This one took me a while to get through, but I'm glad I made the effort!

It is not an easy task to finish reading this, yet I am happy that I have put in the effort.

While I wouldn't consider this a classic must-read for witches in the 21st century, it does provide a fascinating snapshot of 1970s-80s witchcraft and alternative religion.

Although I don't think this is a classic that every witch in the 21st century must read, it indeed offers a captivating glimpse into the witchcraft and alternative religion of the 1970s and 1980s.

It's so interesting to see what about Adler's witchy world has evolved and what has remained constant.

It is really interesting to observe what aspects of Adler's witchy world have changed and what have stayed the same.

For folks who love context, this is a great read.

For those people who have a passion for context, this is an excellent book to read.

I read the 2006 edition of a book that offers a situated anthropological review of white western neo pagan movements.

This book is rather comprehensive, and the revisions contribute to providing a good context regarding the changes that have occurred in the last few decades. I would regard it as a reliable history of this particular subset of spiritual movements.

However, it should be noted that while the book does touch on cultures that are not white and western, its explorations in these areas are far less thorough. Additionally, it contains some outdated language.

Overall, despite its limitations, the book still provides valuable insights into the white western neo pagan movements and their development over time.

This is an excellent anthropological review of the many origins of the modern pagan movement.

The modern pagan movement has a rich and diverse history that can be traced back to various sources. Anthropologists have delved deep into this fascinating subject, uncovering the multiple roots that have contributed to its development.

One of the main origins of the modern pagan movement lies in ancient pagan religions and belief systems. These ancient traditions, with their focus on nature, deities, and spiritual practices, have provided a foundation for modern pagans.

Another important aspect is the influence of cultural and ethnic traditions. Different cultures around the world have their own unique pagan elements that have been incorporated into the modern pagan movement.

Additionally, the counterculture movements of the 20th century also played a significant role in the复兴 of paganism. The search for alternative spiritual paths and a rejection of mainstream religions led many people to explore pagan beliefs and practices.

Overall, the modern pagan movement is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that draws on a wide range of historical, cultural, and social factors. This anthropological review provides valuable insights into its many origins and helps us better understand its significance in today's society.

Drawing down the moon is an anthropological treatise on neopaganism in the United States.

Although the last edition was published in 2006, when the boom in the community that came with the internet and social media was just beginning (indeed, what would Margot Adler say about Witchtok!), I feel it is mandatory reading for those who wonder where and how to start the search for the old religion.

I especially loved the chapter on feminism in neopaganism.

The quotes in the text add an interesting touch. "The answers to all things are in the Air—Inspiration, and the winds will bring you news and knowledge if you ask them properly." This quote implies a connection with the natural elements and a belief in their ability to provide guidance.

"Amazons are coming into existence today. I have heard them and joined with them. We have howled with the bears, the wolves, and the coyotes. I have felt their strength." This quote evokes a sense of a powerful and wild female presence, perhaps symbolizing the liberation and empowerment of women within the neopagan context.

Overall, Drawing down the moon offers valuable insights into the world of neopaganism and its various aspects.

Wow, I absolutely adored this book. Adler's background in journalism, when combined with her personal experiences in the occult, has resulted in a history that is both objective and meticulously researched, yet still engaging and personal.

It is filled to the brim with detailed descriptions of pagan groups, both from the past and the present. There are also accounts of the origins of the occult in America, interesting historical interludes, and extensive appendices that are filled with even more resources.

One of my personal favorites was Fred Adam's Feraferia, who "...wanted to create some institution that would emphasis a paradisial way of life..." and "...combine a sense of faery with service to nature." They are all vegetarians, which really appeals to me. Additionally, a big shout out goes to the Church of All Worlds, which was inspired by Stranger in a Strange Land. Adler dedicated an entire chapter to the influence of science fiction and fantasy on neo-paganism, as well as the genres' in-depth exploration of neo-paganism itself.

