The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess - Softcover

Starhawk

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0060675357 ISBN 13: 9780060675356

Publisher: Harper & Row, 1981

Synopsis

The twentieth anniversary edition of The Spiral Dance celebrates the pivotal role the book has had in bringing Goddess worship to the religious forefront. This bestselling classic is both an unparalleled reference on the practices and philosophies of Witchcraft and a guide to the life-affirming ways in which readers can turn to the Goddess to deepen their sense of personal pride, develop their inner power, and integrate mind, body, and spirit. Starhawk's brilliant, comprehensive overview of the growth, suppression, and modern-day re-emergence of Wicca as a Goddess-worshipping religion has left an indelible mark on the feminist spiritual consciousness.

In a new introduction, Starhawk reveals the ways in which Goddess religion and the practice of ritual have adapted and developed over the last twenty years, and she reflects on the ways in which these changes have influenced and enhanced her original ideas. In the face of an ever-changing world, this invaluable spiritual guidebook is more relevant than ever.

About this title

Review:

The original book that brought Goddess worship to the public eye has marked its 10th anniversary, yet it still remains an integral part of the Wiccan canon. The Spiral Dance leans heavily toward the feminist aspects of Wicca, but Starhawk's comments on the new edition make it clear that she is aware of the growing male presence in witchcraft. However, this edition is not some watered down, politically correct revision of the original. Very little is changed aside from the addition of Starhawk's observations on how the book has weathered its first decade, and what few changes she would make if she were writing it today. Readers interested in learning more about contemporary witchcraft, whether considering Wicca as a way of life or simply desiring to understand this earth-based religion, will find a wealth of information in The Spiral Dance, and will notice that it becomes one of the most frequently consulted books in their Wicca libraries. --Brian Patterson

From the Back Cover:

The Spiral Dance is a brilliant overview of the growth, suppression, and modern-day reemergence of Witchcraft as a Goddess-worshipping religion. In this 10th anniversary edition, Starhawk discusses the changes in the world, and in the practice of ritual and Goddess religion, within the last ten years and how they have influenced and enhanced her original ideas. This is a book of tools--some of which have undergone change, others which continue to be developed--for, according to Starhawk, "a living tradition is static or fixed, it changes and responds to changing needs and changing times."

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper & Row
• Publication date: 1981
• ISBN 10: 0060675357
• ISBN 13: 9780060675356
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224