A New Kind Of Pagan

by Kimberly Winston, Religion BookLine -- Publishers Weekly, 3/22/2006

Among the sub-topics in the mind-body-spirit category is neo-paganism. These books focus on practice and always emphasize the physical, since Wiccans, Druids, Asatruar and others based their faith in nature. But new books in this category show a greater emphasis on physical activities that are not the exclusive domain of these religions, such as breathwork and dance. At Llewellyn, publicity manager Alison Aten attributes a recent rise in sales to a growing acceptance of neo-pagan teachings that overlap with other physical practices.

"People's entree into magic may be through body work or a yoga class," she said. "Once they make the connection that they are doing similar exercises, then I think [neo-pagan practices] become more interesting to the mainstream community." Llewellyn's new books include activities many non-pagans would recognize. Dancing the Goddess Incarnate: Living the Magic of Maiden, Mother & Crone by Kristin Madden and Dorothy Morrison (May) shows how dance can be used to reflect the different stages of a woman's life. Ritualcraft: Creating Rites for Transformation and Celebration by Amber K and Azrael Aryan K (Aug.) describes physical rituals as a link between body and spirit. Stacey Demarco's Witch in the Bedroom: Proven Sensual Magic (July) includes charms and spells for sex.

As in books generally in the body-mind-spirit category, a mix of East and West has found its way into neo-pagan books. Be Blessed: Daily Devotions for Busy Wiccans and Pagans by Denise Dumars (New Page, May) blends neo-pagan practices with Eastern traditions, including qi gong ("energy practice," based on Taoist principles). Kabbalah, Magic and the Great Work of Self-Transformation: A Complete Course by Lyam Thomas Christopher (Llewellyn, Aug.) is an initiation into the Golden Dawn tradition of magic, using, among other things, Alexander Technique, Pilates, and cardio-vascular exercises.

At Career Press's New Page imprint, neo-pagan books also offer non-pagan activities. Companion for the Apprentice Wizard by Oberon Zell Ravenheart (Jan.) has how-to's for tracking animals, making fairy wings, using a fire bow, and crafting potions and amulets. Family Wicca: Practical Paganism for Parents and Children by Ashleen O'Gaea (May) sends neo-pagan families on camping trips, with suggestions for outdoor rituals and activities that can be done with children. Weiser's The Druidry Handbook: Spiritual Practice Rooted in the Living Earth by John Michael Greer (Feb.) describes meditations, rituals and spiritual practices of the British Druid practice. These and other books provide plenty for the modern neo-pagan and the interested seeker to do.

For a feature that covers the full spectrum of trends in the body-mind-spirit category, see the Religion Update supplement in the March 27 issue of PW.