Heathens, Pagans and Witches discussion

A Poll on member participation in choosing either one or both of the Group Book Reads that change every two months revealed some interest - participation from a range of members with different reading passions would almost certainly result in some surprising reads.

So... this is the thread for your choices (no more than one fiction plus one non-fiction), but just one of either is fine. It's probably best to schedule them in the order they appear on the thread.

The member selecting the fiction and/or non-fiction book/s for any period would read their chosen book/s and lead the discussion/s.

No great hurry though, we're OK until June, unless peeps would like me to postpone reading those two books in favour of members' choices.

Oh, and I'm sure nobody here would, but just in case a passing author sees a marketing opportunity, selecting one's own books is not allowed...

I think we've got stage-fright now. I have. If I'm to pick one handy in my to-read pile, there's this:

The Archaeology of Shamanism edited by Neil Price.

It's 14 essays. "Focuses on the Northern hemisphere with case studies from Greenland to Nepal, Siberia to Kazakhstan."

Might keep a fic choice up my sleeve.

I still haven't got through



I think I might need some inspiration to get through it. I made it through the first several chapters, and then it got monotonous, so I thought it would be cool to have some people reading it with me to egg me on.

By the way, in case anyone needs some interesting tidbits to pique their interest, they have some really cool deities like, The Guardian Against Fear of Families.

Bryn wrote: "I think we've got stage-fright now. I have. If I'm to pick one handy in my to-read pile, there's this:

The Archaeology of Shamanism edited by Neil Price.

It's 14 essays. "Focuses on the Northern..."

I've added this one to my To Read list as well, Bryn. It looks interesting, and as if somehow it might fit with one of my favourites: "Shamanic Wisdom in the Pyramid Texts: The Mystical Tradition of Ancient Egypt" by Jeremy Naydler. This is the only book I've ever read that combines both of my primary interests. Probably the only one I ever will read that does so, LOL. I'd pick it, however it's certainly not for everyone.

Right now, I'm leaning toward Urban Shaman, by Serge Kahili King.

There's no desperate hurry to decide, so lots of time for discussion and a fiction choice. It looks as though three of us are interested in reading the first one up though - I've added it too.

The Archaeology of Shamanism

Three's a great number.
I began to worry about gettability. At least this one is paperback at $34 (discount right now) or $40ish. Whether you'd find it in a library I've no idea.

Well, it looks as though we have our first non-fiction choice, and Margaret offered to complete the selection with fiction.

Margaret, I'll wait until you add your choice here (unless you've decided you'd rather not) and we decide whether or not to postpone the April/May choices (to give this idea a try after the current pair rather than waiting until June).

Aaron wrote: "I still haven't got through



I think I might need some inspiration to get through it. I made it through the f..."

Aaron, I think it needs to be a book you're keen to read but haven't yet begun, as it's a bit off-putting to know you found the one you mentioned above monotonous :D

(Copied from The Latest Poll Thread, which is not very visible.)

Margaret wrote:

"What would the criteria be for fiction?
Bryn and I could make a reasonable combination. She could chose the non-fiction, and I could select fiction. :)"

Hi again Margaret, just wondered if you're making a fiction choice to go with Bryn's non-fiction? (But no pressure, and no problem if you've changed your mind).

Some confusion re. Barbara and Margaret may have delayed additional posts to this thread (my fault, sorry) but I hope it's sorted out now :))

Just a note to say that Margaret has chosen Hounded as our group fiction for June & July to accompany Bryn's non-fiction choice of The Archaeology of Shamanism.

I decided to leave the April/May choices as they are as this month's choice is also shamanism and it might be a good idea to have something different for the next read.

Nell wrote: "I decided to leave the April/May choices..."

I'm glad in fact, because I want to give that April/May fiction at least a whirl.

I hope research doesn't demand I read 'The Archaeology' before June... but that's not a real problem, what with more research stacked up than one woman can manage in her lifetime. Familiar situation to most of us.

Bryn, if you're anything like me it's probably better that you leave 'The Archaeology' until June anyway - I've found that dipping in to the group read early only means I have to read it again when the time comes...

I intend to leave it, save it... I might go hide it. Smile.

Hi Nell, I've totally lost the link where we discussed a book on Ancient Egyptian Deities for the non-fiction read. I mentioned 3 possibilities, and have decided on Geraldine Pinch's "Egyptian Myth: A Very Short Introduction." It's reasonably priced, at 122 pages, quite short, and does a good job of distilling a very complex pantheon into understandable pieces. For those unfamiliar with this mythology, it will provide a solid introduction. Remind me again when this will be the book--August/September if I remember correctly. Is that right?

Egyptian Myth This is the one, Sara? Yes, I think it is August.

Yes, Gina, it is. Goodness, I'm going to have to get used to that new name. :-) Thanks for posting the link.

Sorry about the confusion! You can still call me Gina, I just don't want to use my author profile on GR anymore. :)

I so understand that. Sometimes I think about switching to an avatar as well. I'm teasing you know. . .of course I will remember it is you, and still call you Gina. :-)

:D I think my new avatar looks like a very merry Gina too. :D

Thanks for choosing, Sara, I'll add it to the future group reads later today - off now to walk the terrier :)

Sara's choice has now been added - thanks, Sara - any suggestions/offers for an August/September fiction read to keep it company?

Thanks, Nell.

Sorry, no fiction suggestions--seems I don't read much fiction these days.

My next pagan-related fictional choice will be The Sons of Macha, the third in the Shadowmagic series. That is, when (if?) John Lenahan releases the audio version. Other than that, I'm afraid I, too, am meandering along the non-fictional route.

Sara wrote: "Thanks, Nell.

