Paganism for Beginners: The Complete Guide to Nature-Based Spirituality for Every New Seeker

by Althaea Sebastiani

Embark on the path to Paganism with this essential modern guide

Embrace a spiritual journey to commune with nature, rediscover wonder in the world, and reconnect with yourself. Paganism for Beginners is your guide to exploring the diverse magick of modern Paganism. The up-to-date handbook introduces you to a breadth of Pagan traditions and core beliefs―welcoming you to this inclusive movement with a myriad of ways to deepen your personal spirituality.

Delve into a comprehensive overview of common Pagan practices and discover which speak most profoundly to you. Follow along with the Pagan calendar, meet a pantheon of deities, and learn the ethics and tenets of Pagan spirituality: open-mindedness, self-reliance, freedom of choice, and more. Gain essential knowledge of Pagan symbols, rituals, and tools with this guide.

Inside Paganism for Beginners, you’ll find:

• Beginners welcome―For those drawn to Earth-centric worship, get introduced to one of the world’s oldest and fastest-growing religious movements.
• The old and the new―Discover the historical seeds of Paganism and how the movement has evolved over the decades to serve modern practitioners.
• Diverse traditions―Celebrate the practices of Paganism's many traditions: African Diasporic Religions, Celtic Polytheism, Druidry, Wicca, and more.

Unlock the magick of the universe with Paganism for Beginners.

Genres: Nonfiction, Witchcraft, Spirituality, Religion, Paganism, Audiobook, Magic

182 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2020

About the author

Althaea Sebastiani is a full-time spiritworker and religious educator whose work focuses on helping people navigate the realities of deep spiritual practice. Their work is punctuated by strong emphasis on doing the work and encourages learning through direct experience. A spirit-led witch with 25+ years’ experience, their personal practice is land-based and devotional, focused on being responsive to the spirits of the land wherever their travels take them and doing right by the Gods Who have called them into Their service.

Please visit their website to see all currently available witchcraft courses (many self-paced): https://www.ladyalthaea.com

For exclusive workshops, peer support groups, and private community of animist and polytheist witches check out The Winding Way: https://www.patreon.com/Althaea

Reviews

[Icy Sedgwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the problems with books about a religion as broad as Paganism is that authors can sometimes take a stance that their way is the 'correct' way, and alternative traditions are only included as a passing afterthought. I'm incredibly pleased to see that this book takes quite the opposite approach. Unless you follow Althaea Sebastiani on social media, you would find it difficult to discern which of these traditions is her own, which is exactly as it should be - as a result, this book is an objective, balanced view of a religion that can sometimes seem confusing in its complexity.

Sebastiani breaks down each of the major areas, such as celebrations and holidays, magick, spiritual traditions, and Deities, to give the best primer on the subject that I've read for a very long time. Her emphasis that Paganism is a religion that allows you to choose for yourself is a welcome one, especially given some of the problems around gatekeeping that have been visible online recently. Your religion is, and should be, between you and the Gods.

I also applauded her stress on how little your new religion has to cost in a financial sense - it feels to me that too many books focus on the tools and paraphernalia that you need to be a "real" Witch/Pagan/etc., some of which are either expensive or wholly unnecessary (outside of ceremonial magic, I have no idea why anyone would ever want a sword). This book is a welcome reminder that intention and values are just as, if not more, important.

Whether you're a beginner looking to get started, or a seasoned Pagan curious about other traditions, you'll find a wealth of information in this book. Put simply, if you want a wise mentor to guide you along the first steps of your new Pagan path, choose Sebastiani and you won't go far wrong.

[Miranda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today, members of the Pagan movement can be found on nearly every contienent and practice a Paganism that is rich and vibrant.

If you've ever been curious about Paganism - both the past and present - then this book is for you.

Although each tradition speaks for itself, there are commonalities in practice, values, and worldview....

We start with the basics of Paganism followed by the various paths, deities and beliefs.

There were things that I've picked up before (just though movies and books) but I really was happy with getting a more-rounded understanding of how exactly Paganism works.

These beliefs are generally Earth-based (rooted in the reality that the Earth is sacred and central to spiritual practice) and polytheistic (founded on the existence of numerous individual and unique deities).

