"real" wicca?

[astrokaiju]

so, i've been reading a lot of posts here that say something about how a person who stops at Scott Cunningham and doesn't read any further isn't a real Wiccan. in fact, i've heard people elsewhere say similar things.

now, i completely agree that you shouldn't use one book as your complete source of knowledge on any subject-least of all on your religion. but it seems to me that what Scott Cunningham is talking about and what a lot of other Wiccan authors are talking about are two different religions. maybe i am wrong, but Scott Cunningham's Wicca sounds like a relatively simple earth-based religion that allows a lot of leeway, and most of the other versions of Wicca i have seen are very ceremonial, with a lot of swords and medieval stuff and, actually, a lot of rules. they really seem completely different to me.

thoughts?

[Myst]

Every author writes about their *own* beliefs and practices.

Personally I like Aoumiel's craft, but not Cunningham's, or Starhawk's. I also like some of what Silver RavenWolf does, as well as Ly De Angeles' work, and some of Grimassi's, tho I'm not sure about Galenorn.

I think what you're hearing is that someone who just reads a book (by Cunningham or anyone really) and thinks they're Wiccan is not. I would agree with that. But then I know some people who call themselves Wiccan that I wouldn't either. We all have to make our own choices I guess.

Incidentally we have a Books forum you might want to look into on this subject.

[astrokaiju]

i mean, i have read Gardner's stuff and Cunningham's stuff, and i can BARELY see the relationship. do actual Wiccans consider Gardner to be THE founder of Wicca, and that all other forms of Wicca branch off from his? because it sounds to me like Cunningham (and a few other people) got their ideas somewhere else.

[Myst]

Well ya can find some stuff here on the founders of Wicca and such - like Gardner, and Alexander, and Valiente, etc. These are considered to be the people who started Wicca. But Wicca is ever changing and ever growing. It's only a few decades old and is a very flexible religion. So really it's up to you to decide what Wicca is to you, what Paganism is, etc. And in the end, as long as your happy, you will find it doesn't matter.

[Erincelt]

Whatever the source, whatever the reason, and whatever else (to make a long list short(er)), in the end the flavour of Wicca a person dedicates his/her life to, will most likely be the "Real" Wicca, and without anyone ever having to tell him/her what that is.

Why?

Because, in the end, the "Real" Wicca is found just the same way one finds the "truth" of Zen, or follows the highly simplified tenets of the Universal Life Church, or any other similar thing..

You do what feels right.

If it feels right, go for it! If not, then don't. Pretty simple. The only footnote is to be careful not to deny others this same little gift of doing what they too feel is right. So, if you prefer the Gardner-esque style of Wicca, cool! If you prefer the Cunningham, or the Starhawk/Dianic, or Grimassi, or Telescoe, or anyone else, then hey whatever!

So long as in the end you are making the decisions and finding your own light, discovering the god(s) within and without, then who the hell really cares how you go about it?

But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

- Erincelt, Master of the Holy Rubber Chicken

[Danustouch]

To the Best of my Knowledge, Scott Cunningham was initiated into MANY pagan paths, which to me, makes him a very reliable source for information, actually. Someone to look up to. Obviosly, he knows a great deal, about many paths. It's not that I do not respect Scott Cunningham, or his Writing. I believe the man to be akin to a pagan saint, if there were such thing, in fact. And I reccomend his books to all newcomers to the path..as a "Starting" point. Why? Because Scott knows the secret. The truth is....Wicca begins and ends..INSIDE YOU.

Consider the Rede "do what thou wilt, but harm none". And consider the phrase within the Charge of the Goddess "if thou cannot find it within thy self, thou shalt never find it without". No ONE book, nor ONE teacher, nor ONE exact path, will ever give you the secrets of life. They are all found within YOU. What Scott does, by providing resources, guidance, etc, in his books for people who Do NOT prefer the more rigid format of traditional covens, and traditional Gardenarian or Alexandrian rituals, is drive home that point that each person MUST find his or her own individual truth, and what works best for them. I basically reccomend to all people who start an interest in the craft, to first be a solitary, read everything they can possibly read on the topic of Wiccan History, Wiccan Ritual, etc. And THEN seek to learn about specific paths, traditions, etc, and find a coven..IF they are so inclined. Scot gives a "User Friendly" introduction the craft. I think of his work as an appetizer, and other authors as the main course, and then..little books of spells, and such, as dessert. The main course, being books about the history, and books about the philosophy, and books about the theology. So...Scott's books are basically a warm and fuzzy overview of all of those things to come. What is even more important, is that in his books he stresses the fundamentals..such as following your inner self, connecting to nature, connecting to the devine, seeking to live in balance. Etc.

What he teaches is not so radically divergent from other paths. The thing is..what he teaches is just a fundamental grassroots version of all of the other paths. Which is why I don't reccomend STOPPING with his books, but starting. Getting your feet wet with him, and then continuing on with other authors :)

Some links which might help you understand Scott a little better.

http://www.hermetic.com/webster/whisper-review.html

http://www.twpt.com/cunningham.htm

[Haedis]

Well said Danus!

[astrokaiju]

Originally posted by Danustouch


Some links which might help you understand Scott a little better.

http://www.hermetic.com/webster/whisper-review.html

http://www.twpt.com/cunningham.htm



i knew a little bit about his life before, but that was pretty illuminating.

has anyone read Whispers of the Moon before? neither of my local bookstores ever has it in stock.

[Danustouch]

Unfortunately, no..I haven't. However, I do know someone who was friends with him :0 )

[savian]

I think a person shouldn't be told there wrong or not really wiccan just because they find something that works for them. It is really what you feel not what someone tells you is right. More people have been killed in the name of God than anything else. Why? Now I see we fight with ourselves. Why cuz someone finds something that works for them. I'm NOT trying to start a fight but trying to get people to understand this is the wrong thing to tell a person that they aren't wiccan because they follow or like a persons teaching. Love, thats the important teacher for any belief.

[Myst]

I'm pretty sure there isn't going to be a fight being as no one's disagreed with that thinking here yet.