new age

Modern Pagans is a look at various individuals (in interview form) that the author appears to believe are representative of the Pagan community. Included are very well known figures such as Starhawk, Margot Adler, Oberon & Morning Glory, and Selena Fox. The book also includes minor players like Don Frew, along with several individuals that most people have probably never heard of.

All in all the book provides an interesting overview of the opinions of some of the elders in the Pagan community today. The reader should be aware that many other Pagans have differing views and opinions that are not reflected here.

Re/Search has reliably published excellent interview books on a number of sub- and anti- cultural groups, so it is not surprising that their latest, Modern Pagans, is as well-executed as it is. A number of Pagan interview books have been released over the last handful of years, but Re/Search truly distinguish themselves by exploring the thinking of contemporary leaders with much greater depth than has been shown before. This book provides a brilliant snapshot of the people whose influence will shape the direction of the Neo-Pagan movement in the future, and brings into focus the challenges and level of discussion within it today. As a sample of the diverse personalities interviewed, one could give Starhawk on Doreen Valiente, Don Frew on Ronald Hutton, Margot Adler on the media, Isaac Bonewits on Neitzsche, Matthew Fox on his leaving the Catholic Church, and Carol Queen on the Great Rite. Definitely another success for Re/Search.

I'd seen this book on the shelves of a local book store for quite some time before finally buying it. It came out around the same time I began exploring Paganism as a spiritual path. Since I already casually knew a couple of people the book interviews (Carol Queen & Joi Wolfwomyn) before reading this book, it was interesting for me to read what they had to say about this spiritual path. I also found out about Madrone's workshops as a result of this book. As I read more of the interviews, I found myself agreeing with some but not necessarily everything I read. Which is fine, not everything I read I will agree with, just as not everything I say others will agree with. And while this book is an excellent cross-section of those following this path, not every path is represented. Still it does provide some good viewpoints and food for thought.

The book also features a lot of other books and web sites to read for those looking for further information. There are also other side bars featuring items like a feature about the "history of Gardnerian wicca," a sample ritual, and numerous pictures. To someone either considering exploring or following this path, this book provides a glimpse into what some but not all Pagans do in their day to day lives and what this path means to them personally.