Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Our Pagan Bookshelves

As I have been on a quest for "bigger and better" things regarding Pagan books, Jason's post over at Wildhunt hit home for me.

What do Pagans and those who are just curious (like me) want from their books today? For me, I think I would like a little more discussion on the theology of Pagan religions, maybe a few biographies of elders and other involved and true history of Paganism. All of these are subjects that Jason has touched on in his article.

He also mentions ethics, which I also think would be an important topic to discuss. If Pagan ethics were discussed more in detail, I think that would help out the cause of giving more validity to this set of religions. There are many people out there that just don't understand what modern paganism is about and this is partially due to lack of information available.

What other things would you like to see regarding new Pagan books?

6 comments:

Stephanie said...

I'm reading "Spirit of the Witch," which is a focus on spirituality, geared to the "beyond 101" witch. I'm really enjoying it. It's the first "intermediate" witchy book I've found. I wanted a book that discussed the spiritual aspects of witchcraft and in my years, this is the first I've found. I'd like more books to stray away from "how-to" and to gravitate toward "why."

Turtleheart said...

I'll tell you what I'm tired of seeing-- all these "Spell-a-Day""Book o' Spells for XYZ" kinds of books. Those books just drive me nuts. Its *not* about spells, people!

I agree with Eden & Inga, less how-to and more Why. Also more exploring different aspects of everyday spirituality and how to create that (like The Circle Within). And more exploring Goddess/God myths...

S. Nichole said...

You gals have "hit the nail on the head" so to speak. That is exactly what I am looking for - the why more than the how-to.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Sonja Nelson said...

good question...hmm.

I would like books that delve into the philosophy and rituals behind the modern craft beyond Gardner and Wicca. I stumbled upon a book called The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination that really opened my eyes to how Wicca and Tarot readers have been blind or misled regarding where a lot of the rituals and beliefs started from.

Being a former anthropology student I tend to read a lot regarding origins and history so I am actually in the minority that would like some interesting, well researched spell books.

Sonja Nelson said...

I'm with Steven *nod nod* I would also like more books that cater to pagans/heathens.

S. Nichole said...

Steven, thanks for your perspective.

I am just getting into studying some philosophical issues that relate to relgion, so I understand what you are saying. I also think that this would help Pagans to get a further understanding into their beliefs.

Sometimes I think that some of the things that are considered dogma are some of the issues that need to be addressed with in the Pagan community. But this is a religion that is still in its "growing up" phase, so maybe we will see more of this as it progresses.