It is important that we have a book like this in circulation. Since it is documented and researched so well it is an especially reliable source of information on the subject, which is one of the key reasons I believe ADF chose it as required reading for its Dedicant program. I don't think that everything in it is absolutely 100% factual, but I do believe it comes close. I can relate to the author's interest in studying this topic so thoroughly, having spent many years searching for a path and faith of my own. This book makes it easy for beginners and skeptics to find a starting point on their own spiritual paths in Neo-paganism, which I believe may have been one of Margot Adler's goals in writing it.
There are several things in this book that really broadened my perceptions and made me think in unaccustomed ways. For example, one interesting concept brought up in this book is the various theories and philosophies of what "magic" is. A quote by Aidan Kelly stood out to me on this subject, "Actually, it's not unconscious at all; it is you and I who are unconscious of it, but it is definitely real." Pg. 160. The author's quote, "If one conceives of reality in this fashion, 'magic' becomes the development of techniques that allow communication with hidden portions of the self, and with hidden portions of all other islands in this 'psychic sea.'" Pg. 160. It seems to me they are saying that "magic" is a super form of consciousness - a higher state of mind than normal consciousness - where you can sense and use not only every part of your own being, but that of everything around you. I have never heard of anything to prove this theory wrong, and I agree with it. I believe that it is possible for people to change psychic reality , and through it, physical reality. I also believe that this state of consciousness can be achieved through various means such as meditation and fasting.
There were some references in the book to neo-paganism being the key to "the survival of the planet." (pg. 196) I found the wording to be quite amusing. The earth will probably go on spinning no matter what we do. The real question is if we'll still be here as she does go on spinning. Whatever killed the dinosaurs didn't kill the planet - just the dinosaurs. We need to worry about the consequences of pollution as it affects the earth and our survival on it.
Although I feel I can relate to almost everything in this book, there was one thing that kept frustrating me. I would get into a section of teh book and start thinking, "this group sounds interesting, I should look them up" or, "wow, these folks feel/think amost the same way I do" etcetera, etcetera. Then I would find a reference to an interview done in the 1960's, or a group that was recently disbanded or formed int eh 1970's, and I would flip to the front to see the latest publishing date - 1986. Twenty years ago, and I was only four years old. Most of the interviews, groups, and the outstanding questionnaire at the end were done before I was even born. This book made me feel like a spring chicken. Though it's kind of disappointing, it has encouraged me to go out and find a more up-to-date book.
I would recommend "Drawing Down the Moon" to anyone who was interested in learning more about Neo-pagan religious groups and practices. I really wish I had read this book as a teenager, and would highly recommend it to youngsters who are drawn (like I was) to polytheistic religions and think that they involve all the magic and mysticism Hollywood portrays. I think it would give a very clear and superstitious-free outlook to those who have never heard of these religions and to those who have irrational fears of them. The only other problem with reading this book was that it had so many ideas, theologies, opinions, and points-of-view that it was difficult for me to concentrate enough to get through it in a short period of time. Some of the ideas I found alien, controversial, or just plain new and astounding. It took me three months to get through the book because I kept stopping to think or consider on some section, or do some side research on an interesting topic in the book. I would stop after some particular section whtat would just keep resonating in my mind until I wrote out my thoughts or simply sat contemplating. This, however, may be a problem that is unique to me.
I have found this book immensely thought provoking and educational. Since reading the book I have been encouraged to check out groups I'd never heard of before and the author, who is an admirable journalist. I only wish she would come out with a newer, more up-to-date version of Drawing Down the Moon.
