Alaric AlbertssonRezensionen

A much better book than anticipated. The author weaves together a number of Indo-European pagan traditions reflecting a more agricultural lifestyle than we tend to have in developed nations, and ties it neatly together. Frankly, this book would be useful for non-Pagans as well, simply for the advice on gardening, keeping chickens and bees and planting trees! I was surprised and delighted by this book.

It was less about a pagan path and more of a home-ec book. Entire chapters were dedicated to pets, baking, beekeeping and growing a garden.

Albertsson writes in an easy and conversational tone about the various aspects of his chosen path through a pagan lifestyle. Some fun activities and crafts, and a strong emphasis on making your path fit your own choices and beliefs, rather than conforming to any one true way. The book felt cluttered by the many options to pagan lifestyle, as the author explored not only his chosen Saxon Pagan path, but also the innumerable other pagan options (Norse, Hellenic, Celtic...) resulting in a diffusion of options. I would have liked to read a stronger focus on Albertsson's speciality, this might have tightened up the book and left exploration of other paths up to the reader.

While it's a pretty standard introduction-to-a-path book, it's a sterling example of the genre. Albertsson has a sense of humor about himself and his path, he discusses reconstructionism in a practical way, he provides clear guidance without trying to sound like he has all the answers.½

Before I give my take on this book I would have to first honestly declare that I am not a Wiccan or Pagan worshiper as the westerners term it. I am a follower of Hinduism and I found many rituals of Paganism close to home. Coming to Texas, I came across many people following theis mode of life and this started fascinating me. More than the religion it was the closet outlook towards this religion which fascinated me. I started questioning the reasonings behind the logic of not practicing it freely. Solitary practitioners are what they are called.

I am a Hindu and a proud one at that. So if I want to worship a tree how does it make me less religious? I believe in idol worship and I certainly worship the Sun, the Moon, the Mountains, the Trees but most of all I believe in Humans. Does that make me a Pagan? To me – to each is own…….

When I got this book via Netgallery, I hesitated for a second. My blog has been always about romantic book or of the drama genre. Do I have the guts and knowledge to do this? Guts yes. Knowledge –no.. But I wanted to do this. I wanted to learn more about the secrets behind paganism. So here is my humble review.

The Author, Alaric Albertsson, has laid down the different celebrations of paganism in simple term. How you follow it depends on your lifestyle. There are no hard and fast rules to Paganism but how you adopt it in your daily life. For example, ‘The Anglo Saxon gave offering to Weoh, the early Romans honored their family Numina, the Greeks to goddess Hestia….”[ I will shut up now before I am sued for plagiarism :)]

What astounded me about this book was the knowledge of the author regarding the subject. His detailed description regarding all the paths followed and why they are followed. He being in the Saxon path, is quite unbiased while sharing his knowledge.

Starting with the Dedication rite to the making of your own wheat bread, from the seven steps of Paganism to herb growing- he covers it all.

Let me warn my reader here of one thing. If it is a flirty interest you have towards Paganism, this book might not for you. There is no hocus focus, no twisting the truth and nothing which deals with magic. Just a way of life- the pagan path. For those who are serious about this paganism or writers who want to know more about this path life,[ yes there are people out there who read anything religious from Osho to Buddha, From Marxism to Cunningham] this book gives you a detailed view how a Pagan would life his or her life in the everyday life.

There are certain things which really fascinated me :

1. He not only tells us about his rituals but how to incorporate it in every field of our life.

2. The way he describes the Neo Pagan Calender which observes eight holy days is a must read for those who are new to this path.

3. He teaches us to reflect only on the good things in life. This is personally dear to me since I feel that irrespective of one’s caste and religion, every human being should follow this.

4.Invoking holiness in our daily activities turns every day into a spiritual experience.

My Personal Note…

Actually this book has been a roller coaster ride for me. Before I could grasp how to invoke goodness in my life, I got a lesson in how to keep my little Fluffy [my Pomeranian] happy. And before I overcome the shock of how did I come across this knowledge suddenly after one month of Fluffy coming into my life, I got a lesson in how to make my bread and grow my herb. [ Dear readers, it is not a casual talk. It has literally been explained step by step.]

There has not been a great deal of material made accessible for people interested in an Anglo-Saxon religious practice, especially not Theodish. Travels provides a guide with which anyone can start honoring the gods of Osgard for themselves. Albertsson covers history, deities, rituals, and community with a knowledgeable voice. I don't follow an AS path (more Norse here), but I feel like this guide can benefit most people who are interested in knowing the Germanic gods.