This statement provides an interesting perspective on something.

It mentions that the content is both interesting and educational, which is a positive aspect. However, it also points out some significant drawbacks. The repetition can make it tiresome for the reader, and the lack of comparisons and conclusions makes the information seem disjointed.

It seems that a thorough editing is needed to improve the flow and coherence of the content.

If a rating system were available, it would be given 2.75 stars, indicating that there is potential for improvement but also some areas that require attention.

Overall, this assessment highlights the importance of careful editing and structuring of information to ensure that it is engaging, clear, and provides value to the reader.

A fascinating, albeit a bit outdated, overview of the occult in the US and UK has been presented.

There were numerous movements that I had never heard of previously, and it was truly delightful to learn about them.

I believe the main theme can be encapsulated as follows: no two groups share the exact same ideas regarding the divine, politics, nature, or any other aspect.

However, there are just sufficient common threads that unite all of these diverse groups under the broad umbrella of 'paganism'.

This piece is definitely worth reading for the valuable information it provides and to gain insights into what one might like to explore further.

It offers a unique perspective on the often-misunderstood world of the occult, revealing the rich tapestry of beliefs and practices that exist within it.

Despite its age, the overview still manages to capture the essence and complexity of the subject matter, making it a worthwhile read for anyone with an interest in the occult or alternative spiritualities.

Overall, it serves as a reminder that there is much more to the world of the occult than meets the eye, and that there is always something new and interesting to discover.

This is an outstanding history of earth religion.

It is a bit lengthy, yet it encompasses a vast amount of ground.

I have a particular fondness for chapter 14.

I will retain it as a reference book.

May Margot Adler rest in peace.

This work delves deep into the various aspects and manifestations of earth religion throughout history.

The author has done a remarkable job of presenting a comprehensive and detailed account.

Chapter 14, in particular, offers unique insights and perspectives that are both engaging and thought-provoking.

As a reference book, it will无疑 prove invaluable for those interested in exploring the rich and diverse world of earth religion.

Margot Adler's contribution to this field will be remembered and cherished.

Rest in Peace, Margot Adler.

I just adored this book. It is probably my all-time favorite and the most influential read in the past several years. The reason is that it presents all the diverse ways in which people select their religion, their deities, and their rituals.

It is truly powerful to have something that provides ideas and gives the freedom to make things personal.

I listened to it during my travels, first to the UK and then down to Bali. I'm aware that I dozed off through a significant portion of it, but there is so much content within its pages that I still managed to gain a great deal from it.

To be honest, certain parts of it brought tears to my eyes, simply because of that profound sense of belonging it evoked.

This book has truly left an indelible mark on me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human connection to the spiritual and the diverse ways in which we express that connection.

Oh my god, I absolutely adored this book.

It is filled with an abundance of information presented in a refreshing and enlightening way, despite being around 40 years old.

I gained so much knowledge from it, and it truly opened my eyes, making me feel closer to my Path than I ever have before.

This book is a must-read for everyone who has an interest in Paganism/Witchcraft or knows someone who does and is unsure of what that person truly means.

The unity within disunity is what makes the Craft such a beautiful thing, and this was emphasized throughout the book.

Everyone is different, and Paganism acknowledges and celebrates those unique aspects that make each individual special.

Throughout the book, it showcases the Republicans, Democrats, Radical Feminists, Radical Faeries, Priest/esses, and Computer Technicians who are all on the Path.

I will definitely be lending this book to all of my friends and family.

However, while reading it in public, I received far too many comments about my "Satanic" book.

Someone even had the audacity to write it on a post-it note and stick it on the front cover.

It's quite disheartening that some people are so quick to judge without truly understanding.

I truly relished this book and was greatly inspired by some compelling arguments against monotheism. These arguments have given me hope that I can develop a well-founded theory around them.

One aspect that intrigued me was Margo Adler's assertion that monotheism, as a minority practice, has accompanied humanity since the dawn of religion.

