Looking for the best Scott Cunningham books for your witchcraft archive?
Collecting historical Wiccan books for posterity?
New to the craft and want to explore everything before deciding where your energy flows?
Here’s your go-to guide to Scott Cunningham’s most beloved books, ranked from lowest to highest Goodreads-rated titles (based on 2024/2025 data).
Whether you’re a beginner witch, a ritual mama, or an earth-based practitioner leveling up, this guide helps you determine which book fits your spiritual needs.
#6: The Truth About Witchcraft Today
Goodreads Avg Rating: 3.83 ★ (1,418 ratings)
Read Reviews | Buy “The Truth About Witchcraft Today” by Scott Cunningham
Why it’s last: Some find it dated or surface-level.
Who it’s for: History-curious witches & skeptics.
Good for: Seeing how modern witchcraft emerged into public view.
Pros: Short, easy to digest, good historical reference.
Cons: Lacks depth and modern relevance for some readers.
Real Reviews: “This is an ‘oldie but goodie.’ The information is still relevant, but it feels like a snapshot from another time.” Others say it’s useful for understanding how Wicca entered the mainstream, but they also say it tends lacks ritual content.
#5: Earth, Air, Fire & Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic
Goodreads Avg Rating: 4.09 ★ (4,789 ratings)
Read Reviews | Buy “Earth, Air, Fire & Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic” by Scott Cunningham
Why it’s here: Well-rated but a bit general for advanced witches.
Who it’s for: Solitary practitioners wanting more.
Good for: Exploring elemental work in your own unique way.
Pros: Organized by element, inspiring for rituals, easy language.
Cons: May feel too introductory for seasoned witches; fewer deep dives.
Real Reviews: Readers call it “a treasure trove of practical magic,” especially for beginners. Some say it inspires creativity but feels repetitive to long-time practitioners.
#4: Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic
Goodreads Avg Rating: 4.16 ★ (3,230 ratings)
Read Reviews
Why it ranks: A beginner favorite with high re-read value.
Who it’s for: New Moon Novices on a budget.
Good for: Building a strong, nature-based practice.
Pros: Very accessible, deeply rooted in nature, encourages creativity.
Cons: Might be too simple for intermediate to advanced practitioners.
Real Reviews: “Loved this when I was starting out,” one Reddit user shared. It’s often praised for its simplicity and clear structure, though some feel it lacks enough detail for seasoned witches.
#3: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic
Goodreads Avg Rating: 4.21 ★ (3,295 ratings)
Read Reviews | Buy “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic” by Scott Cunningham
Why it’s loved: Deeply practical and TikTok-trendy.
Who it’s for: Energy empaths and budget crystal babes.
Good for: Easy-to-follow insights on stones, crystals, and metals.
Pros: Extensive entries, practical correspondences, well-researched.
Cons: Lacks imagery, no color photos, more of a reference book.
Real Reviews: One reviewer notes, “Great reference book. I use it to enhance my rituals with crystal correspondences.” Others say it could benefit from visuals, but they praise its straightforward tone.
#2: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
Goodreads Avg Rating: 4.29 ★ (8,060 ratings)
Read Reviews | Buy “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs” by Scott Cunningham
Why it’s iconic: A must-have staple in every witch’s bookshelf.
Who it’s for: Ritual mamas & herb witches.
Good for: Everyday spellwork using common and sacred herbs.
Pros: Huge catalog, traditional and modern uses, very practical.
Cons: No illustrations, can feel overwhelming without a focus.
Real Reviews: Some readers call it “indispensable,” while others caution that not all folklore cited is historically accurate. “Use it as a jumping-off point, not gospel,” one witch suggested.
#1: The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews
Goodreads Avg Rating: 4.32 ★ (4,976 ratings)
Read Reviews | Buy “The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews” by Scott Cunningham
Why it’s #1: Beloved for sensory ritual tools & practical recipes.
Who it’s for: Seasoned seers, scent-driven witches, and sacred space lovers.
Good for: Making your own incense, oils, and brews from scratch.
Pros: Full recipes, ingredients you can actually find, rich sensory focus.
Cons: Some recipes feel repetitive or very niche; not for ultra-beginners.
Real Reviews: “My most influential Cunningham book,” said one reader. Others rave about the easy substitutions and clear steps, but note it leans heavily on kitchen magick-style prep.
More of the Best Scott Cunningham Books
(Listed alphabetically; full rankings coming soon)
Cunningham’s Book of Shadows: The Path of An American Traditionalist
Good for: Intermediate to advanced witches curious about his personal practices.
Real Reviews: “Feels like a peek into his private thoughts—raw and authentic.”
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Wicca in the Kitchen
Good for: Kitchen witches wanting to blend cooking with magic.
Real Reviews: “Charming and practical. Turns food into ritual.”
Divination for Beginners
Good for: Total newbies to tarot, palmistry, or scrying.
Real Reviews: “Light, fun intro. Covers many tools without getting overwhelming.”
Dreaming the Divine
Good for: Mystics and lucid dreamers interested in dream-based magic.
Real Reviews: “Underrated. Helped me honor my dreams as sacred messages.”
Hawaiian Magic & Spirituality
Good for: Cultural exploration and respectful learning.
Real Reviews: “Respectful tone, unique voice. Best read with awareness of cultural context.”
Living Wicca
Good for: Deepening your solo practice after reading Wicca.
Real Reviews: “A perfect sequel. Balances ethics, devotion, and evolution.”
Magical Aromatherapy
Good for: Beginners to scent magic.
Real Reviews: “A great companion to Incense, Oils & Brews. Short and sweet.”
Magical Herbalism
Good for: Foundational study into herbal traditions.
Real Reviews: “A bit dated, but excellent starting point for plant-based magic.”
Pocket Guide to Fortune Telling
Good for: Casual readers looking for quick insight.
Real Reviews: “A fun little book. Basic but cute.”
Spell Crafts
Good for: DIY witches who love to create tools and charms.
Real Reviews: “Very hands-on. Great projects you can start right away.”
The Magic in Food
Good for: Combining folk magic and meal prep.
Real Reviews: “Great if you want your kitchen to be your altar.”
The Magical Household
Good for: Hearth and home spells.
Real Reviews: “Homey and heartfelt. Every witch with a family should read this.”
The Truth About Herb Magic
Good for: Quick beginners’ overview.
Real Reviews: “Great as a gift or summary. Not in-depth.”
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
Good for: Literally everyone starting out.
Real Reviews: “Life-changing. This is the one that started it all for me.”
Pro Tip: Want to start with one? Go for Earth Power or the Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs if you’re ballin’ on a budget but still want real power in your practice.
Do you agree with our compilation of the best Scott Cunningham books? Comment and let us know!
Wanna see which edition is cheapest or comes in bundles? Just ask and I’ll dig it up for you. Blessed be! ✨
