While interesting at times, the book can be a little dry at times as well. If you are someone who does not know much about paganism and how it lives on today, then this book provides a pretty good start. Rather than reading it through, like I did, I think readers would be better off just reading the first chapter or two, then skimming and browsing through the parts that interest them. A strength of this book is that it provides a very good bibliography for further reading as well as a pretty good list of resources and organizations where you can get further information on various types of pagan beliefs. I picked this book up mostly out of curiosity, and as I read it, I found that I had a lot of things that I could relate to. Many pagans are intellectually curious; they tend to be pretty liberal and open-minded, and yet, contrary to what many who are ignorant believe, pagans do live by pretty strong codes of ethics and morals. In a lot of ways, they are way more ethical than people who claim to be religious (as in mainstream religious). Another strength of the book is that it does not try to convert you. The author maintains a tone of informing the reader, providing some guidance if the reader wishes to consider pursuing a pagan way of spirituality, and no pressure. It even addresses issues such as whether to practice alone (solitaries is the term) or in a group and whether or not to tell others that you are a pagan or not (given the many prejudices and ignorance in society against pagans, often silence is the best option). The book outlines three major paths (wicca, druidism, and shamanism), but it also looks at other alternatives. There is just enough to give you an overview if you are just seeking to learn more, all in a very respectful tone, and enough to help you find out more if you wish to pursue it. I did not rate it higher because it really is a book that lends itself more to browsing than reading through, but if you want to learn more on this topic, this is a good start.
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This is a truly delightful, entertaining and informative work that covers the full spectrum of Neo-Paganism. McColman does an excellent job of providing the newcomer to or casual seeker of (it matters not which the reader is) Neo-Paganism an easily understandable method of obtaining a great deal of knowledge in a relaxed but informative manner that causes me to think of a favorite storybook format.

The five sections of this book are divided up into a logical progression of information. Each section’s contents builds upon knowledge already obtained by previous sections. The first segment introduces the reader to Pagan Basics, a great place to start because even if you think you already know this you will be surprised at how little you really do know for the most part. These first 6 chapters incorporate knowledge regarding the Pagan path, Natural Ingredients, Shamanism, Wicca, Philosophical Pagans (Druids,) and a myriad of misconceptions and contributions regarding Paganism.

Secondly the reader is instructed on “How to Think Like a Pagan.” Once that is completed, one is introduced to “Ritual” and “Magic,” followed by “Living the Pagan Path.” Each of these areas gives one the general overview of what Neo-Paganism is, what is involved for those who choose the path and how different yet alike the various disciplines are.

Of particular use are the ‘Earth Words’ that are introduced on various pages. These side notes provide a quick understanding of the term and how it is used allowing the reader to digest and comprehend quickly without having to deviate from the work itself causing one to research the word. There are also side notes called ‘Oracle’ that provide insight and definition of terms, and ‘Taboo!’ that clear up popular misconceptions. In the true style of the “Idiots Guide To…,” McColman writes in a down-to-earth manner clarifying within the contextual material questions that frequently arise. For those questions that are not covered in the material he provides further and more in depth resources in the form of websites, e-mail lists, and discussion groups.

As an introductory source material for modern day Pagan living it is an essential resource for quick understanding or refreshment of knowledge. It is not a scholarly tome as some other texts portend to be but is more informative for the average person and their reading/comprehension level. While not needing to be ‘studied’ as such, the work contains a wealth of valuable information. One such area that leaped out at me and has subsequently aided me tremendously in my development was that of Meditation. McColman advises that “…if a certain type of meditation doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry. You don’t have to give up on meditation. It just means you have to keep looking to find the kind of meditation that fits your style.” (p226)

This was just what I needed because I, like some others that I have heard from, have been confounded regarding meditation and being somewhat fixated on a particular format. After reading this I realized why I was not having the success that I envisioned I would have and began experimenting with various forms until I came upon a method that ‘clicked’ into place and made a lot of sense, brought me comfort, and was relatively easy for me to use whenever I felt the need. It actually revolved around the type of music I was using to help induce the meditative state, what I was focusing on with my mind and how I was positioning myself for the experience. Once I found the first key the others fell into line immediately and I rapidly achieved my goal.

I was impressed that emphasized that Paganism does not proselytize by stating that, “The most important rule to keep in mind is that it’s never your job to convince people that paganism is the right path for them (or even you.) And in the next paragraph says, “When telling others that you practice paganism, never argue to prove a point.” (pg 330) This may seem like a small point but in today’s world where so many religions send out emissaries to covert people to their way of thinking and belief; it is refreshing to find that not everyone is stuck in the quagmire of conversion. If one chooses to investigate a belief or practice then help them understand but don’t force the issue. Allow them the dignity of choice. ( )

This book covers a wide variety of pagan topics and is a veritable treasure-trove of information that is well-thought out and easy to grasp. It covers what could be called 'core pagan beliefs', beliefs shared by most pagan groups, be they Druid-based, shamanic, Wiccan or any of a number of others. Within, one finds good practical skills to get one started on the pagan path.

The Idiot's Guide to Paganism provides a good overview for people new to the pagan path and still trying to find their way. It provides this information in easy to process language that isn't as daunting as some other texts might be. Above all, it stresses the value of individuality and that there is no such thing as a 'right way' when following the pagan path. Hence the differing beliefs and ways of seeing this are all perfectly acceptable. There is no dogma to being pagan. There are chapters devoted to what the author has identified as the three major pagan groups- the Druids, Wiccans and shamans. Other chapters cover magick, meditation and ritual. There are chapters devoted to the Otherworld and to the spirits that dwell there and how to befriend and work with them. There are chapters detailing the Elements and the elemental realms. There are chapters focusing on pagan ethics and even chapters with recommended book, film and music lists.

Personally, this book was to me what my 'Introduction to Anthropology' class was in regards to my degree. By the time I got to that class, my degree was pretty much done, so much of the information was very redundant. That being said, this is the /first/ book I would recommend to anyone new to the pagan path and to anyone wishing to broaden their learning scope if they come from a more monotheistic religion. The only qualms I had with it were, despite the author's best intentions, the more Wiccan overtones with the repeated references and emphasis to the Goddess and the possibly the old Gods. This doesn't resonate with my own personal beliefs, but I can respect it and I can acknowledge that the author /did/ go out of his way to say this was only one way of seeing things, not the only way of seeing them. ( )