Customer Reviews

Drawing Down the Moon : Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today

5 star:		(78)
4 star:		(34)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I read this book when it was first published and recommned it to anyone who wants to become more enlightened about the topic. I have a social science background, and thus a general understanding of the various world views of traditional societies who are in my opinion closer to old Mother Earth than most of us "moderns" who spend far too much time caught up in our technology. Margot Adler (granddaughter of the famous psychologist) went exploring (ethnographic field work) and this book is the result.

She does not promote any of the world views she describes, she plays the good ethnographer and records what she finds. She participates on several occasions, and thus becomes the "participant observer" recorder. I didn't know much about the revival of "paganism" and had never heard of Wicca before I read Adler's book. I learned that in spite of the professed enlightenment of our modern age, many fear the practices described. Why? Basically, the practice of Wicca seems to be a female oriented way of life--focusing on nature, life, a spiritual path. I for one am continuing to read about Wicca and explore what others are doing.

I figure some of the so-called witches etc. are not what they purport to be, just as some of the agressive so-called Christians driving with bumper stickers that advertise their "faith" are not what they purport to be. I recommend Adler's book if you are interested in comparative religion, are looking for a new way of living or just curious about a somewhat maligned and often persecuted group of mostly women.

That the Pagan community is a very large and very diverse one should come as no surprise to anyone -- except perhaps to a vocal minority within the Christian faith who persist in lumping all of Paganism into "Devil-worship".

Confused about the differences between Gardnerian Wicca and Alexandrian Wicca? Not to mention all those other Pagan religions? Then this is the book for you.

Margot Adler's ambitious volume is a sort of field guide, if you will. Encyclopedic in scope, it has got to be the definitive overview on the various beliefs and religious practices that fit within the broad term "Paganism".

The book's strengths are in the illuminating history it provides about various pioneers of modern Pagan movements. Wicca, in its various permutations, receives the most thorough treatment. If I have any fault with the book, it is that other Pagan religions are not treated with the same exhaustive and in-depth scope with which Adler treats Wicca.

Accurate and respectful mention is made of statements by Aleister Crowley, but references to him are thinly spread. Consequently, I missed many of them in my reading of the book. Adler primarily presents Crowley's contributions to the occult scene through the filter of someone else's interpretation or adaption of his work.

I would like to have seen a more in-depth look at Crowley's contributions to the modern occult and Pagan scene, given that he is the most well-known occultist in non-occult circles. For better or for worse, that "most evil man in the world" reputation has stuck (his self-proclaimed identity as "The Beast" probably hasn't helped matters), and rather undeservedly, from what I can tell in my limited exposure to his writings. Many people who are otherwise ignorant of Paganism, the occult or hermetic orders nevertheless have heated opinions about Crowley, and I can't help but feel that Adler should have given him a little more attention in her book -- if for no other reason than to point out that maybe he isn't such a horrible person as some members of Christian and Wiccan communities seems to think he is.

The questionnaire Adler includes is an especially valuable reminder that Pagans, like other members of a socioeconomic, racial or otherwise narrowly defined category of human beings, do not share common political views. If some preconceived notions -- i.e. all Pagans should be liberal -- are challenged, all the better.

In conclusion, this is probably the first book I would recommend to someone who has heard of the Pagan community and wants more information about it. If that's you, I strongly urge that you read this book -- with the caveat that this is one woman's opinion, and that what matters is that you discover the truth for yourself.

Some people complain this book is too long. Hardly. Adler could add more good information and I'd read it all. Others say it is too dry. I rarely skipped anything. Still others say it is outdated. I reply by saying that this is an excellent view into the times when paganism wasn't a fad, before Ravenwolf and Cunningham came on the scene, before pagan books were written to make money.

Not only does Adler's book detail various types of the Craft from Gardnerian to Dianic, but also highlights lesser-known groups such as the Feraferians and NROOGD (New Reformed Orthodox Order of the Golden Dawn). For this alone it is an invaluable book, for where else can you find a book that isn't about Wicca or sugarcoated spellcraft?

