Margot Adler is what's known in some circles as a "VIP" (Very Important Pagan), and that's why I read this book. What I found is that what little it had to say about the author's conversion to neo-paganism was disjointed and unrelated to the rest of the book. This is mainly a life history spanning the author's early life as the child of fringe American communists, through her college years at Berkley in the midst of the Free Speach and Viet Nam war protests. To me it included interesting history but I didn't see all the conections Ms Adler was making

Ms. Adler's book gave me an insight into a time that (I am embarrased to say) I never cared about before. The era that my parents grew up in seemed totally unknown to me before I read this book. All I knew were antiseptic text book notations and footage from Vietnam that seemed less realistic that "Apocalypse Now." I can't thank Ms. Adler enough for letting us into her life, thereby making the 1960's a human experience for me.

I loved this book. I am a few years younger than Margo Adler--and I was always about four years years too young to experience the high points of the Sixties directly. Too young to hitch to Woodstock or go to San Francisco for the Beatles last performance, let alone the Summer of Love! Yet, reading Adler's book, I felt I was there. She is articulate and well-spoken, and can breathe life into those years for those of us who were a little too young to participate, and were always left out. Her correspondence with Mark Anderson made my hair stand up on end, not only because of its evocation of the era (and its "The Way We Were" pairing of two very different people), but because it played out like a precursor of a modern Internet romance. Despite the distance between Margot and Mark, despite the fact that they could not meet in person for years, they "connected," and formed formed a strong, passionate bond that enriched both their lives. I highly recommend this book for more reasons that I have space to describe here. Older boomers, read it to recall a time you lived through; younger boomers, read it to experience a time you may have missed; the rest of you guys, just read it! It's not "just" about the Sixties, it's about love and friendship having the power to transcend even a war that was tearing the country apart.

DRAWING DOWN THE MOON takes a historical view of Neo-Paganism and who these people are today. Author Margot Adler brings research and experience to provide practical answers to this growing movement. Some readers may find some chapters a bit tedious, but for those who appreciate our roots and our shared struggles, there is much useful information to be gleaned.

Adler examines the diversity of beliefs that comprise Neo-Paganism, including witches, druids, Odinists, etc. The extensive sections on feminism definitely date DRAWING DOWN THE MOON, yet even within these sections are profound nuggets of information worthy of contemplation. Other sections relate intensely personal stories that reveal the profound nature of this spiritual path. One example that really provoked a reaction in me is the section regarding whether or not your "initiation" is valid if you have been initiated by someone who's own initiation is questionable. This section alone certainly allowed me to reevaluate my own experiences.

Well organized with extensive information on various pagan paths, readers will find practical explanations of belief systems. For seekers who want practical answers to their questions to witches, druids and more, Adler's work is a must read. Not a book to be digested in one sitting, DRAWING DOWN THE MOON is worthy of long-term reading and reflection. Having talked with other who have read this book, not all will find that it "speaks" to them on their first attempt. I put it down after the first chapter a year ago, only to latch onto the same information with tremendous enthusiasm this year. Seekers will also be interested to know that DRAWING DOWN THE MOON has been widely accepted among the Pagan community as an important part of the "recommended" reading list. Very highly recommended.

Bright Blessings,
Weaver

I read this book when it was first published and recommned it to anyone who wants to become more enlightened about the topic. I have a social science background, and thus a general understanding of the various world views of traditional societies who are in my opinion closer to old Mother Earth than most of us "moderns" who spend far too much time caught up in our technology. Margot Adler (granddaughter of the famous psychologist) went exploring (ethnographic field work) and this book is the result.

She does not promote any of the world views she describes, she plays the good ethnographer and records what she finds. She participates on several occasions, and thus becomes the "participant observer" recorder. I didn't know much about the revival of "paganism" and had never heard of Wicca before I read Adler's book. I learned that in spite of the professed enlightenment of our modern age, many fear the practices described. Why? Basically, the practice of Wicca seems to be a female oriented way of life--focusing on nature, life, a spiritual path. I for one am continuing to read about Wicca and explore what others are doing.

I figure some of the so-called witches etc. are not what they purport to be, just as some of the agressive so-called Christians driving with bumper stickers that advertise their "faith" are not what they purport to be. I recommend Adler's book if you are interested in comparative religion, are looking for a new way of living or just curious about a somewhat maligned and often persecuted group of mostly women.

We met the author in 1978 as she was awaiting publlication of her book. We found it excellent, but already a bit dated and hoped for an update in the revision that came later. Unfortunately, the later version was only slightly different from the earlier one.The Craft has changed faster than any other religious movement, and we need a truly up-to-date revision, but we need it from Margot Adler. For her balanced and human document is the perfect contrast to the books by enemies of witchcraft who want to portray ourselves as devil-worshippers, etc. For now, the work is mainly useful in providing a history of a crucial time in the emergence of this growing religious movement. We are pleased to see attention given to our own tradition, NROOGD, in the book. It is very well written and intelligent. We highly recommend it, but again as an historical rather than a current document.