I was astounded by how much of the Wiccan myth was unfamiliar to me. Authors like Margaret Murray and works such as Aradia were unknown to me prior to reading this book. I had no idea that the roots of Wicca were established in the Late Modern Era, specifically at the start of the twentieth century.

The concept of "finding your home" in spirituality, as Margaret discussed in the section "A religion without converts," rang very true to me, at least based on my own experience. I also delighted in the section that detailed the various Traditions and learned about more pagan traditions like the 1734 trad, different Dianic cults, and NROOGD.

I share some of the sentiments expressed by the individuals in this book regarding our ecological problems being mainly a consequence of an unhealthy religious worldview, which ties back to my thoughts on monotheism and the dualistic thought introduced by the Zoroastrians.

I was rather shocked that OBOD and other forms of Druidism were not mentioned at all. I read all the parts related to Isaac with great attention as I'm a big fan of his.

The fact that Edward Fitch was mentioned throughout the book was quite cool as he is active in our local pagan community. I constantly teased him about being famous and quoted passages from the book to others at gatherings and meetups.

The scant mention of ADF disappointed me. Just because Isaac was a member of RDNA doesn't mean the parts about ADF should be in the section on religions of play.

I thoroughly enjoyed the part about Heathens and Asatruars. However, I believe the few people quoted from the Asatru Folk Assembly were indeed racist, and she could have found others to interview.

The lack of mention of Celtic Reconstructionism upset me even more than the minimal mention of ADF. In my opinion, the reconstructionist religions she did mention were either extinct or of little value. She also didn't mention Hellenismos.

Overall, this 2006 edition is far superior to the previous two versions and is a great read or reread for everyone.

This is the essential book for delving into the modern Pagan movement. It not only provides valuable insights into the contemporary Pagan scene but also offers a fascinating look back at paganism during the 1970s, when the first edition of the book was penned.

Reading this book took me a significant amount of time as I repeatedly found myself drawn back to read all of the appendices and footnotes. There is an abundance of information to learn and explore within its pages.

The detailed appendices and footnotes offer additional perspectives, historical references, and in-depth discussions that enhance the overall understanding of the subject matter. It is truly a treasure trove of knowledge for those interested in paganism and its evolution over time.

Whether you are a novice seeking to understand the basics or a seasoned researcher looking for new angles, this book has something to offer. It is a must-read for anyone with an interest in the rich and diverse world of paganism.

I read the third edition of this book and was completely fascinated.

It was truly very interesting to witness the development of a history of modern paganism in the US. At the time it was initially written, it wasn't yet a comprehensive history. However, as the author kept updating it, by the time I had the opportunity to read it, it had indeed become just that.

Certainly, parts of it have aged. Nevertheless, I felt that Adler was always extremely thoughtful about her updates. She left in some of the things that might not have aged as well or that seemed a bit naive in hindsight. I truly appreciated this aspect, as it demonstrated that she was willing to look at her own potential blind spots and shortcomings.

I firmly believe that this is a wonderful book for anyone who is interested in the growth of the Neo-pagan movement and how it came to be in the U.S. It provides valuable insights and a detailed account of this fascinating subject matter.

A massive overview of alternative religions, particularly Neopagans, in the USA is presented here. It delves deep into the various aspects of these religions, exploring their beliefs, practices, and the communities that follow them. Neopaganism, in particular, has been growing in popularity in recent years, with many people drawn to its connection with nature, the ancient past, and its focus on personal spiritual growth.

This exploration takes you into corners of the American tapestry that you never knew existed. It reveals the rich and diverse religious landscape that exists beyond the mainstream religions. You will discover the unique ways in which Neopagans celebrate the seasons, honor the deities, and engage in magical practices. The article also examines the challenges and controversies that these alternative religions face in a society that is often dominated by more traditional religious beliefs.

Overall, this overview provides a fascinating look at the world of alternative religions in the USA, offering insights into the beliefs and practices of Neopagans and other groups. It challenges us to expand our understanding of religion and to embrace the diversity that exists within our society.

