Pagan Studies

Helen A. Berger, A Community of Witches: Contemporary Neo-Paganism and Witchcraft in the United States

Most useful for:	Intermediate students
Content:	The results of a sociologist's ten-year participatory study of east coast Witches and Pagans; includes an overview of Wiccan practice and belief, discusses the effects of the religion on individuals, covens and community, discusses the effect of children growing up in the Pagan community, discusses the possible future development of the religion.
Commentary:	I suppose it's fair to say that anyone attempting to do research in the area of Wicca/Witchcraft and Paganism is already at a disadvantage in that Adler's massive work exists, so I won't attempt to compare the two--it'd be apples and oranges anyway, since the scope Berger's study is smaller and deeper, and the work is likely more scholarly in method. It's certainly one of the better of the very few serious studies I have seen. That said, I'll begin by pointing out that the title is a bit of a misnomer--the book deals entirely with Witchcraft (specifically, with Wicca), even stating erroneously that Neopagans begin by considering themselves Pagans and start calling themselves Witches when they get serious about the religion! There's no mention at all of any other Neopagan path, which is fine--including them would have vastly changed the research--but the title doesn't indicate it and the book never points out that it deals only with one segment of the Neopagan population. There are some other small things that the author either has wrong or assumes falsely to be universal in Witchcraft as well. Things I did like about the book: discussion of the individually transformative nature of Witchcraft as a religion, of the life and dissolution of a particular coven, and of the broader Neopagan community--all these were filled with revealing comments (some insightful, others not) from interviewed Witches. The diversity in beliefs among Witches is very apparent throughout the book. I found the chapter on the "next generation" of Pagans particularly interesting; the author does a good job of pointing out some of the difficulties involved here (traditional Wiccan ritual was designed with adults in mind and may be dull or inappropriate for children, for example--do we keep the kids out or do we change the rituals to include them?). Overall I'd say it ins't a bad book, and it's definitely the sort of research that needs to be done, but (as is usual when I read these sorts of studies) I find myself being far more interested in the body of the research done than in any conclusions drawn by the author.

Chas S. Clifton, ed., Witchcraft Today, Book One: The Modern Craft Movement

Most useful for:	Beginning and Intermediate Students
Content:	Chas S. Clifton, "A Quick History of Witchcraft's Revival"; Oz, "An Insider's Look at Pagan Festivals"; Pauline Campanelli, "Seasonal Rites/Magical Rites"; Morwyn, "Witchcraft and Healing"; Valerie Voigt, "Sex Magic"; Janet & Stewart Farrar, "Men and Women in Witchcraft"; Chas S. Clifton, "Witches and the Earth"; Heather O'Dell, "The Solo Witch"; Pete Pathfinder, "Witchcraft and the Law"; Crey Cat, "Bone Beaters: Witchcraft and Shamanism"; Valerie Voigt, "Being a Pagan in a 9-to-5 World."
Commentary:	An anthology of user-friendly articles on a variety of subjects, this book provides an introduction to some of the practices and concerns of contemporary Witches. "An Insider's Look at Pagan Festivals" provides good information and advice to anyone considering attending a large Pagan gathering; "Seasonal Rites/Magical Rites" is a concise description of the holidays celebrated by modern Pagans; "Witches and the Earth" suggests practical ways to blend your Pagan practice with your real life (something many new Pagans haven't considered), and "The Solo Witch" gives good basic information for the solitary practitioner. The subject of "Sex Magic" is one you may not see elsewhere (at least not often) and Voigt provides a good overview of a sometimes-controversial subject. And the Farrars' article on male-female polarity may be conservative but it is also representative of traditional Wicca, and they explain the reasons for it in a way that most eclectics can understand, if not fully agree with. You would probably want more information on any of these subjects, but these articles provide a starting point, and the reader learns a little bit about a lot of things.
	Recommended

