A Popular Dictionary of Paganism

This A-Z glossary of terms covers the complex phenomenon of contemporary Paganism. The dictionary contains definitions of Pagan terminology and information on key concepts and figures, with a detailed introduction setting out the difficulties in providing definitions of terms whose meanings are often renegotiated by each individual Pagan. A substantive overview essay frames the volume and illuminates the context of the individual entries, which encompass the wide scope of the field covering key figures and concepts from the most well-known Pagan religions: Wicca (witchcraft), Druidry, Asatru, non-aligned Paganism, Goddess worship, and shamanism. Names of appropriate deities are included on the basis of their familiarity and usage (e.g. Aradia and Diana in Wicca; Ceridwen within Druidry; Odin in Asatru), whilst technical terms and practices, such as invocation are given underlying definitions and cross-referenced to alternative definitions which are relevant to a specific religion.