AUTHOR: Harita Meenee PUBLISHER: Archetypo Press, Salonica, Greece PAGES: 368 SIZE: 15 x 23 cm DATE OF PUBLICATION: September 2000 PRICE: 15 euros ISBN: 960-7928-22-9
In the Western World a swiftly growing religion has appeared during the past decades called Paganism, Neo-Paganism, or “Nature Religion.” In it a world lost in the mists of time re-emerges, along with forgotten deities and rituals connected to the secrets of Nature, forces that seem to awaken after being asleep for many centuries. For the first time in the Greek bibliography a well-researched and documented study is presented, bringing forth a wealth of evidence from the USA, Britain and Greece, as well as from other countries. Author Harita Meenee sheds fresh light on this multi-faceted phenomenon, examining its different aspects:
- Wicca or Witchcraft - Goddess spirituality - Pagan men’s spirituality - Druidism and the Celtic traditions - the Norse tradition, also known as Odinism - contemporary Shamanism - the Hellenic Reconstruction
The author draws on a variety of sources: scholarly books and articles, texts by contemporary Pagans, interviews, as well as new insights and information offered by Pagan organizations. She also utilizes her personal contact with groups and individuals in Greece and elsewhere to provide the reader with an accurate and fascinating account of this intriguing religion.
OVERVIEW OF CONTENTS
Foreword: a few thoughts about the Neo-Pagan phenomenon, along with an explanation about the non-sexist language in which the book is written.
Glossary: a list of unusual terms used in the book and their meaning.
Chapter 1: What is Neo-Paganism?
A description and history of contemporary Paganism and its followers. The underlying causes of this religious revival. A list of “traditions” or “paths” within Paganism, of which the most popular ones are detailed in other chapters. Main goddesses and gods: Artemis, Isis, Brigit, the Sun God etc. Ideas and values: environmental orientation, feminist overtones, appreciation for sexuality. Attitudes towards death. Rituals and seasonal festivals. Main organizations, problems and challenges.
Chapter 2: Wicca, the Art of Magic in the 21st Century
A description of Wicca (the most widely known Pagan path) and of its philosophy and relationship to magic. Gerald Gardner as the founder of Wicca. Forerunners: Charles Godfrey Leland, Margaret Alice Murrey, Robert Graves, Dion Fortune. Main deities: the Horned God or Sun God, the Great Goddess (Nature), Gaia, the Moon Goddess etc. Various branches of Wicca: Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Dianic etc. Traditional Witchcraft, covens and rituals. Eco-magic: Pagan environmental activism.
Chapter 3: Women’s Spirituality: Rediscovering the Divine Feminine
Women’s spirituality as an outgrowth of the feminist movement of the seventies. Rediscovery of “matriarchal” cultures, of the prehistoric Great Goddess and of ancient women-only rituals. Key figures and spiritual experiences of contemporary American women. Main ideas: the empowerment of the female gender, concern for the Earth, a vision of a peaceful society. The psychological importance of feminine archetypal images. Criticism for the Goddess movement.
Chapter 4: Men’s Spirituality: The Return of the Horned God
Men’s Spirituality as an attempt to create a new, more positive male identity by incorporating pre-Christian elements. Sources of influence: men’s mythopoetic movement, feminist spirituality, ancient mystery religions; authors such as Robert Bly, Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, Robert Graves. Most popular deities: the Horned God, embodied by the Greek Pan and the Celtic Cernunnos; the Green Man, a medieval image of a vegetation god; the Great Goddess as Earth Mother, Muse or a symbol of men’s feminine side, the Jungian anima.
Chapter 5: The Norse Tradition Comes Alive
The Norse Tradition (also known as Odinism or Asatru) is a reconstruction of Northern European traditions, namely those of the ancient Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. A brief history of these peoples is given along with an account of their mythology and religion. A description of the modern revival follows, as well as of its values and festivals. Main deities: Odin, Thor, Frigga, Freya, Holda. The runes and their magical uses. Problems faced by modern Odinists: association of their tradition with Hitler, with racist and nationalistic ideas, as well as with stereotypical images about violent Vikings.
Chapter 6: Druidism and the Celtic Revival
A brief history of Celtic peoples, of their myths and religious traditions. The role of the Druids in the past and the romantic interest in them in the 18th c. Pagan Druidic organizations today. The veneration of Awen, the “creative spirit,” and the use of the Ogham, the “tree alphabet.” Main goddesses: the triple Morrigan, Cerridwen the witch, Arianrhod, the Star Goddess, Brigit, the healer and patron of the arts etc. Main gods: Dagda, the Father of All, Lugh, the solar hero, Cernunnos. Festivals and initiations.
Chapter 7: Shamanism: A Modern Journey into the World of Spirits
Shamanism as a living, ecstatic tradition of indigenous peoples connected to healing, magic and prophecy. The interest in this tradition in the Western World and the development of Pagan Neo-Shamanism. Carlos Castaneda, Michael Harner and other key figures. The importance of Shamanism for women and the attempt to connect with the spirits of nature. The “ecstatic journey” and the use of hallucinogens. Shamanic experiences of non-native people and potential dangers. Voices of native Americans against the appropriation and distortion of their culture by Whites.
Chapter 8: Polytheism in Greece: An Active, though Misunderstood Movement
Description of the ancient Greek religion, emphasizing some of its less known aspects. Similarities and differences with Christianity. A description of the Hellenic polytheistic movement and its attempt to create a new national identity. The theology of the Hellenic Reconstruction and its attitudes towards life and death. The role of women. Challenges, conflicts and attempts to get official acknowledgment. Problems within the movement: nationalism, conservatism, bigotry and confusion. Other kinds of Paganism in Greece: Goddess spirituality, Wicca and Eco-Paganism.
Epilogue: conclusions on the Neo-Pagan phenomenon and its potential.
Bibliography
List of Organizations and Magazines
Index
To contact the author send an e-mail to author@hmeenee.com.
Copyright Harita Meenee
Web page URL: http://www.hmeenee.com/1815/57401.html
NEO-PAGANISM: THE REBIRTH OF THE ANCIENT RELIGION