Author Scott Cunningham (June 27, 1956 - March 28,1993), created more than a dozen books on NeoWicca and modern Paganism. Born in Michigan, Scott spend most of his life in San Diego, California. In high school, he discovered Wicca, and was initiated into an eclectic Wiccan coven. In the early 1980s, he spent some time in a group led by author Raven Grimassi. It was from these experiences that Scott drew much of the information which was passed along in his books.
While Cunningham often comes under fire from lineaged Wiccans, who point out that his books are in fact about NeoWicca, rather than traditional Wicca, his works typically offer a lot of good advice for people who practice as solitaries. He frequently points out in his writings that religion is a deeply personal thing, and it's not up to other people to tell you if you're doing it right or wrong. He also argued that it was time for Wicca to stop being a secretive, mystery religion, and that Wiccans should welcome interested newcomers with open arms.
Interestingly, Scott was able to take his knowledge of natural magic and translate it into language that beginners to Wicca could easily understand. He shared his belief of the Divine, and of symbolism, and although he never dumbed it down, he managed to take complex information and explain it in a way that someone who had no prior understanding of Wicca could still absorb. It was this skill, perhaps, that made him one of modern Paganism's most popular writers. Even fifteen years after his death, Scott Cunningham's books continue to sell in bookstores around the world.
In 1983, Scott was diagnosed with lymphoma. He suffered from a variety of illnesses over the next decade, including meningitis, before passing away in 1993 at the age of thirty-six. Following his death, much of his material was repackaged by publishers and released posthumously.
-The Crafty Witch
"In the mid nineteen seventies, Governor Michael S. Dukakis of Massachusetts, bestowed upon Laurie Cabot the state's Patriot Award.
This historical award is issued by the Governor to honor citizens of the state for public service which leads to the betterment, enrichment and welfare of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Patriot's Award is given to Civic leaders, Distinguished Civil Servants, Community Leaders and others who are dedicated in a significant way to improving the lives of their fellow citizens and their community.
This award has been given since the early days of the Commonwealth and the recipient of the Patriot's Award has amongst other things, the privilege of grazing cows on the Boston Common, and wearing a tri-cornered hat. To the best of our knowledge Laurie has not done either thus far.
The proclamation is signed by the Governor and the Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and it reads:
"I proclaim Laurie Cabot the Official Witch of Salem for her work with children with special needs."
Laurie's first official duty as a state Patriot residing in Salem, was to greet a delegation of artists who were visiting the city from China. The artists had been invited to the United States to display their art at the Boston Museum of Science, and were the first such group of artists to be invited to America after relations with China had been established by President Nixon.
While this certainly was a compliment to Laurie Cabot, it was and is today a symbol of hope for all Witches who do good works on behalf of their community and nation. Equally as important, it serves as a testament that Witches have a place in America today and are recognized as practicing a legitimate and honorable religion which shows a path of dedication for the good of all. This was the first time in history that a high standing politician openly recognized a Witch for their good works."
An early Happy Birthday wish for you Laurie! May fate be ever in your favor.
Blessed Be )0(
-The Crafty Witch
Let me just start out by saying I know I don't posts blogs on Monday but today is a special occasion. I just wanted to wish a very Happy Birthday to my Mom. We don't always see eye to eye or get along all the time but she does love me threw thick and thin and made me the person I am today. I love you Mom, Happy Birthday.
Love Kelly
Sir James George Frazer is perhaps best known for his collection of folklore and mythology, The Golden Bough, published in 1890. The work details legends and myths from many different cultures throughout history. Frazer theorized that human belief systems had begun as primitive magic, which was then replaced by religious dogma, which has now been replaced by scientific knowledge.
Frazer was perhaps one of the first anthropologists to analyze the link between myth and ritual ceremony. The Golden Bough is a study of legend and myth and how they are interpreted into ritual and celebration. Frazer's interpretation of the cycle of life, death and rebirth has carried on to this day, and in his work he explained that ultimately, this cycle is at the core of myths from every part of the globe.
For many modern Pagans, this book of folklore is a worthy thing to own, simply because it details religion and ritual from its early day, and follows the evolution of man's belief. If you plan on picking up a copy of The Golden Bough, get an unabridged edition, because it contains archeological support for Frazer's theories which was left out of the abridged version. It can be found at many used bookstores, and there are illustrated editions available.
- The Crafty Witch
