Summoning the Gods

by Collin Cleary

Neo-paganism is the attempt to revive the polytheistic religions of old Europe. But how? Can one just invent or reinvent an authentic, living faith? Or are modern neo-pagans just engaged in elaborate role-playing games? In SUMMONING THE GODS, Collin Cleary argues that the gods have not died or forsaken us so much as we have died to or forsaken them. Modern civilization-including much of modern neo-paganism-springs from a mindset that closes man off to the divine and traps us in a world of our own creations. Drawing upon sources from Taoism to Heidegger, Collin Cleary describes how we can attain an attitude of openness that may allow the gods to return. In these nine wide-ranging essays, Collin Cleary also explores the Nordic pagan tradition, Tantrism, the writings of Alain de Benoist, Karl Maria Wiligut, and Alejandro Jodorowski, and Patrick McGoohan's classic television series The Prisoner. Cleary's essays are models of how to combine clarity and wit with spiritual depth and intellectual sophistication.

Genres: Paganism, Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy, Nonfiction

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2011

Reviews

[Jacob Senholt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very inspirational book, with a lof interesting insights regarding paganism, in particular on reviving it. In-depth analysis of the mysteries of Odins/Wotans (self-)initiation, the secret of the runes (and a philosophical interpretation of these - Runic Hegelianism!), the utilization of cross-comparative examples taking into account other Indo-European traditions to shed light on esoteric aspects of nordic paganism. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was that a couple of the review-articles in the latter part of the book seemed a bit misplaced with regards to the overall topics touched upon in the other essays.
Will be revisiting some of these essays in the future for reference I am sure.

[Nathan Elkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that beginner pagans need to be exposed to early on, as it is understands and intimates the reader with what the mind of a pagan is. This should become a staple. Colin Cleary captures much of what would be considered "core" theology in the heathen religion.

This book focuses mainly on philosophy and the justifications and implications for a spiritual tradition that is often as hard to nail as water.

I would recommend this book to any pagan. I might also recommend it to atheists or even adherents of other religions who are curious about paganism.

[Tepintzin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dense. Very dense. The chapters I liked were worth the entire book; I will be returning to the one on the runes often. The chapter on the "missing man" in Norse legend discussed Norse myth in light of the reconstructed. Indo-European and that was another essay that just dazzled me. About half were not so useful as they discussed authors and one film director. whose work I do not yet know. I recommend this book only part way.

[Sharon Reamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting mix of philosophy and general categorisation of pagan belief and the entities most commonly worshipped (with some recourse to the Greeks and Romans thrown in to good effect). A few interesting chapters on Elder Futhark and how to interpret the runes.

The author is clearly a scholar and incorporates his philosophical background into his beliefs.

I enjoyed it, and I think anyone with a more eclectic interest in pagan beliefs and philosophy will enjoy this book.

[Minäpäminä · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could have been half as long but the excellent parts made up for the tedious descriptions of other pieces of media. The real meat is the Heideggerian view on (neo-)paganism, which takes up the first half of the book and is returned to during the final pages. Mad, beautiful syncretism.

[apollojet · Rating 3 out of 5]

So that was an pagan chick. With long and unpronounceable name given to her by her father who worshiped Veles and read volchv's Veleslav books like it's Bible (no pun intended).
She was totally fucked up in the head due to her father leaving her family while he were 10 and then started two other families.
But that long Russian hair to the waist. And that ass though. You would kill an Odin to put your dick in that ass. As I found out — you don't have to.

This is great book. I read it with pleasure. Some parts are crazily fascinating, some are boring to death. Still worth a read if you are in all that Left Hand and pagan stuff.

[Gregory Jeffery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual touchstone

Top shelf material no matter what faith one subscribes to. Specifically pertinent to those questioning the need for faith at all. Clearly lays out what paganism is and isn't, and points out pitfalls newcomers should sidestep for spiritual growth. He gives relatable examples of the need for the divine in our lives, and how the willful separation from the divine that is encouraged by modern, materialistic, humanist culture does not enrich us, but deprives us an essential part of the human experience. There is also a great discussion on the runes, and how they are interlocking and interrelated concepts instead of phonetic symbols.

[James Gooch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad I listened to the free audiobook
Maybe my autism fleeting interest had an impact on my rating.

Felt better about it when I originally started it.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleary provides an interesting framework for authentic Pagan beliefs in modern times