The book also goes into the Wheel of the Year (which is the holidays celebrated (i.e. Winter Solstice/Yule, Summer Solstice/Litha, Samhain/Hallowe'en, etc) and the various Rites of Passage (celebrating different ages and life events).

I thought the section on Magick was rather interesting (which is different from "magic" (aka what magicians use)) and the Symbols & Tools section was intriguing.

All in all, I was rather pleased with this book. I feel like I learned a ton and gained a greater perspective on this religion!

A huge thank you to Rockridge Press, Callisto Publisher's Club and Althaea Sebastiani for sending this lovely book my way!

YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads

[Pren Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been on my own religious path for most of my life but pagan for the last 10 years. And REALLY digging into studying for the last 6. I always check out these books when I see them cause I want to know what they have to say and if it matches up or contradicts what I have learned for myself. I very rarely approve of them. That might be because most of the books you encounter at the library are pretty old from the 80s or earlier. Back before cultural appropriation was in the zeitgeist. This book is a solid 5 stars. Not too long. Not at all pretentious. Just good and informative. Really covers all the bases. Also spends a good amount of time pointing out ways to not be a culturally appropriating a-hole, without calling out any one branch of pagans, which I have discovered is a major issue in some pagan practices. Just cause you like something doesn’t mean you get to take it and use it how you want. There’s even a little quiz towards the end that will help you discover which path you might like to explore first on your journey based on how you want to practice and what is important to you. Wanna know what I believe in general. Give this book a listen. Got more specific questions about my personal practice and beliefs. HMU. Read by Leslie Howard- lovely calm voice. Would pick out other books by this narrator for sure.

[Lúcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an easy reas. I completely devoured it in one day and I have never been able to do such a thing. I don't really know what it was but I felt so at peace whilst reading it. I'm just now starting my spiritual journey and I couldn't be happier with where I began. If you're someone that has always struggled with the mainstream idea of religion and spirituality, this might be the book for you. Inclusive. Diverse. Conscious. Loved it.

[Yvonne Glasgow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful source for beginners to paganism, or for anyone who is just curious. I've been a pagan for 32 years, but I still enjoyed reading this book. It's a great refresher with lots of info. My favorite parts are the sections on dieties and the wheel of the year.

[Luminea · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's important to recognize that this is a "what is...?" book and not a "how to" for beginners. The author does a fantastic job summarizing the history of paganism in the last two centuries and describing some of the common features and differences between types of paganism such as Wicca, Heathenry, Druidry, and eclectic pagans or witches. I thought her explanation of magic and energy was succinct and clear.

As someone who has identified as pagan for over three decades I found this an interesting read. The journal questions and quiz to help the reader in determining possible pagan paths appropriate for themselves were thoughtful and useful, even for an experienced seeker wishing to refresh and review their current practice.

This would be a great book for a beginner to read before starting to explore specific paths in depth, because it reaffirms that there is no right or wrong way to be pagan, and that each individual is on their own personal journey. Some beginner books can make it sound like that author's version of paganism is the only authentic way to practice, whereas this book affirms the importance of finding what best aligns with your own values.

[Nanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent must-read!

I wish this book existed when I started out on this path almost a decade ago! It’s a must-read for anyone who’s interested in Paganism or taking their first steps on this path. And even the more advanced practitioners among us will find value in this book, as did I.

With great respect for the many traditions within Paganism, the author sets out a clear image of a hitherto often vaguely described concept. This is not your typical 101-book, where you have to buy X and say Y in order to achieve Z, nor does it pretend to be. Rather, this book gives you a clear understanding of the many things Paganism entails, what you can do (if you wish) and why, all with great emphasis on personal practice and personal responsibility. It provides a solid foundation and understanding, of off which you can than expand your practice further as you see fit. At the end of the book there are some very helpful questions to guide you in the search of finding your direction within the Pagan movement.

I’ve read this book with great delight and especially enjoyed chapter 7 Magick. Besides providing a clear, working understanding of this term, I love the that the author emphasizes that magick is far more than just spell work. She also provides the reader with examples of how to work magick, many of which a beginner – and maybe more advanced practitioners too - wouldn’t even have thought off.

