Author Review: Scott Cunnhingham

I've been pretty busy lately with life and all that jazz.  I know, it's been a while since I've posted something.  I've seriously had been racking my brain, thinking of more wicca topics that I should write about.  Then, it hit me.  Books.  Every wiccan should have at least one book int heir library.  But, if you're a beginner wiccan, then where do you start?
 

I strongly suggest you start with the one and only, Scott Cunningham.  I have bought three of his books so far, and he's just a compelling writer.  To me, he makes the most sense with his writing, wording each paragraph so people of all reading levels can understand, as well explain the information in his books thoroughly.  He touches every topic that a beginner needs to know, as well as lists references like where to buy your supplies, other publications, etc.  

 

Below, is a list of Scott Cunningham books that I've bought, and use frequently with my wiccan work:

 

Wicca: A guide for the Solitary Practitioner    

A great beginners guide for someone who wants to practice Wicca by themselves, instead of with a coven.  Again, he explains every topic that a beginner needs to know, in depth.  It has everything to the theory of wicca, all the way to examples of spells and rituals.  It also features a little tidbit about Scott Cunningham's own book of shadows, giving the reader examples of what they can do for their own BOS (book of shadows).

Living Wicca 

 

Part two of the book above.  It's just a more in depth about the topics stated in the first book.  I suggest reading the first book, before this one.  This book is for intermediate users, or those who have been into wicca for a while.

 

Wicca in the Kitchen 

 

How many of you had heard of Kitchen witchcraft?  Basically, kitchen witchcraft is when you use cooking, in place of performing a spell, or ritual.  What I like about this book, is that I do a lot of baking, and all the ingredients, as well as how to use them while cooking, are explained in this book.  It even has a small section for vegetarians, as well as a section for what you should incorporate with your cooking on certain holidays.  If you have any interest with including witchcraft with your cooking, this book is for you.

 

Other books you may like (all by Scott Cunningham)

 

Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

 Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise

The Complete book of Incense, Oils, and Brews

 Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic

The Magical Houshold

Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic

The Truth About Witchcraft Today

 Magical Aromatherapy: The Power of Scent

 Earth, Air, Fire, and Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic

The Magic in Food

Divination for Beginners

Spell Crafts: Creating Magical Objects

The Truth About Herb Magic

The Truth About Witchcraft

Hawaiian Magic and Spirituality

Pocket Guide for Fortunetelling 

Dreaming the Divine: Techniques for Sacred Sleep

Cunningham's Book of Shadows: The Path of An American Traditionalist 

 

 

Finding that good 'ol inspiration.

I've been at a rut as of late with my style.  I hardly dress the nines anymore, and I feel like everything has been rather dull.  Looks like it's time to search for inspiration!  So, if you're like me, who needs to search for some of that inspiration to get you out of that rut, I have a few tips for you.

1. Try finding inspiration in books

Books are amazing on their own.  The right words allow your mind to pain a canvas as to what the author is describing.  There are tons of young adult books that have goth characters.  One of them is Vampire Kisses, and I have to say that sometimes I get inspiration from the main character (or from some of the other gothy types in the books).  She has clothes in her closet that give me ideas of what I can bring to my own personal style.  You don't have to limit yourself to goth books either.  If you like fantasy, sci-fi, or even western, try to get inspiration from them.  

2. Look at pictures

Look at pictures that interest you.  I wouldn't limit myself to just goth pictures either, but every picture that you find interesting.  It can even be pictures of nature, animals, or even some mainstream styles.  Keep your mind open and get looking.

3. Listen to music

Music on it's own is a powerful source of inspiration and motivation.  Make a play list of bands and songs that you like, and listen to the music closely.  Sometimes when I do this, I get images, or short stories in my head that inspire me.

4. Write down your dreams

It's nothing new that people keep dream journals.  There are a lot of benefits to keeping dream journals, and looking for inspiration is no exception.  If you start keeping a dream journal, you can go back to read them, and get some inspiration from them.

5. Everyday life

Inspiration happens when you least expect it, and one can find just as much inspiration during everyday life.  Maybe you see someone wearing a neat piece of jewelry, or a shirt that you know would look great with a pair of pants you own.  Pay attention to the daily events in your life and get inspired.

