Contemporary Paganism: Listening People, Speaking Earth

By Graham Harvey

Book Overview

"Graham Harvey has written the best book yet published upon an important complex of contemporary religions, of which most people know only through hearsay and sensational journalism. His account is exciting, revealing, objective and just; the whole kaleidoscope of Paganism is here in all its vivid colours: witches, Druids, Odinists, eco-mystics and many others." -Ronald Hutton University of Bristol "As much as is humanly possible to do so, Harvey has managed to fit Paganism between two covers. . . . This exquisitely detailed book takes an in-depth look at many branches of modern Paganism, related customs and issues, beliefs, and history. It rivals classics likeDrawing Down the Moonfor coverage and clarity." -Hypatia's Hoard The Pagan tradition celebrates the physical nature of life on earth, blending science with spiritual folklore. Seasonal festivals are combined with the rediscovery of shamanic techniques and an emphasis on grounded empiricism. Considering the everyday world of food, health, sex, work, and leisure to be sacred, Pagans oppose that which threatens life such as deforestation, overdevelopment, nuclear power and invoke ancient deities in this struggle for the well-being of the earth and its inhabitants. Contemporary Paganismpresents a broad-based introduction to the main trends of contemporary Paganism, revealing the origins and practical aspects of Druidry, Witchcraft, Heathenism, Goddess Spirituality and Magic, Shamanism, and Geomancy among others. Making use of both traditional history and the movement's more imaginative sources, Harvey reveals how Paganism and its central focus on individual and social life is evolving and how this new religion perceives and relates to more traditional ones.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0814735495
• ISBN13: 9780814735497
• Release Date: April 1997
• Publisher: New York University Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.97 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.8" x 8.8"