The Path Of The Green Man: Gay Men, Wicca and Living a Magical Life

by Michael Thomas Ford

This thought-provoking and engaging guide is filled with a wide range of practical information and step-by-step plans for beginning your study and personal practice, including:
- Exploring the connection between spirituality and sexuality
- Meditating and creating sacred spaces
- Finding rituals and deities that are right for you
- Manifesting your desires through magic
- Living a joyful, purposeful life
- Eight original stories inspired by the Wiccan Sabbats
- And so much more!

Genres: Wicca, LGBT, Spirituality, Queer, Nonfiction, Gay, Paganism

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2005

About the author

Michael Thomas Ford is the author of more than 75 books in genres ranging from humor to horror, literary fiction to nonfiction. His work for adult readers includes the best-selling novels What We Remember, The Road Home, Changing Tides, Full Circle, Looking for It and Last Summer, and his five essay collections in the "Trials of My Queer Life" series. His novel Lily was a Tiptree Award Longlist title and a finalist for both the Lambda Literary Award and the Shirley Jackson Award. He is also the author of the Sickening Adventures series of books featuring popular contestants from RuPaul's Drag Race.

As a writer for young adults he is the author of the novels Suicide Notes, Z, and Love & Other Curses, and under the name Isobel Bird he wrote the popular "Circle of Three" series. His work has been nominated for 14 Lambda Literary Awards, twice winning for Best Humor Book, twice for Best Romance Novel, and once for Best Mystery. He was also nominated for a Horror Writers Association Bram Stoker Award (for his novel The Dollhouse That Time Forgot).

Reviews

[Alex Rendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found out about this book after reading Ford’s novel ‘The Road Home’. It serves as an introduction to paganism and witchcraft from the point of view of a gay man and explains a brief history of the tradition. It also describes how Ford created a spiritual group based on gay men practising their own form of pagan rituals. I found it interesting and honest, particularly when Ford opens up about his own experiences and his learning journey.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

While some of the history and tenets are a bit shaky (law of three, *cough cough*), this book was a really good read. I loved the chapter structure: some "theory" and then a sabbat-related story. And of course I loved the stories, Ford is a master storyteller; I really enjoyed his (written as Isobel Bird) Circle of three. Will read again.

[Splen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very curious to see what one of my very reliable authors
had to say about Wicca, spirituality, Pagans, etc.
(This is a complete departure; it is his only published foray into these topics.
But people who enjoy his writings will pretty much be aware of this fact already.)

I never picked up a book before about these topics,
let alone an LGBT version, alive and strong.
His Path of the Green Man was lovely.
I got quite a bit out of it because I knew so little.
I would recommend this to other completely oblivious,
genuinely curious neophytes.

[Martin J Saxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a really inspiring book. What made it extra special was the weaving of tales around the sabbats.

Ford shows real feeling for his craft and encourages a soft dedication for this spiritual path.

This is more of a "think about this" book than a "how to do". Meditation, consideration and personal progress are what it encourages.

Well worth returning to.

[Coriander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book several times. I highly recommend it for any gay man interested in the path of Wicca, or to get another perspective on alternative paths. I especially liked the storytelling style of introducing the various deities.

[Kevin Warman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This year I wanted to explore queer culture more fully. I selected this book because I don't know much about queer spirituality / Wicca. The book is an easy read and enjoyable. Ford balances the explanation with engaging story telling. I would have liked to have seen more development of the interwoven stories. However, it is a good resource for the curious.

[Benji · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my humble opinion, this is one of the best (and one of my favorite) books on Wicca, Witchcraft & Paganism. Though it is written for Gay men in mind, anyone, including heterosexuals & cisgender people will still find this an informative, thought provoking & enjoyable read. His views are in a similar vein as Starhawk, so if you enjoy her work, I’d also recommend this book. LGBTQ Friendly.

[Tom Mallias · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for beginners to Wicca, definitely aimed at gay men. Even those who have experience in witchcraft can gain interesting insights into both the history of modern Wicca and other spriritual practices.

[Lukas Harley-Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both spiritual and imaginative I had no idea what I'd let myself in for by reading this book. A pagan spirituality book catered especially for gay men, this was perfect. I'd never read a book that I felt more included in so it was a strange experience to read some of my beliefs from a gay male perspective. And as for the stories that represent the 8 Sabbats of the Wheel of the Year... they were so beautiful that I got lost in each story for ages and felt such a contentedness and connection that I barely wanted the book to end. You come to love and associate yourself with the main character, The Green Man, as he journeys through the year.
Cant wait for the journey this year's turning will bring.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best book on the topic out there, bar none. Mr. Ford makes no pretense of the demands of an unknowable history but draws on what is known as a starting point for the initiate (and probably no small number of "established" practitioners) to start on his (and her) own path. The connectedness of the "theology" of the Green Man path to the cycle of the year and related (and frequently powerful) sabbat stories to illustrate the concepts makes for a genuinely inspirational and practical read that will continue to be a resource into the future.