Customer Reviews

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

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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!

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.

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.

Modern Pagans is an excellent collection of interviews with a diverse group of pagans. It is a great book for both pagans interested in learning more about their own spiritual group and non-pagans interested in paganism. It includes a nice mix of history and background and current information. The people interviewed are very articulate and knowledgable. I was also very impressed by the diversity of the interviewees; not only are "normal" pagans represented, but there are also interviews with former Catholic priests and military pagans. Especially impressive are the interviews with Starhawk and Margot Adler. I definitely recommend this book for anyone, of any experience level, interested in learning more about the current state of paganism.

this book was out at a party of mine and my guests couldnt put
it down. an unusual activity for a party of mine- reading a good thing. as an aging counter culture type of person myself, i found it very interesting to see where some of these people are today. yes there is alot about .... in this book. however i found the focus of the book for me was on the growth of a non paternalistic spirituality. for this reason alone the book was a welcome read i enjoyed it tremendously and shipped off copies to midwestern pagan groups i hope the book does well and finds it fills a need. buy the book! read it think about it pass it on

Re/Search has reliably published excellent interview books on a number of sub- and anti- cultural groups, so it is not surprising that their latest, Modern Pagans, is as well-executed as it is. A number of Pagan interview books have been released over the last handful of years, but Re/Search truly distinguish themselves by exploring the thinking of contemporary leaders with much greater depth than has been shown before. This book provides a brilliant snapshot of the people whose influence will shape the direction of the Neo-Pagan movement in the future, and brings into focus the challenges and level of discussion within it today. As a sample of the diverse personalities interviewed, one could give Starhawk on Doreen Valiente, Don Frew on Ronald Hutton, Margot Adler on the media, Isaac Bonewits on Neitzsche, Matthew Fox on his leaving the Catholic Church, and Carol Queen on the Great Rite. Definitely another success for Re/Search.

"Modern Pagans" is an insightful look at the Neo-Pagan subculture, a diverse group of lifestyles, aesthetics, and spiritual practices. According to the introduction Paganism is the perfect spirituality for "feminists, environmentalist, futurists, artists, surrealists-all who dream for social change, live for creativity not the profit motive, and hate dogma and authoritarianism. In Paganism, humor is sacred; diversity welcomed; hierarchy depreciated; activism encouraged; the body is honored, and Mother Earth and every entity revered."

"Modern Pagans" consists of intimate interviews of 50 Neo-Pagan leaders including Starhawk, Margot Adler, Isaac Bonewits, Thorn Coyle, Oberon Zell Ravenheart, and Patricia Monaghan. These leaders discuss such varied topics as history, myth, theology, sexuality, politics, and ritual from a Neo-Pagan perspective. Interviewees featured span such diverse traditions as Witchcraft, Druidism, Santeria, Asatru, Radical Faerie, Church of All Worlds, Shamanism, Techno-Paganism, Feri, Gardnerianism, and Reclaiming.

Perhaps the best part about "Modern Pagans" is that the reader can survey a number of Neo-Pagan traditions directly from practioners. The reader is able to glimpse into numerous Neo-Pagan paradigms and get a deep understanding of how and why Paganism is practiced today. V. Vale has selected exceptional scholars that are both knowledgeable and warm to convey an accurate depiction of 21st century Pagan practices. It is the perfect book for anyone interested in contemporary Paganism and is essential for anyone starting out on the Pagan path. Highly recommended!
Rating: 5 out of 5 magick wands!

*courtesy of [...]*

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.

During the Sixties there were many movements afoot and there were attempts at the removal of some long standing practices adopted into the moral codes by our Puritanical country founders. The Sixties saw the birth of the "Sexual Revolution", hard core environmentalism, communal living in a whole new way, and for the most part it has continued to be expanded upon and revised as we find new ways to express ourselves. The hippy revolution of the Sixties of free love and freedom of expression was a milestone that enabled us to explore many other avenues, like Paganism.

It seems only natural now that Paganism came out of the broom closet along with all the other freedoms expressed in the Sixties. It was a time of change, a time of experimentation, and if you think about it, the hippie movement of free love, sexual freedom and environmentalism was a necessary step. After all, if you add spirituality to the items listed you find the core of Paganism.

This book is a collection of interviews with some of the movers and shakers who brought Paganism to the forefront during this time period.

Interviews with the Zell Ravenhearts, Margot Adler, Starhawk and other founding members of Reclaiming, Isaac Bonewits, Patricia Monagham and so many others. Many of them are from the West Coast and have their roots in the Sixties. Others are contemporaries who added their voices and their flavors to the Pagan movement at that time.

While it is true that the Sixties was a wild time, and that many of these Pagans at that time were extreme in what they are doing (some of them still are and are very proud of it). The founding of organizations like The Church of All Worlds, Reclaiming, books by such authors as Margot Adler and Isaac Bonewits and Patricia Monagham helped to shape the then Pagan movement and lay the groundwork for the community that we have today.

The interviews are for the most part very interesting. Discussions on the founding of a particular path or movement that now comprises part of the Pagan movement are part of our history and many are gone into in details. Much of the groundwork for creating a movement that has turned into the Pagan Community we know today is explored and covered very well. Discussion on environmental issues and how this becomes a part of the core of Paganism is evident here.

What seems to be extreme here though is the "over exposure" of sexuality of the individuals and the emphasis on freedom of sexuality within the Pagan movement. Discussion of individual practices or emphasis on sexuality within the founding organization seems to be indicating that this is common practice within the entire Pagan Community, Also, the authors took great care to try to include at least a photo of some of the interviewees in various stages of undress.

There is nothing wrong with stating that Pagans are definitely most free when it comes to personal sexuality and many of the hang-ups and taboos that conventional society have are not present within the Pagan Community. We do not, as a community, endorse any of those hang-ups or taboos and are very accepting of many different lifestyles and practices. However, the sub-title of the book "An Investigation of Contemporary Pagan Practices" and the emphasis on and inclusion of so much dealing with personal sexuality seems to suggest to the casual reader that maybe Paganism as a Spiritual Path is obsessed with sexuality and that the Pagan Community is also so obsessed. Such is not the case, and one has to wonder why so much is placed on it by the authors. The roots of our acceptance of sexual freedom are evident here, but in my opinion it is overplayed by the authors.

That is not to say this book is by any means less valuable. The interviews are well worth reading, as much of the material is not collected in one place as it is here. And some of the photos that are included, such as a most precious photo of Isaac Bonewits as baby and Margot Adler and Starhawk as a children are interesting. There is also discussion of music with Ann Hill of Serpentine Music, and in the back there are some mini-profiles of some other contemporaries such as Ivo Dominguez, Jr. (Assembly of the Sacred Wheel) , Sharon Knight (Pandemonaeon), John Macate (Military Pagan Network) and Selena Fox (Circle Sanctuary).

I would not recommend this as a first look for anyone not familiar with the Pagan Community today. But I would recommend it for those interested in the history and in those who have laid the groundwork for our community.

Modern Pagans is a look at various individuals (in interview form) that the author appears to believe are representative of the Pagan community. Included are very well known figures such as Starhawk, Margot Adler, Oberon & Morning Glory, and Selena Fox. The book also includes minor players like Don Frew, along with several individuals that most people have probably never heard of.

All in all the book provides an interesting overview of the opinions of some of the elders in the Pagan community today. The reader should be aware that many other Pagans have differing views and opinions that are not reflected here.