Gold Winner, Biographical Books, COVR Visionary Awards A moving portrait of the iconic figure who led the way in establishing Wicca in North America—with remembrances of his life by his sister, Christine Cunningham Ashworth, and appreciations written by key figures in today’s world of witchcraft, magic, tarot, and astrology. The iconic and renowned bestselling author Scott Cunningham (1956–1993) played a significant role in establishing Wicca in North America. His pioneering book Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner radically altered the practice of Wicca, enabling practitioners to self-initiate. Scott’s books, especially his encyclopedias, remain popular today, years after his death. In recent years, Scott has also emerged as a celebrated queer icon, especially in the witchcraft world. Although so many people have come to Wicca and Paganism through his books, little is actually known about Scott Cunningham as a person. His little sister, Christine Cunningham Ashworth, seeks to remedy that. Christine grew up with him, laughed with him, learned with him, fought with him, and shared joys and sorrows. She writes about their childhood, gives a peek into their parents’ lives, and brings to life what it was like to grow up in the Cunningham household. She explores the trajectory of Scott’s magical path and affirms his legacy. Christine shares family photos and lifts the veil from Scott’s life. Featuring a foreword by Mat Auryn, author of Psychic Witch and Mastering Magick , Scott Cunningham—The Path Taken contains contributions from leading figures in today’s world of witchcraft, magic, tarot, and astrology, including Stephanie Rose Bird, Amy Blackthorn, Storm Faerywolf, Nancy Hendrickson, Dorothy Morrison, Nicholas Pearson, and Benebell Wen. “It is impossible to overstate Scott Cunningham’s influence on the world of Western witchcraft, as well as on Wiccan spirituality. He was not the founder of modern Wicca; that’s Gerald Gardner. He did not introduce Wicca to the United States; that was Raymond Buckland. Instead, Scott transformed Wicca and witchcraft by making them accessible to all in a way that had previously not been possible. Although the impact of Scott’s work continues to grow, too many are unaware of Scott, himself, as a person. This brilliantly moving book by Christine Cunningham Ashworth, Scott’s younger sister, seeks to remedy that.” —Judika Illes, editor, and author of Encyclopedia of Witchcraft “Like so many other witches, my first witchcraft books were those written by Scott Cunningham. I still use much of what I learned from him in my own books. He was a huge influence, personally and professionally irreplaceable and unmatched. It has always been a great sorrow to me that I never met Scott, but through this wonderful new biography, I feel as though I finally have. Thank you, Christine Cunningham Ashworth, for sharing him with me and the world. It is a gift beyond measure.” —Deborah Blake, author of The Everyday Witch’s Coven and The Eclectic Witch’s Book of Shadows “This book ought to come with a warning label: ‘Do not open unless your schedule is free for the next several hours.’ It’s a hackneyed old trope to say, ‘I couldn’t put this book down,’ but in the case of Scott Cunningham—The Path Taken , it’s absolutely accurate. Christine’s story is a truly compelling page-turner that reads like the best fiction, but even better, as it’s all true! Whether you are a Scott Cunningham aficionado or are just getting introduced to his legacy in the world of witchcraft, you will be fascinated with this story of his courage, curiosity, and magic, written by one of the people who knew him the best—his sister. Just make sure you are ready to settle in for a nice, long, thoroughly enlightening, and enjoyable read.” —Madame Pamita, author of Magical Tarot, Baba Yaga's Book of Witchcraft, and The Book of Candle Magic “Applause and gratitude for the diligence, willingness, and courage of Christine Cunningham Ashworth to share so many personal stories and anecdotes of the Cunningham family. It is through her lens, her heart, her bravery that we can touch Scott Cunningham in a way many of us have only dreamed. Anyone blessed to own this book will have a true treasure in their hands. I know it will grow spiritual wings, fly to the furthest magical corners of the universe, and be a blessing to all who read its pages. A true keeper, a touchstone, a heartfelt working of love.” —Najah Lightfoot, author of Good Juju: Mojos, Rites & Practices for the Magical Soul and Powerful Juju: Goddesses, Music & Magic for Comfort, Guidance & Protection “I loved this telling of Scott Cunningham’s story! The format of including excerpts from other metaphysical writers was brilliant and lets us get to know Scott on the level he would have wanted us to—the spiritual one. Christine Cunningham Ashworth herself writes with such love and respect for her brother and their shared h