Rating: 
Summary: One Source, Many Paths
Review: This book is a wonderful study of Pagan and Neo-Paganism. This is maybe the third book I have read on the subject and now I know that I am on the right path. The Craft is a way of life without the medieval notions of sin and guilt. Religion with out dogmas and the egotisim that denies freedom. A living breathing religion that is alive and growing. It's about being yourself, of feeling comfortable. This book gives views and philosophies on different ways of Goddess worship around the country. It includes a pretty big resource guide, although some of the resources may be out of date today. The book covers the growth of men's spirituality, feminism, society's views on Pagan religions, living with nature, Craft values, views on politics, science and technology, and how people as Pagans live and work in the world today. I agree with alot of the philosophies and some I did not. But that is part of the beauty of the Craft, you don't have to agree! "Society's violence begins at the place where creativity and self-expression is controlled". As a person who is new to this wonderful, natural way of life, I would highly recommend this book to others who seek refuge from the arrogant belief in "One Way". Of coarse, I am also recommending this book to a friend who has been in the Craft years longer then I, and has not yet read it. So it is an awesome read I believe for everyone.
Rating:
Summary: Required reading for many pagan paths
Review: DRAWING DOWN THE MOON takes a historical view of Neo-Paganism and who these people are today. Author Margot Adler brings research and experience to provide practical answers to this growing movement. Some readers may find some chapters a bit tedious, but for those who appreciate our roots and our shared struggles, there is much useful information to be gleaned. Adler examines the diversity of beliefs that comprise Neo-Paganism, including witches, druids, Odinists, etc. The extensive sections on feminism definitely date DRAWING DOWN THE MOON, yet even within these sections are profound nuggets of information worthy of contemplation. Other sections relate intensely personal stories that reveal the profound nature of this spiritual path. One example that really provoked a reaction in me is the section regarding whether or not your "initiation" is valid if you have been initiated by someone who's own initiation is questionable. This section alone certainly allowed me to reevaluate my own experiences. Well organized with extensive information on various pagan paths, readers will find practical explanations of belief systems. For seekers who want practical answers to their questions to witches, druids and more, Adler's work is a must read. Not a book to be digested in one sitting, DRAWING DOWN THE MOON is worthy of long-term reading and reflection. Having talked with other who have read this book, not all will find that it "speaks" to them on their first attempt. I put it down after the first chapter a year ago, only to latch onto the same information with tremendous enthusiasm this year. Seekers will also be interested to know that DRAWING DOWN THE MOON has been widely accepted among the Pagan community as an important part of the "recommended" reading list. Very highly recommended. Bright Blessings,
Weaver
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: Don't leave home without it! With the exception of the nonsense chapter on Asatru, this is a great book, and worthy of a "must have" status.
Rating: 
Summary: Valuable Reference on Neo-Paganism
Review: Drawing Down the Moon is a must for the lilbrary of any Pagan or person interested in Neo-Paganism. Although the information in it is highly perishable, it is a great "jumping-off point" for any research. The book is well organized and contains easy to find information concerning the various paths in the Pagan community. It is hardly all-inclusive, but well-done considering the rapid growth of Pagan beliefs in the United States. Resource lists within the book are probably the most valuable, giving the reader direct resources for finding more detailed information. Ms. Adler mixes fact and opinion within the volume, but it is easy for the reader to determine what is fact and what is opinion. I do recommend this book with the warning to buy two if you are in the habit of loaning books out. This book may not return if you loan it to others.
Rating:
Summary: Classic
Review: It seems every aspiring Witch has read this. It's a great look inside the Pagan community. I always recommend it to people who are looking for good books to get them started in the Crafte. It's almost like what Witche's library would be complete without it? It's a little dry, but it's well worth it to read it. It can help you get aquainted with the Crafte and many of it's noteworthy names. It's a little piece of Pagan history, with many of it's writers showcased in it's pages. A must read.
Rating: 
Summary: A Classic Once, Now Aging
Review: Once this book was an essential reference. It was probably the first real serious look at NeoPaganism, dating from a period BEFORE Wiccans were the predominant religous group. Even now it can cast a lot of important light in areas of misunderstanding. The main problem is that the movement itself is changing so quickly that the book has now become somewhat dated. To give just one example, Norse Paganism wan not mentioned at all in the first edition, and only very briefly in the second. Years later, Norse Paganism is a powerful and growing force, with its own conflicts and identity problems. Similarly, the effect of aging and families on the movement is not really explored although it is having a very powerful effect on the community. Also many beliefs espoused by the community have changed. This leaves the book in serious need of yet another update My verdict: The book is a great work for historical perspective, especially when compared to the original 1979 edition. As time passes however, it becomes increasingly out of date
Rating:
Summary: Super job of giving the facts of WHO WE ARE!
Review: This book is very interesting and quite accurate in the way it explores the INCREDIBLE DIVERSITY of the Neo-Pagan movement and of the people who are Neo-Pagans! She keeps her own views to a minimum and simply reports on the movement as a whole. I find it very telling that Ms. Adler did not start out as a Pagan, but simply set out to write a book about the Neo-Pagans and ended up becoming one herself! It is absolutely true that most of us tend to believe that the other people who share our spiritual beliefs also share our political and moral beliefs, too. But it ain't that way! This book is a must-read classic for all Neo-Pagans and it would be nice if people of other religions would read it, too and learn about who we really are and what we really do!
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Study
Review: Margot Alder provides a fascinating look at Pagnism today in this well-written book. Not only does she describe different paths in Pagnism, she also looks into some of the conflicts within the Pagan community and dives into political beliefs--which, as those of us who are Pagan know, are as varied as the different paths. Because of this she blows away the preconception that we are extreme political crazies that some politicans would have you believe. What I was most impressed with was that she was careful not to lump all Pagans as Wiccans--as many Pagan authors tend to do. This is not a book about "how to be Pagan," "how to cast a Circle," etc., it is a book about who we are. I would like to encourage people who are not Pagan to read this book as well, not to try and convert you (this book does not even try to do this), but just to get an honest look as to who we are.
Rating:
Summary: not like any book i've read before
Review: this is the kind of book that i've been waiting to read about my chosen religion. it really sets the record straight about every neo pagan movement today. a deep study of paganism not only in it's beliefs and philosophy but a lot of more aspects and perspectives. every person that is pagan needs to read this book to comprehend more about their own movement and where they stand. this is excellent book on pagan history also. before i read this book i felt totally ignorant but now i have a strong idea of what this is all about.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic book, it Named my childhood identity...
Review: My review title is a bit clumsy but... A thorough book that is a bit dated, it describes much of neopaganism - Wicca, witchcraft, Odinism, etc. It also gave me a name for beliefs I hid within my Catholic childhood - Mariolatry, perceiving Mary as Divine. Catholicism led me to the Goddess and Margot Adler's book was the critical step in cementing my private but unfailing knowledge of the Goddess. It gave me terms for ideas I had but couldn't name. I have since realized the power of words. I also hope for a sequel to this book as the Goddess and witchcraft have developed a stronger presence in the media and publications, some of which is misleading. Many thanks from a Dianic priestess.
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