Sorry, no fiction suggestions--seems I don't read much fiction these days."

Sorry Sara, I wasn't expecting that you'd choose the fiction too - you've already done your share - I was just hoping that someone else would appear with a suggestion :)

Ancestral wrote: "My next pagan-related fictional choice will be The Sons of Macha, the third in the Shadowmagic series. That is, when (if?) John Lenahan releases the audio version. Other than that, I'm afraid I, ..."

I'm mostly non-fiction these days too. We could decide on The Sons of Macha except that the audio version might not be out by the time we come to read it.

I'm only suggesting it because I happen to have it on hand, and could theoretically read it. I've no idea if it's good.

I'd love to read that series Ancestral. I'll keep my eyes pealed. Better availability here in London.

Nell wrote: "I'm mostly non-fiction these days too. We could decide on The Sons of Macha except that the audio version might not be out by the time we come to read it. "

As it is the last book in the series, and the first book is available, free, in podcast, and audio format, might be best to start at the beginning if you were going to choose one of his books.

Aaron, if you're in London, you might want to check out Treadwells, Atlantis and Watkins bookstores.

Thank you so much Ancestral! I'm actually delighted to find that England has become more affordable than Canada, which is good news for me, because I'd love to live here someday. I'll definitely check out those stores. I think I've been to Watkins. I bought the Londa Tarot deck there, I'm pretty sure, although it wasn't so affordable then.

Ancestral wrote: " As it is the last book in the series, and the first book is available, free, in podcast, and audio format, might be best to start at the beginning if you were going to choose one of his books."

Would you have the time and be willing to lead any discussion on the thread if we scheduled the first one for August/September, Ancestral? If not we could go for Aaron's suggestion.

I'd go for Aaron's suggestion, as I imagine after next month, my head will be buried in Gàidhlig books, and texts.

OK, just added it - no hassles till the end of September then. Good luck with the Gàidhlig :)

Thanks for supporting my choice Ancestral. I hope it's good. I got it on sale heh.

Can I put forth a non fiction choice for later in the year? I'm reading it now but would love to re-read and discuss it, as I'm finding it amazing. It concerns near death experiences, looks at the 'Dying Gods', and OBEs too. Closer to the Light: Learning from the Near-Death Experiences of Children

I'll add it to the Group Bookshelf (if you haven't already) and schedule it for October/November.

Great! Thanks Nell. Looking forward to it. :):)

Hi. Hopefully I post this correctly. My pick is Epona, the Horse Goddess. It's historical fiction by a renowned author and is purposefully not breezy, but rather gives you a good feel for the culture back then. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22...

Hi Michael. Thanks - I'll add it to the bookcase and schedule it for the October/November group read.

Your link works well, but it's possible to make a titled link by clicking on 'add book/author' above the comment box when you're posting and typing the title into the space. Click 'Search' and when the right book shows click 'add'.

Ancestral wrote: "my head will be buried in Gàidhlig books, and texts."
I'm jealous.

Stephen, I've deleted your post, which is a duplicate of the one on the Free Books thread. This thread is for the bi-monthly group read - members' own books not permitted... *~*

My apoligies and my mistake.

I'd like to put forth a non fiction book choice. I think it is essential reading for HP&W and the New Age movement too. It has both shocked and challenged me.

The Siren Call of Hungry Ghosts: A Riveting Investigation Into Channeling and Spirit Guides by Joe Fisher.

Stephen wrote: "My apoligies and my mistake."

No problem, Stephen.

Little wrote: "I'd like to put forth a non fiction book choice. I think it is essential reading for HP&W and the New Age movement too. It has both shocked and challenged me.

The Siren Call of Hungry Ghosts: A R..."

Too late for me - I'm already halfway through, thanks to your recommendation on another thread :)

It's so compelling that I couldn't even drag myself away to add it to my bookshelf.

I can add it to follow on and read it again when it comes up :)

Little wrote: "I'd like to put forth a non fiction book choice. I think it is essential reading for HP&W and the New Age movement too. It has both shocked and challenged me.

The Siren Call of Hungry Ghosts: A R..."

Just finished... terrifying - we all need to read this one. I'll add it for December/January, but my advice to all is to buy a copy and read it straight away.

Nell wrote: "Little wrote: "I'd like to put forth a non fiction book choice. I think it is essential reading for HP&W and the New Age movement too. It has both shocked and challenged me.

The Siren Call of Hun..."

I am SO glad you read it Nell! And relieved! Yes, I so agree, essential reading. I added my review to amazon too and am trying to spread the word. Dec/Jan group reading sounds good. But I agree too it's best to read this one straight away.

And Closer to the Light: Learning from the Near-Death Experiences of Children will work perfectly as the group read before The Siren Call of Hungry Ghosts: A Riveting Investigation Into Channeling and Spirit Guides as both also concern the Bardo Plane.

I'm wondering now if it would be a good idea to open a thread now - marked 'spoilers' if possible. The implications of this book are fresh in my mind, and relevant to your recent experience too. Also there are a few members here whose opinions I'd really value, OB, Sara and Jaq in particular.

What do you think?

Nell wrote: "I'm wondering now if it would be a good idea to open a thread now - marked 'spoilers' if possible. The implications of this book are fresh in my mind, and relevant to your recent experience too. Al..."

I was thinking exactly the same thing.

I'll do it now. It won't show on the Discussions Board as there are already three highlighted threads, but I'll leave links on the other appropriate threads so we can find it easily.

Great. :)

Here's the thread: Discussion: The Siren Call of Hungry Ghosts.

Edited to add that as we're OK for choices until Feb/March 2014 (except for 1 fiction read), I've taken this thread off permanent display on the Discussions Board to allow other topics to show on the 'new posts' indicator.