| Description |
xiii, 272 pages ; 22 cm |
| Contents |
1. Doing is Knowing: Introduction and Approach -- 2. Backtracking: Background to Modern Paganism -- 3. Pagan Pathways: Worldviews and Pagan Sub-groups -- 4. Finding the Way: Organization and Structure -- 5. Rites of Passage: Ritual -- 6. Preparing the Way: Magic -- 7. Entering Other Realms: The Experiential and Emotional -- 8. Rights of Passage: Morals, Ethics and Law -- 9. Witch Way Now?: Conclusion |
| Summary |
What is witchcraft? What is paganism? And why are these ancient practices still with us? Alternative spiritual beliefs are attracting increasing numbers of followers in Australia and around the world. Focusing on Wicca, or witchcraft, Lynne Hume explores some of the mystery surrounding the diverse range of pagan practices and beliefs, and dispels some commonly held misconceptions. Hume's innovative multidisciplinary study examines the historical roots of pagan beliefs, and how pagan world views relate to contemporary environmentalism, feminism, morality and mainstream religions. It discusses the rituals of paganism, the notion of magic and what constitutes spiritual experience. Based partly on the author's own experiences, and rich with anecdotes from Australian Pagans, Witchcraft and Paganism in Australia is full of insights into this intriguing social phenomenon |
| Notes |
Includes index |
| Bibliography |
Bibliography: pages 259-272 |
| Subject |
Neopaganism -- Australia.
|
|
Witchcraft -- Australia.
|
| LC no. |
98110686 |
| ISBN |
052284782X |
|
