Tides
Newbie
Posts: 13
Pronouns: he/his
|
Books
Aug 27, 2016 16:12:08 GMT -6
Allec likes this
Post by Tides on Aug 27, 2016 16:12:08 GMT -6
I like books, even more than I like blogs and internet sources. Call me old fashioned.
Most books appear to be on specific traditions within polytheism. My research might be biased but I've seen more on heathenism/Asatru/Northern traditions than anything else. However, I've definitely seen books that attempt to cover a wider range of polytheism or address themes within polytheism. I personally own (and enjoy) Ceisiwr Serith's A Book of Pagan Prayer, although I am also very aware of the dualism present in the book.
I've seen a couple of other books, primarily on Amazon (perhaps another discussion is why polytheistic books are rarely in local bookstores, although my local Barnes and Noble does carry heathen books). These include Devotional Polytheism by Galina Krasskova, Sacred Gifts by Kirk Thomas, and a World Full of Gods by John Michael Greer, to just check out what Amazon thinks I would like. (I don't trust Amazon, but these seem all to cover a variety of traditions and lack problems of appropriation, generalization, and some other New Age-themed problems.)
I know much of my personal focus has been on reading first-hand lore (or in translation, when necessary) followed up by scholarship, with modern pagan/polytheistic writing as a heavy third. As a run primarily due to my experience with the new age/wicca section at the bookstore. Does anyone have an opinion on any of these books/this genre?
|
|
Redfaery
Junior Member
Posts: 72
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Religion: Buddhist Polytheism
|
Post by Redfaery on Aug 27, 2016 17:44:22 GMT -6
I caved and bought Galina Krasskova's book. It's...problematic. It's very strident and militant in tone, and shaming if those who can't make it all about the gods. There's actually a line in there about "if you're breathing you can be praying". She is explicit in her belief that gods come first, not just for her, but for everyone.
|
|
Tides
Newbie
Posts: 13
Pronouns: he/his
|
Books
Aug 27, 2016 19:14:03 GMT -6
Allec likes this
Post by Tides on Aug 27, 2016 19:14:03 GMT -6
Ooof.
Thanks for letting me know. I'm not okay with that kind of message, although I'm trying to move toward a more devotional kind of practice. A prayer-and-sacrifice oriented practice appeals to me, but that's more than step too far.
|
|
|
Post by Allec on Sept 8, 2016 19:41:42 GMT -6
I second Redfaery's assessment on Galina Krasskova. You can read more about how awful she is here. I haven't read "World Full of Gods" by John Michael Greer but I enjoyed "Druidry Handbook" so it may be worth checking out? The book I really love is " The Case for Polytheism" by Steven Dillion. It takes a very academic and philosophical approach to polytheism. While I don't think polytheism needs "proving" and I disagree with some points in the book, it is a great first step at getting more polytheism theology out there.
|
|