Drawing Down the Moon

Popular demand for this clear-sighted compendium of information about the rebirth of Pagan religion hasn't waned since its initial publication in 1979. Distinguished by the journalism of US National Public Radio columnist Margot Adler, Drawing Down the Moon explains this diverse and burgeoning religion's philosophies and activities while dispelling stereotypes that have long been associated with it. Most people don't realise that "pagan" simply refers to pre-Christian polytheistic nature religions such as the various Native American creeds, Japanese Shinto, Celtic Druidry and Western European Wicca. Originally, the word pagan meant "country dweller" and was a derogatory term in third-century Rome, not unlike calling someone a "hick" today. If you find yourself feeling queasy when you hear the words witch or pagan, a healthy dose of re-education via Drawing Down the Moon could be the cure. --P. Randall Cohan

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Still unsurpassed - Rated
From its first publication in 1979, Margot Adler's 'Drawing Down the Moon' has proven to be one of the most significant and influential books on the modern revival of Paganism. Its reputation is well deserved. This is a work of shining intelligence and lucidity which covers a great deal of ground. DDtM is equally useful both to Pagans and those others in the wider society who are trying to understand one of the fastest growing and potentially transformative religious movements in the Western world. Although a well-connected figure within the Pagan community, Adler's commitment has in no way impaired her powers of observation and analysis. And while drawing primarily on her researches in the United States, the book remains of considerable value to a wider readership in Europe and beyond.

In DDtM, Adler gives detailed consideration, both directly and through extensive interviews and surveys, to the nature and characteristics of modern Paganism and some of the major Pagan Traditions, to what it is that draws and inspires people to identify as Pagans, to the common themes and attitudes connecting the modern movement with its pre-Christian heritage, and to the significance it may have for contemporary Western culture. In a market increasingly bloated with trite, derivative, "how to" books on Paganism, her thoughtful and informed analysis stands out.

For this, the Third Edition (2006), the book has been fairly extensively revised and updated. The core insights however, remain timeless. "The world is holy. Nature is holy. The body is holy. Sexuality is holy. Divinity is immanent in nature; it is within you as well as without."

John Macintyre

Essential reading - Rated
This book is a must have for all Witches and Neo-Pagans, but it is also an amazingly helpful read for anyone researching, or simply with an interest in modern Witchcraft. It is quite an advanced book, and I would advise beginners to read some more basic books at first, but once you are ready for it, it is immensely rewarding. My eyes were glued to the page.

Excellent primer on neo-pagan religion - Rated
If you're a student of comparative religion or spirituality, or if you're seeking an alternative to traditional Western religions, this might be a book for you. It is well-written, fairly objective, fairly broad in scope, and not too dry. The neo-pagan religious movement is not often talked about, and is often assumed to be part of adolescent spiritual exploration (and it often is), but it is also a quietly practiced belief system involving more adults than one might guess. Is it a major factor in today's society? Probably not. Is it a factor at all? Probably. Should it be more emphasized or important? Read this book, and similar ones, and then you can make an informed decision.

Good history book, a little dry at times - Rated
This was a great book for an unbiased, historical look at paganism. I did feel it was a little too feminist in slant, but that just seems to reflect the times. I think this is an important book to read if you want an indepth understanding of the history of Wicca/Pagan religions.

BUY IT NOW! - Rated
This book is one of the most clearheaded views of pagansm and the craft that I have read. It is perfect for the beginner (or anyone) who is interested in the recent history of Paganism, without being bogged down by others rituals. I would recommend this book to anyone, pagan or witch or none of thee above, it is an excellent sourcebook for the pagan movement in the United States.