The Path of Paganism

An Experience-Based Guide to Modern Pagan Practice

By: John Beckett, Kristoffer Hughes - foreword

Narrated by: Charles Constant

Paganism is a way of seeing the world and your place in it. It means challenging the assumptions of mainstream society and strengthening your relationships with the gods, the universe, your community, and your self. The Path of Paganism provides practical advice and support for honoring your values and living an authentic Pagan life in mainstream Western culture.

Discover tips for establishing or deepening a regular practice. Explore how your spirituality can help you deal with life's inevitable hardships. Learn the basics of leadership roles and other steps to take as you gain experience and move into more advanced practices. With questions for contemplation as well as rituals to help you integrate new concepts, this book guides you through a profoundly meaningful way of life.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2017 John Beckett (P)2020 Tantor

great introduction

this is my second time listening. This is the third introduction to pagan book I've listened to and the best so far in my opinion.

Well written and narrated perspectives of Paganism

I am new to Paganism. So new, in fact, that I’m still not sure which part of it I belong in. This was a great introduction to Paganism as a whole, with also a great deal of information regarding a specific Pagan group and their practices. I will be listening to this again in another few months to reflect and see how it compares to my experiences between now and then

Even if you aren't Pagan

Wow! There is something for everyone in here. Clearly thought out and presented ideas, this book offers such an easily digestible understanding of Paganism. Highly, HIGHLY recommend. I know I'll return to this time and again. And even if you aren't exploring Paganism, READ THIS BOOK! There are basic humanity concepts in here that are so worth hearing and acknowledging. I loved this, bravo

finally it makes some sense

this book really is great for beginners or people just curious to learn general paganism. this is not a step by step manual but thats because your path is your path, however this is such a good starting point.

Loved It

was awesome. The narrator is very humbling! Great book for those wanting to know more about Paganism.

Excellent read!

I’m not a pagan, but I am interested in druidry and pagan belief. I’ve seen where some people left reviews upset that this book got to “left wing political” and didn’t instruct enough on how to be pagan. Athough I feel that these people are going to be disappointed if they go down this path because it’s obviously not what they’re looking for. If that’s what you’re looking for this likely isn’t the book for you.
I read this as a Christian, albeit and very heretical one, and I feel like it really helped me deepen my faith and understand more about God and the universe.
I don’t feel like this is intended to teach you how to be pagan, rather it’s an exploration of pagan philosophy and mindset. It is very helpful to understand how people in this belief system view themselves, each other, and the world as a whole. All in all it’s an excellent book. I highly recommend it no matter what you believe spiritually.

Excellent primer

This is one of the best overviews on paganism I’ve ever read. I was happy to discover that this isn’t just another regurgitation of the same Wiccan beginners books. It’s thoughtful and thorough. It’s probably not what you want for if you are looking to find lists of correspondence and light discussion about witchyness. You can pick up any number of those at your local bookstore, I’ve been pagan for almost 30 years and I think even those who are further down the line could benefit from reading it. I always appreciate finding a book on witchcraft or paganism that clearly comes from a serious, seasoned practitioner instead of the consumer witch aesthetic factory.

Fantastic book for the pagan and pagan seeker

John Beckett’s writing is always level-headed, humble, grounded, wise and insightful. So it was no surprise to me that his first book The Path of Paganism: An Experience-Based Guide to Modern Pagan Practice kept this same spirit. The book is divided into main areas of focus consisting of contemplating the foundation of what Paganism is, putting those beliefs into practice, having an intermediate practice that goes beyond the 101, stepping into leadership, priesthood and “what comes next” which has a focus on continuing and mastering your spiritual education. Beckett writes, “Much of the “advanced” religious practice (in any tradition) isn’t all that advanced. It’s simply the basics, done over and over so many times it becomes intuitive. It’s not glamorous and it’s not exciting. It just works.”

Beckett states that defining Paganism is pretty much impossible with its myriad of traditions and eclecticism and provides a “big tent” inclusive model with room for everyone, consisting of four main poles holding up that big tent to explain to the types of Paganism. These poles are those who are Natured-Centered, Deity-Centered, Community-Centered, and Self-Centered. These poles create a Venn diagram of intersection creating 13 different types of Pagans. With this understanding of Paganism, we can begin to have a framework of discussion and it’s from this foundation that Beckett shares the wisdom of his experience and ruminations for the book.

One of the things that I like about Beckett’s writing is that he has a very balanced approach, acknowledging religious and spiritual experiences as well as rationality. He tackles issues such as lore and myth versus unverified personal gnosis, an emphasis that bad science makes bad religion, our relationship with nature and society as Pagans and our relationship with ourselves, our gods, ancestors, and our spirits - but most of all our relationship with our spiritual practice.

The beauty of Beckett's broad scope is that any Pagan can read the book and get something out of it, whether one is a Druid, Wiccan, Heathen, Hellenic Polytheist, a Pantheist, an Atheistic Pagan or anyone else whose practices a belief system that would fall under Paganism. There are plenty of rituals and tips for building and deepening a personal practice. Each chapter closes with profound questions for contemplation that anyone can reflect on to help strengthen what the reader personally believes and strengthen their own practice.

Super informative

I have been speaking with friends about their pagan lifestyle and my friend suggested this book. I have felt so hopeful and seen in my journey. I am going to reread it and try some of the rituals outlined within it. It made this world that is shrouded in mystery and drama by the church I was raised in feel so real and accessible.

Great read!

This was a great read! Very informative and helpful as a new seeker. Highly recommend!