Customer Reviews

Paganism: An Introduction to Earth- Centered Religions

5 star:		(43)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a veteran Witch who has been practicing for over twenty years, the new arrivals on the metaphysical shelves of the bookstores have been, of late, a disappointment. I find most shelves stocked with book upon book of superstitious claptrap, mechanistic models of magick and cookbook-style spellbooks which lower Neo-Paganism, Wicca and Witchcraft to the lowest common denominator.

However, when I picked up this book, I was pleasantly surprised, then delighted, to find that the authors wrote with calm, unemotional prose, with nary a foolishly rhymed spell in sight. Mature, insightful thought is the rule of the day in this book, something that I deeply appreciate, and the authors to go great lengths to anticipate and answer the many "whys" of Neo-Paganism in clear prose that neither talks down to the reader, nor dumbs down the topic.

The topics that are covered include discussions of beliefs about Divinity and the nature of Divinity itself, a cosmology that includes the "New Physics", and a discussion of how magick works. All of these topics are covered thoroughly, intelligently, and ethically, with a no-nonsense view towards helping the reader come to their own conclusions on the subject matter. The "Satan" issue is covered with a thoroughness that surprised me, and included information that I have never seen portrayed in a Neo-Pagan work before.

My only complaint is that the section on ethics was shorter than it could have been. I am one of those Witches who upsets people at Pagan festivals with my view that we need to talk about ethics at any opportunity and work at creating an ethical system that helps the incoming flux of new Pagans understand the behaviors our community does and does not promote. One of the reasons I am so adamant about ethics is because unlike Christianity, which is the religion most Pagans convert from, Paganism doesn't have a lot of do's and don'ts. That is a good thing, however, people who grew up with a lot of rules are not used to thinking for themselves, and often, simply -don't- think. They often wind up hurting themselves and others and hide behind the belief that they are "doing what they will, and harming none." A bit more discussion on exactly what "harm" means, and how to interpret the Rede more effectively would help people who are used to being told what to do learn to make good decisions themselves.

Other than that one minor quibble, I would say that this is one of the least shallow beginner books on Neo-Paganism that I have read, and is certainly a book that I can wholeheartedly recommend to everyone, not just beginners. I hope that it becomes as influential as Starhawk's "The Spiral Dance," because it deserves to be that widely read.

The Higginbotham's offer a general overview of Paganism in this book, as well as offering a basic handbook of the practices of different paths within the Pagan Religions.

This book goes in two directions. First is a very good overview of many of the different groups that are under general Paganism. Explored are the basic philosophies and beliefs of Druids, Wiccans, Asatru, shamanism, magic, general paganism and all the various offshoots. There is a good section on many of the various paths under that 'umbrella'. There are many theories that have given rise to the modern pagan movement that are explored as well.

There is discussion on what makes the pagan paths different from other world religions and discusses beliefs and practices as well as myths and misinformation.

The second direction of this book is a basic handbook on the practices of many of the different beliefs. From the Wheel of the Year to connecting with personal Deity to individual responsibility, the book reads as a guide to incorporating many of the philosophies and basic Tenets of these beliefs into your own life. Ethics are also discussed throughout the book and there is a good chapter on Ethics and Personal Responsibility.

The book also has 'aids', or subsections that allow the reader to absorb or digest the material in the book, encouraging the reader to think about the material, add it to their journals for further research, discuss with others or question for themselves. This gives the book more of a handbook feeling.

There are good notes for each chapter, a glossary and an excellent bibliography that allow the reader to pursue those things they may find they want to explore further. There is also an index for easy reference.

There is much information in this book that is worth looking over. If you are unfamiliar with Paganism in general, this is a good primer. If you are looking to expand your base of knowledge on Paganism, this book offers a good overview. And if you are looking for a good basic handbook, while there are many specific to the various paths, this book would make a good overall view for those who are looking at the various paths and need a guide or are looking at paganism in general for their path. boudica

Maybe it's just my love for knowledge and workbook style books, but this book made a huge impression on me.

The knowledge is straightforward and addresses two sides of every issue - IE in the Witchcraft v. Satanism issue. They don't simply say, "We don't worship Satan and anyone who says so is a Bible-Beating moron." They present a specific case where they had a conversation with a "fundamentalist," how they resolved it, and used that as a catalyst for their discussion in the book.

I also found that the exercises and journal entries were particularly helpful. Sure, it may be a little "school-ish," but I really enjoy books like that (I always have). Having something in the book that made me THINK about the information I had just learned instead of just memorizing it was very helpful.

I really enjoyed working through this book and I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about Paganism, whether they're following the path or just curious about it.

