Pagan Paths A Guide to Wicca, Druidry, Asatru, Shamanism and Other Pagan Practices

by Jennings, Pete

• ISBN13: 9780712611060
• ISBN10: 0712611061
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-03-01
• Publisher: Random House UK

Summary

Paganism, which has its roots in the ancient nature religions, is one of the fastest growing movements in the West today. As such, it is a collection of "spiritual paths" that express their beliefs in subtly different ways, explored here in this illuminating guide. Discover the natural beliefs and practices of Wicca, Hedgewitch traditions, Druidry, Shamanism, Asatru, Mystery Groups, and Eclectic Paganismas well as the Pagan approach to magic and the significance of sacred lives. Learn how to lead a Pagan lifestyle, and explore the growing role of Paganism in today's world. Whether you're setting out on a Pagan path for the first time, or have been committed to one for many years, this informative book will help you in expressing your own beliefs and understanding those of others.

Table of Contents

List of Figures	6	(7)
Introduction	7	(18)
Festivals and Rites of Passage	25	(11)
Sacred Sites	36	(12)
Hereditary and Traditional Witchcraft	48	(16)
Gardnerian Witchcraft	64	(9)
Alexandrian Wicca	73	(3)
Later Offshoots, Including Seax and Progressive Witchcraft	76	(4)
Hedgewitch Traditions	80	(3)
Druidry	83	(7)
Asatru and the Northern Tradition	90	(10)
Shamanism	100	(8)
Male and Female Mystery Groups and Psychic Questers	108	(5)
Eclectic Paganism and Foreign Traditions	113	(4)
Magical Theory and its Ethics	117	(10)
Using Magic	127	(18)
Where Do We Go From Here?	145	(12)
The Future of Paganism	157	(13)
Bibliography, References, Websites and Organisations	170	(15)
Glossary	185	(5)
Index	190