Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America by Margot Adler Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America
Book Review: Nothing Like It!
Summary: 5 Stars
Drawing Down the Moon is an in-depth journalistic investigation of an unbelievably wide field. Margot Adler has managed to deeply investigate several neo-pagan paths as well as touch on hundreds of others. Her thru-line is an undeniable committment from the heart, expressed in brilliant scholarly terms.The best of the best.
Book Review: A CLASSIC
Summary: 5 Stars
It took a while for me, until I finally added this book into my library. First I was afraid, that it might be a little bit outdated, but then I discovered the qualities of a timeless classic. Together with Raven Grimassis "Wiccan Mysteries" an intelligent and informative source of Wiccan history, written with a critical point of view. A must for Pagans and spirtual seekers.Book Review: Excellent text on 70's and 80's paganism!
Summary: 5 Stars
Some people complain this book is too long. Hardly. Adler could add more good information and I'd read it all. Others say it is too dry. I rarely skipped anything. Still others say it is outdated. I reply by saying that this is an excellent view into the times when paganism wasn't a fad, before Ravenwolf and Cunningham came on the scene, before pagan books were written to make money. Not only does Adler's book detail various types of the Craft from Gardnerian to Dianic, but also highlights lesser-known groups such as the Feraferians and NROOGD (New Reformed Orthodox Order of the Golden Dawn). For this alone it is an invaluable book, for where else can you find a book that isn't about Wicca or sugarcoated spellcraft?
This book is a classic, and should be read, if nothing else, for its historical value. It reminds us that, just 15 years ago, things were quite different. Wicca wasn't officially recognized, nor was it as prominent as it is now. The media was harsher on pagan religions, and there was less acceptance. We tend to take for granted the freedom we have today. I have been in practice for only three years, and yet I know that those who have come before me had a bitchier time than I have.
Also, it is often a shock to some to find that not all neopagans are liberals or libertarians, as the questionaires that Adler has given pagans have shown us. And the wide range of occupations held is also quite a fascinating thing to find in the pagan community.
And yes, Adler does tend to focus more on the Goddess, but perhaps that is more how Wicca was back then. Also, I have heard "Goddess bless" from more Wiccans than I have heard "Lord and Lady bless". There IS a marked leaning towards the Goddess, even today. I don't agree with it--I prefer a balance between the God and Goddess--but it is perfect for some people, and perhaps it was acceptable for a lot of people Adler interviewed.
So read this book, if nothing else, for its informative value. Yes, it is a big book, and it isn't "The Mists of Avalon." But it is well worth the time and effort given into reading it.
Book Review: Witchcraft history at your fingertips
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a university student majoring in Religion and Cultural Studies. I read this book on the suggestion of my professor and I truly enjoyed it. Previous to the reading of this book I had little knowledge of the history of Witchcraft. This book was very informative, and in fact my end of term paper focused on an intensive comparative book review on both Adler's work as well as that of Tanya M. Luhrmann.Book Review: Not recommended as a historical reference.
Summary: 2 Stars
This book was meant for practicing neopagans and anyone that wants to have a better understanding of their beliefs. It is not, however, a very good reference for anyone looking for a factual history of the neopagan witch movement. It is written in line with their beliefs and dosen't give an accurate origin of either medieval witchcraft or the neopagan witchcraft, but instead gives history through their beliefs. For those looking for historical facts on the origins, written in an unbiased and scholastic manner, "A History of Witchcraft: Sorcerriers, Pagans, and Heritcs" by Jeffery B. Russel is a much more honest look, seperating the fact from rhetoric and historic from neopagan, and giving a complete history, origins and developement, of neopagan witchcraft.