There seem to be two types of books in the Paganism 101 level--those that emphasize giving you rituals you can do for every conceivable scenario, and those that seek to make your level of understanding of what it means to be Pagan, better. This is the type that brings you understanding and it's the type I prefer. In my mind, rituals are a personal process we must go through--pulling one from a book is a cop-out on that process. That being said, this book is amazing. It breaks down Paganism into its sub-genres (Wicca, Druidry, Shamanism, etc.) and then fits them back into the whole. It gives you exercises to heighten your awareness and asks the good questions that will help you, as a practioner, define for yourself what it means to be a Pagan. It helps you discover what YOUR beliefs are about the Divine, Magick, and the host of other terms bantered about in the Craft on a daily basis. I think this is the best Pagan Book I've ever read and I've been reading them going on 10+ years now. It's one of those books that changes as you do--you'll be able to read it 5 years later and rediscover how your views have changed and it will be just as valuable then. As High Priest of a local coven, this is must read material in my eyes....

If you're a Pagan and your friends and relatives are questioning your choice, ask them to read this book. If they still want to think that you're hellbound, worship Satan or are just a little ditzy, it will put the ball squarely back in their court.

And if you want some powerful reasons for incorporating a Pagan belief/ethical structure into your life, you'll find them very concisely arranged here.

The Higginbothams have done an excellent job of explaining why more and more people today are choosing to follow an earth-centered path in their spiritual practices and daily lives. The book cites every religion from Catholicism to Sufi regarding mysticism, explores the scientific basis of the universal interconnectedness that Pagans claim to experience, and even manages to clearly explain that a Pagan worshiping Satan would be like a squirrel piloting a space shuttle.. context makes it impossible.

This book is NOT another in the long line of shallow 'how-to' Pagan spell/workbooks. It does manage, however, to explain the 'why' of earth-centered spirituality extremely well.

IMHO, the best 'Intro..' on this subject to come out in many Moons.

The authors whom are teachers themselves have taken earth-centered religions and explained step-by-step exactly what it is and how it works. Grasping other religions and their beliefs, while never shedding a negative point of view.

The authors bring forth an air honesty and knowledge as they begin with "What is Paganism?" Continuing on with "You Are What You Believe," "A Pagan View of God," "What About Satan," "The Living Universe," "Magick" and "Ethics and Personal Responsibility." Each holding meditations and exercises so that you yourself can gain the confidence to decide what is best for you.

I believe Paganism should be in every classroom, library, university and your home! Especially to anyone who is not involved in an earth-centered religion. Paganism is the perfect book to give to a family member or a friend when coming out of the proverbial broom closet, or if you yourself are asking questions and aren't sure which path you should follow. Paganism make the perfect stepping stone to gear you in the right direction, no matter the path you shall follow.

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Perhaps the very best review I could give this book is by physical example: I'd let you borrow my copy, except it's *covered* in my notes, tabs, highlighted sections, and more than a few tear blots from recognition.

I started in a book club being a merely curious. Now, I feel informed and welcomed to the possibility and potential in the greater pagan community. Even when this book is flawed, the issues are positioned in a way as to encourage intellectual debate. The book club consisted of people of all study backgrounds, from coven leaders of many years, PhD's in human sciences, and people (like me) who knew little and wanted more. As we finished up the last chapter on "Ethics", we all agreed we had learned. This book works very well in a study group, with wonderful (and FUN) arts and crafts activities that teach the concpets as well as what I consider good life habits. Had I not had the group, I still would have internalized and enjoyed the book solitary with the activities. If you can though, study with a friend or four.

Some considered the book flawed in how far it goes in an attempt to include the dizzying number of facets of Paganism. However, after reading the book, I feel informed about many paths, with none being any more or less "acceptable". I couldn't tell you what particular facet the authors follow. This shows the honest intent of the book is to open the possibilities, not leading you to a particular stall.

As I write this, a copy is being shipped to my teen sister for the quality and as impartial as can be introduction to the path her sister walks. This shows a confidence in the information presented I cannot put into words.

This is a book that will remain dust free and dog eared for a very long time.

I cannot praise this book highly enough. Joyce and River Higginbotham thoughtfully, thoroughly and sensitively explore and explain the very heart of Pagnism and the depths of Pagan Spirituality. This book is ideal for building understanding between Pagans and their non-Pagan family and friends, even if only the first chapter is read. The book offeres vivid models, exploratory questions, exercises and meditations to help the new Pagan explore and develop his/her personal spirituality.

This book would be a wonderful addition to a World Religions course and a perfect foundation text for a Paganism 101 class. It will be a primary text on my own students' reading list. It is destined to become a classic and a mandatory complement to every Pagan's home library.

I never really knew what being a Pagan was all about until I read this easy to follow book. It is a beautiful form of learning to connect with the earth and the nature that surrounds us.

Before passing judgement on the myth of Pagans being evil I would read this book. You will be surprised to see how many ideas and beliefs lend themselves to other more main stream religions.

The format of the book is amazing, it makes the book incredibly easy to digest and understand. If you are considering Paganism as a religious alternative, this is a must read. Even if you are just curious about Paganism it's a must read. All the aspects of this beautiful spiritual path are layed out in the simplest of terms, with no pretentions and with plenty of references for the skeptics you may find out there. If you are studying alternative religions or just trying to find the one that suits your needs the best, I highly recomend this book as a start.