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Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: A wonderful book for anyone just looking for general information on Paganism and the Wicca faith. It's easy to read and easy to understand. A great first time book for those learning about this faith.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: I was pretty disappointed with this book. I know it's meant for a starter level on Paganism, but I was expecting the reading level itself to be higher toned. I got the impression throughout the book that the writer was addressing a child, possibly a very young teen ager. I'm an avid reader, and I could only make it halfway through this book before giving up on it. If you're looking for introductory books, there are definitely better ones out there than this one - though this is certainly not the worst I've read.
Rating: 
Summary: the worst book of the year
Review: Issue #1. This book is improperly labeled as "Pagan", and should instead be called "Wiccan Ways". These two terms do NOT mean the same thing. Things like the Wiccan Rede, the crede of the Goddess, the threefold rule, etc, do not apply to all Pagans. They are part of the Wiccan religion, which is Pagan. But not all Pagans are Wiccan. Issue #2. Wicca should not be refered to as "The Old Ways" when it was invented (or developed, if you prefer) in the 1940's. Yes, some older principles are present today in Wicca, but this doesn't mean the religion is ancient. Issue #3. There is no new information in this, and nothing that isn't already said in a thousand other books on Wicca. In fact, I found quite a few positive things about Wicca were omitted from this work, leaving it simplistic and insulting to real Wiccans. Issue #4. If you pick up one or two books on Wicca and Paganism, this doesn't mean you are ready to initiate yourself as a "High Priest", but the author of this book seems to think it does. This book is childish, misleading, and infuriating. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, least of all a non-Wiccan Pagan.
Rating:
Summary: the worst book of the year
Review: Issue #1. This book is improperly labeled as "Pagan", and should instead be called "Wiccan Ways". These two terms do NOT mean the same thing. Things like the Wiccan Rede, the crede of the Goddess, the threefold rule, etc, do not apply to all Pagans. They are part of the Wiccan religion, which is Pagan. But not all Pagans are Wiccan. Issue #2. Wicca should not be refered to as "The Old Ways" when it was invented (or developed, if you prefer) in the 1940's. Yes, some older principles are present today in Wicca, but this doesn't mean the religion is ancient. Issue #3. There is no new information in this, and nothing that isn't already said in a thousand other books on Wicca. In fact, I found quite a few positive things about Wicca were omitted from this work, leaving it simplistic and insulting to real Wiccans. Issue #4. If you pick up one or two books on Wicca and Paganism, this doesn't mean you are ready to initiate yourself as a "High Priest", but the author of this book seems to think it does. This book is childish, misleading, and infuriating. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, least of all a non-Wiccan Pagan.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Beginner Book
Review: It's nothing extraordinary, but I think it's a good little book for anyone who is just stepping into a Pagan religion. The author seems extremely tolerant, and is aware of the book's shortcomings because it is ONLY AN OVERVIEW. He encourages the reader to ask questions and to do extensive reading. It is not a how-to book; he simply uses his own tradition as a guide, then encourages the reader to research other paths to find a fit for them. Like I said, nothing Earth-shattering, but worth the hour and a half it takes to read it if you're a beginner.
Rating:
Summary: Yeek!
Review: Judging from Pagan Ways, it seems that O'Hara has NO grasp on ANYTHING ancient, or any type of mythology concerning ANY "old way(s)," or even reality for that matter. His book is based on the fabricated, propagandic history of paganism created in the 60's. O'Hara's etymology is even worse. He believes that the word 'craft' is used to describe "pagan worship," 'Old Religion' dictating "paganism," Wicca meaning "wise," or better yet, the 'priesthood' of pagans, and Witchcraft being cognate with Wicca. All through the book he gets everything wrong, from deities, to metaphysics. But my main pain about this book is his defintion of the Stang. O'Hara claims that it is a forked pole made of rowan wood used to strike out rhythms in rituals. This is where his research methods reveal themselves as fantasies. The stang is a sacred tool of traditional witchcraft ONLY, and is made of ASH wood, and is NOT used to strike out ANYTHING. I would like to also make note that O'Hara equates pagan worship with contemporary Wiccan practices, assuming that they are one in the same.
Rating:
Summary: Yeek!
Review: Judging from Pagan Ways, it seems that O'Hara has NO grasp on ANYTHING ancient, or any type of mythology concerning ANY "old way(s)," or even reality for that matter. His book is based on the fabricated, propagandic history of paganism created in the 60's. O'Hara's etymology is even worse. He believes that the word 'craft' is used to describe "pagan worship," 'Old Religion' dictating "paganism," Wicca meaning "wise," or better yet, the 'priesthood' of pagans, and Witchcraft being cognate with Wicca. All through the book he gets everything wrong, from deities, to metaphysics. But my main pain about this book is his defintion of the Stang. O'Hara claims that it is a forked pole made of rowan wood used to strike out rhythms in rituals. This is where his research methods reveal themselves as fantasies. The stang is a sacred tool of traditional witchcraft ONLY, and is made of ASH wood, and is NOT used to strike out ANYTHING. I would like to also make note that O'Hara equates pagan worship with contemporary Wiccan practices, assuming that they are one in the same.
Rating: 
Summary: Its a great little intro to WICCA
Review: Make no mistake, this book should have been title WICCAN ways and not Pagan Ways. This book is 110% Wiccan. Once you get past that, it is a very informative book. It deals with tools, sabbats, wardrobe and circle casting, just like alot of Intro to Wicca books. Its a good book if you want to learn all about Wicca.
Rating:
Summary: Great Intro to Paganism!
Review: This book provides a wonderful, non-denominational introduction to Pagan religion. It provides insight into some of the general paradigms of Pagan theology and philosophy without having a slant toward any particular Pagan religion (such as Wicca, Druidism, Hellenism, Asatru or Shamanism). Highly reccomended for new Pagans or those considering the path who want a general introduction, not reccomended for advanced students or those who want an introduction or instruction in a specific Pagan religion or path.
Rating:
Summary: Simple Simple Simple
Review: This book should not to be used to find out the wheres and whys of magick, this book is a darn good finding out the who we are in the path! It touches some basic concepts of how we use our tools and groups and what the things are that mean something to us witches. My most treasured part of reading this book was that I felt so much respect for my path when I was finished reading it. Ohhh I have read the damnation and all the pain and suffering that those on this path had to carry, but this book made me feel part of a bigger something and with it's very light touch in the history of how we (the pagans) became where we are! Many Blessings and may you find the path for you that will help you touch your soul with love and reverance.
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