Handbook Of Contemporary Paganism

Contemporary Paganism is a movement that is still young and establishing its identity and place on the global religious landscape. The members of the movement are simultaneously growing, unifying, and maintaining its characteristic diversity of traditions, identities, and rituals. The modern Pagan movement has had a restless formation period but has also been the catalyst for some of the most innovative religious expressions, praxis, theologies, and communities. As Contemporary Paganism continues to grow and mature, new angles of inquiry about it have emerged and are explored in this collection. This examination and study of contemporary Paganism contributes new ways to observe and examine other religions, where innovations, paradoxes, and inconsistencies can be more accurately documented and explained.

All ancient celebrations relate to Nature and humankind's place within the cosmic whole. Authentic Paganism is based on immutable truths. Unlike later man-made religions, Pagan worship is not in any way doctrinal but is a way of being. It is a great gift that we are all born with. The Old Gods reside deep within us; they dwell also in the vast uncharted corners of the universe and beyond. Their terrible yet beautiful force creates, destroys then creates anew all things in existence. The wondrous Lord and Lady of Paganism are as real today as they have ever been for those exceptional and enlightened people who welcome them into their hearts, minds and souls. In The New Pagan Handbook Pat Regan explores the origins of Paganism, its suppression and re-emergence and looks at ways modern Pagans can express their spirituality and draw closer to the Old Gods. Using classical Roman Paganism as a model, this book shows you how to develop rituals and magick to suit your needs. With extensive appendices on symbolism and festivals, The New Pagan Handbook will help you to begin your own Pagan journey. Pat Regan has worked for many years with the Pagan Anti-defamation Network (PAN), campaigning, researching and writing many articles on Paganism and ecology and is currently the author of nine books.

The Handbook of Contemporary Animism brings together an international team of scholars to examine the full range of animist worldviews and practices. The volume opens with an examination of recent approaches to animism. This is followed by evaluations of ethnographic, cognitive, literary, performative, and material culture approaches, as well as advances in activist and indigenous thinking about animism. This handbook will be invaluable to students and scholars of Religion, Sociology and Anthropology.

The Handbook of Contemporary Animism brings together an international team of scholars to examine the full range of animist worldviews and practices. The volume opens with an examination of recent approaches to animism. This is followed by evaluations of ethnographic, cognitive, literary, performative, and material culture approaches, as well as advances in activist and indigenous thinking about animism. This handbook will be invaluable to students and scholars of Religion, Sociology and Anthropology.

Paganistan - a moniker adapted by the Twin Cities Contemporary Pagan community - is the title of a history and ethnography of a regionally unique, urban, and vibrant community in Minnesota. The story of the community traces the formation of some of the earliest organizations and churches in the US, the influence of publication houses and bookstores, the marketplace, and the local University, on the growth and sustenance of a distinct Pagan community identity, as well as discussions of the patterns of diversifying and cohesion that occur as a result of societal pressure, politics, and generational growth within it. As the first ever study of this long-lived community, this book sets out to document Paganistan as another aspect of the increasing prevalence of Paganism in the US and contributes to the discussion of the formation of new American religious communities. Revealing how canonical theories about community formation in anthropology do not always fit comfortably nor accurately describe how a vibrant Pagan community creates and sustains itself, this book will be of interest to scholars of religion and new religious movements worldwide, and offers a valuable contribution to discussions within both urban anthropology and sociology.

In Pagan Theology, Michael York provides an introduction to, and expansion of, the concept of Paganism and provides an overview of its theological perspective and practice. He demonstrates it to be a viable and distinguishable spiritual perspective found today in such forms as Chinese folk religion, Shinto, tribal religions, and neo-Paganism in the West. While adherents of many of these traditions do not use the word "pagan" to describe their beliefs or practices, York contends that there is an identifiable position possessing characteristics and understandings in common for which the label "pagan" is appropriate. He outlines these characteristics and also explores paganism as a general form of religious behavior which may be found in other religions which are not themselves pagan. In the course of examining such behavior, York provides descriptions of religions in action, including Buddhism and Hinduism.

Revised and expanded, this comprehensive manual clearly interprets neo-Pagan religious beliefs and practices for non-Pagans, such as professionals in law enforcement, education, social services, and the media. Educating the general public by providing a strong introduction to these alternative spiritual traditions, this updated reference explains the festivals, symbols, tools, and history of Wicca, presents new chapters on the practices of Druidism and Ásatrú, and demonstrates how oppressive religious doctrine has maligned modern Pagans. Written in an accessible style, this overview is tailored for believers as well as skeptics, scholars, and the idly curious. A glossary of neo-Pagan terms and an extensive bibliography are also included.