Pagan Paths: A Guide to Wicca, Druidry, Asatru, Shamanism and Other Pagan Practices

by Pete Jennings

Paganism, which has its roots in the ancient nature religions, is one of the fastest growing movements in the West today. As such, it is a collection of “spiritual paths” that express their beliefs in subtly different ways, explored here in this illuminating guide. Discover the natural beliefs and practices of Wicca, Hedgewitch traditions, Druidry, Shamanism, Asatru, Mystery Groups, and Eclectic Paganism—as well as the Pagan approach to magic and the significance of sacred lives. Learn how to lead a Pagan lifestyle, and explore the growing role of Paganism in today’s world. Whether you’re setting out on a Pagan path for the first time, or have been committed to one for many years, this informative book will help you in expressing your own beliefs and understanding those of others.

Genres: Nonfiction, Paganism, Religion, Spirituality, Wicca, Witchcraft, Magick

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2002

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book but it seems like the author is writing from opinion much of the time instead of from unbiased research. *edit* it’s even worse than I thought, he essentially justifies odinists (and may carry this belief himself) who “believe in general that one’s spiritual path should be generated from one’s racial roots” no thanks Pete Jennings!! I will not be taking any information from this book as worth anything. Needless to say this book is extremely outdated. If you’re under 35 don’t even bother bc most likely you’ll find yourself irritated or angry w every turn of the page.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was interested in paganism and wicca. This book seemed to have a broad spectra of different kinds of paganism, which is why I picked it up to read. And I was not disappointed.

Granted, that it probably is nothing for people who are looking for an in depth view on paganism or wicca, but rather for a beginner of the subject like me. It is more the history of paganism throughout mankind. But don't think because it describes history, it is boring. I mostly prefer novels and only pick up a non-fiction book if I want to learn more about a given subject. That said I thought the book was written pretty well and keeps the reader wanting to read more.

So to wrap this up, if you are interested in paganism and are looking for a starting point from the several books that exist, try out this one. And if a certain path of paganism interests you, the author gives recommendations for further reads.

[Pete · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty light read giving a whistle stop tour of many different branches of Wicca and Paganism.
A little outdated being first published in the early 2000s, and you can definitely sense the author is a middle aged white British man from his writing.

Still, it was the sort of book I was looking for, and a good primer.

[maité · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐
-
a very informative and interesting beginners guide. i like how theres a whole chapter about other books and websites you can consult in case you feel drawn to one pagan path. some parts were a bit too vague for me though, and I would've liked some more explanation for those parts.

[Jonathan Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful little read and introduction to modern Paganism. This book is particularly useful for those curious about paganism, or just starting out on their alternative spiritual journey, with its concise overview of the more popular pagan paths.

[Valerie Riley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gives a bit of info but nothing too complex, which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the reader's preference or how new they are to the topic. Highly outdated, seems like it's older than 2 decades. Doesn't give sources, as another reader mentioned. How can you not give sources?

Another reviewer mentioned that the author said something along the lines that one's religion should come from their racial heritage. First of all, how do we know for certain what religion came from where, if it's really "native" to a region or not, with all the warring and conquering that went on since the beginning of time? Second of all, that's a completely different take than the Asatru high priest, Hilmar Hilmarrson, who said that the racist interpretation of heathenry is “a total perversion” of the original mythology. To Hilmarrson, paganism is “a wonderful blueprint” for multiculturalism and diversity. As others have pointed out, Hilmarrson said, “The gods are of mixed races. We even have a crossdressing god.”. When he saw racists displaying runes, he said, “I think it’s obscene...we are absolutely horrified” https : //www DOT theatlantic DOT com/international/archive/2017/11/asatru-heathenry-racism/543864/ . Third of all, there are many groups like Heathens Against Hate, Heathens United Against Racism, Vikings Against Racism, Thor Hates Racists, Forn Sidr of America, who support BLM and gay rights.

Overall, if your expectations are low and you read it in the context of its time, it still doesn't pass. Not recommended.

[Conor Waterman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a decent stepping stone for anyone who wants to get the very very basics of what Paganism is.
This book desperately needs an updated edition, if not just for the sources and recommended reading.

