A very meaningful and heartfelt deep-dive into the history of the many branches of paganism in America.

What I liked:

The layout of the book flowed really well. It was easy to follow and understand, guiding the reader through the various aspects of paganism history.

Contained diverse experiences and perspectives. This added depth and authenticity to the exploration, presenting a well-rounded view of the subject.

Covered the history of the beginnings of the Craft, and did so well. It provided detailed and accurate information, shedding light on the origins and evolution of paganism.

Both the author and those interviewed were fascinating and relatable. Their stories and insights made the book engaging and interesting to read.

What I wasn't a fan of:

I wasn't a fan of the overall length of the book (it's a big one). It could be a bit overwhelming at times, especially for those who are not used to reading long books.

The book was written like research, and may not be suited for everyone. It had a more academic tone, which might not appeal to readers looking for a more casual or accessible read.

Final Thoughts

If you consider yourself an occultist or pagan, love the history behind those subjects, and don't so much mind higher-level reading, then Drawing Down the Moon should be added to your reading list. It's comprehensive in scope, covering a wide range of topics related to paganism. And as diverse as one may expect a book of this nature to be, it offers a wealth of information and perspectives.

Despite having this recommended to me, I was initially worried. I thought it might get too "New Agey," for lack of a better term. However, my concerns were unfounded. Adler delves into the beliefs and history of Wicca.

It's important to note that Wicca lacks a strict dogma, which makes it somewhat challenging to precisely define its beliefs.

She also explores various forms of non-Wiccan paganism. This includes Asutra, which the first edition perhaps considered too minor to give much attention to.

In addition, Adler examines the more whimsical forms of paganism. For instance, there's a spoof Druidic church that somehow became real, and the Church of All the Worlds, which has been influenced in part by Stranger in a Strange Land.

Overall, this work is extremely informative and offers a comprehensive look at the diverse world of pagan beliefs and practices. It manages to present a wealth of information in an engaging and accessible manner, making it a valuable resource for those interested in this fascinating topic.

Finally, I got to this pagan staple through the audiobook, and it was truly great.

It was well-balanced and highly informative. It really delved into the historical context of neopaganism, while also addressing the conflicts within the community.

After listening to this, I have a much more nuanced understanding of how modern Paganism has reached its current state.

It's great to play while gardening or engaging in kitchen witching!

The audiobook was released in 2018. Although I had some difficulty finding the publication date, I assume it is the 2006 revision. I believe that is the last revision that was made.

I definitely recommend reading or listening to the most recent revision. From reading reviews of earlier versions, I think it is the most balanced and thorough.

It touches on feminist theory within the movement, as well as heathenry and the neo-nazi use of pagan symbolism.

This makes it a comprehensive and valuable resource for anyone interested in paganism.