Essays in Contemporary Paganism [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Gary Varner (Author)
Key Phrases: contemporary paganism, animal symbolism, pagan spirituality, New York, Green Man, Joseph Campbell (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
While many books have been written on Pagan topics, this is one of the few to bring contemporary issues to light. Pagan politics, new interpretations of lore and mythology, as well as an insightful look at various Gods and Goddesses, are combined to provide a timely, provocative, and important look at contemporary issues for Pagans and others interested in the development of religion and society.

About the Author
The author is a solitary Wiccan and has contributed to such Pagan magazines as New Moon Rising and the international publication, Circle Magazine. He is currently a staff writer for Pagan Sanctuary Network Newsletter. Trained in anthropology and archaeology, his main interests lie in educating the public in the historical and factual basis of Paganism and how Goddess worship is again finding its place in the world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: IUniverse; illustrated edition edition (June 27, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595097677
• ISBN-13: 978-0595097678
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,592,793 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From the Author, July 1, 2002

By	Gary R Varner (United State) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Wicca, and Paganism in general, has become a way of life for me. To appreciate the beauty of nature and how we are all directly connected to it is only one aspect of Paganism. The more I delve into the pre-historical and contemporary roots of the various traditions, the more I realized that all of our religious beliefs, in all religions, stem from a common ancestor. While some may worship Jesus or the Old Testament Yahwe they are only particular aspects of a far older, non-gender specific belief. In this book I have tried to bring together certain elements of the past and illustrate how they have been changed over time to reflect the opposite of what they once were. I have also shown how even Paganism, a belief system that touts an ability to worship directly with the divine without an intermediary, is being transformed into a system directed by a few--entirely opposite of what we should be experiencing. I hope you will enjoy this book and learn a bit about how religions develop and how they can change not only your life but our chances, and our worlds chances, for survival.

3.0 out of 5 stars Brief but well written., December 7, 2007

By	Chandra Altomonte "elfcat" (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great book for someone who is looking for more information on Paganism or someone new to it. The essays were well researched and easy to read and digest.

5.0 out of 5 stars Passionate Nonfiction, September 22, 2002

By	Meghan (Rapid City, SD United States) - See all my reviews

I loved this book. Mr. Varner obviously loves his subject matter and it shows in his work. This book depicted his heart as well as his knowledge. I highly recommend this book and I am currently reading his newest one.