This article was originally published quite a long time ago. It would have been great to see more in-depth exploration on racism within neo-pagan communities, especially in Norse pagan communities. Additionally, the often appropriative behavior of many white neo-pagans is a concern. The casual way in which "borrowing" from Native American spirituality is discussed is rather alarming.

Moreover, the TERF-y nature of Dianic Wicca is also a cause for concern. It's important to note that the most recent edition of this book was published in 2006. So, it's not really a criticism of the book that it's outdated, considering it's almost 20 years old. However, readers should be prepared to understand that it reflects a different time. We need to be more aware of these issues in the present day and work towards creating more inclusive and respectful neo-pagan communities.

Hopefully, future works will address these concerns more comprehensively and help to promote a more positive and diverse neo-pagan movement.

Drawing Down the Moon is an outstanding resource and reference book that holds great value for both Witches and Neo-Pagans. It serves as a comprehensive exploration of the evolution and prevalence of Neo-Paganism in the United States. Moreover, it presents a plethora of concepts that are highly beneficial to beginners, such as magic, ritual, and the diverse traditions within the community. Through reading this book, I have gained a profound understanding of the movement, which has been instrumental in helping me, as a Neo-Pagan, feel firmly rooted in our shared history.

In addition, several chapters within the book have compelled me to engage in self-reflection and question my own beliefs. For instance, in the final chapter, "Living on Earth," Margot Adler delves into the complex relationship between our spiritual practice and our practical decisions. She examines how our faith can either influence or not affect our actions in the real world. This discussion is particularly relevant today, as it highlights the contradiction that many Neo-Pagans and Witches face when they separate their religion from reality. During her research, Adler was astonished to discover that many individuals who identified as Neo-Pagans did not consider themselves part of the ecological struggle to save the Earth, despite the fact that Paganism is fundamentally a religion that reveres nature. Additionally, some believed that their faith was separate from politics. This is a timely issue, as the New Age/Neo-Pagan/Witch communities have been actively working to debunk this outdated thinking by emphasizing that magic is intended to be disruptive and bring about positive change in the world. How can one claim to be a Neo-Pagan if they do not care about their fellow human beings? How can one call themselves a Witch if they do not challenge systems of oppression or strive to support those who are suffering from it? Therefore, although this book was originally written in the 1970s and updated in 2006, I firmly believe that there are valuable lessons from the past that we still need to learn from.

If you are a beginner in the realm of Neo-Paganism and Witchcraft, I wholeheartedly recommend this book as it provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject. On the other hand, if you are an expert, I think this book offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the evolution of the movement and learn from the experiences of those who came before us. Margot Adler's writing is accessible and easy to understand, and she makes a concerted effort to present an unbiased perspective by allowing her subjects to speak for themselves.

One final point to note is that the book does contain some triggering content, including transphobia, racism, and the cultural appropriation of indigenous and other cultures. It is important to clarify that Margot Adler does not support these views; rather, she calls attention to these issues for the reader. Some of the individuals she interviewed hold these harmful beliefs. For example, when discussing Heathenism, she mentions that there are many Neo-Nazis and Nazis who claim to adhere to Nordic belief and tradition, often couching it in racial rhetoric. In another section, she addresses the Dianic tradition, where many (but not all) covens exhibit transphobic tendencies and subscribe to essentialist thinking. Please bear this in mind when considering whether to read the book.

I liked this book because it really gave a clear picture of different pagan groups to help the mainstream gain understanding.

It presented detailed information about their beliefs, practices, and cultures, which was both educational and eye-opening.

The author's approach was objective and respectful, allowing readers to form their own opinions without being influenced by personal biases.

However, I wonder though how much has changed since its publication.

The world is constantly evolving, and paganism may have also undergone significant transformations.

It would be interesting to see if the same characteristics and trends described in the book still hold true today.

Perhaps a new edition could be published to update the information and provide a more current perspective on pagan groups.

Overall, this book was a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about paganism and promoting greater understanding and acceptance of different spiritual paths.