Pagans: Searching for a New Spirituality

Who are the pagans, and what do they really believe and do? What is the difference between Wicca and Druidry? Are pagans and New Age believers the same, or are there important differences? Paganism (derived from the Latin word 'paganus', or 'country dweller') is a much misunderstood cluster of fascinating beliefs and practices. Viewing paganism as fundamentally experiential, Thomas offers one of the liveliest overviews of paganism currently in print. Granted unprecedented access to pagan ceremonies, and drawing on interviews with the pagan leaders, Thomas explains the main tenets of pagan theology, and describes the character of the chief pagan groups. He discusses the connection between paganism and the Occult; the nature of Wicca and witchcraft; the practices of the Druids; the Gorsedd traditions of Cornwall and Wales; Shamanism; and the old Germanic and Norse traditions, including Asatru and the Ring of Troth. "Pagans" is the first book to bring paganism to rich and colourful life for the outsider. It will be essential reading for anyone with an interest in the rich diversity of contemporary religion and spirituality.