October is here! (A guide on shopping for the spookiest day of the year)

The leaves are turning color, the wind is starting to become colder, and the sunny days of yore are now replaced with cloudy days.  It's October of course, the biggest shopping time of the year for goths.  I'm sure you've noticed it by  now, shopping centers being overtaken by the creepy holiday, selling spooky trinkets to celebrate the coming of Halloween.  If you're like me, then a week (or more) before October first, you were antsy at the passing days, impatiently waiting for the best time of the year (and I don't mean Christmas).  The wait is over, and the time is now!  

But wait, what if you're new to the goth scene, and you don't know where to start?  Below, I have a few tips and tricks to help.  

1. Stay away from cheap products

    This includes anything that looks like it'll fall apart if handled too much (like cheap metals, etc...).  This can be frustrating, especially if you buy the said object for a hefty price, just to have it fall apart on you.  Some mass produced products (not just Halloween, but most products as a whole), are made of cheap materials, and sometimes will break easily.  Anything that looks like it will break if handled too much, stay away from, even if you have to spend a few dollars more to get the better made product.  It'll save you in the long run.  

2. Don't limit yourself to just Halloween stores

I can't tell you how many times I went to Kmart, or the dollar store, and found an accessory that I just had to have.  If you only shop at Halloween stores, then you are limiting yourself to the other possibilities of finding products that can either enhance your look, or give you new ideas.  I know what some of you are thinking.  "Kmart and most dollar stores only sell massed produce items, so why are you telling us to shop there, when you  just told us to stay away from products like that?"  Because, not all products that Kmart, and stores alike sell, are cheap.  There are a lot of cheesy looking costume pieces yes, but sometimes you can find a gem of an accessory to go with your outfit, or something that you can use.  You have to be willing to hunt, if you want to find them though.  

Also, not all Halloween stores sell five star products.  Some of it is mass produced anyway, which means no matter which store you go to, you'll have to hunt to find what you want, and not limiting yourself to just one store, you can find a better range of Halloween goodies.

3. Be Inspired

With any goth outfit, one must be inspired to make it work.  Always look for inspiration, especially around Halloween time.  If you're inspired around this time of year, the sky is the limit, and the accessories that you need, or are inspired to use, will be easier to obtain, and can really make your outfit pop.  With goth fashion, one should be inspired anyway (though I know it's hard sometimes.  I'm just starting to get inspired again myself), but even if you are in a bit of a fashion rut, going shopping for Halloween can be a fun way to become inspired.  

4. Fall is also a good time to shop for clothing

Besides shopping for the latest spooky Halloween accessories, fall is a great time to buy the essentials that any goth should have in their closet.  In the fashion world, goth will at times become popular among society, and fashion will draw inspiration from the dark subculture.  Sometimes it can be aggravating  seeing the subculture of darklings in the spotlight, and every trendy person striving to wear what goths have been wearing for decades, with no knowledge of the subculture.  However, this is the time of year that we have the clothing advantage.  It's a lot easier now to find clothes more suited for one's dark image, rather than having to buy off the internet, or go to specialty shops.  We can now go to a mainstream store, and find goodies that can even make Elvira squeal.

Another note:  When looking for clothing, try to find clothes and don't look like a costume.  It's important that you do this, because one of the things that set goths apart from goth  look a likes, is how well put together someone's outfit is, as shallow as that seems.  Now, that doesn't mean that you can't buy Halloween items anymore.  That is't what I'm saying.  What I am saying though, is that if you wear something that looks like a costume (or is a costume) as a goth outfit (especially when it's nowhere near Halloween), you won't be taken seriously, which may result in hurt feelings.  The less your outfit looks like a costume, the better you'll be put together.  So, what I am saying is that if you are looking to do some shopping for your gothy closet, stick to clothing that look like...clothing, and stay away from pieces that look like costumes.

5. Have fun

Above all else this October, have as much fun as you can.  Halloween is a celebration of not only dressing up and getting candy, but also the wiccan new year.  I urge you on your adventures of shopping, don't forget to laugh and have fun with the holiday.  Have a happy and safe Halloween everyone!