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The Pagan Man: Priests, Warriors, Hunters, and Drummers
Men's Spirituality Today Who are the men who've chosen the Pagan path? They're fathers, sons, brothers, and lovers, warriors, healers, and poets. They come from every background and profession, and they're blazing trails into new social, cultural, and political territories, defining themselves in a faith community traditionally seen as dominated by women—yet they've been there all along!
Isaac Bonewits, one of America's leading experts on ancient and modern Paganism, breaks new ground with this fascinating portrait of the fastest growing religious movement in the Western world. Drawing on interviews with over forty Pagan men—and his own forty years in the Neopagan community—he explores the issues and desires that have led tens of thousands of men to embrace Pagan spirituality. He examines the ways in which men have created, added to, and benefited from the Pagan experience, incorporating their own rituals, rites of passage, and symbols. The Pagan Man offers novices and experienced practitioners a wide range of practical information on every aspect of the Pagan lifestyle, including
Today's most popular Pagan traditions
Sages, wise men, and well-known Pagans of our time
Bardic circles, drumming circles, and other Pagan gatherings
Drumming, dancing, and calling down the Gods
The nine virtues, codes of chivalry, and other core Pagan beliefs attracting men and boys today
Pagans and the Goddess—women as partners and Goddesses Frank, engaging, and inspirational, this book encourages Pagan men of every stripe—Wiccans, Druids, Norse Pagans, or even Masons—to step away from the shadows and stereotypes, and joyfully celebrate their own special relationships with the Gods and Goddesses of the New Old Religions.
252 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2005
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July 7, 2010I am learning to look at what it said in this book and identify my triggers with men and to help me work through them to reconnect with the God archetype. We all have God and Goddess within us so I need to finish Healing my God and men issues so I can truly embrace all myself.
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July 28, 2011When people think of Paganism often times the word Wicca comes to mind and of course Wicca which worships the Goddess is considered a woman's religion. Hence most people think of Paganism as a woman's thing. However Pagan men are very involved both inside of Wicca and out. There is Druidism, Astruar, Kemetics, Santeria, Voodoo and a slew of other Pagan religions out there still being followed.
The fact of the matter is Paganism was birthed thanks to the efforts of some very strong men. Several notable would be Alister Crowley called the "Great Beast". He was an alumni of the "Golden Dawn" system and went on to found the "Order of Theleme" which is based on Egyptian Paganism. Alister would have strong impact of Robert Gardener who founded Wicca. He borrowed several concepts from Crowley and employed them into Wicca. Robert Leland did a study on Italian witches or Streghas in the Northern part of Italy. His scholarship maybe shakey by today's standards but he made an impact. William Frazer wrote the Golden Bough which would be helpful in identifying trends in Paganism or patterns. Raymond Buckland founded Seax Wicca where in a man could act as a priest instead of using a priestess in drawing down the moon. Several other Pagan men are discussed in this chapter like Ober Dell and Scott Cunningham.
Bonewits is a scholar par excellence. He discussed several types of Pagan trends if you will. The first being Paleopaganism this is following the original pagan religions as they were practiced in ancient times. Such pure Paganism really does not exist anymore as time and religious coercion have lead to them not being practiced. Very common now a days is MesopaGANISM THIS IS WHEN different religions influence each other and start soe thing of a blend. Hinduism and Buddhism would be such. The Native AMericans, African slave and Irish servant worked together. Their ideas cross pollinated. In this day Neo-Paganism is a new trend. Resurrecting an old faith based on todays standards or modifying a Mesopagan faith. One example of a new Religion would be the Church of all Worlds found by Ober Zell. It is based on the story "Stranger in a Strange Land" Finally there is re constructionist which uses scholarship to find out about ancient ritual and practice them that way. this guys tend to frown on organized clergy or leadership.
Bonewits then goes to examine the different religion out there. The variety caan be astounding along with their denominations. If Wicca does not cut if for you with it's female centeredness then you can be a Druid, Astruar or Kemetic follower. Bonwits does say that there is an undercurrent of eroticism in Wicca where as the Modern Druids open thee gateway andd focus an thee deity. Santeria and some of the West African religions may not be too open to Caucasians due to past racial discrimination. Astruar or Norse religion has some follower that feel only Northern European should be admitted. There is some homophobia in their ranks.
More important than the history is the analysis of role played by men in the Pagan movement. Priest and wizard are the first chapter. Priests are everything to the congregants : leaders, advisors and counselors. Bonewits laays claim that being aa priest is a calling or something you are born to do. Wizard are those who study the arcane arts sometimes in solitaire. They use magic and herbs.
In every society there has been a conflict between clergy and warriors. In the North and in Roman society the Warriors won out. In England and Ireland there was a balance. When the Romans came they could not conquer the Northern Europeans. They conquered the brits and Celts by wiping out the Druids. Islam helped to wipe out the Ancient Egyptian Religion.
Warriors and Artist are also discussed. The author gives a run down of names of the various artist that are inspired by their faith. Warriors while not violent believe it is an obligation to defend someone whoo is weaker or in trouble even at risk to their own life. a couple pagan faiths even have warrior codes. Hunting is done only for food and reverence is given to the spirit for providing the food. All the animal is used.
With regards to homosexuality let us say it is highly tolerated in the pagan community in general andd that ancient societies were very tolerant of certain forms of homosexuality. In fact eveen some of the ancient Gods practiced it.
