Pagan Bookshelf Essentials #1 Drawing Down The Moon

People often ask me, what in my opinion is one book that a new pagan or occultist should read to learn about the history, philosophy, and beliefs of many of the Pagan traditions in America, and around the world. Well here is the book, Drawing Down the Moon, written by Margot Adler. Published and released the same day as Starhawks, 'The Spiral Dance". Margot Adler is also a radio Personality, on National Public Radio's , All things considered. This book has gone thru many revisions over the years, and it is constantly being reviewed and added to.Which is good because our communities are growing all around the world.My very first forays into the occult bookstores i used to frequent some 20 years ago, this and some books by Scott Cunningham were my First purchase. I was hungry to learn of the many traditions of the Craft, and various other Pagan groups. Its a big book, my copy weighs in at 584 pages. Covering topics such as.,Magick and Ritual,Women, Feminism,and The Craft, The Pagan World View.Reconstructionism, Church of All Worlds, and so forth and so on. Margot treats each topic fairly, taking the time to research, and meet people face to face. Which some authors very rarely take the time to actually put in the leg work, also being an Alexandrian priestess and a woman who was able to get in and interview people who might not have otherwise wanted to share of there traditions with others, Mrs Adler indeed had her work cut out for her. I especially like her work in defining and bringing to light the fledgling Pagan Festival Movement.So whenever someone asks, Where should i start. I ALWAYS start with this book. it will continue to be an invaluable resource for Pagans, Wiccans, and Occultists of all kinds. my questions to the readers of this blog, Do you have a copy of this book , and what are your opinions about it. Leave me a comment . And look for more Pagan Bookshelf

Our Sacred Animals

I have been watching the seasons change and for our busy hustle and bustle sometimes we need to take a look at another world. The world of animals, our sacred animals. As Pagans i believe we see all living beings as sacred, and for the greater part of it we focus on our selves. but we should turn to the realm of animals, Not just as familiars and guides but as genuinely sacred for who and what they are. Look at some of the spiritual phrases and images we have that verify this every day. Such as the image of the earth being supported by 4 elephants, the phrase "its turtles all the way down" or "sacred cow" and so on, and so forth. The folklore tied to so many animals of the Gods and Goddesses from cultures around the world. The Norse and Scandinavian cultures with Sleipnir and the Fenris wolf. The Egyptians with Bast and sacred cats. The Celtic culture with the raven of the Morrigan, Epona's horse, the Boar and the hound, the Salmon of Knowledge. The Native Americans with Trickster the coyote. All these animals, all these beings are sacred because they empower us, when we eat of the flesh and bone of an animal we internalize that animal, it gives us renewed life. Sacred animals give us wisdom, we learn as we watch the birds migrate, that winter is coming. We learn by observing their habits lessons of patience, skill and innovation. We are not lords over the animal kingdom, we are on the same footing. Animals give us pleasure, music , and beauty, they inspire stories, poetry, and artistry. Our sacred animals are gifts from the Gods themselves. Even in this modern age we have animals that seem outside the realm of sacredness, but are by far the most sacred. Our family pets, our frisky cats, and our regal and trusting dog friends, who daily make us smile, laugh, and cry. These are our children, entrusted in our care, magick with a furry face, and a soft purr.As Pagans we need to look beyond the fanciful trappings of ritual, spells, and black cats, to the reality of sacredness that is in our homes, and are out there in fields, and forests, the oceans, and the mountain streams. After all, these ARE our sacred animals.