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Available
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Publisher Unknown
Description
"Almost thirty years since its original publication, Drawing Down the Moon continues to be the only detailed history of the burgeoning but still widely misunderstood Neo-Pagan subculture. Margot Adler attended ritual gatherings and interviewed a diverse, colorful gallery of people across the United States, people who find inspiration in ancient deities, nature, myth, even science fiction. Contrary to stereotype, what Adler discovered was neither cults nor odd sects, but religious groups that are nonauthoritarian in spirit and share the belief that there is no one single path to divinity." "This fully revised edition of Drawing Down the Moon has been expanded to include an updated resource guide of newsletters, journals, books, groups, and festivals."--Jacket.… (more)
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Original publication date
1979-10-31
ISBN
014019536X / 9780140195361
User reviews
LibraryThing member Arctic-Stranger
NPR correspondent Margot Adler puts both her private interests and her journalistic acumen to work to produce a highly informative social history of the modern pagan movement. She does not do so unbiasedly, which is not a criticism on my part, just a warning.
LibraryThing member nataliepm
It's been awhile since I read this book - around 6 years or so. I know that some newer editions have come out, at least, since I purchased this book. Nevertheless, it's a great survey of modern Paganism in the 1980s and really gives you a sense of the breadth of the movement. For a non-fiction
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book, it's a fairly light read and Adler has a very good perspective on Paganism's history. If you can't get through Hutton's histories, you might give this book a try. Show Less
LibraryThing member SlySionnach
A great look at paganism in real life, not just in the pages of the many books out there. Margot Adler goes to the individuals who started their own traditions, aid their traditions, and live their traditions daily in an attempt to bring attention to the normalcy of the pagan religion. A must read
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(even if it is considered a bit dry, as it's non-fiction) for anyone interested in the umbrella of the Pagan religions. Show Less
LibraryThing member lilwatchergirl
I wish I could have liked this, but in the end there was too much Robert Graves-influenced talk of a mythical 'old religion' for me. And in the end just not relevant to me. Some useful ideas here if witchcraft appeals to you. I'm more the druidic type!
LibraryThing member earthlistener
This book has become rather well known and was one of first books published academically focusing on the modern neopagan movement which gained a lot of notice. While the book has become a little out of date as to how much the neopagan community has changed and grown over the years since it was
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published the first time and even revised later, it still showcases and important time in the history of the neopgan movement and still remains a good book to read about the community and movement itself as a very broad whole. Show Less
LibraryThing member annarellix
5 stars for influence and fame. Not easily read and some ideas more akin to psichology than religion. In any case a fascinating book
LibraryThing member Sunfell
If you're trying to decide what Path is suitable for you, this survey of the various Pagan paths might be very helpful in making that decision. Margot Adler does a great job of looking at Paganism as it was back in the 80s. Her more recent update of the book has more current information, but the
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main intent remains the same. Show Less
LibraryThing member MorgannaKerrie
Everyone associated with witchcraft or Wicca has this book on his or her shelf. A must to see how the modern witches lead their lives. This book also digs into the history of witchcraft.
LibraryThing member Anituel
An entertaining and informative survey of the rise of Neo-Paganism in America, from Wicca to Discordianism. Highly recommended as a simply fantastic way to quickly educate yourself on the history of modern paganism.
LibraryThing member Sassers
Margot Adler is one of the foremost Pagan forerunners of her time. She is very courageous for the places she went and the things she did. As a Pagan and one of the first of many books I have read I still enjoy reading this book from time to time.
LibraryThing member SumisBooks
Classic read for any Pagan. Highly recommend!
LibraryThing member tldegray
One of the first books I read as I began paganism. It was invaluable to me in understanding the diversity of neo-paganism.
LibraryThing member mykl-s
This was my first look at Wicca and the contemporary Pagan experience of religion. It broadened my view of the world.