The Truth About Witchcraft Today (Truth About Series) [Paperback]

Scott Cunningham (Author)

Book Description

Series: Truth About Series | Publication Date: September 8, 2002

Here is the first real look at the facts about Witchcraft and the religion of Wicca. As renowned author Scott Cunningham plainly states, the practice of magic is not supernatural or Satanic. Witches and folk magicians are only utilizing, through timeless rituals, natural energies found within the Earth and our bodies to enrich life by creating positive change. It's all revealed here in the easy-to-read, understandable style that was Scott Cunningham's trademark. 

Praise for The Truth about Witchcraft Today


"A really good introduction to Witchcraft and Wicca. . . . I thought it was wonderful." 
                                                       -Marian Zimmer Bradley, The Mists of Avalon

"… the first book I recommend to those seeking information about my religion." 
                                                               -Ellen Cannon Reed, The Witches' Tarot

"One of the best introductory books about Witchcraft and folk magic." 
                                                                  -The Broom Closet, BroomCloset.com

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Today, many people consider Witchcraft to be one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. Articles in newspapers and magazines, as well as movies and shows on television, are filled with Witchcraft. Or rather, what is supposed to be Witchcraft.

I have been involved with Witchcraft for over a quarter of a century and am surprised and disappointed that Wicca is still misunderstood, feared, and even hated.

We asked Scott Cunningham to write The Truth About Witchcraft Today to help dispel misconceptions and give honest answers to those seeking to follow the Wiccan way. Already, over 135,000 people have used this book for one or both of these purposes. If you're interested in becoming a Witch, or want to know the truth about what Witches do, you should get this book too.

This is not meant to be an in-depth study of Wicca. It is an introductory book so you can have the basics: What takes place in Wiccan rituals? What type of magic do Witches use? What holidays do Witches celebrate? What are the deities worshiped by Wiccans?

It's all revealed here, and it's done in the easy-to-read, understandable style that has helped to make Cunningham famous.

One of the purposes I have always hoped this book would fulfill is to help younger people let their parents and friends know that they aren't doing anything illegal or immoral. (In fact, real Witchcraft is a highly ethical religion which stresses personal responsibility for one's actions.) This book will help explain exactly what they are doing.

So, if your parents or friends are open to hearing about what you do and what you believe, here is the perfect book to give to them. It may counter any doubt or distrust. And opening any person's mind to the truth is a good thing in and of itself.

About the Author

Scott Cunningham practiced magic actively for over twenty years. He was the author of more than fifty books covering both fiction and non-fiction subject matter; sixteen of his titles are published by Llewellyn Publications. Scott's books reflect a broad range of interests within the New Age sphere, where he was very highly regarded. He passed from this life on March 28, 1993, after a long illness.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (September 8, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087542127X
• ISBN-13: 978-0875421278
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (71 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #423,540 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Witchcraft
  • #27 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Wicca
  • #28 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Occult > Alchemy

More About the Author

Scott Cunningham practiced magic actively for over twenty years. He was the author of more than fifty books covering both fiction and non-fiction subject matter; sixteen of his titles are published by Llewellyn Publications. Scott's books reflect a broad range of interests within the New Age sphere, where he was very highly regarded. He passed from this life on March 28, 1993, after a long illness.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Contains useful information., October 3, 2000

By 

Gabe Jordan - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Truth About Witchcraft (Paperback)

There is probably no other book in the market that can fully explain the truth about witchcraft as briefly as this book. Scott Cunningham is a wonderful author and Wiccan. In this book he explains why witches aren't 'satanic' and don't gather in covens for ritual 'orgies'. He explains the true nature of folk magic and witchcraft, and is high-detailed when talking about the religion of Wicca. He says that witchcraft is not used for harm, but for the good of one's self and others. I was also impressed how well he explained the Sabbats (the holy days of Wicca). About what happens on these days and why witches celebrate them. You well also find it interesting how he explains the Wiccan holiday Yule, the idea of the rebirth of the God. And how Christians adapted this holiday into their religion to make it Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. See the similiarity of the two holidays? Read this book and find out more, because everyone should have the benefit of knowing the truth about Witchcraft.

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This should be the first book on Wicca you read, December 8, 2001

By 

Dirahl (Abingdon, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Truth About Witchcraft Today (Truth About Series) (Paperback)

I had been curious about Wicca for a while before I had seen this book. I read a few other books about it before, but I wish I had seen this one first. It was the first book to explain clearly what Witchcraft is and is not. Cunningham's purpose is not to convince you that his faith is the "correct" one, but rather to show that Witchcraft is beautiful religion undeserving of its reputation of demonic associations. It's not what I would call a deep book, but it has many good uses.

First, I would recommend it to anyone who is curious about the religion but knows little about it. Anyone who has an interest in religion, for example.

Second, I would recommend it to give to a friend or family member, if you are Wiccan and they are interested in what you believe. It's short, sweet, and to the point, and they won't have to spend weeks reading it to understand what you believe.

Third, I think it would be a great book as part of the required reading for a college course dealing with Wicca. Most college students have no idea what Wicca is, so this would be a nice intro book.

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I get the impression that Pat Robertson has not read this., June 29, 2000

By 

Matt - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Truth About Witchcraft Today (Truth About Series) (Paperback)

Telling a family member about your beliefs can be really hard. Slip this book under their pillow at night and you'll be set. Ok, it might be better to actually tell them what you are and what you believe and then give them the book--but either way, this is a great book to help a friend or family member become more informed about what you believe.

Scott Cunningham delivers the basic info to help calm any sort of fears of midnight parties with Satan and presents Witchcraft as a nature-loving, positive religion that thousands and thousands of people are practicing everyday.

From the basic tools, to religious days, to Deities, to folk magick, to initiation, Scott covers the necessary basics to help inform the reader about what Witchcraft is all about.

A recommended book for all beginners and practitioners' friends and family who need something to ease that pesky chest pain.