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Classic, and outdated. Nevertheless, I wanted a basic introduction to Wiccan and it delivered as such.

I found myself furious with the depiction of the Goddess. This is not at Cunningham's fault, as it was (is?) a widely thought depiction but here it is... there is no reason to associate the Goddess solely as symbolic to fertility. We know men can be fertile and affect procreation. Rather, the Goddess is creator. (Is a male god even needed?)

I was also bothered by the holidays and what they meant. Cunningham begins with Yule and the birth of the god from the goddess, only to circle around at Beltane when the now older god impregnates the goddess with.... himself. (Anyone thinking of that horrible Ms. Marvel storyline? No? Alright.) The "Days of Power" sprinkled between the fuckery all pertain to the growth and change in the god, but the goddess is always one affected and defined by the god, either mother or so such. My feminists out there, are you cringing yet? Of course, that is only one version of the many in Wicca. Wicca itself is problematic (looking at you, Gardner, and your secret society bullshit)

I've been told that Wicca has evolved into something more conscious of this problematic association, and that Cunningham is someone simply within their culture. (Yes, and what about all the people that were right about it? That were perfectly woke? Aiye!)

More grievous is his history lesson on the first chapter, stating that shaminism was the first religion and then begins talking about "our ancestors" (Whose ancestors?) without any sources to back him up. Super oversimplified and inaccurate, disregard those statements please!

Now for what was good about the book, it was a very easy read and is a very good starting point. I can disagree all I want with religion itself, but I feel like I got a good grasp of it, which is what Cunningham sought out to do. Plus, he himself stresses about reading several sources and developing your own path. I'm sure there's a better book out there (I've been recommended a few goddess-centric ones and am looking for suggestions!!), but I feel like for what it is, it was good and it's what was available to me.

I don't know what kind of witch I intend to be, but I'm interested to find out.
Stay tuned, ya'll!