Rating: 
Summary: A well-written primer
Review: Maybe it's just my love for knowledge and workbook style books, but this book made a huge impression on me.The knowledge is straightforward and addresses two sides of every issue - IE in the Witchcraft v. Satanism issue. They don't simply say, "We don't worship Satan and anyone who says so is a Bible-Beating moron." They present a specific case where they had a conversation with a "fundamentalist," how they resolved it, and used that as a catalyst for their discussion in the book. I also found that the exercises and journal entries were particularly helpful. Sure, it may be a little "school-ish," but I really enjoy books like that (I always have). Having something in the book that made me THINK about the information I had just learned instead of just memorizing it was very helpful. I really enjoyed working through this book and I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about Paganism, whether they're following the path or just curious about it.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular Introduction to Paganism for everyone
Review: Perhaps the very best review I could give this book is by physical example: I'd let you borrow my copy, except it's *covered* in my notes, tabs, highlighted sections, and more than a few tear blots from recognition. I started in a book club being a merely curious. Now, I feel informed and welcomed to the possibility and potential in the greater pagan community. Even when this book is flawed, the issues are positioned in a way as to encourage intellectual debate. The book club consisted of people of all study backgrounds, from coven leaders of many years, PhD's in human sciences, and people (like me) who knew little and wanted more. As we finished up the last chapter on "Ethics", we all agreed we had learned. This book works very well in a study group, with wonderful (and FUN) arts and crafts activities that teach the concpets as well as what I consider good life habits. Had I not had the group, I still would have internalized and enjoyed the book solitary with the activities. If you can though, study with a friend or four. Some considered the book flawed in how far it goes in an attempt to include the dizzying number of facets of Paganism. However, after reading the book, I feel informed about many paths, with none being any more or less "acceptable". I couldn't tell you what particular facet the authors follow. This shows the honest intent of the book is to open the possibilities, not leading you to a particular stall. As I write this, a copy is being shipped to my teen sister for the quality and as impartial as can be introduction to the path her sister walks. This shows a confidence in the information presented I cannot put into words. This is a book that will remain dust free and dog eared for a very long time.
Rating:
Summary: I Found Paganism to be Fresh and Full of Grace!
Review: The authors whom are teachers themselves have taken earth-centered religions and explained step-by-step exactly what it is and how it works. Grasping other religions and their beliefs, while never shedding a negative point of view. The authors bring forth an air honesty and knowledge as they begin with "What is Paganism?" Continuing on with "You Are What You Believe," "A Pagan View of God," "What About Satan," "The Living Universe," "Magick" and "Ethics and Personal Responsibility." Each holding meditations and exercises so that you yourself can gain the confidence to decide what is best for you. I believe Paganism should be in every classroom, library, university and your home! Especially to anyone who is not involved in an earth-centered religion. Paganism is the perfect book to give to a family member or a friend when coming out of the proverbial broom closet, or if you yourself are asking questions and aren't sure which path you should follow. Paganism make the perfect stepping stone to gear you in the right direction, no matter the path you shall follow. ...
Rating:
Summary: absolutley wonderful
Review: the best to the point pagen book out there!!! very easy to read and follow. not for the advanced but highley recommended for beginers and those newer to pagen religions. get this one and have so much fun reading and learning!!! wonderful :)
Rating: 
Summary: General Overview of Paganism
Review: The Higginbotham's offer a general overview of Paganism in this book, as well as offering a basic handbook of the practices of different paths within the Pagan Religions.
This book goes in two directions. First is a very good overview of many of the different groups that are under general Paganism. Explored are the basic philosophies and beliefs of Druids, Wiccans, Asatru, shamanism, magic, general paganism and all the various offshoots. There is a good section on many of the various paths under that 'umbrella'. There are many theories that have given rise to the modern pagan movement that are explored as well.
There is discussion on what makes the pagan paths different from other world religions and discusses beliefs and practices as well as myths and misinformation.
The second direction of this book is a basic handbook on the practices of many of the different beliefs. From the Wheel of the Year to connecting with personal Deity to individual responsibility, the book reads as a guide to incorporating many of the philosophies and basic Tenets of these beliefs into your own life. Ethics are also discussed throughout the book and there is a good chapter on Ethics and Personal Responsibility.
