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Paganism 101: An Introduction to Paganism by 101 Pagans
Paganism 101 is an introduction to Paganism written by 101 Pagans. Grouped into three main sections, Who we are, What we believe and What we do, twenty topics fundamental to the understanding of the main Pagan traditions are each introduced by essay and then elaborated upon by other followers and practitioners, giving the reader a greater flavor of the variety and diversity that Paganism offers. With introductory essays from leading writers such as Emma Restall Orr, Mark Townsend, Brendan Myers, Jane Meredith, Alaric Albertsson and Rachel Patterson and with supporting vignettes from those at the heart of the Pagan community, Paganism 101 offers a truly unique insight.,
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 5, 2015
When someone asks me “What’s a Pagan?”, it can be a very hard question to answer. Like Christianity, which has many different sects, Paganism has a number of important religious traditions under its “umbrella”, including druidry, heathenry, Wicca, Witchcraft, and a number of others. And if you ask any one Pagan what their religion is about, you are going to receive answers that vary wildly from person to person.
Paganism 101 is a collection of articles from different Pagan traditions organized by theme. It’s divided into three main parts: “Who We Are”, “What We Believe”, and “What We Do”. It’s further separated into different categories with an introduction of a number of the different Pagan “paths”, and specific chapters on nature, the afterlife, and various aspects of spellwork such as herbalism, ritual, and healing.
One section of the book that took me by surprise addressed “Christo-Pagans”, a term that encompasses those who choose Jesus as a God and Mary as a Goddess, generally speaking. I’ve met quite a number of folks who follow it, and it appears to be becoming quite popular. Both Pagans and Christians say that you cannot be both Pagan and Christian, a number of stories in this book would show you that this is not the case.
As I looked through the table of contents, the Ethics portion of Part 2 jumped out at me immediately. This is often a very interesting area to look at, as each different path or tradition in the umbrella could have its own moral code. Some of the more universal themes include belief in the threefold law—both good and bad are returned to you three times as good or bad—respect for the earth, and openness toward human sexuality in whatever form it takes.
Of all of the ethics articles, Mary Caelsto wrote the one I liked the most and it really resonated with me. Having different moral codes does not absolve us from personal responsibility, and to allow bad behavior to occur without consequence means that we are not following our own code. We must accept the consequences our actions have not only on ourselves, but also on those around us. It’s a simple and profound message that modern Pagans need to hear.
One of the things I like most about this book is that it welcomed all paths and put them on an equal footing. I’ll say right now that as I read through this book, there were things I didn’t agree with. If you are a practicing Pagan and you read this book, you are going to have the same thing happen. I look at that as a good thing. You don’t have to agree with every practice of another Pagan path; you just have to respect that what they are doing is every bit as valid as what you are doing.
Overall, I liked this book and think it makes a great reference, especially for those who are considering different Pagan traditions. But reading this book really showed how similar many of the paths truly are.
Editor: Trevor Greenfield
Moon Books, 2014
$18.95
Paganism 101 is a collection of articles from different Pagan traditions organized by theme. It’s divided into three main parts: “Who We Are”, “What We Believe”, and “What We Do”. It’s further separated into different categories with an introduction of a number of the different Pagan “paths”, and specific chapters on nature, the afterlife, and various aspects of spellwork such as herbalism, ritual, and healing.
One section of the book that took me by surprise addressed “Christo-Pagans”, a term that encompasses those who choose Jesus as a God and Mary as a Goddess, generally speaking. I’ve met quite a number of folks who follow it, and it appears to be becoming quite popular. Both Pagans and Christians say that you cannot be both Pagan and Christian, a number of stories in this book would show you that this is not the case.
As I looked through the table of contents, the Ethics portion of Part 2 jumped out at me immediately. This is often a very interesting area to look at, as each different path or tradition in the umbrella could have its own moral code. Some of the more universal themes include belief in the threefold law—both good and bad are returned to you three times as good or bad—respect for the earth, and openness toward human sexuality in whatever form it takes.
Of all of the ethics articles, Mary Caelsto wrote the one I liked the most and it really resonated with me. Having different moral codes does not absolve us from personal responsibility, and to allow bad behavior to occur without consequence means that we are not following our own code. We must accept the consequences our actions have not only on ourselves, but also on those around us. It’s a simple and profound message that modern Pagans need to hear.
One of the things I like most about this book is that it welcomed all paths and put them on an equal footing. I’ll say right now that as I read through this book, there were things I didn’t agree with. If you are a practicing Pagan and you read this book, you are going to have the same thing happen. I look at that as a good thing. You don’t have to agree with every practice of another Pagan path; you just have to respect that what they are doing is every bit as valid as what you are doing.
