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Paganism: Everything from Ancient, Hellenic, Norse, and Celtic Paganism to Heathenry, Wicca, and Other Modern Pagan Beliefs and Practices
An easy-to-understand guide for everything you want to know about Paganism! Have you ever wanted to understand the sophisticated belief systems of ancient religions? Have you always been intrigued by the intricate mythologies of Greece and Rome? Were you compelled toward the mysterious and spiritual nature of the universe but did not know how to access it? If so, then you've found the right book! You can learn about the history and diversity of Paganism and how Paganism exists today. In this book, you By the end of this book, you should have a deeper insight into various Pagan traditions worldwide and find your path to spiritual enlightenment. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of this book right now!
118 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2021
146 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 2, 2021
A Survey of the Roots and Branches of Paganism
I found it interesting that this author stated Christian scholars defined that paganism by what it was not: Christian. So any Pagan religion or belief system, by that definition, is simply a non-Christian one. That's a pretty big umbrella, one that extends back to the pre-Abraham religions, encompasses any contemporaneous religions, and ripples through contemporary societies and countries as well. In other sources, I've seen Pagan defined as any religion that is not Christian, Jewish, or Muslim. In this book, the author first looks at historical pagan societies, starting with the ancient Greeks and Romans before moving on to other ancient European religions and beliefs. But the author doesn't stop there. This is followed by the perhaps less known branches of paganism: Hinduism, Egyptian and Middle Eastern paganism, and Slavic paganism. She then looks at indigenous paganism through the lens of shamanism. She ends the book with a brief look at Wicca, agnostic paganism, and modern paganism... that allows the practitioner to choose his or her best path, often based on the paganism of the previously discussed other times and cultures. The author is clearly well read, but her takes on some religions or practices clearly show her as an outsider reporting on what she knows rather than as a seeker on these paths. The author has written several books that narrowly focus on just one topic in this book, like Asatru or Druidry. This survey book will help you discover whether you want to read the author's other books that delve deeper into a particular topic.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I found it interesting that this author stated Christian scholars defined that paganism by what it was not: Christian. So any Pagan religion or belief system, by that definition, is simply a non-Christian one. That's a pretty big umbrella, one that extends back to the pre-Abraham religions, encompasses any contemporaneous religions, and ripples through contemporary societies and countries as well. In other sources, I've seen Pagan defined as any religion that is not Christian, Jewish, or Muslim. In this book, the author first looks at historical pagan societies, starting with the ancient Greeks and Romans before moving on to other ancient European religions and beliefs. But the author doesn't stop there. This is followed by the perhaps less known branches of paganism: Hinduism, Egyptian and Middle Eastern paganism, and Slavic paganism. She then looks at indigenous paganism through the lens of shamanism. She ends the book with a brief look at Wicca, agnostic paganism, and modern paganism... that allows the practitioner to choose his or her best path, often based on the paganism of the previously discussed other times and cultures. The author is clearly well read, but her takes on some religions or practices clearly show her as an outsider reporting on what she knows rather than as a seeker on these paths. The author has written several books that narrowly focus on just one topic in this book, like Asatru or Druidry. This survey book will help you discover whether you want to read the author's other books that delve deeper into a particular topic.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
March 26, 2023
I loved the idea of the book. The author gave a brief introduction to "all world" paganism as well as a bit of their practices and beliefs.
The only critique I have is the book title states "...AND OTHER MODERN PAGAN BELIEFS AND PRACTICES" but yet failed to even mention African paganism more importantly vodun or voodoo which thanks to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade has spread and been practiced since then and still popular today.
You are not the only writer to omit that form of paganism from the history of religions. I mean even Hollywood avoids adding TV characters that are practicioners of this faith as witches and even go to the extent of demonizing it like Christianity did. Also you could have linked the belief of the Celtic pagan goddess Brighid becoming Mama Brigitte due to African diaspora and her marriage to the loa Baron Samedi to show how these pagan beliefs can intertwine to the point that even some deities are adopted into another faith.
