num_pages: 272
description: An introduction to modern Paganism and its roots and historyThe Pagan tradition celebrates the physical nature of life on earth blending science with spiritual folklore. Seasonal festivals are combined with the rediscovery of shamanic techniques and an emphasis on grounded empiricism. Considering the everyday world of food health sex work and leisure to be sacred Pagans oppose that which threatens life such as deforestation overdevelopment nuclear power and invoke ancient deities in this struggle for the well-being of the earth and its inhabitants.Contemporary Paganism presents a broad-based introduction to the main trends of contemporary Paganism revealing the origins and practical aspects of Druidry Witchcraft Heathenism Goddess Spirituality and Magic Shamanism and Geomancy among others. Making use of both traditional history and the movement's more imaginative sources Harvey reveals how Paganism and its central focus on individual and social life is evolving and how this new religion perceives and relates to more traditional ones.
language: English
title: Contemporary Paganism: Listening People, Speaking Earth
publisher: NYU Press