Recent History
In order to understand Paganism as it is today one must spend some time learning about the historical influences that have shaped this belief system.
Keep in mind that you will find things that you like and don't like, and things you agree with and disagree with. It seems that anything touched by human hands reflects both the goodness and the evils of humanity. In understanding why particular practices, attitudes, and beliefs were formed you can better choose what is best for you at this place in your journey.
If you are enthusiastic about historical reading and research -- then dig in! If you would rather streamline this part of your study then perhaps you can pick a few items below to research.
Exploring Your Own Spiritual History
It might be interesting to trace influences in your own personal spiritual history as far back as you can. For example, who are/were the important people in your spiritual life? What was their background? Have there been important books or songs that signaled turning points for you? This may become a family tree of ideas and concepts as much as one of people.
Do you find yourself connected to, or attracted to, a particular pagan tradition? It would be helpful to find out as much as you can about the history and development of that tradition. Understanding why particular practices, attitudes, and beliefs were formed can help you choose what is best for you.
Important People, Events & Influences
If you have spent time with pagan books, magazines, or e-groups you have most likely come across references to particular people, events, traditions, and movements. It is important to have some understanding of these items in order to have good conversations and to make sense of the things you read.
Based primarily on the resources listed below, I have listed some people, events, and influences you can use as key words in the Research Tools. It was difficult to limit these selections! Keep in mind that they are only starting points.
| RECENT MOVEMENTS | PIVOTAL PERSONALITIES |
| Deep Ecology, Ecofeminism | Adler, Margot |
| Feminist Movement | Bonewits, Issac |
| Goddess Spirituality (Thealogy) | Budapest, Zsuzanna |
| Paganism, Neo-Paganism | Crowley, Vivianne |
| Cunningham, Scott | |
| INFLUENTIAL MOVEMENTS | Curott, Phyllis |
| The Burning Times | Farrar, Janet & Stewart |
| European/American Secret Societies | Fox, Selena |
| Ceremonial/Occult Magic | Green, Marian |
| Starhawk | |
| EARLY PERSONALITIES | Zell, Morning Glory & Oberon |
| Gardner, Gerald (Gardnerian tradition) | (See Bibliography for a longer list) |
| Valiente, Doreen | |
| Sanders, Alex (Alexandrian tradition) | RECENT ORGANIZATIONS |
| Buckland, Raymond (Seax-Wica) | See Pagan Organizations |
| Leek, Sybil | |
| Graves, Robert | |
| Leland, Charles Godfrey | |
| Murray, Margaret Alice (Dianic tradition) |
In addition to the references in the Bibliography, you may also consider the following resources:
Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today, by Margot Adler.
Origins of Modern Witchcraft, by Ann Moura.
The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft, 2nd Edition, by Rosemary Ellen Guiley.
The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft, by Ronald Hutton.