Then the last few chapters you mention indigenous groups and their practices but lumped them all into a small section not realizing that Mesoamerican polytheism has a lot of information that could have been explored and the gods of that faith could have been listed and the Polynesian gods too.
The only critique I have is the book title states "...AND OTHER MODERN PAGAN BELIEFS AND PRACTICES" but yet failed to even mention African paganism more importantly vodun or voodoo which thanks to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade has spread and been practiced since then and still popular today.
You are not the only writer to omit that form of paganism from the history of religions. I mean even Hollywood avoids adding TV characters that are practicioners of this faith as witches and even go to the extent of demonizing it like Christianity did. Also you could have linked the belief of the Celtic pagan goddess Brighid becoming Mama Brigitte due to African diaspora and her marriage to the loa Baron Samedi to show how these pagan beliefs can intertwine to the point that even some deities are adopted into another faith.
Then the last few chapters you mention indigenous groups and their practices but lumped them all into a small section not realizing that Mesoamerican polytheism has a lot of information that could have been explored and the gods of that faith could have been listed and the Polynesian gods too.
May 27, 2022
This is a very basic introduction to a very complex subject. As such there are parts that are overly light touch and some that contradict information I've read in other places, but this is part and parcel of reading around a topic.
The simple nature of the book does help the reader focus on the breadth of paganism in the world and helps to identify that part which the reader identifies with. That in turn will help a reader direct further study, which is the point of the book really, so in that respect it works.
The simple nature of the book does help the reader focus on the breadth of paganism in the world and helps to identify that part which the reader identifies with. That in turn will help a reader direct further study, which is the point of the book really, so in that respect it works.
April 27, 2021
A really splendid guide.
Very educational book and I enjoyed reading the chapters on Egyptian and Celtic paganism. I have a good collection of books on Wiccan beliefs and that chapter is a basic look. Now I have never heard of technopaganism but it does make scents looking at today’s advances. The last chapter was very insightful and gives the reader some clear questions to answer. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Very educational book and I enjoyed reading the chapters on Egyptian and Celtic paganism. I have a good collection of books on Wiccan beliefs and that chapter is a basic look. Now I have never heard of technopaganism but it does make scents looking at today’s advances. The last chapter was very insightful and gives the reader some clear questions to answer. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 13, 2025
The author neglected to mention some major pagan groups, while on occasion focusing on some minor ones. The book also has a strong emphasis on Wicca when it comes to modern beliefs, basically suggesting that all modern paganism is a form of Wicca, which is very far from the truth. As someone who identifies as (celtic) pagan and absolutely not as wiccan, I'm getting a bit tired of (usually Wiccan) authors that believe 'paganism = wiccan'.
November 27, 2021
Very informative
I read this book as research for a novel I'm writing and the book was perfect. It isn't boring, yet is full of in-depth facts and information on the historical practices and beliefs of various civilizations. This book is well-written and a good guide if you are researching the beliefs and customs of civilizations prior to Christianity.
I read this book as research for a novel I'm writing and the book was perfect. It isn't boring, yet is full of in-depth facts and information on the historical practices and beliefs of various civilizations. This book is well-written and a good guide if you are researching the beliefs and customs of civilizations prior to Christianity.
February 7, 2022
This is a really good starter book if you're looking for something new. It goes into the histories of paganism, wicca, and a few other types of paganism. Its a short read but easy to understand. Its a lot of information so take you're time and write some notes.
November 2, 2024
A good basic overview of many different branches of paganism. Although it felt there was some relevant info missing, especially around African Paganism, Voodoo etc. Would still recommend for those who want a brief, easy to understand intro to the area.
Want to read
November 5, 2021"Atheistic & Agnostic Paganism"???
January 7, 2022
I love reading about other religions and beliefs. This was a really interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews