Modern Pagans: an Investigation of Contemporary Ritual (Re/Search) [Paperback]

John Sulak (Author), V. Vale (Author)

Book Description

Series: Re/Search | Publication Date: October 1, 2001

This is the most uncensored, comprehensive guide to Pagans around the world today. Dozens of interviews cover a wide range of Pagan practices, from witchcraft, Northern tradition, santeria, shamanism, Druids, Goddess worshippers and more. The book covers important topics such as child raising, living arrangements, sexuality (lots of that), music, and bereavement (death), as well as the more spiritual side of Paganism. The political engagement here is widespread, embracing anti-capitalist and anti-globalist activism, environmental action, and the like. The emphasis is on taking personal responsibility for one's life—essentially, anarchism boiled down to its roots. Many empowering and uplifting stories about non-ordinary people: Starhawk, Genesis P-Orridge, Diane di Prima, and others are featured, as well as comprehensive bibliographies and filmographies that allow the reader to delve deeper into the subject.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Do what you will, but harm none. -- Pagan motto

About the Author

Editor V. Vale has a long track record of countercultural publishing. Beginning in 1977 with Search & Destroy, which catalyzed the punk rock cultural revolution, in 1980 he founded RE/Search, which has brought about visible social change, most notably with the groundbreaking Modern Primitives. Other best-sellers include Pranks, Incredibly Strange Music, The Atrocity Exhibition (by J.G. Ballard), and Swing!

Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: Re/Search Publications (October 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1889307106
• ISBN-13: 978-1889307107
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #364,858 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Experience is the key here.., December 27, 2001

By 

Stormy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Pagans: an Investigation of Contemporary Ritual (Re/Search) (Paperback)

I would like to mention that this is a review as well as a response to some of the other reviews on here. I first saw this book on WitchVox, then found it in a bookstore and received it as a gift from a friend. What a gift it is! I think that the interviews and the pictures are great. Although many of the interviews were taken from Pagans that live in California or along the West Coast, they are still very valid.

I think that one of the reasons for that is because of the location of the authors themselves and also because Paganism in its various incarnations is probably a bit more welcome in that area than, say, the Midwest, the Bible Belt(where I live). The reason why this book is invaluable is that it talks about experiences. Contemporary Paganism is an experiential religion, so for someone who has been studying Paganism for a good set of months and is thinking of initiating, this book would give them some perspectives of other Pagans.

There is great emphasis placed on sexuality in this book, and to some, that may look as if Pagans are obsessed with sex, but let's face it: there are people who are Pagan because it gives them the opportunity to express themselves in a highly sexual manner and commune with the Divine. No, not all Pagans express themselves as sexually as Carol Queen or the Ravenhearts, but it exists within the community so it must be dealt with. As for the emphasis on Wiccans and Witches and not Santeria, Vodun, Yoruba, or Asatru, I think that in time there will be more books that detail the experiences of the practitioners of those religions (and eventually, there may be a compendium with a diverse representation of Pagan religions and faiths). Also, Asatru is mentioned in the interview with Diana Paxson.

There are other books similar to this that feature interviews with some of the same people, but books that describe the experiences of Pagans are just as necessary as those that talk about ritual, deity structure, magick, and the like. This book, for all its faults or misgivings is still a great book for those who are studying Paganism and even some who are not, but have an open mind towards it. I recommend it highly!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pagan or not-check it out!, January 28, 2002

By 

Marian Wilde - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Pagans: an Investigation of Contemporary Ritual (Re/Search) (Paperback)

I'm what you'd call a "potential Pagan." I have an awareness of and respect for Paganism, but no formal education. So I was very curious when I picked up a copy of the new RE/Search book, Modern Pagans, wondering if it would be either an watered down "Witchcraft 101," or, conversely, an inaccessible, heavy-handed tome on archaic theories and rituals. I was pleasantly surprised to find it to be neither.

In this book, Paganism is defined as any polytheistic religion, so beliefs not usually considered Pagan exist comfortably here. The authors have managed to present an intelligent, comprehensive overview of numerous theologies laced with poignant commentaries and anecdotes from almost 50 practicing Pagans. The stories and paths each of these people tell and follow are as varied and unique as the ways they've managed to incorporate their beliefs into everyday life. Topics range from pagan parenting to polyamory (maintaining loving sexual relationships with more than one primary partner). With their frank discussions of sex parties, the Great Rite, and sacred prostitution some of these pagans may cause raised eyebrows in the more sheltered reader. Counterbalancing these, however, are, among other interviews, the introspective thoughts of Matthew Fox, former Catholic priest, excommunicated by Rome for his "feminist theology" and for associating too closely with Pagans.

My favorite interview was with Joi Wolfwomyn, a Pagan and mother. Drawing on the isolation and "otherness" she felt as a bi-racial adopted child in a conservative Christian family, and the time spent in a mental institution as an adolescent, she tells how transcended her painful past.

With an extensive glossary and recommended reading/resource list in the back (in addition to the ones scattered throughout the book), Modern Pagans is a priceless addition to any well-read theologian's collection, and a fascinating, approachable introduction to Paganism for the novice. Every page provided new information, every interview a fresh perspective.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Re/Search overviews a slice of pagan life, November 11, 2001

By 

Rae Schwarz "post-modern Renaissance woman" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Pagans: an Investigation of Contemporary Ritual (Re/Search) (Paperback)

The latest volume from Re/Search publisher V. Vale and co-interviewer John Sulak is MODERN PAGANS. Subtitled "an investigation of contemporary pagan practices" this collection of interviews with 39 figures in the modern pagan movement is insightful and interesting, as with all Re/Search topics. The people are intelligent, earth-loving, and warm, pursuing paganism and/or Wicca via many individualistic paths. There are many common themes among those interviewed: respect for the earth and green practices, alternative and extended family structures, compassion for humankind and the desire for the betterment of all.

This collection of conversations is a glimpse of certain facets of the modern pagan movement/community. Due to Vale's San Francisco-base, the participants are slightly Bay Area/northern California-centric, although there are representations from around the US and the UK. The beliefs discussed are predominantly modern Wicca, especially people associated with the Bay Area Reclaiming group.

The photography is, again, as good as the interviews. In keeping with the pagan belief in life as a circle, the photos with each inteview show the subjects as children, teens and adults. The personal evolutions are quite varied and beautiful.