Chas S. Clifton, ed., Witchcraft Today, Book Two: Modern Rites of Passage

Most useful for:	Beginning and Intermediate Students
Content:	Chas S. Clifton, "Rites of Passage"; Trish Telesco, "Having a Magickal Child: Childbirth and Wiccaning"; Karen Charboneau-Harrison, "Raising a Pagan Child"; Anodea Judith, "Between the Worlds: Late Adolescence and Early Adulthood in Modern Paganism"; Judy Harrow, "Other People's Kids: Working with the Underaged Seeker"; Darcie, "'Coming Home': Reflections on Conversion to Wicca"; Judy Harrow, "Initiation by Ordeal: Military Service as a Passage into Adulthood"; Jeff Charboneau-Harrison, "Handfasting: Marriage and the Modern Pagan"; Oz, "Puberty Rites for Adult Women"; Paul Suliin, "Reweaving the Web: Pagan Approaches to Illness, Grief and Loss"; Grey Cat, "Witches after 40"; Oz, "Pagan Rites of Dying."
Commentary:	Another assortment of good introductory articles on a variety of Pagan topics. There are, of course, articles on traditional rites of passage (birth, marriage, death) but the are also some interesting variations, for example, the article on "Initiation by Ordeal," which illustrates that transformative experiences aren't always what and where we expect them. And I have to admit that I personally take issue with the notion that crone-age begins at 40, but then I'm closer and closer to 40 every year and feel as far from being an elder as ever, so that's purely a personal issue--the article itself is pretty good, though! Overall, a good overview of real-life Pagan issues.
	Recommended

Chas S. Clifton, ed., Witchcraft Today, Book Three: Witchcraft and Shamanism

Most useful for:	Beginning and Intermediate Students
Content:	Chas S. Clifton, "Shamanism and Neopaganism"; Felicitas Goodman, "Shamans, Witches, and the Rediscovery of Trance Postures"; Michael Howard, "Flying Witches: the Unguenti Sabbati of Traditional Witchcraft"; Karen Goeller, "Common Yearnings: What Witchcraft and Shamanism Share"; Chas S. Clifton, "What Happened to Western Shamanism"; Maggie Mountain Lion, "Seeking Gitksan Shamanism"; George Dew, "Where New Pagans and Modern Cultural Beliefs Collide"; Daniel C. Noel, "Nobody in Here Now But Us 'Neos': A Neo-Jungian Perspective on Neoshamanism's Inner Journey"; Ashleen O'Gaea, "The Second Gate: A Perspective on Witchcraft and Shamanism from Arizona's Crystal Cave"; Evan John Jones, "Sacred Mask and Sacred Trance"; G.A. Hawk, "Obtaining a Power Animal"; Angela Barker, "The Geography of the Otherworld"; Kisma Stepanich, "Seeing the Sun at Midnight: Ordinary and Nonordinary States of Consciousness"; Chas S. Clifton, "Communication with Spirit Guides."
Commentary:	This isn't a book I personally found particularly useful, but I don't follow a shamistic path so I can't speak for the quality of the information. I will say that it discusses Western-culture shamanism, perhaps making Shamanistic techniques a more comfortable choice for those following non-Native-American traditions.

Chas S. Clifton, ed., Witchcraft Today, Book Four: Living Between Two Worlds: Challenges of the Modern Witch

Most useful for:	Beginning and Intermediate Students
Content:	Chas S Clifton, "Living Between Two Worlds"; Ashleen O'Gaea, "Griffins and Frocery Stores: Everyday Life Between the Worlds"; Paul Suliin, "Working Magic for Non-Pagans: The Witch as Magical Technician"; Reverend B, "Priestess and Pastor: Serving Between the Worlds"; Morven (of Harvest), "Coming Out of the Closet: Is it Always Necessary?"; Judy Harrow, "'Tis Evil Luck to Speak of it: Secrecy and the Craft"; Malcom Brenner, "The Us-Them Dichotomy"; Rhiannon Asher, "When Sex is a Sacrament: Sexuality Between the Worlds."
Commentary:	Whereas the other books in the series deal with the Witch or Pagan's spiritual life, in or out of the Pagan community, this one deals with relating to the non-Pagan culture we all live in. "Coming Out of the Closet" gives some wonderul reasons both for and egainst, and brings up some issues you may not have considered, if this is a decision you have been struggling with. And "The Us-Them Dichotomy" is a worthwhile read, includes some further thoughts on the public-pagan issue, and describes some thought-provoking dynamics among different Pagan groups.
	Recommended

