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: An interest to pagans and nonpagans alike
Summary: 5 Stars
Whether a pagan, aspiring pagan, or simply someone interested in the 60's, 70's, and 80's counter culture, this is a book worth reading. As a neopagan, it's good to learn about the history of the movement. As a person who doesn't want to become a neopagan, and just wants to know what the heck they're on about, this book serves better than most, which are simply guides and outlines for rituals. It sheds a new light on many aspects of the movement, anywhere from motivation to the ideas of actual practicing groups, circles, and covens. The book is long, but full of interesting information. You'll definitely have something to talk over with your friends, or at least mull over in the bath! Drawing down the Moon is the perfect book for the curious mind.Book Review: Gossip Mars Credibility
Summary: 1 Stars
While I agree this book has some merit, I have never ceased to be amazed that it ever was, much less continues to be, viewed as such an all-time classic of the Craft. Ms. Adler's information was largely garnered from attending various Pagan festivals and interviewing those she met there in the mid-late '70's. Thus, the material is dated and stems from a period early in the now widespread Craft/Pagan revival, gathered at events where many of those involved were holdovers from the "flower power" movement of the '60's, with not a little of the same baggage in tow.While a decent general gist of the Neo-Pagan movement as it existed at that time is indeed offered herein, Ms. Adler's work is marred by her penchant for recording rumour and innuendo from questionable sources. There is at least one blatant attack upon a respected elder of the Craft who had already authored scores of successful books before Ms. Adler was out of grade school, and who was the initiate of several Craft and Neo-Pagan traditions long before some of those she praises were even a part of the movement. Such uncalled for and unprofessional elements bring a lack of credibility to the finished product.
While Ms. Adler's credentials may be impressive, they failed to prevent her lacing what could indeed have been a great book with gossip and groundless criticisms of some who paved the way for she and her friends. Her lack of appreciation for the true groundbreakers of the Neo-Pagan movement exposes the immature core of her "professionalism".
Book Review: Amazing
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been on the Pagan path now for 12 years and this was my introductory book, let me tell you it really set me straight in my path. I learned that Paganism is not about spells or wands, but about being one with Nature and the Lord and Lady. This is a must read for all Pagan people and it is a book I have all my students read.Book Review: A good choice but the Norse Section is Horrid
Summary: 4 Stars
A well-written and in-depth look at contemporary Paganism except for the Nordic/Norse/Germanic section. It makes us all look like a bunch of racists. Buy the book, but get your Germanic info from sources like The Troth (www.thetroth.org). The book can be a bit dated at times as well.P.L. Buck/Jordsvin
Book Review: A good choice but the Norse Section is Horrid
Summary: 4 Stars
A well-written and in-depth look at contemporary Paganism except for the Nordic/Norse/Germanic section. It makes us all look like a bunch of racists. Buy the book, but get your Germanic info from sources like The Troth (www.thetroth.org). The book can be a bit dated at times as well.