Pagan Religions: A Handbook for Diversity Training

by Kerr Cuhulain

Revised and expanded, this comprehensive manual clearly interprets neo-Pagan religious beliefs and practices for non-Pagans, such as professionals in law enforcement, education, social services, and the media. Educating the general public by providing a strong introduction to these alternative spiritual traditions, this updated reference explains the festivals, symbols, tools, and history of Wicca, presents new chapters on the practices of Druidism and Ásatrú, and demonstrates how oppressive religious doctrine has maligned modern Pagans. Written in an accessible style, this overview is tailored for believers as well as skeptics, scholars, and the idly curious. A glossary of neo-Pagan terms and an extensive bibliography are also included.

Genres: Paganism

180 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2010

About the author

I’ve been a Wiccan for 47 years and was involved in anti-defamation activism and hate crimes investigation for the Pagan community from 1986 to 2005. I am the author of the Law Enforcement Guide to Wicca, Witch Hunts, Wiccan Warrior, Full Contact Magick, Magickal Self Defense, Pagan Religions: A Handbook for Diversity Training, Modern Knighthood, How To Be Glorious, and Stand Like a Tree. I am the co author of a safety book for social workers and nurses: Safe Approach. I am also the author of Ancient Recipes for Modern Kitchens, a cookbook of ancient recipes. I’ve written a paranormal romance trilogy (as Carrie Bryce), the Dark Man Trilogy (Dark Water, Dark Fire, Dark Storm) as well as a swords and sorcery fantasy Purification Trilogy (as C. A. Ennis), which includes Fionúir’s Mural. Ailchu's Prophecy and Cathal's Seer.
I was the former Preceptor General of Officers of Avalon, an organization representing Neo-Pagan professionals in the emergency services (police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians). I retired from the Vancouver Police Department in November 2005 after serving 29 years with them. I went on to be a police dispatcher and trainer for ECOMM for Southwestern BC, finally retiring from law enforcement in 2013.
I am the founder of a Wiccan order of Knighthood called the Order of Paladins in Sechelt, British Columbia. The Order of Paladins embraces the Warrior philosophies, precepts and code of chivalry outlined in my books. I am on the faculty of the Ardantane School of Magick.
I am now the National Secretary of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and author of their book Building a Small Observatory.

Order of Paladins web site: http://www.orderofpaladins.com/
Kerr Cuhulain’s blog: http://kerrcuhulain.blogspot.com/
Carrie Bryce blog: http://carriebrycewriting.wordpress.com/
C.A.Ennis Fantasy Blog: http://caennis.wordpress.com/
Check out Kerr’s daily affirmations:
Twitter: @warriorwitch
Facebook: Kerr Cuhulain
YouTube channel for the Order of Paladins: http://www.youtube.com/user/goibhniu1...

Reviews

[Leah Markum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is surprising. Nevermind that there aren't many books that address a wider variety of pagan traditions instead of only the more popular Wicca and Druidism, such as Asatru. However, most of the book does focus on the Celtic-based religions.

The surprising aspect of this book is that it's a heavily researched (almost academic) in the history but the language flows with ease. The amount of history is stronger than the religious angle. I found myself seeing European history through the perspective of Pagans and realizing how Abrahamic our society is even when trying to be objective or when the writer has no personal affiliation with an Abrahamic religion.

Despite the subtitle "a handbook for diversity training" this is a thorough and enlightening read, especially if you want to understand the context of the Neopagan movement.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a blessing. It accurately debunks the common misconseptions about Pagan religions in a way that is undaunting to readers who aren't sure of what Paganism is or isn't. It's friendly, personal, and informative enough that it's an easy read for friends or family whom you want to educate about Paganism.