Paganism – An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions
Joyce and River Higginbotham
Welcome to Agrimony’s Book Nook. Grab a cuppa and get comfy in your chair and join me while we explore a book I love. Tonight I am reviewing Paganism – An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions by Joyce and River Higginbotham.
This is a wonderful book and is a great read for anyone wanting to know more about what exactly Paganism is, what Pagans believe and do. The Higginbothams took on a big task, but, I think they succeed admirably. This book is an excellent overview at Earth Centered Spirituality. It briefly looks at the various paths, or sects that make up modern Pagans, although if one desires an in depth look at the various paths, this isn’t that.
For people who are new to Paganism, but, feel some draw, this is a great book, a workbook if you will, to explore what you believe and point you in a direction for further study and practice.
For people who aren’t Pagan, but, know someone who is, this is an excellent book to explain what Pagans are, and, aren’t.
For those who have been around a while, it is a good look at other paths, and also a checkup on one’s own beliefs. It is a wonderful book to use as a text for teaching one’s own classes.
No spells or rituals here, this is not a how to book, it is more of a why to book. The book has great exercises, meditations and journal prompts that help one explore and develop their views. This book isn’t Wiccan, as so many “Pagan” books are. It is written and presented in an easy to understand format, but, it doesn’t condescend or preach. The book is wonderful to use in one study, and also useful to have for reference.
Paganism gives a look at what various Pagan Rituals are like and looks at various rites of passage. It also gives an overview of the Wheel of the Year and the various Pagan Holidays. At the same time, while giving overviews on some things, please don’t think this book is simply a skimpy overview type book, the heart and soul of Paganism is that overall, this isn’t a how to book. As I said, it is a why book.
The Higginbothams look at the why behind the various beliefs that are widely held by those who are under the umbrella term Pagan. They look at what those beliefs are about, and what they have in common with other beliefs. The book includes chapters on the Pagan View of Deity, The Living Universe, Magick and Satan. There is also a look at Ethics and Personal Responsibility. These chapters I have singled out are at the same time introductions to those topics while giving a satisfying discussion.
They give plenty of references should one want to study further. At the same time, for someone of another faith, who only wants a good knowledge of Pagansim, this book would probably be enough. It is also very helpful for Pagans who want to be able to converse with Christians about what their beliefs are and are not.
Joyce and River Higginbotham are prominent in the Pagan Community in the St Louis area, and in the interest of full disclosure, I should say I have been blessed to have known them for years. They have taught classes for a long time and have done a wonderful job of putting their teachings into a book for those who aren’t fortunate enough to attend their classes. They have created a book that has, and, will, be considered a classic basic Pagan text and has become a must read book on booklists of teachers on a variety of Pagan paths.
Paganism – An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions by Joyce and River Higginbotham is available online and at finer bookstores everywhere.
Thanks for joining me. I hope you have a wonderful week!