Morganna Davies and Aradia Lynch. Keepers of the Flame: Interviews with Elders of Traditional Witchcraft in America

Most useful for:	Anyone interested in Traditional Witchcraft
Content:	Profiles of practitioners of Traditional Witchcraft in Traditions including Alexandrian, Gardnerian, Celtic, Georgian, Keepers of the Ancient Mysteries, Mohsian, New England Covens of Traditional Witches, Ravenwood, Strega, and Tuatha de Danann; discussion by these elders on various topics including the age of the Craft, ethics, hierarchy, secrecy, public ritual, magic, and the relationship between Traditional Craft and modern Neopaganism and eclectic Wicca/Witchcraft.
Commentary:	This book is a rarity and a real gem for that reason alone. It presents information on a part of the Pagan and Wiccan/Witch community that is little heard from, due to not only its size (there are far fewer covened Traditionalists than there are eclectics) but its initiatory nature (if teachings must be experienced rather than learned from a book, few books on the subject are likely to appear). And, of course, there are no secrets revealed here and this book is not a how-to. I think where this book is really valuable is in showing just how different Traditional Witchcraft is from eclectic. (No value judgment intended, just that in some ways it's like comparing apples and oranges.) And the Traditionalist viewpoint is not one that many Pagans are familiar with--or, if they are, they discount it as exclusionary and perhaps a bit snooty. And, in fact, some of the opinions expressed in this book do seem to confirm that assumption, but in most cases the elders do not pass judgment on a path that's not their own. Of course, what they might say about current Traditionalists is something different--and there's a certain amount of the "in my day you had to walk two miles in the snow barefoot to find a coven--uphill both ways!" as well as a bit of "kids today aren't willing to work at it the way we did!"--but there seems to be more of a recognition that things have changed, while retaining a fondness for the way things were. Another thing that makes this book useful is that it shows how diverse the Traditionalist community is. It sometimes seems to those in the wider and looser NeoPagan and eclectic Wiccan community that Traditional Witchcraft/Wicca is homogeneous, and this isn't at all the case--in many cases different people, even within the same Tradition, give widely differing and even conflicting opinions on issues. Definitely worth a look.
	Recommended

Cynthia Eller, Living in the Lap of the Goddess: The Feminist Spirituality Movement in America.

Most useful for:	Anyone interested in learning about the history of feminist spirituality
Content:	Description and history of the feminist spirituality movement, including its relation to Neopaganism; ritual and magic done in this context; the Goddess as seen by spiritual feminists; matriarchal prehistory myth; the relationship between spiritual feminists and political feminists; discussion of reasons why women seek this form of spirituality.
Commentary:	A good book describing an alternative spirituality that has affected Neopaganism in many ways but that many Neopagans are not particularly well informed about. (I know I wasn't--that's why I got the book!) Feminist spirituality is in some ways related to Neopaganism, in other ways separate, and it's fascinating to see the ways in which Wicca influenced the ritual forms practiced by and belief systems held by spiritual feminists--as well as the ways in which these things were returned, changed, to the Neopagan community. Particularly interesting to me was the discussion of the way spiritual feminists interact with more secular feminists (or do not interact, as the case may be), and of course the discission of the myth of matricarchal prehistory, covered in more detail in Eller's other book (see below). Finally, I have to say that I found this book most useful in that it gave me a much better understanding of where Pagans like Z Budapest and Diane Stein are coming from; while I had read their work previously and found it less than compelling, now I have a better understanding of and appreciation for it. As someone who likes to be informed about the various parts of the Pagan community, whether those paths appeal to me personally or not, I found this an excellent resource on a subject I haven't seen covered elsewhere.
	Recommended

Cynthia Eller, The Myth of Matriarchal Prehistory: Why an Invented Past Won't Give Women a Future.