Overall, I liked this book and think it makes a great reference, especially for those who are considering different Pagan traditions. But reading this book really showed how similar many of the paths truly are.
Editor: Trevor Greenfield
Moon Books, 2014
$18.95
April 23, 2014
What would it be like to talk with 101 people before deciding to pursue a different spiritual path? Wouldn’t it be great to chat with 101 experienced people who could tell you what it is like? Well this book has it. The people interviewed range from regular practitioners all the way to serious Pagan leaders who have authored books and speak with great authority.
Underneath the umbrella of Paganism there are a variety of spiritual paths. Starting out with Druidism the collection moves it’s way through Heathenism, Wicca. Witchcraft, straight up Goddess worship and herbalism. The book talks about being a pagan leader and what it is like to remain in the closet about things. Of course many Pagan leaers are humble enough to see themselves as just ordinary people who are fulfilling a role with regards to carrying out a ceremony. Let it be known that although Paganism is a relatively new movement on the spiritual scene it is growing fast. You might now ever know it as most Pagans are very solitary in nature and do not get together in groups that much.
A mention of Paganism being new, well yes it is but then again it is based on old concepts that are being revived. Of course as Christianity rolled it’s way through it picked up many Pagan customs and took over many Pagan places of worship and turned them into Churches. Many Christian saints and angels were formerly Pagan gods that got usurped in the maelstrom. The pagan are reclaiming them.
I thought it was great that Christo-Pagans had their own section. I mean after all the Lord Jesus Christ and the three phases of the Goddess. Mary Magdalene the maiden, Mother Mary is well um the mother and finally Sophia is the old Crone representing wisdom. The discussion of magic was good. Got a good list of herbs to use and how to charge them with my intent. Different forms of magic were discussed as well.
As good as the book was I think a couple things were missing. First off I do not remember there being much talk about Ceremonial Magic. While not Paganism per se I feel something should have been said about them, or more because they are part of the scene.
Most of the book is geared towards European Paganism, and with the exception of Egypt anyone else follwing deities from let us say the Canaanite, or Sumerians gets left out. They need to be included. What about Judeo-Pagans we’re out there too you know.
Of course when talking about magic and occultism, two topics that can be separate also over lap. More needs to be devoted to that. Over all great book. It gets 4 stars out 5.
Underneath the umbrella of Paganism there are a variety of spiritual paths. Starting out with Druidism the collection moves it’s way through Heathenism, Wicca. Witchcraft, straight up Goddess worship and herbalism. The book talks about being a pagan leader and what it is like to remain in the closet about things. Of course many Pagan leaers are humble enough to see themselves as just ordinary people who are fulfilling a role with regards to carrying out a ceremony. Let it be known that although Paganism is a relatively new movement on the spiritual scene it is growing fast. You might now ever know it as most Pagans are very solitary in nature and do not get together in groups that much.
A mention of Paganism being new, well yes it is but then again it is based on old concepts that are being revived. Of course as Christianity rolled it’s way through it picked up many Pagan customs and took over many Pagan places of worship and turned them into Churches. Many Christian saints and angels were formerly Pagan gods that got usurped in the maelstrom. The pagan are reclaiming them.
I thought it was great that Christo-Pagans had their own section. I mean after all the Lord Jesus Christ and the three phases of the Goddess. Mary Magdalene the maiden, Mother Mary is well um the mother and finally Sophia is the old Crone representing wisdom. The discussion of magic was good. Got a good list of herbs to use and how to charge them with my intent. Different forms of magic were discussed as well.
As good as the book was I think a couple things were missing. First off I do not remember there being much talk about Ceremonial Magic. While not Paganism per se I feel something should have been said about them, or more because they are part of the scene.
Most of the book is geared towards European Paganism, and with the exception of Egypt anyone else follwing deities from let us say the Canaanite, or Sumerians gets left out. They need to be included. What about Judeo-Pagans we’re out there too you know.
Of course when talking about magic and occultism, two topics that can be separate also over lap. More needs to be devoted to that. Over all great book. It gets 4 stars out 5.
February 27, 2014
Most books labelled 101 are aimed at beginners but this 101 has a completely different meaning in that it refers to 101 Pagans, all writing from their own very different perspectives about their form of Paganism.
Paganism is a very broad heading and for many people it can be difficult to work out where within paganism their own views and opinions belong. What this book shows clearly is that it really doesn't matter for within paganism there is space for everyone.
With headings such ad Druid, Heathen, Witch, Wiccan, Shaman, Christo Pagan, Goddess Follower and Eclectic Pagan there really is something for everyone. With many of us working in isolation, treading very individual paths it is enlightening to read the thoughts and beliefs of others. I turned directly to the section on Shaman and was not disappointed. I particularly enjoyed reading about Elen Sentier's background.
