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!

So, you want to be a Neowiccan? (Neowiccan for beginners)

So, somewhere down the line, you stumbled upon paganism.  After some thought, you decided that you wanted to become involved with it.  That's all well and good, but where does one start?  One doesn't simply 'become' one over night, and for some, it takes quite some time to fully understand what the hub bub is about.  For my first official post about Neowicca, I introduce to you a beginner's guide to the craft.  Even if some of you are reading this out of curiosity, or just for knowledge purposes, I'm ecstatic that people want to read more about it.  Hopefully this will shine some light and stop some of the misunderstandings that surrounds this religion.

1. Wicca and Witchcraft aren't the same thing!

"Wait, what?  Witchcraft and Wicca aren't the same thing?"  No, it's not.  Eventhough wiccans do practice witchcraft, it's not the definition of wicca, but only part of it.

Wicca:  

1. Contemporary paganism, nature based religion, warshipping the god and the goddess (or in some cases, whichever gods/goddess' the participation would like)

2. Incorporates the practice of witchcraft

Neowicca:

1. Non traditional wicca, also known as Eclectic Wicca.  Because most people can't become wiccan, due to not being initiated into a coven, nor have any wiccan lineage, they often take teachings form other pagan sources.  One of those sources are wiccan books that follow the outer court, non oathbound teachings of wicca (Scott Cunningham books).

witchcraft:

1. The art of practices of sorcery and magic

2. Magical influence, witchery (For a quick guide on what witchcraft is and isn't, please refer to my much earlier post: Real Witchcraft).


Now that we've settled what Neowicca is, and what witchcraft is, let's talk about why witchcraft is important to Neowicca.  Neowiccans have a deep appreciation for nature, and lets face it, Neowicca and witchcraft goes hand in hand.  But why?  Well, this is when it gets complicated.  Everyone has their own reason why they are attracted to this religion, as well as practice witchcraft.  I would hope that the people who dabble, are doing it for the right reasons (although that's not always the case).  Most Neowiccans however, practice witchcraft as a form of helping others, along to empower themselves, and others.  It has nothing to do with revenge, nor being a unique snowflake.     

2. Neowicca Practices

Besides witchcraft, there is a lot to Neowicca.  First things first, Neowicca is about studying, not having 'special powers'.  A little anti climatic?  Well, it's true, everything that most people know about Neowicca is wrong, and the sooner we get over that, the better we'll be off.  Next, let's decide if you want to be solitary, or accepted into a coven.  Either way, it will still require to study, and to learn about Neowicca/the craft as often as you can.  It's almost like doing a bible study, if we want to get technical (only we study our book of shadows, or Neowiccan books).

The reason why we study so much, is because when doing spells or rituals, everything ties in together.  If you know which moon phase, day, or even planetary hour to cast a spell, it can have a lot more positive effect on your spell, verses casting them with no direction.  As they say, 'knowledge is power' and the more you know in this case, the more informed you are, which means that you can strive for accuracy.  I suggest to do a lot of research about Neowiccan holidays, moon phases (moon and month correspondence), days of the week, planetary hours, herbs, etc.  Remember, part of Neowicca is working you bum off, and there is no short cuts.  It's like what Yoda said, "Do or do not, there is no try."

When working with the craft, one must also know code of ethics, or the wiccan creed.  The wiccan rede is like our ten commandments, they help guide us on how to use our knowledge, in a constructive way.  The biggest rule, is to harm none.  It's self explanatory, but if you want to get down and dirty, it means don't hurt anyone while performing a spell, or ritual.  Another rule to keep in mind, is that whatever you send out, comes back to you, three fold.  It simply means that if you have negative intent when you perform a spell, then that negativity comes back you times three.  However, if you send out positive intent, then that comes back to you times three.

If you want to read more about the wiccan rede I suggest this: Wiccan Rede.  For more about the history, I suggest this: Wicca Information.

Last thing, before we move on.  Reincarnation.  Wiccans don't believe in a Heaven or Hell, but in reincarnation.  Reincarnation is basically when someone dies, their soul, or spirit, is reborn, and they live another life, without remembering their other lives (unless past life regression takes place, but I'll explain that later).