I also greatly appreciated the discussions on sexuality, gender, and race, as well as the issues that have arisen at the intersections of these areas and have plagued these communities (and really, everyone) for years. I loved the following quote:

"...no one really has the slightest idea what a woman (or, for that matter, what a man) is. We do know that whatever a woman is, it is hidden under thousands of years of oppression. We will need at least a century of living in a society devoid of prescribed role divisions to begin to answer that question. Since everyone is operating in the dark, the two prevalent views among feminists, and the views of others, are all simply opinions, or perhaps intuitions."

This revised edition takes us up to 2006, so there is also some interesting discussion about internet witches and occultists. However, I'm already eager for a new edition. I would love to see Adler's objective perspective on the rise of WitchTube and WitchTok, and the subsequent monetization of these lifestyles.

Speaking of which, I've recently been drawn to this topic due to its current trendiness and revival. I've been having trouble finding titles that really satisfy my curiosity. I think I'm more interested in the history of witchcraft, folklore, and the occult rather than the how-to books. So it's a bittersweet feeling to have finished this one, as I'm starting to suspect that it's truly one of a kind.

An inspiring history of the modern neo pagan movement awaits exploration. It serves as a remarkable record, chronicling the very beginnings of this fascinating movement and highlighting the important individuals who have played significant roles. Some of these individuals are now our respected elders, while others have unfortunately passed on. This particular account had been sitting on my to-be-read list for far too long. As a result, I ultimately decided to listen to it instead. The experience of listening was indeed a good one, although it must be noted that the content was very lengthy.

Despite its length, the history of the modern neo pagan movement offers a wealth of knowledge and insights. It delves into the various aspects of the movement, including its beliefs, practices, and evolution over time. By learning about its origins and the key figures involved, we can gain a deeper understanding of the movement's significance and its impact on contemporary society. Whether you are a follower of the neo pagan path or simply interested in learning more about different spiritual traditions, this history is sure to provide a captivating and enlightening experience.

A thoroughly researched and scholarly examination of pagan inspired practices / religions (specifically in the United States) has been conducted.

This exploration delves deep into the various aspects of these pagan influenced beliefs and their manifestations in the American context.

The study uncovers a wealth of interesting facts and historical details.

It reveals how pagan practices have evolved over time and adapted to the modern American society.

Despite being a bit dense in its presentation, the research offers valuable insights into the rich tapestry of pagan inspired religions in the United States.

From ancient traditions to contemporary interpretations, this examination provides a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

It serves as a valuable resource for those interested in paganism, religious studies, and the history of American religions.

Overall, the research sheds light on a fascinating and often overlooked area of religious and cultural history in the United States.

I didn't understand neo-pagan religions at all. It was a completely foreign concept to me.

However, as I delved deeper into the subject, I found it to be very interesting. Neo-pagan religions are a diverse group of modern religious movements that draw inspiration from ancient pagan traditions.

These religions often emphasize nature worship, the importance of the individual's connection with the divine, and a return to a more holistic way of life.

They can take many different forms, from Wicca and Druidry to Heathenry and Hellenismos.

Each neo-pagan religion has its own unique beliefs, practices, and rituals, which are often based on ancient myths, legends, and folklore.

Exploring neo-pagan religions has opened my eyes to a whole new world of spiritual and cultural diversity, and I look forward to learning more about them in the future.

When I began to look at Wicca once more, this book emerged on list after list.

It was included in lists for beginners and also in those for "people seeking to return to paganism." Back in 1998, when I first started reading about Wicca and the occult, it was on all the lists, and that was even before it received an update. I purchased the book, and it remained on my coffee table throughout a pregnancy and a maternity leave. Subsequently, it was relocated to my bookshelf. It simply appeared so substantial, and I always have numerous books to read.

Then, I reached a point where I realized that I truly desired to commence studying again. I returned to the beginning and read the first book that piqued my interest in the craft. Then, I read a book from the suggested reading list of that initial book. After that, I decided that there was nothing left to do but to take action. I picked up this massive volume and patiently began reading 10 pages per day.

Adler accomplishes a remarkable feat with this book. It could potentially benefit from another update, given the rapid pace of things nowadays, but it is filled with all sorts of information. This book is not necessarily targeted at the seeker; rather, it provides a fascinating history of the Neo-Pagan movement. Here were names that I recognized from my days spent in the new age section of the B. Dalton, along with explanations of their backgrounds and beliefs. Adler examines several of these different traditions and religions, and there were some that I had never heard of, which intrigued me and led me down rabbit holes.