The author clearly knows what she’s talking about and she definitely walks her talk. I highly recommend Paganism for Beginners and I sincerely hope that the author continues writing more books!

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been studying witchcraft/Wicca/Paganism, since I was a child it’s always interested me but it is hard to learn another spiritual/religious way of life without growing up in it, alongside a community teaching you. I don’t know if it’s because I’m older now and more serious about my spirituality but this is a great foundational book that goes in decent depth about a lot of topics for a beginner. It was easy to read and understand which is also a plus. And it will definitely be a book a refer back to throughout my Pagan path.

What I love about it is there’s no, “here’s a bunch of spell or a bunch of rituals” which can be overwhelming for a beginner if they don’t know the framework. Sebastiani is more like here’s an example framework of a spell or ritual, and that is such an important tool. And I really appreciate that aspect of the way her book is written. I already recommended it to two of my friends, and hopefully they’ll find solace in this book as well.

[Briar 🏳️‍🌈 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a pagan for over 20 years and I loved this book! I think it’s a fantastic starting point for anyone starting out. Clear, straight to the point and informative! Going to start suggesting it to people who don’t know where to start!

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆

As a beginner myself, this book was really helpful. I have been doing some research on my own prior to finding this book but I still learned a lot. They way it was written made it so easy to get through. I loved the format of the book as well.

[Baroness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely worth listening regardless if you’re a witchy witch or not. Interesting and informative. The author seems caring and passionate about her beliefs and community.

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource for those curious about paganism. The author does a beautiful job in clearly explaining different facets of paganism- which is truly impressive given how broad a subject it is! Even established pagans like myself could learn a thing or two from this book.

[Lídia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ha sido una lectura maravillosa. Es muy fácil de seguir y proporciona mucha información básica, muy ideal para que las lectoras se informen por su cuenta sobre lo que les ha interesado más. Además, es un libro MUY inclusivo en todos los sentidos.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paganism for Beginners is well-researched and thorough, but also succinct. Althaea Sebastiani covers a wide range of topics -- the history of modern paganism, the legal status of paganism in various countries, the overarching values and beliefs of the pagan community, as well as the common material and conceptual tools utilized by pagans. In each, she deftly cuts to the point without losing nuance in her explanations, and recommends resources for further research.


Sebastiani does a great job of showing how crucial personal responsibility and freedom of choice are to paganism, from relationships with deities to ritual methods, and underscores the point that these values also apply to how pagans treat others. This includes a thoughtful and nuanced explanation of religious/cultural appropriation from the perspective of one's relationships with the deities of living religions. Her explanations are not only thorough but compassionate and affirming.


I'm grateful that she focused as much on pagan values and ethics as she did on the whats and hows of ritual, deities, and holidays. These are crucial things for anyone interested in paganism to consider, yet they are often little discussed in any concrete way, even as they form the substructure of every aspect of our practices. Yet Sebastiani does this with clarity and precision.


Sebastiani's deep love of the world and of the exquisite (and sacred!) experience of physicality radiate throughout the book. It's clear that this love and respect are a fundamental value that underpins her knowledge and experience of paganism. Her embrace of the material extends also to her view of humans as inherently sacred and complex, worthy of love and respect.


Another thing I love about this book is the emphasis on building a personal religious practice, customized to one's own needs and circumstances. This is something I feel very strongly about myself -- making our spiritual practices deeply relevant to and interwoven with our daily lives, such as celebrating holidays in ways that reflect the seasons as they're experienced in the places we live.


This book is not a "how-to" for getting started in paganism. It won't tell you what you should do, what tools you should buy, or what you should believe as a pagan. In fact, Sebastiani makes a point to show the array of beliefs and practices held by pagans. It's more like being welcomed to a banquet, inviting the reader in to glimpse the options available and encouraging them to decide for themselves what provides them nourishment and sustenance. It's an informative book, meant to give readers an accurate understanding of paganism as it currently is and how it developed over time. New pagans can use this as a reference as they do the work of exploring paganism and their own spiritual needs. I'd also recommend it to those who are not necessarily interested in becoming pagan but are curious about it: who want to know what pagans believe, what we value, and how we engage with this richly complex, multilayered world.


