respected follow-up to his classic Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. Written in his signature warm and encouraging style, this book expands on foundational Wiccan concepts, helping solitary practitioners deepen their spiritual practice.
Overview of the Book
Unlike its predecessor, which focused on the basics of Wicca, Living Wicca is geared toward those who have already taken their first steps on the path and want to build a more personal, intuitive practice. The book covers a range of topics, including:
- Creating Personal Rituals and Practices: Cunningham emphasizes that Wicca is a highly individualistic path and encourages readers to craft their own prayers, rituals, and traditions. He writes, “The only true authority in Wicca is the authority that you bestow upon yourself”, reinforcing the idea that personal empowerment is central to the faith.
- Developing a Wiccan Ethical System: The book explores morality and decision-making within a Wiccan framework. Cunningham reminds us, “We can’t rely on ancient texts to define our morality. Instead, we must build our own set of ethics, guided by love, respect, and common sense.”
- Understanding and Working with Deity: While Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner introduced the God and Goddess, Living Wicca goes further by discussing different ways to connect with deity. Cunningham encourages practitioners to trust their instincts, stating, “The gods reveal themselves in ways that speak to our own spirits. No two people will perceive them in exactly the same way.”
- Meditation, Visualization, and Energy Work: Cunningham includes practical exercises to help practitioners strengthen their spiritual abilities. One particularly useful piece of advice he gives is: “Wicca isn’t just about spells and rituals; it’s about living in harmony with nature, with energy, and with yourself.”
The book also includes discussions on magical ethics, the role of the priest and priestess, and how to stay true to Wiccan ideals in daily life.
Strengths of the Book
1. Encouraging and Accessible Writing Style
Scott Cunningham’s books are beloved for their gentle, conversational tone, and Living Wicca is no exception. He writes in a way that feels like he’s sitting across from you, offering wisdom and guidance rather than issuing strict rules. His reassuring approach makes Wicca feel approachable and adaptable. Many readers appreciate his stance that “Wicca is not a religion of blind obedience but of personal responsibility.”
2. Focus on Personalization
One of the most valuable aspects of Living Wicca is its emphasis on creating a unique, meaningful practice. Rather than prescribing rigid rituals or dogma, Cunningham teaches that Wicca should be shaped by the practitioner’s intuition and experiences. He explains, “True Wicca is a living, breathing faith. It must evolve to fit the person practicing it.” This idea is empowering for solitaries who may feel uncertain about crafting their own rituals and traditions.
3. Practical Guidance
For those looking to develop their own rituals, prayers, or invocations, this book offers useful frameworks and examples. Cunningham’s tips on writing personal rituals are especially helpful, as he demystifies the process and reassures readers that there is no single “right” way to practice.
4. Ethical Considerations
Unlike some beginner books that focus mainly on spells and tools, Living Wicca delves into the moral and ethical dimensions of practicing Wicca. Cunningham encourages readers to reflect deeply on their beliefs, stating, “Spirituality without ethics is an empty shell.” This section is particularly helpful for those who want to ensure their magical and spiritual practices align with their values.
Weaknesses of the Book
1. Repetitive at Times
Because Cunningham emphasizes self-guided practice so strongly, some sections may feel repetitive. The message that Wicca is a flexible and self-defined religion is reinforced multiple times, which, while valuable, might seem redundant to experienced practitioners.
2. Lacks Advanced Magical Techniques
For those looking for in-depth spellcraft, complex rituals, or deeper occult teachings, Living Wicca may feel somewhat basic. The book focuses more on philosophy, ethics, and spiritual development than on detailed magical workings. One reader noted, “It’s a great book for deepening your understanding of Wicca, but don’t expect a spellbook or grimoire.”
3. No Historical or Scholarly Depth
Cunningham’s approach is modern and intuitive, which makes Wicca accessible to many—but it lacks historical context or academic references. Some practitioners may wish for more discussion of Wicca’s origins or comparisons with other Pagan traditions. As one reader put it, “If you’re looking for an academic exploration of Wicca’s roots, this isn’t the book for you. But if you want heartfelt guidance on living Wicca every day, it’s excellent.”
Personal Experience and Perspective
When I first read Living Wicca, I had already been practicing Wicca for a few years but felt unsure about developing my own personal rituals. This book helped me gain confidence in trusting my instincts rather than feeling like I had to follow someone else’s prescribed way of doing things.
The most impactful lesson for me was Cunningham’s reminder that Wicca is a lifelong journey, not a destination. His words, “Wicca isn’t about mastering rituals; it’s about mastering yourself,” stuck with me. I appreciated how he framed spiritual growth as an ongoing process rather than something that could be perfected overnight.
I also found the exercises on meditation and visualization useful, as they helped me feel more connected to my practice on a daily basis. While I wished there had been more detailed ritual examples, I came to realize that Cunningham’s goal was to encourage practitioners to create their own rather than rely on pre-written scripts.
Conclusion: A Thoughtful, Inspiring Guide for Solitary Wiccans
Living Wicca is a gentle yet profound guide that encourages practitioners to take full ownership of their spiritual path. It’s not a book of spells or rituals but a reflection on what it means to be Wiccan in a deeper, more personal way.
This book is best suited for:
✅ Solitary practitioners who want to personalize their Wiccan practice
✅ Those looking for ethical and spiritual guidance rather than just spells
✅ Readers who enjoyed Cunningham’s first book and want to go deeper
However, it may not be ideal for:
❌ Those seeking an advanced grimoire-style book with extensive spells
❌ Readers wanting detailed historical or academic analysis of Wicca
❌ Practitioners looking for structured, step-by-step rituals rather than freeform guidance
Overall, Living Wicca remains a beloved and valuable resource in modern Wicca. Cunningham’s wisdom continues to resonate with many practitioners, making this book a great addition to any solitary Wiccan’s library. As he so beautifully puts it: “The best teacher is within you. The best guide is your own soul.”
Would I recommend it? Absolutely—especially to solitaries looking to deepen their connection to Wicca in an authentic, personal way. 🌙✨