The book also has 'aids', or subsections that allow the reader to absorb or digest the material in the book, encouraging the reader to think about the material, add it to their journals for further research, discuss with others or question for themselves. This gives the book more of a handbook feeling.
There are good notes for each chapter, a glossary and an excellent bibliography that allow the reader to pursue those things they may find they want to explore further. There is also an index for easy reference.
There is much information in this book that is worth looking over. If you are unfamiliar with Paganism in general, this is a good primer. If you are looking to expand your base of knowledge on Paganism, this book offers a good overview. And if you are looking for a good basic handbook, while there are many specific to the various paths, this book would make a good overall view for those who are looking at the various paths and need a guide or are looking at paganism in general for their path. boudica
Rating:
Summary: General Overview of Paganism
Review: The Higginbotham's offer a general overview of Paganism in this book, as well as offering a basic handbook of the practices of different paths within the Pagan Religions.
This book goes in two directions. First is a very good overview of many of the different groups that are under general Paganism. Explored are the basic philosophies and beliefs of Druids, Wiccans, Asatru, shamanism, magic, general paganism and all the various offshoots. There is a good section on many of the various paths under that 'umbrella'. There are many theories that have given rise to the modern pagan movement that are explored as well.
There is discussion on what makes the pagan paths different from other world religions and discusses beliefs and practices as well as myths and misinformation.
The second direction of this book is a basic handbook on the practices of many of the different beliefs. From the Wheel of the Year to connecting with personal Deity to individual responsibility, the book reads as a guide to incorporating many of the philosophies and basic Tenets of these beliefs into your own life. Ethics are also discussed throughout the book and there is a good chapter on Ethics and Personal Responsibility.
The book also has 'aids', or subsections that allow the reader to absorb or digest the material in the book, encouraging the reader to think about the material, add it to their journals for further research, discuss with others or question for themselves. This gives the book more of a handbook feeling.
There are good notes for each chapter, a glossary and an excellent bibliography that allow the reader to pursue those things they may find they want to explore further. There is also an index for easy reference.
There is much information in this book that is worth looking over. If you are unfamiliar with Paganism in general, this is a good primer. If you are looking to expand your base of knowledge on Paganism, this book offers a good overview. And if you are looking for a good basic handbook, while there are many specific to the various paths, this book would make a good overall view for those who are looking at the various paths and need a guide or are looking at paganism in general for their path.
Rating:
Summary: THE Best Book I've Read to Date on Paganism...
Review: There seem to be two types of books in the Paganism 101 level--those that emphasize giving you rituals you can do for every conceivable scenario, and those that seek to make your level of understanding of what it means to be Pagan, better. This is the type to bring you understanding and it's the type I prefer. In my mind, rituals are a personal process we must go through--pulling one from a book is a cop-out on that process. That being said, this book is amazing. It breaks down Paganism into its sub-genres (Wicca, Druidry, Shamanism, etc.) and then fits them back into the whole. It gives you exercises to heighten your awareness and asks the good questions that will help you, as a practioner, define to yourself what it means to be a Pagan. It helps you to discover what YOUR beliefs are about the Divine, Magick, and a host of other things bantered about in the Craft on a daily basis. I think this is the best Pagan Book I've ever read. It's one of those books that changes as you do. You'll be able to read it 5 years later and rediscover how your views have change. As High Priest of a local coven, this is must read material in my eyes....
Rating:
Summary: OK for people new to philosophy
Review: This book assumes that you know nothing of philosophy, and spends a good deal of time explaining the basics of religion and philosophy to you, which is upsetting because it limits the amount of time they spend on Pagan rituals and the like. When it finally gets to that the book just glances over the main concepts without getting too into details. That said, it did teach me many things about Paganism and did give me many places to go for more information.
Rating:
Summary: wow!!!
Review: This book was very helpful. I have just started to take an interest in paganism and this book explains so much. Joyce and River Higginbotham share experiences of there own on certain subjects like what they experienced during a ritual. If you are just starting to take an interest in paganism make this book the first one you read.
Rating:
Summary: wow!!!
Review: This book was very helpful. I have just started to take an interest in paganism and this book explains so much. Joyce and River Higginbotham share experiences of there own on certain subjects like what they experienced during a ritual. If you are just starting to take an interest in paganism make this book the first one you read.
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