Most useful for:	Anyone and everyone.
Content:	Disusses the basis for the myth of matriarchal prehistory, including archaeological, mythological, and sociological data; discusses the many reasons why this myth is highly unlikely to have any connection to historical fact; discusses the reasons why the myth appeals to spiritual feminists and Neopagans alike; discusses reasons why this myth, especially when mistakenly understood to be fact, is potentially a bad thing.
Commentary:	An excellent book that expands considerably on Eller's previous book (see above). The "myth of matriarchal history" is one which most modern Pagans have heard, presented either as myth or, too often, as history: basically, this myth tells how a long time ago, humans lived in idyllic matriarchal societies which worshipped a Great Goddess, and in which women were honored and treated at either the equals or superiors of men--this was a time of peace and prosperity until warlike patriarchal societies rode in and imposed their will and gods on the peaceloving goddess-worshippers. This myth has a great deal of power for various reasons, including the notion that things have not always been the way they are now, meaning that it is possible for humans to live in peace and equality. The problem arises when the myth is treated as history--because, as Eller's book illustrates, there is virtually no evidence supporting it. The discussion of those things that created this myth--archaeological finds, early writings, linguistic analysis, ethnographic studies of modern primitive cultures, and so forth--is fascinating, and even more so is Eller's subsequent dismantling of each piece of potential evidence for the truth of the myth. However, this in itself does not make the book so worthwhile--although this may be the first popular work on the subject, other books have covered much of the same material (see Ronald Hutton's works, for example). Where The Myth of Matriarchal Prehistory differs is that Eller goes beyond the purely descriptive analysis of data and into not only the reasons why this myth has gained such popularity with modern Pagans and feminists but also the reasons why it is not a particularly helpful myth. I won't go into great detail on this but will say that much of it has to do with the emphasis the myth places on the traditional, some would say stereotypical, characteristics associated with the feminine, with no similar value given to other equally important characteristics which do not reflect the stereotype. The only complaint I have about the book, in fact, is that I would have liked to see a more extensive treatment of this last issue--however, what is there is excellent. This has been my "recommend to everyone" book lately!
	Highly Recommended

Janet & Stewart Farrar and Gavin Bone, The Pagan Path

Most useful for:	Beginning and Intermediate Students
Content:	Discusses in general Paganism as a religion, including Goddesses and Gods, concise descriptions of different Pagan paths, Pagan holidays, the Pagan devotion to the Earth, and Paganism's relation to Christianity; describes magic, divination, and healing; discusses preChristian religions; discusses Pagan families and community; discusses Pagan attitudes about sex; describes various Pagan organizations; gives suggestions for findint ones own path.
Commentary:	A very readable overview of many of the practices of and issues concerning modern Pagans. I like the Farrars' books, in part because they tend to cover their subjects thoroughly and in great detail; because of the nature of this book, that isn't the case, but overall I find a good balance between good brief descriptions of a variety of subjects (hopefully inspiring the reader to seek further information, perhaps seekingout some of the sources in the bibliography) and personalized discussion of life as a Pagan. Personally I particularly liked the chapter ("Watch It") on inobvious pitfalls of Pagan practice (I don't necessarily find all the points here convincing but it is food for thought), and the one ("The Way In") on seeking ones own path. I'd say that if you'rel ooking for a little good information on a lot of subjects, this is the book.
	Strongly Recommended

Graham Harvey and Charlotte Hardman, eds., Paganism Today: Wiccans, Druids, the Goddess and Ancient Earth Traditions for the Twenty-First Century