Despite the breadth of topics covered and the spiritual subject matter, Paganism for Beginners is an accessible and quick read. It is thoughtful, inclusive, and encouraging. It celebrates the diversity of pagan belief and experience, and encourages the reader to seek out their own truths and personal paths.

[Sarah Alma Angelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for anyone curious.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy.

I found this to be super enlightening into the practice and feel it might be just what you need if you are into learning about this topic. The book includes great information.

[Wodwo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very easy read without feeling like its dumbed down. This is short and succinct, a good intro for the curious. It covers many different practices and viewpoints with great care. Never did it feel like she was speaking from the perspective of one path or condemning another.

I'm still trying to figure out my path, and while I felt like I didn't learn a lot from this book, there were many moments where her clarification and experience felt like a warm and gentle hug, comforting and encouraging me to explore what feels right and to keep my needs and morals in sight.

Really, a lovely, positive, and encouraging book I'd suggest to any curious beginner.

[Aline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Great introduction for beginners. It included everything I wanted to know and it sets a good foundation to research further from here. I really liked the friendly tone the book is written in.

[Niffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I wish I could have read when I was first starting out along my own path, I would read so many and find aspects of it applied to me, but lots didn’t, especially when so many focus on Wicca alone. I worried for a long time I didn’t ‘fit’ in the Pagan community and was a solitary practitioner for a long time partly out of the worry I was doing it wrong..! Paganism for beginners is inclusive in the way that it just doesn’t exclude, it brings together core values and ideas for good practice but doesn’t prescribe a right and wrong way to be, leaving it open to personal interpretation. It also offers many ideas for best practice that people who may not view themselves as ‘beginners’ will find useful, we all need reminders sometimes, especially with regard to nature, and if you’ve felt disconnected from your spiritual self lately. A personable and well written reference book that fills a big gap, and is perfect for sharing with anyone who is interested in Paganism, as it’s (usually) so difficult to explain such a breadth of information in an approachable and informative way.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it promises to be. Sebastiani paints with a broad brush around all the intricacies of the modern Pagan movement to present newcomers with as sturdy a base as possible from which to build their personal spiritual practice. True, in speaking so broadly on a many-faceted religious movement comprised of differing traditions you run the risk of OVERgeneralizing, but it's made clear throughout that navigating such diversity and coming to the spiritual table with a mind open to varying paths is a part of the process, not the end of it. In fact, it's the deliberate emphasis on beginning and expectation that this is hardly the last book you'll read on
Paganism that gives this book its value; Sebastiani provides resources and a compass forward, expecting you to keep moving down your spiritual path with intention long after finishing this read. Having been part of the Pagan community for about a decade now, I love seeing her cut through widely accepted hokum with casual grace. I wish this is a book I'd found when I was first stepping down a Pagan path, and I'm grateful it exists now for today's newbies to relish.

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was genuinely such an ispiring read. As someone who has been contemplating beginning a Pagan journey for the connection I feel with the land and its forces, and may benefit from a spiritual approach to life, this book was really helpful to me. Not only did it illustrate all the different traditions, values, symbols, Sabbats and ritual practices in a short, yet direct approach (this book is an introductory one after all), it did so constantly comforting me that my journey was *my own choice*, that I didn't need to choose one tradition or one deity over the other if I didn't want to. The guide is also very respectful towards LGBTQIA people and handles the subject of culture appropriation with respect and consideration. I will definitely read other books to deepen the aspects of Paganism I feel drawn to - after all this is but an introduction to the religion - but this was a very good start.

"Your spiritual journey is just that- a journey. It is not a static point and certainly not a path taken in order to arrive at any particular destination. Rather, it is a series of experiences you have in travelling the path that unfolds before you. While you may not always know the direction you're headed, your path remains your own, stretching firmly behind you and informing every step you take as you move forward. The details of how you travel that path will change. Your interests and spiritual needs will change and grow as you change and grow as a person. And that is exactly as it should be."

