The coverage of this topic is interesting yet rather ordinary.

If you are either in favor of or against Wicca, this piece is not likely to change your perspective.

It doesn't reveal everything and shows a certain degree of sympathy.

I read this in the 1990s.

Margot Adler, who is an NPR correspondent, wrote it.

Overall, it provides a basic understanding of the topic, but it lacks depth and the ability to sway strong opinions.

Perhaps it could have delved deeper into the beliefs and practices of Wicca to offer a more comprehensive view.

Nonetheless, it is still an interesting read for those curious about the subject.

It gives a glimpse into the world of Wicca through the eyes of Margot Adler.

However, for those seeking a more in-depth exploration, further research would be necessary.

One of my numerous reading lists is dedicated to suggested readings in Celtic lore.

Many of the books on this list are of a nature that you can only locate them in the occult section of your local bookstore or in a specialized occult shop. I've never really been overly concerned about this.

These books frequently present multiple versions of the same piece of folklore or offer conflicting interpretations of various symbols. This allows me to have some enjoyment while conducting the necessary research to determine which version is more widely accepted or which one is better researched and supported.

It has enabled me to combine my inclination towards being an armchair anthropologist with my passion for reading and research.

So, I'm finally beginning to make my way through this list, and "Drawing Down the Moon" was the second book on it. Since I read to learn or verify lore and symbolism, this book was a significant disappointment.

It delves into the history of various Pagan sects around the world, along with a psychological exploration of being Pagan.

If history and psychology were my areas of interest (and if I hadn't already been reading such books for several years), this book might have been very interesting. As it stands, the book provides repeated conflicting definitions even for the term "magic", and it further exemplifies why seeking out any information is an excellent pretext for extensive research.

The book simply didn't work for me. Maybe the next one on the list will be more to my liking.

Margot Adler engages in conversations with adherents from diverse traditions not only throughout the United States but also in a few places in Europe. Her aim is to dispel the mystery and correct the misconceptions that often surround neo-pagan groups.

As Adler points out, Pagans are an extremely diverse bunch, and it's inaccurate to generalize and say all Pagans believe a particular thing. However, there are some common beliefs shared by many in this book. For instance, the world, nature, the body, sexuality, and the imagination are all considered holy. Divinity is seen as immanent in nature, both within and outside of us. Most spiritual paths, according to many Pagans, ultimately lead people to understand their own connection to the divine.

Prior to reading this book, I knew very little about pagan religions. This was mainly due to the fact that I come from a rather conservative region of the country where there are few such groups. It's challenging to get to know people when there aren't any available for conversation. In some circles, the mere mention of the word "pagan" can inspire fear. This is because it's not clear what it truly means, or people might feel threatened by the differences in beliefs.

Neo-Pagans have a different perspective on religion. They often emphasize that the root of the word means "to relink" and "to connect," referring to any philosophy that forges deep connections between human beings and the universe.

Adler examines an astonishing number of pagan groups, which can be almost overwhelming. I appreciated how this book introduced me to numerous different paths and ideologies. However, as she dissected each of the different groups, it started to become somewhat repetitive.

But as my friend who recommended this book reminded me, "Drawing Down the Moon" was written in the pre-internet era. It was not only meant to explain what these groups were but also served as a kind of catalog for readers seeking the right spiritual path for themselves.

This book is highly recommended for spiritual seekers in search of a suitable tradition or for anyone curious about the remarkable variety of spiritual beliefs that exist. I personally learned a great deal from it.

Coming from a Christian background, I was truly amazed at the different categories of alternative spiritualities presented in this book.

It was quite an eye-opening experience. I couldn't help but wonder if my initial reaction was politically correct enough. After all, in a diverse world, we need to be open-minded and respectful of different beliefs and practices.

Anyway, it's not every day that one comes across a group of men called "radical faeries." This book provided a unique opportunity to learn about such a fascinating and perhaps somewhat unconventional group.

It made me realize that there is so much more to the spiritual realm than what I had previously known or been exposed to within the confines of my own religious upbringing.

I'm looking forward to delving deeper into this subject and exploring the various alternative spiritualities that exist in our world today.

It is of utmost importance to obtain the most currently updated version. I have discovered that the references section is one of the most beneficial aspects. This is not a "how to" book or a B.O.S. Instead, it is more of a social study encompassing paganism, including its culture, history, beliefs, and so on. Undoubtedly, it is a worthwhile read, yet it can prove to be a challenging one. There is an abundance of useful information to be unearthed within its pages. As I previously mentioned, it is essential to get the most updated version that you are able to locate.

This is an excellent read that delves into various aspects of earth religions, feminist and queer spirituality, and ritual-craft.

It offers a comprehensive exploration of the rich and diverse world of these spiritual beliefs and practices.

The book likely examines the unique perspectives and experiences of those within these traditions, shedding light on their significance and impact.

Readers can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the connection between the earth, gender, and sexuality in spiritual contexts.

Whether you are already interested in these topics or simply curious to learn more, this book is sure to provide valuable insights and inspiration.

It may also serve as a guide for those looking to incorporate elements of earth religions, feminist or queer spirituality, and ritual-craft into their own lives or spiritual practices.

Overall, it is a must-read for anyone seeking a more inclusive and diverse approach to spirituality.

A very comprehensive reference regarding the Neopagan movement that occurred in the United States during the 1970's, this updated version builds upon the original text. Adler delves into the present-day groups whose rituals draw inspiration from pre-Christian polytheistic nature religions. These include various Native American creeds, Japanese Shinto, Celtic Druid, and Western European Wicca or witchcraft. It is an outstanding read for shattering the stereotypes linked to these concepts and for gaining insights into the beliefs of their adherents. I highly recommend obtaining the most recent revised version (currently from 2006), regardless of whether you are a believer or merely an ally desiring a more complete understanding and respect for these groups.

DNF, also known as Dungeon & Fighter, is a popular online role-playing game.

It has a huge fan base around the world due to its exciting gameplay and diverse character classes.

In DNF, players can create their own characters and embark on adventures in a vast and immersive game world.

The game features intense battles against various monsters and bosses, as well as challenging dungeons to explore.

Players can also customize their characters with different weapons, armor, and skills to suit their playstyles.

DNF offers a wide range of content, including PVP (Player versus Player) battles, where players can test their skills against each other.

The game is constantly updated with new content and features, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting for players.

Overall, DNF is a thrilling and engaging game that offers hours of entertainment for gamers of all ages.

Excellent history of the pagan movement in America through the early 1980s.

While Wicca receives a sizable portion of the book, other paths are well-represented.

This comprehensive account delves into the rich tapestry of paganism in America during that era.

It explores the various beliefs, practices, and communities that emerged.

The author not only focuses on the more prominent Wiccan tradition but also gives due attention to other pagan paths.

This allows readers to gain a broader understanding of the diverse nature of the pagan movement.

Whether one is interested in the history of Wicca or wants to explore other pagan traditions, this book has something to offer.

It provides valuable insights into the development and evolution of paganism in America, making it a must-read for anyone intrigued by this fascinating subject.

Another one that failed to live up to the description that initially piqued my interest.

The content focuses on the growing movement of Witches, Druids, Pagans, and Goddess worshipers in modern society, yet it is extremely difficult to follow.

It appears more like a collection of chapters that constantly revert to snippets of interviews with one individual or another, or critiques of someone else's book.

Each chapter consists of just more interview snippets, making it rather incoherent.

I frequently found myself asking what the author was attempting to convey.

I never managed to figure that out.

It was so repetitive that I reached the point where I was simply skimming through some sections.

Yes, I understand that the movement is fragmented and that there are numerous different aspects to neo-paganism, just like a well-cut jewel.

But couldn't she have paused long enough to actually explore one aspect and provide a clear perspective on it, rather than conducting an interview with a person, well... parts of one, and then bringing up some book someone wrote and then stating how that book has been discredited (why mention it in the first place then), and at the end of the chapter on that topic, you still had no understanding of what her point was.

There must be better books available on this subject than this one.

I was so disappointed as it has such a reputation for being a must-read on this topic.

Where was her editor?

It just seems so fragmented and piecemeal.

A comprehensive exploration of the diverse aspects of American Paganism is presented, with a particular emphasis on the semi-organized groups that emerged in the late 20th century. The article provides valuable information, and several of the interviews are truly captivating.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that Adler was a journalist, despite some reviews using descriptors like "academic" and "anthropological." This is evident in her struggle to maintain a balanced insider and outsider perspective. She devotes a significant amount of time to defending Paganism against criticism and misunderstandings. However, when her informants make statements about other religions, especially the Abrahamic ones, that are at the very least highly debatable and sometimes even shocking, she offers only minimal commentary. I am not suggesting that she should have silenced her informants, but I do believe that a more in-depth discussion of claims that compare or equate monotheism with imperialism or genocide (unfortunately, I was unable to locate the direct quotes again) is essential, particularly in understanding how this impacts the relationship between Paganism and other religions.

Overall, it is a useful read for those interested in Neo-Paganism. If I could, I would have given it a 2.5. However, in my opinion, it leans too much towards being a study/apologetic and falls short of being truly excellent in either regard.

This is an outstanding book that is an absolute must-read for every Pagan and those who aspire to be Pagans.

Even if you have been a Pagan for a significant number of years, this book still has the potential to impart new knowledge and insights.

It has been expertly crafted by a highly respected individual who is not only a part of the mainstream media but also has a deep connection with the Pagan communities.

The author's understanding and respect for the Pagan way of life shine through in every page, making this book a valuable addition to any Pagan's library.

Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of Paganism or simply explore this fascinating spiritual path, this book is sure to provide you with a wealth of information and inspiration.

So don't hesitate, pick up a copy of this great book today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.