Drawing Down the Moon is unique. It offers an anthropological study of neo-paganism from the critical eye of an insider. Alder discusses many of the pagan sects in existence in the 1970’s and 1980’s. While several of these groups and organizations are now gone – and many new ones have sprung up to take their place – this book is the place to go if you want greater understanding of the pagan movement. Within these pages lie our cultural and historical heritage -- the foundations on which we all build.
Another thing Adler accomplishes with her book is the description of paganism as a true religious movement, which many outsiders, not really understanding what it’s all about, have difficulty grasping. the notion of the Craft as a strange, misinformed cult group is dispelled for anyone by reading just the first section. Instead, Adler states, "The real message of Drawing Down the Moon is that the spiritual world is like the natural world -- only diversity can save it." (vii)
At over 500 pages, the book is a bit of a reading endurance test. Also, in some areas, its easy to get bogged down. I recommend persistence, as the book is well worth the effort. Reading it in stages helps, so don’t feel guilty if you put it down and go on to something else, only to return hours, days, or even weeks later.
The revised edition adds updated research and Adler’s commentary on the first edition’s text. These are added on at the end of each chapter, in keeping with their reflective nature. There are also some added sections, such as men’s spirituality and Norse paganism. And while the resource section is a bit outdated, several organizations listed still exists, making Adler’s review of them invaluable.
Highly recommended, in spite of the dry spots.
-- reviewed by Tilly, 1 January, 1997
Originally
composed 23 July, 1998.
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