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a through and well-done introduction to paganism for those completely new to the topic. I could imagine this as a good college text for a religion class exploring nontraditional religious pathways, but also for the beginner seeking to find a religious path in an earth-based tradition. I loved the quiz at the back that helped one define where one was drawn within pagandom (eclectic, wiccan, heathen, celtic, shamanic, reconstructionist, etc.)

4 stars instead of 5: The symbols and tools chapter desperately needed illustrations: either sketches or photos. I know we can google symbols, but I would think the author/editor would want to specify what those symbols and tools look like on the page rather than requiring a web search that may or may not be accurate. The "monotheistic" element of Dianic Wicca was inaccurate, as well, as the Goddess in feminist wicca encompasses more of an animistic approach than a feminist version of JudeoChristianity.

Thanks, Callisto, for the review copy!

[Weslyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent beginners guide. It thoroughly explains many aspects of Paganism in an easy to understand way. There were, however, a few things that bothered me. The author fails to mention that there are atheistic Pagans. All Pagans do not worship and/or believe in deities. There are also no depictions of the sacred symbols mentioned in the book, which is definitely important for beginners.

I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can be considered as a good start on getting insights in paganism and related concepts. It gives handles on what brings pagans together along with what is unique for each individual, an insight in the history of paganism and its position in society and societal issues.
What I would have wanted more of, is the discussion around cultural appropriation. While the author touches this in a clear way, stating that taking from religions that are being currently practiced is cultural appropriation, I would have wished for an even more in-depth discussion about the cultural position of paganism as a religion, especially considering the rise in popularity in the western media considering things such as witchcraft and wicca.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new seeker of Paganism, I love this book! This book has three great things going for it:
1. There is a breadth of historical information though it is not bogged down by it.
2. Embedded within the history and lifestyle knowledge, there are wonderous gems of sage advice for your own spiritual journey.
3. Doesn’t try to sell or impose Paganism onto you, but rather lays it all out as of saying, “Here it all is, every little bit of it, but you choose. YOU choose.”

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who is just beginning their journey into Paganism, I found this book very helpful. It covers a little bit of everything, and although it doesn't really go into heavy detail on any aspect of Paganism I feel it has given me enough basic understanding and background knowledge to start asking my own questions and exploring the 'right' things for me. I love how welcoming and inclusive the language is, and I can feel how much love the author has for subject and her readers.

My only criticism is that the book would benefit from some illustrations - how can you have a whole chapter on Pagan symbolism without a single illustration?!?

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for those interested in learning about paganism. Well written. Easy to understand. Even spread of information without favouring or leaning towards any one area in covering all areas of paganism. It really is a complete guide and should answer most of not all beginner's/seekers questions. Such joy to find this gem after having read a terribly useless book claiming to do the same. Highly recommend. I read the kindle version and I'll be buying the hard copy to keep on my shelf and one or two extra to pass on.

[Emma (littledollreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing my journey through the exciting world of witchcraft I decided to branch out a bit and learn more about general Paganism to see what else was out there. I found this book to be both interesting and informative. Based on how everything was described and explained it felt so approachable and good for a reread. There was so much covered in a way that made it feel not overwhelming. There were some things in here like the sections about gods that I really appreciated as they opened up my mind to the possibilities inherent in paganism. It was good to take a border look at fundamentals of the art amidst my more focused research into magic. I hope to find more books like this one to read soon.

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm about halfway through and I found this book very informative on my beginning path into finding my spirituality in paganism. Lady Althaea breaks down everything you need to know with an unbiased, factual insight that isn't in several other books I have tried to read. I was recommended this book by someone who I found by googling pagan podcasts looking for insight and a place to start.

I will add to this review after I finish this book, but I have a feeling my thoughts will only get positively stronger on this book. I am very pleased with all the information and breakdowns of each path!

[Leah Hester · Rating 4 out of 5]

It fits its title very well- it's an excellent basic breakdown of what modern paganism looks like, helpful for new seekers or for curious souls who just want to know a little more about that new thing their family member/friend/neighbor is trying out. It's a little light on sourcing, which is the only reason I made it 4 stars instead of 5. But the book is short, concise, and engaging- a quick but thoughtful read.