3. God and Goddess (and others)

When talking about Neowicca, it's hard to agree on which god or goddess to follow.  Mainly Neowiccans follow the horned god, and moon goddess, but there are exceptions.  Neowiccans believe in other gods too, which is why some covens will warship Zeus  some will warship Diana, and it goes on from there.  It really depends on what you want to do.  I know people who are atheist, who practice witchcraft and Neowiccan ways, and I know people who warship more than one god.  I also know people who choose to warship the Christian god, and his son, Jesus.  There are no wrong answers here, but I were you, I would research thoroughly, then go with whichever one seems to fit your belief most. 


4. Tools

Because this is a beginners guide, I must mention tools (or at the very least, tell a little about them).  Some of them are a no brainer, and some of them you might not use an awful lot.  These are just the basic, everyday alter tools.  For other tools, you can find them at the store, or in nature, but I'm only going to list the alter tools.  I might write another post later, more in depth, about alter tools, and ritual tools.

A brief word about alters.  Neowiccans use the same tools as initiated wiccans.  Like most things in wicca, your wiccan alter is sacred, and a space for you to express yourself with the craft. It's best to personalize this space, instead of buying a store bought, or copying from other people.  With wicca, everything is about personalizing.  Also, with your alter, you can decorate it for the seasons, as well as the wiccan holidays.  Just don't forget when decorating, alters area  sacred space for your craft, and should be treated with respect.  Nothing besides wiccan items should be allowed on it, and it should always be well taken care of.

Athame:  A ritual knife, used to direct energy (casting circles).

Candles:  Are one of the most important tools for when casting spells.  The colors represent which type of spell you're casting, and can empower your spells.  Using candles to represent directions, or to invoke the god and goddess (or whomever you choose to warship), are placed on your alter.

Chalice:  It's usually used for ceremonial drink, an offering to the gods, or holding salt water.

Deities:  Statues of a god for your alter.  Placing it on your alter makes it a little more sacred, with the statue watching over it.

Pentacle:   Offers protection during magical work.

Stones/Crystals:  Boosts up a spells power, and can bring earth energy to your alter.

Book of Shadows: Your own sacred text (and something else you need to personalize).  It holds your knowledge, your teachings, your spells, everything.

What I have up there are just the basics.  If you want a more in depth explanation, then read this: Tools


5. Holidays

I'm just going to list the major holidays, I won't go too much in depth about them.  This would need another post (or rather, posts), all it's own.  So for now, I'll just list them and their dates.

Samhain (Halloween): October 31st, pagan new year, honoring the dead, cleansing and releasing.

Yule (Christmas): December 21st, rebirth, life triumphs over death.

Bridgid (Imbolic): February 2nd, purification, initiation, dedication.

Eostara (Easter): March 21st, conception, regeneration, new beginnings.

Beltane (May Day): May 1st, passion that fuels life, joy, fertility.

Litha (midsummer): June 21st, transition, and planning.

Lammas (Lughnasadh): August 1st, gratitude, abundance, fruition.

Mabon (Thanksgiving): September 21st, giving thanks, reflection.



And there you have it, an introduction for Neowicca.  I'll most likely post a much bigger, longer explanation for each of these topics, and more at a later date.  Thank you all who read this monster of a post, I sure hope this was helpful, and insightful.  My point with this article, being that there is more to Neowicca than meets the eye.  It's been a mysterious religion, but with more books being published about the subject, the rumors are starting to be put to rest, so to speak.  I hope to also get others to understand that wicca doesn't mean any harm, nor do we want to convert anyone into evil cults.  Neowiccans are simply misunderstood people, who like in most religions, just want people to tolerate their practices, and have a little respect.

Labels, labels, labels!

Exactly what the title says, the dreaded word that no person, young or old wants to hear.  Labels.  At least one point in our life (most likely when you were in middle, or high school), you have been labeled something, either positive, negative, or part of a certain group.  Most likely, you weren't thrilled when the said person came up with that conclusion, and tried to explain (or argue) about that person's findings.  On the other foot, you have at lest labeled someone at least one time, with the result being the same, if not worse, than when you were labeled.  

