Paganism: An Introduction to Earth- Centered Religions
by: Joyce and River Higginbotham

ISBN 0-7387-0222-6
7 1/2 x 9 1/8, 272 pp., index, glossary, bibliog., notes

Price $14.95

If Dr Phil McGraw and  Silver Ravenwolf had a child, it would be this book. 

I am not sure what I expected to find in this book, likely another how to guide meets overview that legitimizes Paganism in a strongly Christianized society.  While the book is this to a degree, it is actually only a small fraction of the full impact of this comprehensive and very vital book.

Tackling the ambitious task of underscoring the commonalities of basic Pagan belief, the authors skillfully navigate the treacherous waters of our own regretful dissention, drawing together basic tenets into a structurally sound and highly usable belief system of its own.  One could easily read this book and come away with a strong understanding of the Pagan way of life and basic beliefs without ever having encountered the trap so many broad scale writers fall into of identifying and spotlighting our differences (Garnerians do this, Druids to this).   

Drawing from a diverse field of influences such as Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung, classic mythology, the Bible and science itself, the Higginbothams build a strong foundation on which a novice could easily construct their own, personal belief system, as well as serving as a wonderful "reseating" for the seasoned Pagan.  The authors gently coax the reader to establish what they know to be true while daring to speak for Pagans and what they feel and believe. I started to get all uppity about that until I realized that I actually do believe everything they were purporting as Pagan beliefs. 

A vast number of guided meditations and exercises are included, as well as journaling ideas, "keys to success," which point the reader in a direction of goal achieving, based on the previous chapter and "questions to discuss," which provides an insightful and synergistic exploration of the topics that have just been discussed.  The questions could easily be processed as a personal experience or translated out to a group learning environment.

This is Scott Cunningham's classic, Complete Book of Witchcraft after it has grown up and moved into our own time.  It should immediately be included on all essential reading lists for Pagans.  I will be exploring it fully and using it until it is yellowed and dog-eared in my own classes.  It is simply brilliant.

5 pentacles out of 5

Review by Katrina Rasbold