Most useful for:	Serious students of Paganism
Content:	Ronald Hutton, "The Roots of Modern Paganism"; Kenneth Rees, "The Tangled Skein: the Role of Myth in Paganism"; Prudence Jones, "Pagan Theologies"; Graham Harvey, "Heathenism: a North European Pagan Tradition"; Philip Shallcrass, "Druidry Today"; Vivianne Crowley, "Wicca as Modern-Day Mystery Religion"; Lynne Morgan, "Women and the Goddess Today"; Richard Sutcliffe, "Left-hand Path Ritual Magick: an Historical and Philosophical Overview"; Gordon MacLellan, "Dancing on the Edge: Shamanism in Modern Britain"; Adrian Harris, "Sacred Ecology"; Amy Simes, "Mercian Movements: Group Transformation and Individual Choices Amongst East Midlands Pagans"; Susan Greenwood, "The Magical Will, Gender and Power in Magical Practices"; Shan Jayran, "Darklight Philosophy: a Ritual Praxis"; Leila Dudley Edwards, "Tradition and Ritual: Halloween and Contemporary Paganism"; Marion Bowman, "Cardiac Celts: Images of the Celts in Paganism."
Commentary:	This is the sort of book I'm always thrilled to find at the bookstore (and not just because it reminds me how glad I am to be out of school--now I can read only the scholarly articles that interest me! :)) I found the articles on Heathenism (Asatru/Odinism) and Druidry (non-ADF) valuable in part because there is so little available on those subjects in most of the Pagan bookstores I go to, although neither article went into as much depth as I would have liked; I recommend "Left-Hand Path Ritual Magick" for similar reasons. And I especially liked "Cardiac Celts," an exploration of the popularity of Celtic paganism, and an article that makes one give some thought to just why they have chosen their own path, Celtic or not. The real value of this book, though, is the presentation of many views in a thoughtful, considered manner. It's a little dry, and not always an easy read, but it made me think of things I hadn't before, and that's almost always a good thing.
	Recommended

Ellen Evert Hopman and Lawrence Bond, People of the Earth: The New Pagans Speak Out

Most useful for:	Anyone interested in the different existing Pagan paths
Content:	Interviews with Pagans of every stripe: Druids, Wicans and Witches, Goddess-worshippers, Reconstructionists of various cultural traditions, CAW, Circle Sanctuary, COG, Earthspirit Community, CUUPS, military Pagans, student Pagans, and interviews dealing with sex, art, and legal issues pertaining to Paganism.
Commentary:	This is a book I turn to often, for information and inspiration. It's the best representation I've seen of the diversity that makes up the Pagan community, and every time I read it (and that's been quite a few times, it's a favorite of mine), I realize anew just how small my little corner of the Pagan world is, and just how large and inclusive the Pagan community as a whole is. Very few aspects of Paganism are not explored here. I particularly like that the different paths are not described and compared by the authors, but simply presented in the words of the practitioners--the reader can make her/his own comparisons and interpretations. I haven't seen this book recommended elsewhere, but for me it's a must-have. Note: This out-of-print book has been recently republished under the title of Being a Pagan: Druids, Wiccans and Witches Today.
	Very Strongly Recommended

Sirona Knight, A Witch Like Me: The Spiritual Journeys of Today's Pagan Practitioners.

Most useful for:	Beginning students of Paganism and Witchcraft
Content:	Discussions by modern Pagan authors concerning their spiritual background and current path; included authors are Sirona Knight, Dorothy Morrison, Patricia Telesco, A.J. Drew, Phyllis Curott, Raven Grimassi, Silver Ravenwolf, Raymond Buckland, Lady Sabrina, Timothy Roderick, Gerina Dunwich, Skye Alexander, Marion Weinstein, and Z. Budapest.
Commentary:	Interesting although somewhat superficial, this book describes the background and spiritual path and practices of a number of popular Pagan authors. Interesting because each is a little different, and thus the book shows a variety of different introductions to the divine, which may be helpful to the new seeker, as well as a variety of different ways in which a spiritual path can manifest. In addition, if one of the authors is a favorite of yours, you'll probably find something out about them that you didn't know. However, each section is written by the author concerned and doesn't necessarily go into as much depth as one might wish; it does indicate what these authors feel is important but I wonder if a more formal interview style might have resulted in a greater depth and consistency. In any case, not a bad book and one which contains some good stories!