Some good points put across, and an extremely useful starting point to get stuck into the different paths that Paganism can take you, but overall it leaves you desiring a lot more. Some sections are extremely short, maybe 4 pages at most, and give a bare bones explanation of what they are. Other sections are 20+ pages, and seem to still leave you with a bare bones explanation that after having finished the chapter you feel as though you don't really know any more than you started with.

This is a book that can be flicked through in a few hours, and certainly benefits from picking and choosing the chapters that interest you.

I'd personally say that there is more useful books to start with, but if you no absolutely nothing about the pathways of Paganism, then give it a chance.

[G. R. Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up in the Stonehenge gift shop looking to explore some history about Paganism and its various faiths that celebrate spirituality around nature and our planet, as well as some history relating to traditional Christianity’s hostility towards Paganism. The author’s writing style is very bland and opinion driven. Maybe it is because the book is dated since it was written in 2000 and sparsely edited in 2020. A lot of the content in the book is written for a pre-social media era. The most interesting parts were usually quotes from other writers. The book did not drive down on the spirituality or history of pagan traditions; instead it provided a broad overview of various 20th century interpretations of Paganism and miscellaneous practices performed by small groups. *paraphrasing*: “you don’t have to have sex with a witch to be initiated in to a coven if you don’t want to… unless that’s what you’re in to… and you’re over 18”

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good introduction to a variety of Pagan beliefs. Doesn't cover my own beliefs so would have liked to have seen even more covered, but then the religion is so diverse that I imagine it's difficult to cover them all! Included great thinking points and practical things to do as well, plus a very comprehensive resources list.

[finch · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting and informative, but a lot of claims to fact don't have references and don't come up when googling. this might be because they're from old studies or articles and are buried under new results, but I found it off-putting. some out of date language, but that's expected from a book from the early 2000s.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it a lot ,I am just about to read it again

[Raquel Couto Mota · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Nice introductory book. Doesn’t go too deep, but keeps on being light and funny.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting introduction to different forms of Paganism, presented in a conversational format which includes many anecdotes from the author's own experience.

[Elisabet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introductory book to the more popular pagan paths. Help you work out what might interest you.

[Panagiota Goule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very consistent and informative, especially for those who want to have an overview on neo-pagan trends.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting starting point to learn about different types of paganism.

[Chrissy Shea Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for a historical book - the intro is interesting for this - but this is more of a how to/self-help book. Disappointing.

[Olivia Wickstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly very easy to read. The ideas and language in these books go over my head sometimes, but this was a great intro to nature-based religions.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the main pagan paths. Highly readable, packed with information.

[Chantal · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5
I wanted a book that introduced some of the different branches of the Pagan religion, and this is exactly what I got.

This is a good general introductory book to many of the forms of Paganism followed today in the UK and N. America. Extremely readable, but it is more suited to those who are interested in becoming Pagan themselves than those who have a more Academic interest. There are some suggestions for further reading materials at the back of the book, making this a good introductory book for those, like myself, who have a vague idea about what it means to be Pagan, but have little knowledge beyond knowing names like Wicca and Asatru.

[Joshua Allerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone interested in the pagan world, may this be your starting point! This book builds the foundations of your knowledge needed before expanding your research into specified areas. The author, Pete Jennings, writes in an unbiased way, encouraging you to disagree with what is being said and challenge yourself on your own beliefs. If you are looking to start a new spiritual journey, this is your new starting point!

[Luna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that this book was very informative and gave me lots of interesting information. I enjoyed expanding my knowledge about Paganism. I didn't learn everything I wanted to, although I learned a lot.
It took me a while to read this book - mainly because I can only take in so much information at a time. However, I still thought this was an interesting read.

[Max Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first pagan book when I considered converting from Christianity and it is an excellent book for those that are unsure of the path they wish to follow. It gave me a real insight and help into why Paganism is the only path and why organised man-made deities are so wrong.

[Chela]

coming soon

[Matte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to all things pagan.
Altough he do not go in very deep into the topics, just scratches the surface