The Bottom Line
The Practical Pagan is a book that I wish had been available twenty years ago, when I was full of enthusiasm but short on common sense. Full of useful tips on how to function as a productive human being while embracing your new-found spirituality, this book is written in a friendly, conversational tone. By the time you're done reading, you'll feel like you just had a chat over coffee with a wise, sensible friend.
Pros
- Written in a casual, conversational style.
- Full of helpful hints about clothing, legal rights, and sexuality.
- Tips on getting involved in the Pagan community.
- A useful read for any Pagan, whether new to the path or a veteran.
Cons
- If you're looking for spells and recipes, this isn't the book for you.
Description
- Includes an excellent section on sexual ethics and the perception of nudity in the Pagan community.
- Great tips on how to find other Pagans, whether you live in the city or a rural area.
- Chapter on "How Do I Learn" offers hints for studying as a solitary or finding a group that's right for you.
Guide Review - The Practical Pagan, by Dana D. Eilers
I've decided I'm Pagan. Now what do I do?
Good question, and one that isn't answered as often as we'd like it to be. In The Practical Pagan: Commonsense Guidelines for Modern Practitioners Dana Eilers offers up wit and wisdom on all those Pagan-themed subjects you didn't think you needed to ask about. Topics include "What the Heck is a Pagan?", "Should I Panic?" and "Yeah, but What About My Sex Life?" Written in a refreshing and down-to-earth style, Eilers answers these quetsions and more. She touches on more serious issues as well, such as Pagan ethics, job and family responsibilities, and how to come out of the broom closet. She also draws on years of experience as an attorney to discuss the legal aspects of being Pagan or Wiccan in today's society. However, one of the most important things Eilers reminds readers is that being Pagan is not an excuse for irresponsibility. For people just discovering Paganism, a lot of the information on their new path can be overwhelming, and there's a tendency to assume that one must now follow a list of rules in order to continue being part of the Pagan club. The Practical Pagan will help those folks realize that ultimately, being Pagan is not about your clothes or jewelry or the other material stuff. Instead, Eilers encourages readers to focus on their own freedom to explore, learn what they like or dislike, and experience all the wonders the world has to offer. The best part about this book? It's not only great for beginners, but full of useful information for those already established on a Pagan path. It's an absolute must-have for any Pagan's library!
