Book Review: Drawing Down the Moon
Title: Drawing Down the Moon
Author: Margot Adler
Reviewer: Sabrina Gould
E-mail: [email protected]
Publisher: Penguin Books
ISBN: 0-14-019536-X
Book Subject: NeoPaganism/Wicca/Witchcraft/Druidism/ Goddess
spirituality/Earth spirituality
Where it can be found: This book is easy to find at almost any bookstore, online
and otherwise. It is sometimes available in libraries - I originally found it at
the Sir Wilfred Grenfell library in Corner Brook.
Rating: 9
Recommendation: Highly Recommended
Reason for Recommendation: This is the broadest survey of paganism
I have ever encountered in a book it is written in a scholarly, academic fashion
and the author’s personal agendas are kept at a minimum.
General Review:
I have never read a more comprehensive
survey of modern Neo-Paganism in North America. This book gives information on
Wicca, Witchcraft, Druidism, Goddess worshippers, Earth-based religions,
Discordians, Asatru, Reconstructionist religions, men's spirituality, etc. Adler
gives varying opinions on paganism from pagans, scholars, occultists, critics,
philosophers, historians, ecologists.....possibly every opinion under the sun on
paganism! This book provides a detailed history of modern neopagan movements,
and in depth information on the origin stories of paganism. Adler rarely
provides her own opinions on pagan topics, and generally does so to display the
diversity of opinions in the pagan community. Adler also has a large list of
pagan periodicals, groups, festivals, and books in the appendix.
In general, this book is objective and realistic. It's not a Paganism 101 book,
but it is a great introduction to the wealth of pagan traditions that exist.
Instead of being a 'How To Be Pagan' book, it is more of a 'Why to Be Pagan'
book. Many pagans are lacking in information about traditions outside of their
own, and this book really lays wide all the possible paths out there.
The only problem with this book is that much of the information is rather dated.
It doesn't mention groups like the Henge of Keltria, or networks like Witchvox.
It doesn't seem that Adler has updated the book since 1986, and many sweeping
changes have occurred in paganism since then! As well, some people may find this
a bit of a hard read. For those not used to reading books of a more academic
nature, this may pose a problem. Adler does include criticisms of witchcraft
along with pro-pagan statements from people inside and outside the pagan
community. Most of the people interviewed used intelligent intelligent and rich
language. However, some people had a tendency to get intellectually overblown
and convoluted. Fortunately, this was the exception and not the rule.
I personally think that this is THE introductory book to paganism. I think every
pagan should read it at least once. I'm not alone here...this book usually turns
up at the top of every major pagan book compilation. This has always been my
favorite pagan book, and I feel inspired every time I read it. Its biggest
strength is that it is about the pagan people; it shares their thoughts,
feelings, opinions, experiences, lifestyles, practices, politics.....the book
gives a glimpse at what others pagan do and believe, and how they live as
pagans. I just wish Margot Adler would update it with information from the
'90's!!
Last Updated: June 3, 2004
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