Paganism 101 also includes writing on Deities, Nature, Ethos, After life, Ancestors, Past and Present, Ritual, Magic, Prayer and Meditation, Healing, Herbalism and Celebrant Work.
This is a real treasure chest of a book, full of diverse ideas and opinions yet with many common threads running through it. I can see myself dipping in and out of this as my own ideas shift and change. This is a book that will be of interest to beginners and the experienced alike, there really is something in it for everyone who walks or is interested in walking a pagan path.
Paganism is a very broad heading and for many people it can be difficult to work out where within paganism their own views and opinions belong. What this book shows clearly is that it really doesn't matter for within paganism there is space for everyone.
With headings such ad Druid, Heathen, Witch, Wiccan, Shaman, Christo Pagan, Goddess Follower and Eclectic Pagan there really is something for everyone. With many of us working in isolation, treading very individual paths it is enlightening to read the thoughts and beliefs of others. I turned directly to the section on Shaman and was not disappointed. I particularly enjoyed reading about Elen Sentier's background.
Paganism 101 also includes writing on Deities, Nature, Ethos, After life, Ancestors, Past and Present, Ritual, Magic, Prayer and Meditation, Healing, Herbalism and Celebrant Work.
This is a real treasure chest of a book, full of diverse ideas and opinions yet with many common threads running through it. I can see myself dipping in and out of this as my own ideas shift and change. This is a book that will be of interest to beginners and the experienced alike, there really is something in it for everyone who walks or is interested in walking a pagan path.
April 3, 2014
I really enjoyed this compilation of diverse voices from a broad Pagan spectrum. The book is split into three sections: Who We Are, What We Believe and What We Do. Especially the second and third sections were really interesting to me, though I always enjoy hearing about other people's paths.
There were some chapters that I breezed through (Ritual) or skipped entirely (Magic), and then there were others I read in detail (Ethics, Prayer & Meditation, and Celebrant Work). While most of the contributions were short essays, many of them gave you just enough to leave you wanting to know more about that particular tradition, philosophy, style of practicing, etc. I would have liked to hear more about hard polytheism and less about witchcraft and Wicca, but I thought it was nice they included a chapter on Christo-Paganism.
The only reasons this book doesn't get five stars are minor, but still annoying, ones: firstly, it could have used just a bit more editing. I got the Kindle version with the obligatory spelling and grammar mistakes (don't know if they're in the published book as well, but Kindle versions always seem to have them) and while there weren't any horrific ones, there were sometimes quotation marks and the likes missing, which made the reading confusing. But what annoyed me the most was essays where I couldn't grasp what it was they wanted to tell me in relation to the topic they were under (nice prose, but completely lacking in direction, context and intent), or when authors used the little space provided to shamelessly self-promote their products or services. I don't mean the "[Author X] lives in This Place and is the author of These Books" or "If you're interested in learning more about this tradition, you can find more information on this website" - it's the "I provide these and these services or have published this book on the topic, you can find/buy it here!". I don't think these sort of statements belong in any book at all - there was a nice list in the back of the book with sources, most (if not all) from the authors in the book, so why not just let it be listed there? If people are interested, they will look you up.
Other than that, though, I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for new inspiration, or to those who simply want to gain more understanding of other traditions and paths. Very nice book.
There were some chapters that I breezed through (Ritual) or skipped entirely (Magic), and then there were others I read in detail (Ethics, Prayer & Meditation, and Celebrant Work). While most of the contributions were short essays, many of them gave you just enough to leave you wanting to know more about that particular tradition, philosophy, style of practicing, etc. I would have liked to hear more about hard polytheism and less about witchcraft and Wicca, but I thought it was nice they included a chapter on Christo-Paganism.
The only reasons this book doesn't get five stars are minor, but still annoying, ones: firstly, it could have used just a bit more editing. I got the Kindle version with the obligatory spelling and grammar mistakes (don't know if they're in the published book as well, but Kindle versions always seem to have them) and while there weren't any horrific ones, there were sometimes quotation marks and the likes missing, which made the reading confusing. But what annoyed me the most was essays where I couldn't grasp what it was they wanted to tell me in relation to the topic they were under (nice prose, but completely lacking in direction, context and intent), or when authors used the little space provided to shamelessly self-promote their products or services. I don't mean the "[Author X] lives in This Place and is the author of These Books" or "If you're interested in learning more about this tradition, you can find more information on this website" - it's the "I provide these and these services or have published this book on the topic, you can find/buy it here!". I don't think these sort of statements belong in any book at all - there was a nice list in the back of the book with sources, most (if not all) from the authors in the book, so why not just let it be listed there? If people are interested, they will look you up.
