Paganism: An Introduction to Earth- Centered Religions (Paperback)

by River Higginbotham (Author), Joyce Higginbotham (Author) "Paganism, also called neo-Paganism, is a new religious movement whose adherents are found throughout the world..." (more)
Key Phrases: magickal universe, ethical muscles, arms down beside, God Map, United States, Wheel of the Year (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Most pagan primers jump right into the seasonal calendar, Celtic strands, pentagrams, spell casting and the like. True to form, this offers a judicious overview of the calendar and the general characteristics and essentials of Paganism as the Higginbothams see it interconnectedness and blessedness. To their credit, though, the authors have crafted a very different kind of book, one of great spiritual depth that could be of genuine and lasting service to anyone who is interested in sorting out the whats and whys of belief. Early on, they outline the "big tent" of Paganism that shelters a dozen or more passageways (Wicca, Druidism, Shamanism, Santer¡a, etc.), comparing it to Christianity and its popular denominations (Methodist, Roman Catholic, etc.). Throughout, they employ calm and rational prose that seeks not to proselytize as much as to aid discernment, making good on the authors' claim that, "Whether or not you decide to be a Pagan once you finish [the book] is not as important as providing you with tools to help you identify your values and goals." The seven chapters are nicely paced with illustrations, diagrams, visualization exercises, discussion points and journal prompts, all of which can be used by individuals or groups. The authors tackle the charge of Satanism head-on with success, but even more progressively (and clearly) they weave new discoveries in physics into the life fabric of belief and action. The final chapter explores ethics, and similar to the others, serves the broadest common good.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
The founders of both a pagan church and the Council for Alternative Spiritual Traditions, the Higginbothams here offer an overview of the belief systems comprising neopaganism. Included in the discussion are Wicca, Shamanism, Asatru, Celtic traditionalism, Druidism, Santeria, Voodoo, and other forms prevalent in paganism today. The authors proceed from central concepts of interconnectedness and blessedness, to a definition of neopaganism and a discussion of personal responsibility for one's beliefs, to concepts of Deity, Satan, the living universe, "magick," and ethics. The format is similar to that of many self-help books, with text, diagrams, discussion questions, and meditation exercises. This clear, rational, and sympathetic introduction to neopaganism for nonpagans will be helpful to all readers interested in exploring their spirituality. This first book by the Higginbothams complements existing introductions, such as Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon and Graham Harvey's Contemporary Paganism: Listening People, Speaking Earth, at least one of which libraries should already have. Recommended for public and undergraduate libraries and for religion collections. William P. Collins, Library of Congress
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (July 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738702226
• ISBN-13: 978-0738702223
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #58,545 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

110 of 114 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Finest New Books On Paganism, July 3, 2002

By	Barbara A. Fisher (Ohio United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars General Overview of Paganism, July 6, 2003

By	Boudica (Ohio USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

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

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A well-written primer, October 16, 2002

By	Miriam Rouziek (League City, Texas United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.