TITLE: Miracles of our Making
AUTHOR: Liz Williams
PUBLISHER: Reaktion Books
ISBN: 978-1789142211
PODCAST EPISODE: Folklore Podcast Rewind
REVIEWER: Hilary Wilson
There are many academic histories of paganism, but few written by a practicing witch. Liz Williams brings her unique perspective as a practicing witch to Miracles of Our Own Making: A History of Paganism published in 2020 by Reaktion. Her well-researched book is sprinkled with her own personal experiences attending modern ceremonies of active pagan groups. Her focus upon delivering an accurate accounting of the evolution of pagan thought is enhanced by her deep knowledge of the various topics that occupy magic practitioners in the modern day.
Williams traces the history of pagan thought from its murky, prehistoric origins to the modern day. She takes care to acknowledge the many gaps that exist within our knowledge of the earlier times and why some commonly held beliefs formed and persisted. In tracing misconceptions, she thoughtfully acknowledges that although certain beliefs might not be rooted in historic fact, they are still useful and meaningful to those that believe them.
One of the most novel aspects of this book is the care taken in addressing the melting pot of beliefs that British paganism has always been. Although Williams’ focus within the book is on Britain, she takes care to discuss where various fads throughout history came from, and places them within historical context. Italian, Arabian, Hatian, and Spanish paganism have shaped British belief a great deal - and she touches on influential research into these influences. Astonishingly enough, Celtic belief has even been influenced by prehistoric Arabian cultures.
Although the book contains multitudes of facts and historical details, it was easily readable. The sources throughout provide any curious reader with many titles to add to their reading list. Williams even concludes with some good introductory rituals for anyone curious enough to take a dive into paganism themselves. Emphasized throughout is the open-minded curiosity held by the pagan community and how welcoming most are to newcomers.
This book was a refreshing read that should dispel the longstanding misconceptions concerning pagan communities. While traditions might not be the unbroken line stretching back thousands of years that many tout themselves to be, the practices are nonetheless vital, valid, and important. Now more than ever the communities that these beliefs foster, and the care and attention that they pay to the world around them, are a boon to us all.
AUTHOR: Liz Williams
PUBLISHER: Reaktion Books
ISBN: 978-1789142211
PODCAST EPISODE: Folklore Podcast Rewind
REVIEWER: Hilary Wilson
There are many academic histories of paganism, but few written by a practicing witch. Liz Williams brings her unique perspective as a practicing witch to Miracles of Our Own Making: A History of Paganism published in 2020 by Reaktion. Her well-researched book is sprinkled with her own personal experiences attending modern ceremonies of active pagan groups. Her focus upon delivering an accurate accounting of the evolution of pagan thought is enhanced by her deep knowledge of the various topics that occupy magic practitioners in the modern day.
Williams traces the history of pagan thought from its murky, prehistoric origins to the modern day. She takes care to acknowledge the many gaps that exist within our knowledge of the earlier times and why some commonly held beliefs formed and persisted. In tracing misconceptions, she thoughtfully acknowledges that although certain beliefs might not be rooted in historic fact, they are still useful and meaningful to those that believe them.
One of the most novel aspects of this book is the care taken in addressing the melting pot of beliefs that British paganism has always been. Although Williams’ focus within the book is on Britain, she takes care to discuss where various fads throughout history came from, and places them within historical context. Italian, Arabian, Hatian, and Spanish paganism have shaped British belief a great deal - and she touches on influential research into these influences. Astonishingly enough, Celtic belief has even been influenced by prehistoric Arabian cultures.
Although the book contains multitudes of facts and historical details, it was easily readable. The sources throughout provide any curious reader with many titles to add to their reading list. Williams even concludes with some good introductory rituals for anyone curious enough to take a dive into paganism themselves. Emphasized throughout is the open-minded curiosity held by the pagan community and how welcoming most are to newcomers.
This book was a refreshing read that should dispel the longstanding misconceptions concerning pagan communities. While traditions might not be the unbroken line stretching back thousands of years that many tout themselves to be, the practices are nonetheless vital, valid, and important. Now more than ever the communities that these beliefs foster, and the care and attention that they pay to the world around them, are a boon to us all.