- Paperback: 584 pages
- Publisher: Arkana; Expanded edition edition (Jan 1990)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 014019536X
- ISBN-13: 978-0140195361
- Product Dimensions: 20.4 x 13.6 x 4.1 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
29,814 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2 in Books > Mind, Body & Spirit > Spirituality > Women
- #12 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age > Occult > Witchcraft
- #12 in Books > Mind, Body & Spirit > Earth Based Religions > Witchcraft & Wicca > Witchcraft
Drawing Down the Moon
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More About the Author
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Popular demand for this clear-sighted compendium of information about the rebirth of Pagan religion hasn't waned since its initial publication in 1979. Distinguished by the journalism of US National Public Radio columnist Margot Adler, Drawing Down the Moon explains this diverse and burgeoning religion's philosophies and activities while dispelling stereotypes that have long been associated with it. Most people don't realise that "pagan" simply refers to pre-Christian polytheistic nature religions such as the various Native American creeds, Japanese Shinto, Celtic Druidry and Western European Wicca. Originally, the word pagan meant "country dweller" and was a derogatory term in third-century Rome, not unlike calling someone a "hick" today. If you find yourself feeling queasy when you hear the words witch or pagan, a healthy dose of re-education via Drawing Down the Moon could be the cure. --P. Randall Cohan
Product Description
This widely-acclaimed pioneering book gives us a fascinating and honest look at the religious experiences, beliefs, and lifestyles of the people who call themselves neopagans. Still the only detailed report on this little-known and largely misunderstood movement, it includes a completely updated resource guide of newsletters, journals, books, groups, and festivals.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is a must have for all Witches and Neo-Pagans, but it is also an amazingly helpful read for anyone researching, or simply with an interest in modern Witchcraft. It is quite an advanced book, and I would advise beginners to read some more basic books at first, but once you are ready for it, it is immensely rewarding. My eyes were glued to the page.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
From its first publication in 1979, Margot Adler's 'Drawing Down the Moon' has proven to be one of the most significant and influential books on the modern revival of Paganism. Its reputation is well deserved. This is a work of shining intelligence and lucidity which covers a great deal of ground. DDtM is equally useful both to Pagans and those others in the wider society who are trying to understand one of the fastest growing and potentially transformative religious movements in the Western world. Although a well-connected figure within the Pagan community, Adler's commitment has in no way impaired her powers of observation and analysis. And while drawing primarily on her researches in the United States, the book remains of considerable value to a wider readership in Europe and beyond.
In DDtM, Adler gives detailed consideration, both directly and through extensive interviews and surveys, to the nature and characteristics of modern Paganism and some of the major Pagan Traditions, to what it is that draws and inspires people to identify as Pagans, to the common themes and attitudes connecting the modern movement with its pre-Christian heritage, and to the significance it may have for contemporary Western culture. In a market increasingly bloated with trite, derivative, "how to" books on Paganism, her thoughtful and informed analysis stands out.
For this, the Third Edition (2006), the book has been fairly extensively revised and updated. The core insights however, remain timeless. "The world is holy. Nature is holy. The body is holy. Sexuality is holy. Divinity is immanent in nature; it is within you as well as without."
John Macintyre
In DDtM, Adler gives detailed consideration, both directly and through extensive interviews and surveys, to the nature and characteristics of modern Paganism and some of the major Pagan Traditions, to what it is that draws and inspires people to identify as Pagans, to the common themes and attitudes connecting the modern movement with its pre-Christian heritage, and to the significance it may have for contemporary Western culture. In a market increasingly bloated with trite, derivative, "how to" books on Paganism, her thoughtful and informed analysis stands out.
For this, the Third Edition (2006), the book has been fairly extensively revised and updated. The core insights however, remain timeless. "The world is holy. Nature is holy. The body is holy. Sexuality is holy. Divinity is immanent in nature; it is within you as well as without."
John Macintyre
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am a practicing Witch/Wiccan of more than five years and this is by far the worst book on the subject I have ever had the unfortunate luck to have picked up. "Drawing Down the Moon" is a book that does not explain the religion as it was or is; it is an extremist vision of "feminist Witchcraft" that acts mainstream.. Last time I checked there was a balance; the Goddess and the God, but you would never know that by reading this book. It is akin to David Koresh writing a general explanitory book about Christianity. This is most definetly NOT a book for anyone who wants a book on the religion of Wicca and to say it falls under "Witchcraft" is quite a stretch.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Quality Service
I purchased Drawing Down the Moon, the book was exactly as I expected, considering the Book came from the States to the Isle of Man, I would consider the service to be extremely... Read more
Published 4 months ago by John Cowin
Witchcraft
Extremely thoroughly researched, maybe slightly over long and a little complicated but it is a complicated subject, I learned that a lot of things I knew, or had forgotten were... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Michelle Scutt
Great book for wiccans and pagans
Really good book, but the language used is a bit annoying and slightly jargonish. All the same a good book.
Published on 23 April 2010 by claire lloyd
Good history book, a little dry at times
This was a great book for an unbiased, historical look at paganism. I did feel it was a little too feminist in slant, but that just seems to reflect the times. Read more
Published on 12 Aug 1999
BUY IT NOW!
This book is one of the most clearheaded views of pagansm and the craft that I have read. It is perfect for the beginner (or anyone) who is interested in the recent history of... Read more
Published on 30 July 1999
Excellent and intelligent writing!
A wonderful, intelligent and thorough look at modern earth-based religions. I enjoyed the information on paths I was not familiar with as well as the abundant resources given in... Read more
Published on 22 July 1999
A wonderful and informative resource for pagans and non
This book is a great resource for pagans old and new, and for non-pagans who wish to understand more about the earth-based religions. Read more
Published on 25 Jun 1999
Great read, but LONG
This is an excelent informitive book on earth based relgions. The language is wonderful and factual. Read more
Published on 4 Jun 1999
Essential understanding of the Goddess/Pagan culture:USA/UK.
When Margot's first edition of Drawing Down the Moon was published years ago,I purchased 13 copies and gave them to beloveds, shamans and inquisitive non-Pagan family members. Read more
Published on 29 April 1999
Not recommended as a historical reference.
This book was meant for practicing neopagans and anyone that wants to have a better understanding of their beliefs. Read more
Published on 16 April 1999
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