I picked this book up on a recommendation from Lunacy Bleeding. It’s a non-fiction book from the academic tradition that explores contemporary paganism from the perspective of religious studies. As such, the author is interested in the contemporary practices and beliefs of pagans and not the history or “truth” behind them.

I found it a wonderfully informative book. Of particular interest was the outlining of several different branches of paganism along with their similarities and differences. The style wasn’t overly complex and I found it easy to follow.

It also walked an interesting line in terms of the author and reader’s distance from the subject. Since I am new to the topic, it’s easy for me to find it intimidating, particularly when approaching it via texts that are much more embedded in the practices examined. However, the academic style allowed enough distance for me to feel comfortable with the subject, allowing me to learn and prepare to tackle other texts on my own terms. At the same time, the author displayed great insight into his subject and gave me the sense that he had engaged with it on a deeply personal level, which I enjoyed.

As I learn more, I expect to come back to this book and find new resonances.