Pagan Paths: A Guide to Wicca, Druidry, Asatru, Shamanism and Other Pagan Practices [Paperback]

Pete Jennings (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 24, 2002

Paganism, which has its roots in the ancient nature religions, is one of the fastest growing movements in the West today. As such, it is a collection of “spiritual paths” that express their beliefs in subtly different ways, explored here in this illuminating guide. Discover the natural beliefs and practices of Wicca, Hedgewitch traditions, Druidry, Shamanism, Asatru, Mystery Groups, and Eclectic Paganism—as well as the Pagan approach to magic and the significance of sacred lives. Learn how to lead a Pagan lifestyle, and explore the growing role of Paganism in today’s world. Whether you’re setting out on a Pagan path for the first time, or have been committed to one for many years, this informative book will help you in expressing your own beliefs and understanding those of others.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Paganism, which has its roots in the ancient nature religions, is one of the fastest growing movements in the West today. As such, it is a collection of “spiritual paths” that express their beliefs in subtly different ways, explored here in this illuminating guide. Discover the natural beliefs and practices of Wicca, Hedgewitch traditions, Druidry, Shamanism, Asatru, Mystery Groups, and Eclectic Paganism—as well as the Pagan approach to magic and the significance of sacred lives. Learn how to lead a Pagan lifestyle, and explore the growing role of Paganism in today’s world. Whether you’re setting out on a Pagan path for the first time, or have been committed to one for many years, this informative book will help you in expressing your own beliefs and understanding those of others.

From the Inside Flap

An expert guide to the different paths within the flourishing modern Pagan movement.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Random House UK (September 24, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0712611061
• ISBN-13: 978-0712611060
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,244,169 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CONFUSED BY THE "NEW" (OLD) RELIGIONS? THIS BOOK CAN HELP, August 28, 2009

By 

Steven H. Propp (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pagan Paths: A Guide to Wicca, Druidry, Asatru, Shamanism and Other Pagan Practices (Paperback)

Pete Jennings is the "High Gothi" of Odinshof (an "Odinist" organization) as well as the retired President of the Pagan Federation; he also comments on BBC Radio at times. So he is evidently well-qualified to write this very helpful overview (published in 2002) of a variety of Pagan practices.

A variety of spiritual paths may nowadays be called "Pagan": Gardnerian and Alexandrian Witchcraft, Wicca, Druidry, Asatru, Shahmanism, and others. Jennings has separate chapters on all of these paths, as well as chapters summarizing "common features" among many of these traditions, such as "Festivals and Rites of Passage," 'Sacred Sites," Using Magic, etc. Most chapters end with a "Things to Do" section, with ideas for practicing such ideas and rituals.

Jennings is a very clear expositor of a wide variety of viewpoints, and treats all viewpoints fairly.

At the end of the book, Jennings provides a Glossary, a helpful Bibliography, along with helpful websites and organization names.

The book is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in a general overview of alternative spiritualities.

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for the absolute beginner, November 10, 2011

By 

Denise_D - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pagan Paths: A Guide to Wicca, Druidry, Asatru, Shamanism and Other Pagan Practices (Paperback)

This book is one that I would only recommend to an absolute beginner. Those who have been on the path for awhile, I'd say a year or more, probably will not find it to be especially helpful. I've been on a Pagan path for about 2.5 years, and I did not get as much as I had hoped for out of this book. It gives a good overview of different Pagan religions and offers some beginner information.
I was hoping for a little more in-depth information about different Pagan religions. One thing I can say really bothered me about the book is that it separated different forms of Wicca. While they are all distinct and unique, I feel like they should have been part of the same section. It just seems odd to me that the author includes a section that basically discusses recon faiths of all sorts together, but yet each Wicca tradition had its own section.
On a final note, if you are new and want to understand basic concepts about Paganism, Wicca, and an overview of a few Pagan paths, then I would recommend this to you. But if you are not a newbie, and are trying to define your path, this is probably not what you need.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Read, November 22, 2010

By 

P. Voltmer "Bulldogs Rule!" (Herndon, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pagan Paths: A Guide to Wicca, Druidry, Asatru, Shamanism and Other Pagan Practices (Paperback)

I haven't finished this book yet, but am enjoying the information provided. It's very straight forward and easy to read. It provides good, all-around information on the various paths within Paganism.