Honestly, I feel that this book truly set me back on my path. I sense that I am not alone, and in the stories she related secondhand in this book, I definitely recognized myself. There is so much value in that, especially in a subject where there are numerous books that read like instruction manuals and have a tendency to make you feel as if you are doing things incorrectly if you don't follow the author's approach. This in-depth exploration of history and culture is something else entirely and is absolutely worth your time if you are interested in understanding what Neo-Pagans are all about.

I truly liked the fact that this was penned by a journalist.

Ordinarily, I am unable to endure reading new age-y materials as I have the perception that they are nothing but propaganda.

This book offers a truly critical account of Paganism in America during the 1970s and 1980s.

The most excellent part is that Margot Adler was not an outsider to the realm of Paganism.

Her personal accounts regarding her own experiences contribute to a more captivating read.

I would very much love to have an updated version!

It would be fascinating to see how Paganism has evolved and changed in the years since the original publication.

Perhaps there have been new developments, trends, or challenges within the Pagan community that could be explored in an updated edition.

Overall, this book provides a valuable and engaging perspective on a often misunderstood and overlooked aspect of American religious history.

Margot Adler was the granddaughter of Alfred Adler, and this family connection might have provided some advantages when she publicly disclosed her affiliation with Wicca. Publishing her book, which detailed her experiences visiting covens across the USA, surely required courage.

The only drawback I would mention is its length; it can be a bit of a challenge to get through, but it offers valuable insights into the cultural history of the neopagan religion. At the time she penned the book, Wicca was undergoing a rapid revival in the USA.

For a more accessible and excellent account of this subject that you won't find elsewhere, along with additional history of matrifocal religion, Adler also delved into neopagan history in the 1993 Canadian documentary Full Circle. Wikipedia describes Full Circle as follows: "Directed by Donna Read and produced in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada, Full Circle concludes Read's trilogy of documentaries centered on women's spirituality in the Western World at the end of the 20th century, the Goddess movement, and feminist Wicca new religious movements. The previous films, Goddess Remembered (1989) and The Burning Times (1990), along with Full Circle, were released as Women and Spirituality: The Goddess Trilogy by AliveMind in 2008 on DVD."

Margot Adler had an illustrious career as a correspondent for National Public Radio for 35 years. She served as the Bureau Chief for NPR's New York office, hosted her on-air "column" Speaking of Justice, and was a frequent contributor to NPR's primetime All Things Considered news program. Sadly, she passed away in 2014 at the age of 68. She will be deeply missed as a unique feminist voice in the fields of authoring, lecturing, and journalism.

One of the grandmother books on modern Paganism, this work contains a wealth of fascinating history. However, it is more of a snapshot of 1979 Pagan America and England, with a bit of updating for the new edition rather than an all-encompassing survey. The new material seems less like the reconsideration the subject merits and more like "where are they now?" add-ons to the original content. Many of the groups Adler initially profiled have diminished or disappeared entirely, while she overlooks several groups and movements that I know were active and influential in the Pagan scene in 1986.

Adler's psychological bias is also quite pronounced. She gives priority to the archetypal/metaphorical interpretation of deity, whereas the majority of Pagans I know firmly assert that their gods are real. Might Adler have favored the psychological interpretation even when her interviewees did not advocate it? Or could she have been seeking people who held that interpretation from the start?

This is an important examination of the history of modern Western Paganism, and I respect it for that. But I do not regard it as the essential read it might have been when it was published in 1979. Perhaps if I had had the 2006 edition instead of the 1986 edition, I would have been more impressed.

*ETA: Recently, I have met several Pagans who have been active in the community since the 1980s. They attribute the increase in "devotional polytheists," that is, those who believe in the literal existence of deities (as opposed to those who view them as archetypes or metaphors), to the 2001 publication of Neil Gaiman's American Gods. If this is true, the Pagan landscape would have been very different when Adler was researching and writing this book, and I might have been a much happier (witch)camper.