A Book of Pagan Rituals (Paperback)

~ Herman Slater (Author) "Paganism? What's it all about?..." (more)
Key Phrases: other apparel worn, thirteen candles, mind that the water, Pagan Way, Beltane Pole, Our Goddess (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This collection of rituals, practices, and exercises has been drawn from many sources; some have been preserved in their original state, and some rituals have been updated by scholars from various pagan groups. This deluxe one-volume edition has been specially designed to be read by candlelight.

Product Details

• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: RedWheel / Weiser (January 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877283486
• ISBN-13: 978-0877283485
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #205,158 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Still a classic, but barely, January 6, 1999

By A Customer

I bought this book because for a long time it was considered one of the classic works offered in the early neopagan movement, at least as far as "early" and "classic" go in neopaganism. Although I find the rituals applicable and the information accurate, there are some key points left out that a beginning pagan needs to know such as closing rituals etc. I think this was written on the supposition that much of the traditions were still secret, and this was certainly written before people protested aligning Wicca with general paganism. I intend to keep this book on my shelf for historical interest -- it tells more about what paganism was in the VietNam era than it does about practicality and practice. An advanced practitioner can readapt much of the information so it is useful, or use it for fodder to start a scholarly study although the book itself is hardly scholarly.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars dated maybe but still, January 8, 2007

By	Freysson "freysson" (McDonough, Ga USA) - See all my reviews

Ok this is an old book. It has been around for a long time and is somewhat dated. Yes it is of value for the historical role and place.

And yet

The rituals are clear and tight and moving and easily performed. But there are other books which have still more rituals at least as good

and yet...

Maybe the most attractive points of the book are the two essays-One is somewhat dated but the second, Pagan Musings. remains a beautiful expression of hope. It brings us back to a more idealistic time. Perhaps a time we long for and can work toward.

Frankly I think it is worth it just for this one essay.

Yes get it for the rituals and for the history. But on those days when you are running a bit low on inspiration and are a bit down, Take it out and read Pagan Musings again. It might give you what you need to go on.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad as a reference, August 1, 1999

By A Customer

This book is fairly well-written, and has some very good information in it, but a lot of the wording and rituals are rather Dianic (female-oriented, focusing mainly on the Goddess) and the coven rituals are designed for largish covens of roughly equally divided gender ... so they may need some altering to work for other situations. Very ceremonial, has some good incantations, and some decent info in the back. Plus, it has that simple and stylish cover!