This book is a classic, and should be read, if nothing else, for its historical value. It reminds us that, just 15 years ago, things were quite different. Wicca wasn't officially recognized, nor was it as prominent as it is now. The media was harsher on pagan religions, and there was less acceptance. We tend to take for granted the freedom we have today. I have been in practice for only three years, and yet I know that those who have come before me had a bitchier time than I have.

Also, it is often a shock to some to find that not all neopagans are liberals or libertarians, as the questionaires that Adler has given pagans have shown us. And the wide range of occupations held is also quite a fascinating thing to find in the pagan community.

And yes, Adler does tend to focus more on the Goddess, but perhaps that is more how Wicca was back then. Also, I have heard "Goddess bless" from more Wiccans than I have heard "Lord and Lady bless". There IS a marked leaning towards the Goddess, even today. I don't agree with it--I prefer a balance between the God and Goddess--but it is perfect for some people, and perhaps it was acceptable for a lot of people Adler interviewed.

So read this book, if nothing else, for its informative value. Yes, it is a big book, and it isn't "The Mists of Avalon." But it is well worth the time and effort given into reading it.

I first read the 1st edition of Drawing Down the Moon in 1981. It was a home coming that supported me both spiritually and academically. I read the revised addition when it came out in 1986 and was even more delighted by the detailed and excellent research, scholarship, and investigative journalism. To me, this book is still the foremost Classic of Neo-Pagan culture, spirituality, and history. It remains one of my main reference books, and the 1# book I recommend to people who ask me about Neo-paganism.

Other books I recommend:

Goddesses & Gods of old Europe, The Language of the Goddess, The Civilization of the Goddess, The Spiral Dance, The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths & Secrets, The Once & Future Goodess, The Grandmother of Time, The Encyclopedia of Celtic Wisdom, Casting the Circle: Women's Book of Ritual, Woman's Mysteries: Ancient & Modern, The Witches Bible: Vol I & II, The Chalice & the Blade, Real Magic, The Hebrew Goddess, Ancient Mirrors of Womanhood, The Storyteller's Goddess, The Mists of Avalon

Margot Adler's "Drawing Down the Moon" is one of the few books on neo-paganism that is written to serve both the outsider and insider. Written mostly from a sociological/anthropological/historical perspective, it separates itself from the grand majority of other books on contemporary paganism in that it does not contain a bunch of spells and 'how-to's. The book is written for the intellectual reader, making it easily the best book available for someone who wants to learn ABOUT modern paganism rather than how to BECOME neo-pagan.

Though Adler is an insider to the faith, most of her writing is objective reporting. She covers a broad scope of topics and opinions. Her book is well written, not dumbed-down and usually academic. Her language is scholarly but easy-to-follow. Some reviewer complained the book reads like a textbook; this is true. Though the book flows much more than a textbook, it usually addresses topics in the same approach. This is exactly WHY I like the book... if I wanted spells, flowery stories and "gee, the goddess is nifty" shpeals, I would have bought a Ravenwolf text.

The aforementioned qualities are what make Adler's book a gem. However, I do have some critiques of Adler's work.

Adler does have a tendency to depart from her objectivism and frolic off into personal stories which are usually not relevant, important or of interest to those reading purely for education. She also tends to emphasis "feeling" over "knowledge" (not to say they aren't often hand-in-hand); implying many times that pagans are often so because it "feels right" rather than "it is truth" [in their eyes]. While some might not have a problem with this, it does depart from the intellectual approach her text normally takes.

She also displays an obvious bias against some branches of neo-paganism as well as one against the monotheism of the Abrahamic faiths. In regard to the latter offense, this usually consists of broad generalizations as well as oversimplifications. For example, I'd highly doubt that a member of Judaism, Christianity or Islam would say they are a monotheist because it "simplifies things for them so they don't have to acknowledge the dynamic aspect of the world." Most followers are on that path because they think it's *truth* not because they lack perspective.

Lastly, as many other readers have put it: the book is outdated. While most of the text is still important and relevant, neo-paganism and witchcraft has changed ENORMOUSLY in the past few decades. Tons of additional information could (and should) be provided. Since the book is already pretty large, I'd recommend a volume II. Given the quality of this book and the fact that no one else has managed to do a decent text as of recent, I would trust few besides Adler to do a high-quality update on contemporary paganism.