Pagan men and women must respect each other as the God and Goddess incarnate There is also discussion on child rearing and there are spell in the final chapters. Excellent book I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
The fact of the matter is Paganism was birthed thanks to the efforts of some very strong men. Several notable would be Alister Crowley called the "Great Beast". He was an alumni of the "Golden Dawn" system and went on to found the "Order of Theleme" which is based on Egyptian Paganism. Alister would have strong impact of Robert Gardener who founded Wicca. He borrowed several concepts from Crowley and employed them into Wicca. Robert Leland did a study on Italian witches or Streghas in the Northern part of Italy. His scholarship maybe shakey by today's standards but he made an impact. William Frazer wrote the Golden Bough which would be helpful in identifying trends in Paganism or patterns. Raymond Buckland founded Seax Wicca where in a man could act as a priest instead of using a priestess in drawing down the moon. Several other Pagan men are discussed in this chapter like Ober Dell and Scott Cunningham.
Bonewits is a scholar par excellence. He discussed several types of Pagan trends if you will. The first being Paleopaganism this is following the original pagan religions as they were practiced in ancient times. Such pure Paganism really does not exist anymore as time and religious coercion have lead to them not being practiced. Very common now a days is MesopaGANISM THIS IS WHEN different religions influence each other and start soe thing of a blend. Hinduism and Buddhism would be such. The Native AMericans, African slave and Irish servant worked together. Their ideas cross pollinated. In this day Neo-Paganism is a new trend. Resurrecting an old faith based on todays standards or modifying a Mesopagan faith. One example of a new Religion would be the Church of all Worlds found by Ober Zell. It is based on the story "Stranger in a Strange Land" Finally there is re constructionist which uses scholarship to find out about ancient ritual and practice them that way. this guys tend to frown on organized clergy or leadership.
Bonewits then goes to examine the different religion out there. The variety caan be astounding along with their denominations. If Wicca does not cut if for you with it's female centeredness then you can be a Druid, Astruar or Kemetic follower. Bonwits does say that there is an undercurrent of eroticism in Wicca where as the Modern Druids open thee gateway andd focus an thee deity. Santeria and some of the West African religions may not be too open to Caucasians due to past racial discrimination. Astruar or Norse religion has some follower that feel only Northern European should be admitted. There is some homophobia in their ranks.
More important than the history is the analysis of role played by men in the Pagan movement. Priest and wizard are the first chapter. Priests are everything to the congregants : leaders, advisors and counselors. Bonewits laays claim that being aa priest is a calling or something you are born to do. Wizard are those who study the arcane arts sometimes in solitaire. They use magic and herbs.
In every society there has been a conflict between clergy and warriors. In the North and in Roman society the Warriors won out. In England and Ireland there was a balance. When the Romans came they could not conquer the Northern Europeans. They conquered the brits and Celts by wiping out the Druids. Islam helped to wipe out the Ancient Egyptian Religion.
Warriors and Artist are also discussed. The author gives a run down of names of the various artist that are inspired by their faith. Warriors while not violent believe it is an obligation to defend someone whoo is weaker or in trouble even at risk to their own life. a couple pagan faiths even have warrior codes. Hunting is done only for food and reverence is given to the spirit for providing the food. All the animal is used.
With regards to homosexuality let us say it is highly tolerated in the pagan community in general andd that ancient societies were very tolerant of certain forms of homosexuality. In fact eveen some of the ancient Gods practiced it.
Pagan men and women must respect each other as the God and Goddess incarnate There is also discussion on child rearing and there are spell in the final chapters. Excellent book I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
April 7, 2012
This is an excellent book. Initially written for young adult males who were interested in paganism, but found wicca to be a bit unsettling as it was more an opposite reaction to established religions (in wicca, women seem to run everything while males have a secondary role, if any). Bonewits points out how the young pagan male can find his place in the chaotic world of Earth-Based Religions.
This is a book that should be on the reference shelf of anyone interested in comparative religions or of any male involved in paganism that wants to know how they can become more involved in their beliefs. A good read for females and Goddess-based beliefs as well - a primer on how to become more inclusive. I wish I had it when I was new and open to other religions.
The late, great Isaac was probably the most intellectual Druid/pagan I have run across.
This is a book that should be on the reference shelf of anyone interested in comparative religions or of any male involved in paganism that wants to know how they can become more involved in their beliefs. A good read for females and Goddess-based beliefs as well - a primer on how to become more inclusive. I wish I had it when I was new and open to other religions.
The late, great Isaac was probably the most intellectual Druid/pagan I have run across.
July 7, 2008
This was such an excellent book! It provided a real life glimpse of many different pagan men in all different paths and walks of life and really made the whole pagan system believable and real. I just wish there was more of these types of men in my area to associate with...
January 22, 2016
If you're a man who is feeling stifled by the toxic definition of masculinity in mainstream American culture, and ate open to alternative spiritual thought, this book is an absolute must-read. A wonderful stepping stone off into a garden full of powerful life possibilities.
February 28, 2010
I am not recruiting or converting, but if you have an interest or curiosity--this is detailed and sprinkled with humor.
November 6, 2011
Isaac gives an insightful look at being a pagan man, the pitfalls and the joy that some have experience
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews