Down With Drawing Down!
If there is any book read most by non-Pagans trying to understand modern Paganism it must surely be “Drawing Down The Moon” written by NPR correspondent Margot Adler. The book originally published in 1979 (revised and expanded in 1997) changed the face of modern Paganism and has acted as a default “intro” book in thousands of conversations and interviews. It (along with Starhawk’s The Spiral Dance published that same year) changed the way people perceived the modern Pagan movement. We were no longer a bunch of New-Agers and former hippies looking for some ritual kicks. We were a growing, dynamic family of faiths rebirthing a spirituality thought lost in the modern world.
So it didn’t surprise me at all to see the book listed in the Unitarian Universalist Association Ministerial Fellowship Committee Reading List (now put in handy-dandy Amazon.com “So You’d Like To…” list by James Estes). But it did worry me that this was the sole book (and an optional book at that) dealing with a broad, dynamic and diverse group of religious practitioners, a religious outlook that encompasses about 20% of the modern UUA.
Drawing Down The Moon is a wonderful book, and it should be read to get a sense of the development of modern Paganism, but large portions of the book relate to a Paganism from 25 years ago. Since it was first published so many changes have happened in our faith traditions that it is hard to quantify in one article. The solitary Wicca explosion, the rise of “reconstructionist” Pagan/Heathen faiths, the explosive growth in overall numbers, teens and the rise of pop-culture witchcraft, participation in the Parliament of World Religions, seminaries, sanctuaries, the rise of Pagan scholarship, and THAT is only the beginning.
For those finishing school and hoping to relate and minister to the modern Pagans in your congregation I have a list of five good books that I think would help round-out and modernize one’s perspective and ability to speak to Pagans. This isn’t an exhaustive list. Indeed I could have broadened this list to twenty or more, especially if I wanted to recommend good books relating to specific traditions. But I thought I would start with some good all-around resources.
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Being a Pagan : Druids, Wiccans, and Witches Today by Ellen Evert Hopman, Lawrence Bond Interviews with several modern Witches, Pagans and Heathens from many different perspectives and walks of life. From prominent authors (Z. Budapest, Starhawk) to normal Pagans who are heavily involved in their local community. Includes a chapter on interviews with CUUP members. |
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Modern Pagans: an Investigation of Contemporary Ritual by John Sulak, V. Vale More interviews, but concentrating more on artists, activists and “edgy” personalities that define themselves’ as Pagan in some manner. An unflinching look at some of the more “controversial” beliefs. |
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The Pagan Book of Living and Dying: Practical Rituals, Prayers, Blessings, and Meditations on Crossing Over by Starhawk, M. Macha NightMare This book should be in the collection of any UU minister (or Pagan leader for that matter) who has Pagan congregants. A smart collection of rituals and prayers for a variety of life issues. |
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The Paganism Reader by Chas S. Clifton (Editor), Graham Harvey (Editor) An amazing collection of source material spanning from the ancient world to the modern rebirth of Paganism. This book manages to cover many bases in one volume. A great resource for someone looking for inspiration. |
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The Encyclopedia of Modern Witchcraft and Neo-Paganism by Shelley Rabinovitch (Editor), James Lewis (Editor) Don’t know what an “Alexandrian” is or what Asatru do? Like to find our more about Doreen Valiente or what a “Witch War” is? This is a great quick resource to follow a conversation or start doing research. |
Like I said this is just a taste. Those interested in more should check out the works of authors like Starhawk, Ronald Hutton, Michael York, Graham Harvey, Sarah Pike, and others.
In the end. “Drawing Down” is still ground-breaking and a must-read. I still think it deserves a place on all serious reading lists. But I also think it is time we realized that this book alone, read without any supporting material will give a flawed and incomplete view of where we are going. I especially think it is irresponsible to minister/counsel/advise a modern Pagan having only read that one book.
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