Before you go on saying that you've never, or have never done such a thing, you have.  Everyone has.  You've labeled someone, I've labeled someone, and that cranky old lady down the street has labeled someone.  Anyone that says that they have truly never labeled someone, is either telling a lie, or isn't aware that they had.  Now, the point of this article isn't to simply just say 'everyone labels'.  There is actually a hidden meaning why we do this.  

As a society, we have a 'herd' mentality, where we are use to a common norm, and anything outside of that norm, could be seen as dangerous.  This is due to humanity's primitive ancestors.  A way how they decided if something was safe or not, is if it followed their social norms.  If something didn't follow the herd, then they avoided it at all cost, since it could potentially harm them.  With that being said, we still do this, for fear of danger.  This in turn, caused us to come up with 'boxes' to put certain types of people in, or label them, to be part of a group, or stereotype.  Bottom line, we use it as a short way to 'get to know' people, without having to actually talk to them.  We can guess what they like, or how they act, just by looking at them, labeling them to a group, or stereotype, and decide if we really want to interact with that person.

Don’t get stereotypes confused with labeling.  Instead of placing someone with a group of people (either right, or way wrong), stereotypes stamps a negative image on a person, or group of people.  One of the more known goth stereotypes, is that all goths are warship the devil. 

"But shouldn't you get to know the person, before judging them?"  Yes, that's the ideal way of politely getting to know someone, and it's very much encouraged.  However, there is another question I would like to ask:  

If you join a specific group, would you choose to be labeled as part of that group?  

I ask this question, because I believe that in this case, then it would be ok to label someone.  I'm not ashamed to be labeled as a goth, or wiccan, because that's what I am.    I'm both of those things, and me getting upset over the fact that someone labeled me as such, would be pretty stupid.  If someone stereotyped me, then I would hold offense.  This is especially true, if it's something extreme, like the whole 'all goths cut themselves' song and dance.

What I'm trying to say is, if you a join a group, embrace the label with confidence.  Be aware that labels aren't always a bad thing, especially if it's something that you identify with, or that feels like you.  

Goth: An ambiguous definition

What is goth?  You've heard this question thousands of times, asked by baby bats, and non goths alike.  You've also heard just as many different definitions, given by different goths.  Why so many different definition for goths?  Because goth in itself is ambiguous.  Everyone has their own definition for what goth is, and isn't.

The Core of Goth

If you ask the ever so famous, what is goth question, you'll get a million different answers, with a few key points, where most, if not all goths agree on.

1. Goth Music

2. Goth Fashion

3. Goth Art/Literature

These three topics are half of the answer to 'what is goth'.  The other half, comes form everyone's thousands of ambiguous definitions.  What I'm getting at, is you can have your own definition of goth.  I understand what you're thinking, How do I know what is goth, and what isn't?  If I seen someone famous, like Snookie dressed in all black, my first thought wouldn't be goth.  My first thought would be Are you kidding me?  and roll my eyes at the sight.  Wearing all black doesn't make you goth.  If you have a deep appreciation for the darker side of life, then yes, I would say that is goth.  

This is a hard subject to I guess explain somewhat, with so many different definitions, and all of them right.  I don't want to say that goth is what you make of it, but at the same time, it's true.  If you think that part of goth is wearing fishnets and you like them, go for it.  Remember, you don't have to like strictly things that are viewed as goth.  Like I said, goth has an ambiguous definition, and it gets confusing.  Also, don't let elitists bring you down.  There are sticklers like that in every subculture, including the mainstream.  Have fun with it, and be true to yourself.        

Anti-Goth Grant (did I read that right?)

Yesterday was the first I've heard of this from Stripy Tights and Dark Delights.  I have to say, I'm both shocked (maybe not that much), and disappointed that people would actually agree to give a grant for Anti-Goths.  I mean, how are they suppose to battle goth?  Break out the US military, and try to 'kill' it off, like a giant, rampaging monster?  

The Anti-Goth Grant Ends

This baffles me, really!  To ask the US government for money to combat a harmless subculture, or even the idea of goth, is just silly.  It would be like asking the government for a loan to combat against Trekkies (a fan of Star Trek).  It can't be done!

One good thing did come out of this though.  Now instead of battling goth, the people of Blue Springs are aiming towards goth acceptance (better late than never).  I really hope it works out for them, and maybe change a few minds about the negativity that surrounds goth sometimes.