Other than that, though, I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for new inspiration, or to those who simply want to gain more understanding of other traditions and paths. Very nice book.
December 29, 2015
Paganism is growing. Fast. And as a spiritual tradition that has been around for aeons, it is clearly thriving too.
It's one thing to read a book by one author and quite another to hear so many voices calling out from the pages with so many variations on a theme. But variety really is the spice of Paganism 101 and it's captured perfectly in three main sections of Who we are, What we believe and What we do. I must confess to jumping to the Witch and Magic chapters first, before reading the rest but such is the luxury of a book so well structured!
I was surprised by the Christo-Pagan chapter, as it reflected many shades of my own beliefs that I hadn't really acknowledged. Having always shied away from the orthodox church and yet feeling a tremendous pull to a local 6th chapel - where I spend a lot of time - it helped to put into perspective, ideas and thoughts which resonated with my own.
I loved Shirley Laboucane's contribution in the chapter on Healing... what a truly spiritual lady. In fact, each and every writer conveys their own spirituality through the lens of Paganism, uniquely. Such heartfelt words are inspirational and cannot help but reach out, touch the reader and stay with them. The magic of a truly natural life path will do that. And so impressed was I by many of the writers, I will be heading in the direction of their own books (listed )on the subject for sure.
I recommend this wonderful book to all explorers of Paganism, first timers and old timers, there's something for all. As an introduction, it's both comprehensive and interesting. As a sourcebook it has enough material to expand upon should the seeker be looking for further insight and knowledge.
I shall certainly be passing it on to my own students and anyone else who shows an inkling of Paganistic tendencies. There are many, even if they don't know it yet... and this book could just be the catalyst they need.
Well done to Moon Books. Here comes a best seller!
)O(
It's one thing to read a book by one author and quite another to hear so many voices calling out from the pages with so many variations on a theme. But variety really is the spice of Paganism 101 and it's captured perfectly in three main sections of Who we are, What we believe and What we do. I must confess to jumping to the Witch and Magic chapters first, before reading the rest but such is the luxury of a book so well structured!
I was surprised by the Christo-Pagan chapter, as it reflected many shades of my own beliefs that I hadn't really acknowledged. Having always shied away from the orthodox church and yet feeling a tremendous pull to a local 6th chapel - where I spend a lot of time - it helped to put into perspective, ideas and thoughts which resonated with my own.
I loved Shirley Laboucane's contribution in the chapter on Healing... what a truly spiritual lady. In fact, each and every writer conveys their own spirituality through the lens of Paganism, uniquely. Such heartfelt words are inspirational and cannot help but reach out, touch the reader and stay with them. The magic of a truly natural life path will do that. And so impressed was I by many of the writers, I will be heading in the direction of their own books (listed )on the subject for sure.
I recommend this wonderful book to all explorers of Paganism, first timers and old timers, there's something for all. As an introduction, it's both comprehensive and interesting. As a sourcebook it has enough material to expand upon should the seeker be looking for further insight and knowledge.
I shall certainly be passing it on to my own students and anyone else who shows an inkling of Paganistic tendencies. There are many, even if they don't know it yet... and this book could just be the catalyst they need.
Well done to Moon Books. Here comes a best seller!
)O(
May 21, 2014
Goodness, but it took me a really long time to finish this particular book! But, that was not because the material was boring or uninteresting. Yes, this book is an Introduction to Paganism. Yes, I have been a Pagan for nearly a quarter of a century now. But that does not mean that material like this would be something I could not learn from. And learn I did. Written from many different perspectives, the book covers the realm of what Paganism is about, and what Pagans do (in general). Extremely accessible for both the newcomer and the old-hand, the information in here starts with various authors covering the topics - and then other Pagans from various Paths chiming in with their thoughts. The material is not only thoughtful, but also thought-provoking. For me, it helped me to clarify some of the manner of approaching the inevitable question: "What is Paganism?" In the past, I have always recommended Margot Adler's tome "Drawing Down the Moon" as an introduction for newcomers. That does not change in my mind, but "Paganism 101" will be handed over with that as well, with the directive that "Paganism 101" should be the starting point - and Adler's book the immediate follow-on. If you are curious about what Paganism is about, and are looking for a way to see which of the many Paths might be interesting and/or appropriate for you - this is where you should start!
November 28, 2016
This is a fantastic book (even though I'm guilty of having a vignette in it) and I think its appropriated for both new pagans and old ones. Having the possibility of knowing more about other people's path and the diversity is just fantastic. This book fulfills the old saying "Ask one question to ten Pagans and you'll get eleven different answers"! :)
August 23, 2015
I have an article in this book so of course I'm giving it a high rating! But I do think it is a great overview of the various Pagans beliefs.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews