A relatively casual participant-observer investigation into neo-paganism and new age spirituality in the Western world was first conducted in the late 1970s. It has been republished twice with updates. I had the opportunity to read the 2006 updated version.

This work proved to be very beneficial in comprehending how neo-pagans and Wiccans conceptualized themselves, their spiritualities, and their histories during the periods when the book was written and updated. The insights in this regard were truly remarkable.

However, I believe that the usefulness might end there. I feel that Adler never managed to successfully break free from the perspective of her participant status or her whiteness.

Nonetheless, I would highly recommend picking up this book if this is a topic that interests you. It is a seminal text that offers not only valuable information but also an AMAZING, FANTASTIC, STUNNING long form interview with a socialist, Irish republican witch. For me, this interview made all 21 hours of the audiobook truly worthwhile.

Overall, despite its limitations, this book provides a unique and valuable perspective on neo-paganism and new age spirituality in the Western world.

While words like "Witch" or "Pagan" carry all kinds of negative and outlandish connotations in today's popular culture, Margot Adler's seminal book, Drawing Down The Moon, aims to deconstruct such representations through honest and thorough research.

A good book has the power to make you reevaluate your preconceived notions, and this one did just that for me. Adler begins by exploring the origins and history of the term "Witch," and then presents a comparative study of the different Neo-Pagan movements in North America.

The significance of the many religions and beliefs covered in this book lies in the fact that they offer an alternative perspective to the current "mainstream" religions in North America and Europe. Whether it's an alternative to the masculinist or patriarchal religious experience, a more environmental view of the universe, or a return to a spirituality that predates the Judeo-Christian world, being a Witch is not about sensual orgies, baby eating, or dark magic.

This is an honest book. Adler not only aims to deconstruct misconceptions and provide an accurate representation but also doesn't shy away from being critical when necessary. I truly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about Neo-Paganism and the true meaning of being a Witch.

I found this truly inspiring.

It has the power to open up a vast world of limitless possibilities for fashioning a unique spiritual vision and path directly from my own personal experience.

This realization is like a bright light shining in the darkness, guiding me towards a deeper understanding of myself and my place in the universe.

By drawing on my own experiences, I can create a spiritual journey that is tailored to my specific needs and desires.

It allows me to explore different aspects of my being and discover new ways of connecting with the divine.

This process of fashioning a spiritual vision and path from my own experience is both exciting and challenging, but I am eager to embrace it and see where it leads me.

In "Drawing Down the Moon", Margot Adler provides a comprehensive exploration.

She delves into the origins of the modern Neo-Pagan movement, shedding light on how it emerged and developed. The demographics of its practitioners are also analyzed, giving readers an understanding of who is involved in this movement.

Moreover, Adler details the practices of various Neo-Pagan groups, showcasing the diversity within the movement. She further examines how the movement has evolved since the 1960s, highlighting the changes and developments that have taken place over the years.

However, while the book is well-written and engaging, it can at times feel repetitive due to its long and dense nature. I was somewhat disappointed that it did not include more of the ritual practices. Nevertheless, I understand that the purpose of the book was to examine the movement from a sociological perspective.

This book is recommended for those who have a genuine interest in learning about the history and evolution of the Neo-Pagan movement in the United States. However, if you are solely interested in the "witchy" aspects, this may not be the most suitable book for you.

I tend to have a preference for down-to-earth and practical works on Paganism. And truly, I now understand why DDTM is regarded as the grandmother of contemporary Pagan literature and scholarship. It is extremely good.

Decidedly (but not solely) focused on Wiccan, Adler examines the emergence of Neo-Paganism across the United States, its roots, and some of the myths (both within and outside the community) surrounding it. As a journalist by nature and a peer writing among peers, Adler has great respect for both the Pagan community and its practitioners, just as she has for journalistic rigor. She is interested in distinguishing fact from fiction. For example, she looks at the conceptions of European Witchcraft as claimed by Wiccan founders and early 20th-century folklorist scholars (such as Robert Graves, Margaret Murray, etc.) compared to ongoing anthropological scholarship.

While Adler is interested in reporting the truth, she never does so to belittle, but rather to shed more light on the role and purpose of myth-building in Paganism. For instance, Murray's ideas may be discredited today, but this does not invalidate the founding of Wicca. Instead, all of this and more speaks to Adler's core thesis: If Earth religions, polytheism, and nonhierarchical spiritual practices are lacking in society, one must simply recreate them to meet contemporary needs. And those needs exist.

The 2006 edition, which was the final edition revised before Adler's death, definitely rounds out the book's perspective and offers some sobering reflections on the '70s and '80s. I admire Adler for admitting that, perhaps in retrospect, the feminist '70s' utopian aims were overly optimistic.

There are two reasons why I decided to give this book four stars instead of five. The first is that, despite the excellence of the latest edition, it is showing its age. Some statements made by sources are questionable, even though their perspectives provide insights into the wider Neo-Pagan community. There are also a few obvious omissions. By 2006, many more Pagan groups and religions were emerging beyond those covered in this edition. It would have been great to see more focus on Hellenism, for example.

The second, and the greater reason for the deduction, is its approach to Dianic Wicca. DDTM acknowledges before the 2011 controversy that most Dianic covens do not allow transgender people in. But this is not really followed up on or exposed as a particularly cruel decision. Reading the book in 2021, it is an odd moment. DDTM looks optimistically and compassionately at feminist Paganism as an outlet for women's spirituality. But without any real consideration for concerns about who does (or rather, doesn't) get to be involved in the 20th-century feminist Pagan movement, it all seems hollow. Especially in 2021.

I can't be too hard on Adler for this. The original DDTM was written during the height of the second wave and published in the same year as The Transsexual Empire. The revised edition predates the 2011 controversy. DDTM is a product of its time. But one would think that, even in 2006, the lack of recognition and support for trans women in the Dianic tradition would deserve more scrutiny. Especially given how progressive the book was on matters of gay men's spirituality.

Granted, I do truly believe that this would have been the case if another edition had been introduced in the following years, something that unfortunately could not happen. And for prospective readers interested in U.S. Neo-Pagan history, whether as scholars or practitioners, take this criticism as the glaring exception to the rule. This is a wonderful book and an easy recommendation.

The work, even in its latest iteration, is somewhat antiquated.

However, it offers a meticulously researched and empathetic exploration of the history of the Neo-Pagan movement in the United States.

The author has delved deep into the subject matter, uncovering the roots, development, and various aspects of this movement.

Despite its age, the commentary provides valuable insights and perspectives that can still be relevant today.

It helps us understand the evolution of Neo-Paganism and its significance within the American context.

Overall, it is a worthwhile read for those interested in the history of alternative spiritualities and the cultural landscape of the United States.

I've been meaning to read this book ever since my college days. However, a delay of nearly two decades might not have been beneficial for this particular book, which was penned in the late 70s.

Thankfully, this audio edition comes with multiple editions' worth of updates. Nevertheless, in many aspects, it still remains more of a snapshot of that era. It offers an overview of paganism in America during that time, with a few additional elements. For instance, this version delves more into Norse paganism compared to previous ones.

But it does focus a great deal more on feminist witchcraft than many other topics. It's quite evident that this is where the author's interest lies. While feminist witchcraft is an important aspect of American paganism, the section dedicated to it was longer than several others and felt a bit dragging.

Several of the groups mentioned in the book are no longer active or have undergone significant changes. However, if you view it more as a historical document rather than a contemporary perspective, it's still highly interesting. It has inspired me to think about topics that I haven't revisited in ages.

Overall, it was definitely worth reading, even after waiting for such a long time.

Yes, this is indeed a "fascinating and honest" examination of the diverse neo-paganist movements in the U.S. during the 20th century.

Adler's resolve to clearly define these numerous movements, their historical backgrounds, and their intersections with a high degree of objectivity is to be commended. She is also quite clear at certain junctures when she inserts her own, well-informed perspective.

However, it is disheartening yet not unexpected to read about the infighting, egotism, sexism, and racism that pervade these movements. Although they may be nature-based or earth-based, these groups are still composed of petty individuals.

I grew tired halfway through and was left feeling defeated by the end. This is definitely not Adler's shortcoming. I guess I was simply in need of a more uplifting story at the moment.

Modern Wicca has a rich and fascinating history that is worth exploring.

It emerged in the mid-20th century as a new religious movement, drawing inspiration from ancient pagan traditions.

This resource provides a comprehensive look at the development of modern Wicca, from its early beginnings to its current status as a widely recognized and practiced religion.

Through detailed research and analysis, it uncovers the key figures, events, and ideas that have shaped the movement over the years.

Whether you are a student of religious studies, a practitioner of Wicca, or simply curious about this unique spiritual path, this resource is an invaluable tool for understanding the history of modern Wicca.

It offers a wealth of information and insights that will deepen your knowledge and appreciation of this important religious tradition.

I truly appreciate the diverse range of perspectives and experiences that are shared within the pages of this book. However, it is important to note that it is rather dated, having been published back in 2006. But I must clarify that no stars were deducted from my rating for this reason. After all, I was well aware that it was considered a “classic” at the time I purchased it.

Nevertheless, I found myself quite surprised by the archaic nature of many of these ideas, especially considering that it is supposed to be about “Neo-Paganism.” It has been almost 20 years since its publication, and in this rapidly evolving world, some of the concepts seem a bit out of place. This is just an observation on my part, but I digress.

Perhaps it is not entirely unexpected that the most captivating parts of this book were Adler’s reflections on her findings, which were based on her extensive reading and research. She presents a wealth of information, and it is only towards the end of each section or chapter that she elucidates how it all fits together and why she chose to include certain details. For me, this approach of “hiding the ball” can be a bit frustrating. With such dense and complex information, it would have been far more beneficial to have the theory or her conclusion presented up front. This seems like a basic premise in essay or non-fiction writing, doesn’t it? But then again, Adler is a journalist by profession, so it makes sense that she would place a greater emphasis on the information sourced from others rather than her own perspectives. On the other hand, she does reference her own perspectives and experiences quite regularly, and she even identifies as a Seeker herself.

Overall, I would still consider this to be a good book. It is both informative and inspiring for those who are in the process of seeking their own unique spiritual path. In essence, everyone is sort of making it up as they go along and doing their best based on what they believe to be true sources. But the reality is that no one really knows for certain which path is 100% ~*ancient*~. And that’s perfectly okay.

When we look around, it seems that we are all truly just searching among the ruins.

Life often presents us with challenges and setbacks that can make it feel as if everything has been reduced to rubble.

We may find ourselves lost, confused, and unsure of where to turn.

But perhaps it is in this searching that we discover our true selves.

Maybe among the ruins, we can find the pieces of our dreams and hopes that have been buried.

We can start to rebuild, one step at a time, and create something new and beautiful.

So, even though the journey may be艰难, let us continue to search among the ruins, for within them lies the potential for growth and transformation.

Who knows what we may find?

It was quite interesting to read this as a history and examination of various divergent pagan groups. However, I discovered that I didn't have a liking for a significant number of the groups and individuals that were interviewed and discussed.

I was really put off by the heterosexism and homogeneity that appeared to be deeply ingrained in their beliefs and practices. I suppose it's good to be aware of this, but ultimately, it didn't seem like anything new.

Moreover, the author didn't challenge any of this at all. Everything seemed rather reasonable to her, including the white purity garbage that somehow managed to get a pass.

Surprisingly, the word "polarity" now makes me feel a bit queasy. It actually made me a little grateful that I was raised evangelical and not pagan. After all, in those Christian circles, it was only girl-girl and boy-boy hand holding action.

Overall, while the content had its interesting aspects, the issues I've mentioned left a rather sour taste in my mouth.