Contemporary Paganism: Religions of the Earth from Druids and Witches to Heathens and Ecofeminists

278 Pages·20141·46.334 MB·English

by  Graham Harvey

Graham Harvey
CONTEMPORARY
PAGANISM
I
' Second Edition
i
I
Religions of the Earth from Druids and
Witches to Heathens and Ecofeminists

CONTEMPORARY PAGANISM
Second Edition
GRAHAM HARVEY
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Contemporary Paganism
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Religions of the Earth from Druids and
Witches to Heathens and Ecofrminists
i Second Edition
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NEW YORK UNIVERSITY PRESS
* Washington Square, New York
BP
b05
.N4b
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First published in the U.S.A, by
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY PRESS
Washington Square
New York, NY 10003
www.nyupress.org
© Graham Harvey, 1997 and 2011
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Harvey, Graham, 1959-
Contemporary paganism ; religions of the earth from Druids and
witches to heathens and ecofeminists! Graham Harvey - 2nd ed
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index
ISBN 978-0-8147-9061-8 (pb : alk. paper)
1. Neopaganism. I. Title.
BP605.N46C662011 i . t 'I,,
299'.94—dc22 ' i
2010037495
Printed in India
Among the stones of the moles,
by salmon pool and heron lake
and in the greenwood of the hedgehogs
I walk with my love, Molly
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Can a religious movement thrive without priests, hierarchy, dogma and
even formal creeds? Is it possible to blend the lasting insights of our
ancestors with the clearest understandings of contemporary scientists
and so create an ecologically sound religion? Can a religion encourage
its adherents to abandon outdated notions about its origins and to
celebrate new stories?
Judging from the contemporary Pagan movement, the answer to all
of these questions is a resounding yes. The Pagan tradition celebrates
the physical nature of life on earth, blending science with spiritual
folklore. Seasonal festivals are combined with the rediscovery of
shamanic techniques and an emphasis on embodiment and pragmatism.
Considering the everyday world—of food, health, work, and leisure—
to be sacred. Pagans oppose that which threatens life—deforestation,
overdevelopment, nuclear power, misogyny—with dramatic protest
and colourftil ceremony. Ancient deities are invoked in this struggle for
the well-being of the earth and its inhabitants.
An engaging, broad-based introduction to the main trends of
contemporary Paganism, Graham Harvey’s book considers the origins
and practical aspects of Druidry, Witchcraft, Heathenry and Goddess
Spirituality, and magic, shamanism and earth mysteries, dispelling the
unfortunate equation of Paganism with Satanism. Making use of both
traditional history and the movement’s more imaginative sources, the
book reveals how Paganism—and its central focus on individual and
social life—is evolving and how this new / old religion perceives and
relates to other religious traditions.
Graham Harvey is Lecturer in Religious Studies, The Open University,
UK.
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CONTENTS
Preface to the Second Edition and Acknowledgements page xv
1. Celebrating the Seasons 1
Samhain 3
Midwinter
6
Imbolc 8
Spring Equinox 9
Beltain 10
Summer Solstice 11
Lughnasadh or Lammas 12
Autumn Equinox and the full circle 13
Lunar rhythms 14
Star signs 14
Calendar months 14
Listening people, speaking Earth 15
2. Druidry 17
"V./J
Looking back, looking down 17
Types and stereotypes 19
Bards 20
Ovates
25
Druids
29
Grades, hierarchies and Druid time 32
Stonehenge 33
Looking forward 34
3. The Craft of Witches 35
The Charge of the Goddess 36
Drawing Down the Moon 38
Polarity and sexuality 40
Nature 42
Into the circle
43
Using energy 47
Cakes and wine 48
Open and closed groups 48
Types of Wicca 49