James R. Lewis, ed., Magical Religion and Modern Witchcraft

Most useful for:	Serious students of Paganism
Content:	Judy Harrow, "The Contemporary Neo-Pagan Revival"; Morning Glory and Otter G-Zell, "Who on Earth is the Goddess?"; Dennis D. Carpenter, "Emergent Nature spirituality: An Examination of the Major Spiritual Contours of the Contemporary Pagan Worldview"; Shelley T'Sivia Rabinovitch, "Spells of Transformation: Categorizing Modern Neo-Pagan Witches"; Sabina Magliocco, "Ritual is My Chosen Art Form: The Creation of Ritual as Folk Art Among Contemporary Pagans"; Sarah M. Pike, "Forging Magical Selves: Gendered Bodies and Ritual Fires at Neo-Pagan Festivals"; Sian Reid, "As I Do Will, So Mote It Be: Magic as Metaphor in Neo-Pagan Witchcraft"; James W. Baker, "White Witches: Historic Fact and Romantic Fantasy"; Jeffrey Kaplan, "The Reconstruction of the Asatru and Odinist Traditions"; Adrian Ivakhiv, "The Resurgence of Magical Religion as a Response to the Crisis of Modernity: A Postmodern Depth Psychological Perspective"; Chas S. Clifton, "What has Alexandria to do with Boston? Some Sources of Modern Pagan Ethics"; Susan Greenwood, "The British Occult Subculture: Beyond Good and Evil?"; Christel Johanna Manning, "Embracing Jesus and the Goddess: Towards a Reconceptualization of Conversion to Syncretistic Religion"; Rev. Richard E. Kuykendall, "Where Christian Liturgy and Neo-Pagan Ritual Meet"; James R. Lewis, "Works of Darkness: Occult Fascination in the Novels of Frank E. Peretti"; Sarah M. Pike, "Rationalizing the Margins: A Review of Legitimation and Ethnographic Practice in Scholarly Research on Neo-Paganism"; Dennis D. Carpenter, "Practitioners of Paganism and Wiccan Spirituality in Contemporary Society: A Review of the Literature."
Commentary:	There's so much here, I'm only going to mention a few pieces that I felt stood out. I found the article on Asatru/Odinism interesting despite its emphasis on in-group politics, especially the discussion of the philosophical and practical differences between Asatru and Odinism, something I was previously unaware of. The articles on the relationship between Paganism and Christianity were revealing, particularly "Embracing Jesus and the Goddess" with its discussion of ways people blend the two systems. The book is rarely an easy read, assumes a certain level of preexisting knowledge, and some of the articles are particularly difficult to get through, so I wouldn't recommend it as an introductory text, but it touches on subjects I've rarely seen treated elsewhere.

Loretta Orion, Never Again the Burning Times: Paganism Revived

Most useful for:	Anyone interested in contemporary Paganism
Content:	An ethnographic study of Wicca and Neopaganism. Discusses Gerald Gardner as the "father" of Wicca; describes Wiccan practice; discusses her research on the makeup of the Pagan population; discusses magic, Pagan festivals, the growth of Neopaganism, and healing.
Commentary:	An interesting book, based on the author's research into Pagan practices, conducted mostly at Pagan gatherings. The emphasis of her research was on alternative healing practices used by Witches and Pagans, and the book reflects this, but it isn't exclusively devoted to that subject. I was particularly interested in the material on Pagan festivals and other gatherings (perhaps because I have not yet been fortunate enough to attend one :)). Despite the limited scope of the book, I think it's a valuable study and am looking forward to seeing other, similar works in the years to come.

V. Vale and John Sulak, eds, Modern Pagans: An Investigation of Contemporary Pagan Practices.

Most useful for:	Anyone interested in contemporary Paganism
Content:	A series of interviews with Pagans of various types, including well-known figures such as Diana Paxson, Isaac Bonewits and Starhawk as well as less famous folk.
Commentary:	A fascinating and well-illustrated collection of interviews with Pagans of many, many sorts, this book is an education in diversity. The interviews are not bad; Pagan paths represented range from the common--Wicca, Druidry, Asatru--to the wildly creative and personal, and unsurprisingly the emphasis is on "extreme Paganism" but it certainly makes for an interesting read!
Recommended