I really enjoyed reading this book - it was very helpful to me, and was a good overview of large parts of what I belive to have been the North American neopagan scene at the time that this book was written. I do recommend that people read it, but it will mean more to you after you already understand at least the basic aspectes of neopaganism.

But this is also a book that was clearly written by someone who was already part of the movement, and thus she brought with it her own opinions about various traditions (such as Norse paganism and Alexandrian Wicca), and she didn't tend to examine many of the issues raised with quite the degree of objectivity that I was looking for. It is also clearly very dated, and the primary sources for the answers to her questionaires tended to get people from particular traditions and styles.

In all it was a valuable book that I really enjoyed reading, and I don't know of anything that is it's equivalent. But it isn't perfect, and I feel needs to be read carefully if you are to get the full value out of her work.

DRAWING DOWN THE MOON takes a historical view of Neo-Paganism and who these people are today. Author Margot Adler brings research and experience to provide practical answers to this growing movement. Some readers may find some chapters a bit tedious, but for those who appreciate our roots and our shared struggles, there is much useful information to be gleaned.

Adler examines the diversity of beliefs that comprise Neo-Paganism, including witches, druids, Odinists, etc. The extensive sections on feminism definitely date DRAWING DOWN THE MOON, yet even within these sections are profound nuggets of information worthy of contemplation. Other sections relate intensely personal stories that reveal the profound nature of this spiritual path. One example that really provoked a reaction in me is the section regarding whether or not your "initiation" is valid if you have been initiated by someone who's own initiation is questionable. This section alone certainly allowed me to reevaluate my own experiences.

Well organized with extensive information on various pagan paths, readers will find practical explanations of belief systems. For seekers who want practical answers to their questions to witches, druids and more, Adler's work is a must read. Not a book to be digested in one sitting, DRAWING DOWN THE MOON is worthy of long-term reading and reflection. Having talked with other who have read this book, not all will find that it "speaks" to them on their first attempt. I put it down after the first chapter a year ago, only to latch onto the same information with tremendous enthusiasm this year. Seekers will also be interested to know that DRAWING DOWN THE MOON has been widely accepted among the Pagan community as an important part of the "recommended" reading list. Very highly recommended.

Bright Blessings,
Weaver

We met the author in 1978 as she was awaiting publlication of her book. We found it excellent, but already a bit dated and hoped for an update in the revision that came later. Unfortunately, the later version was only slightly different from the earlier one.The Craft has changed faster than any other religious movement, and we need a truly up-to-date revision, but we need it from Margot Adler. For her balanced and human document is the perfect contrast to the books by enemies of witchcraft who want to portray ourselves as devil-worshippers, etc. For now, the work is mainly useful in providing a history of a crucial time in the emergence of this growing religious movement. We are pleased to see attention given to our own tradition, NROOGD, in the book. It is very well written and intelligent. We highly recommend it, but again as an historical rather than a current document.

As an investigative reporter, radio personality, and staunch pagan, Margot Adler traveled throughout the country in the mid '70s interviewing many different members of the pagan community. This book is the result of her findings. It is an insightful view into the astonishingly different forms of the emerging NeoPagan movement. a snapshot of what was happening.

It is definitely NOT Paganism Today. Anyone looking for current practices and information should look elsewhere. It is true that any of the groups mentioned no longer exist. But many others have survived or formed offshoots, a tribute to the basic vitality of the movement. Anyone researching the historical roots of New Age religions will discover much information that can't be found anywhere else, intelligently and entertainingly written by a lady who was there when it happened.

Read it as field research. It compares to Alan Lomax collecting folksongs, or the historical Childe Ballads. The worth of this book is in its documentation and immediacy.

This is the first book on Wicca I ever read, back when it was first published, and it continues to be the most important one in my library. Very well-written, clear & objective (though the author, a famous & well-respected journalist and NPR correspondent, is Wiccan). I have recommended it to anyone interested in learning about the Craft and its followers. A seminal book.