THE WAY OF THE HORNED GOD
A young Mans Guide to Modern Paganism
Author: Dancing Rabbit
Design: Stuart Davies
Publisher: O Books
Type: TPB
Pages: 148
Genre: Non-Fiction
Published: 2009
ISBN: 9781846942679
Source: Independently purchased
It can be difficult raising Pagan children in such a non-spiritual
world. We sadly live in a world where anything outside the mundane is too often
scoffed at or worse, seen as evil. This book
is aimed teenage boys or the parents thereof. It is an invaluable resource and
every library and school should have a copy available. I wish I had access to
this book growing up.
The book itself is well made and has nice black and white
drawings within. The cover art is absolutely adorable. My only issue with this
book is that it does not have an index in the back. I think this is an important
part of any book, but especially here with it being aimed at younger readers, I
can envision them often wanting to re-check or find something.
The beginning explores what Paganism is and has a look into
the history of religion. The author describes himself as a eclectic Pagan, who
draws from Wicca, and humanism. I think the book is written in such a way as to
not alienate any one Pagan group, and any differences between a family’s
practice and that shown in this book, can only be a good thing, providing opportunity’s
to discuss the various paths to spirituality and the divine.
It even has a section on dealing with problem parents, those
who may have bigoted religious beliefs or may simply be close-minded when it
comes to spirituality. The book takes a gentle and family affirming approach to
such issues.
The first chapter wraps up with a discussion of ethics and
keeping a Book of Shadows.
Chapter two describes what the sacred is, centering,
grounding, sacred places, altars, tools, clothing, jewelry, names, chanting,
plants, animals, as well as the importance of having a circle of friends and
advice on ‘coming out of the broom closet’.
We have a chapter devoted to the Goddess or receptive divine
energy, the moon, and moon rituals.
The next chapter is possibly the most important for a young
pagan boy, the Horned God is introduced as are his rituals and examples of how
to commune with him. So many ‘Pagan 101’ (pagan beginner books) only mention
the god, or projective divine in passing it is great to see equality here.
We have a chapter of the relationship between the gods, the
wheel of the year, a sample Samhain ritual, an in-depth examination of that
Samhain ritual, advice on writing your own rituals, The Great Rite, and finally
gardening. The only note I would make
here is that some extra advice might be needed on polarity’s that male/god can
be substituted for projective and female/goddess for receptive, and that we are
all truly made up f both. This discussion may be particularly important for
LGBTI pagan youth.
The final chapter deal with the passage into manhood; many important
topics are covered including, sex, masturbation, sexuality, independence,
responsibility, ancestors, puberty, exercise, diet, in addition to puberty and
manhood rituals.
There is a great suggested reading section in the back.
This book is a fantastic resource for young adults, and parents
of boys. I would definitely read this first as a parent so I was ready to take
on the role needed, and had fair warning of any questions or conflicts that may
arise. Having said that, the book is an easy read, it explains things simply
and accurately.It should be read by everyone, it is an area of Paganism that is sorely lacking in support and i am very glad this book exists to fill that space.
Dancing Rabbit is co founder of the Elder Grove and his Facebook Page is Here.
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