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"The Path of Paganism" A Book Review [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2023-08-12

Many people often wonder where to start out on their Pagan path, be it Druidry, Witchcraft, Polytheism, or whatever it is they feel called to, and are curious about. They want to know what book to read to help them understand what may await them as they take those first steps and just how to get going. Many other people have been walking their journey for awhile and want to know where to look next as they search for deeper connections and more meaningful experiences with the Gods they have come to know. Then there are the intrepid travelers who are headed "off the map" but could use a travel companion. And still other folks have walked so far their feet are screamin' for breather, soles on fire (ugh...puns. sorry.) and they are ready to bring what they have learned to the public. For all of you seekers, travelers, and walkers of the Pagan way, there is a book in which anyone can find a helpful and guiding voice to keep you company. The voice is that of Druid, Priest, and writer John Beckett and the book is "The Path Of Paganism" published by Llewellyn Publications.

Subtitled "An Experience-Based Guide to Modern Pagan Practice" this treasure filled book is just that, John's lessons learned along the way, all written with the confidence and honesty of someone who has clearly "been there." Like those three rays of sunlight shining through the tangled branches of the forest canopy to illuminate the paths before us, this book is composed of three main sections: Building a Foundation, Putting It Into Practice, and Intermediate Practice. There's a brief final section, part four, Living at the Edge, but your going to want to get the followup book by Beckett at that point titled "Paganism in Depth" also published by LLewellyn.

Part one, Building a Foundation will give some background and ideas to get you going. One piece I found quite helpful is what Beckett calls "The Virtuous Circle." This circle demonstrates how our practices create our experiences that form our beliefs that drive our practices that create more experiences that reinforce our beliefs and round and round we go. You can start from any point and travel in either direction, no widdershins to mind in this circle. Forms of Paganism, our relationship with Nature, the Gods and our Ancestors are all covered in part one as well. Questions for contemplation and helpful rituals are all provided throughout.

Part two, Putting it Into Practice, is exactly what says on the tin. Here we get that most important part of Paganism, the doing. Prayer, meditation, offerings, and the altar are a few of the topics touched on. All of which are done with John's easy to follow style and just enough depth to start turning the wheel. There’s a discussion of magic and a some timely and very welcome writing on living in troubled times like ours. Here Beckett borrows the term "Tower Time" from Byron Ballard in reference to the Tower card in the Tarot. He doesn't hold back when speaking of this moment in history. "There's no sugarcoating the Tower- it's going to hurt and it's going to hurt a lot. It already is. But the Tower is necessary." p.203

Intermediate Practice, Part three, brings us deeper into ritual planning, public events and priesthood. Good ideas here for ritual structure and how to avoid some common pitfalls. So are you ready to lead that public circle this Samhain? John's got your back with a solid Pagan ritual outline ready for you to plug in your creativity to and make it so. There's a whole lot more within these pages waiting for you when your ready to start. Now seems like a good time, don't you think?

Most times when reading books on Paganism, magical traditions, or the occult, I tend to keep a bit of a skeptics eye out for what sometimes, frankly, turns out be useless or distracting junk. I find no need to do so with Beckett and his tone makes it very easy to trust him as an author with great integrity. If you can't get a hold of the book just yet, check out his blog "Under the Ancient Oaks" at Patheos. Of course, if your up for it, he also offers online classes at undertheancientoaks.com that are quite affordable compared to others that are out there. I've taken them all and never been disappointed. If the classes aren't live, you can still watch the videos at your own pace and John makes himself available for questions pertaining to all of them via email. "The Path of Paganism" is the most useful book I have read since the days of my youth when I walked into the local witch shop and made my first purchase thirty plus years ago. I hope you read it, it will serve you well wherever you find yourself walking.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/8/12/2186891/--The-Path-of-Paganism-A-Book-Review

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