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 Wicc...
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Jul 22, 2010
Michael
rated it: 
Huh.
This was intriguing, and covered a lot of the basic underpinnings of generic modern pagan thought, such as the mortal god/immortal goddess stuff, the maiden/mother/crone stuff, and other stuff. I enjoyed all this stuff pretty well. Mythology is fun, even if it's something new pretending to be something old.
But the last half of the book is actually a spell book, with candles and little knives and visualizing the four winds and who knows what else. This part I just More...
This was intriguing, and covered a lot of the basic underpinnings of generic modern pagan thought, such as the mortal god/immortal goddess stuff, the maiden/mother/crone stuff, and other stuff. I enjoyed all this stuff pretty well. Mythology is fun, even if it's something new pretending to be something old.
But the last half of the book is actually a spell book, with candles and little knives and visualizing the four winds and who knows what else. This part I just More...
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Dec 16, 2009
Lee
rated it: 
The worst thing about this book is Starhawk's version of 'herstory' which she does admit, in her 20th anniversary notes in the index, that it is a modern myth and should be taken as such. I still think this leads to a lot of misconceptions among the fluffier pagans today and only serves to continue to propagate the "oldest religion" myth and all that "burning times" rubbish.
Other than that this book is poetic, and an interesting and wonderful read. I wish this was More...
Other than that this book is poetic, and an interesting and wonderful read. I wish this was More...
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Dec 15, 2011
Cosmic
rated it: 
I borrowed a 1970s copy of this book from a friend. It belonged to his mother - complete with notes in the margins. I absolutely loved this book. Yes, it is in part a product of its time - describing the God as "rape fighter," heavily peppered with social justice statements, heavily feminist oriented. I would be very excited to read the 20th anniversary edition in which the author comments on how things have changed since then. I also know the 'history' presented here is a little roman
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Oct 25, 2009
Bondama
rated it:
This book is by far the very best book for those interested in pursuing Wicca. Starhawk writes from a strictly Dianic view - basically, emphasis in placed on the Divine Feminine. There are many men involved in Wicca, but for the most part, they are Gardnerians (Ceremonial Magicians.)
The reason for this, as Starhawk explains, is that women are far more connected to the earth than their opposite gender. We give birth and, in the old days, washed the bodies of our loved ones, and pre More...
The reason for this, as Starhawk explains, is that women are far more connected to the earth than their opposite gender. We give birth and, in the old days, washed the bodies of our loved ones, and pre More...
Dec 16, 2008
Kate E.A.
rated it:
The book is an excellent introduction to what goddess religion (actually what many consider to be a revival of the most ancient religions), Wicca, paganism whatever you want-to-call-it is all about. It does include exercises, rituals, etc. and that might seem a little odd to those who are not ready to embrace the them or are frightened off by words like witchcraft; but the philosophies presented around these exercises make an incredible amount of sense and are most interesting reading. I believe
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Aug 18, 2011
Jean
rated it:
This book was written in 1979, by an author who calls herself Starhawk, actually named Miriam Simos. She was part of what she calls the Religon of Witchcraft in the late 1970's. She knows Vikki Noble and Karen Vogel, who created the Motherpeace Tarot Deck. She has reviewed each chapter at the end of the book, to discuss how attitudes towards women have changed since then, 10 years later, and again 20 years later. The writing itself is mostly about Paganism, and a lifestyle that helps people to b
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Jun 12, 2011
Susan
rated it:
I found this 10th anniversary edition at a used store. After reading it I am interested in reading the most current 20th anniversary edition for Starhawk's latest insights.
I think I've been headed or drawn toward a Pagan path since my mid-twenties when I went through a couple years of Hakomi therapy. I feel extremely lucky to have chanced upon this kind of therapist. Hakomi is a body-centered therapy that validates the felt language and experience of the body. This seems quite in li More...
I think I've been headed or drawn toward a Pagan path since my mid-twenties when I went through a couple years of Hakomi therapy. I feel extremely lucky to have chanced upon this kind of therapist. Hakomi is a body-centered therapy that validates the felt language and experience of the body. This seems quite in li More...
Nov 30, 2008
Yosafbridg
rated it:
Witchcraft has always been a religion of poetry, not theology. The myths, legends, and teachings are recognized as metaphors for “That-Which-Cannot-Be-Told,” the absolute reality our limited minds can never completely know.” So says Starhawk in The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess (1989); this statement greatly appeals to my agnostic sensibilities.The book is an excellent introduction to what goddess religion (actually what many consider to be a revival of the
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Jul 12, 2010
The Middle East gave rise to three of the world’s great religions: Judaism,Christianity, and Islam. Underpinning these distinct religions are some shared philosophical ideas that continue to have a deep and widespread influence.All three embrace the idea of a single, all-powerful God who is righteous and cares about humanity. This belief leads to powerful philosophical views of good and evil, justice and equality, and history.
Jul 30, 2008
Michaela
rated it:
I read the 10th annaversary edition and it changed my life forever. Reading the 20th anniversary edition remindede me of all the things that I both love & loath about this book.
As an introduction to Wicca with various west coast flavors, it really is hard to get better. Teh looking bakc notes are particularly rewarding to see how her appreciation of faith and craft have evolved over time. Personally I believe that is the most important part of this book, the how things change & stay the sa More...
As an introduction to Wicca with various west coast flavors, it really is hard to get better. Teh looking bakc notes are particularly rewarding to see how her appreciation of faith and craft have evolved over time. Personally I believe that is the most important part of this book, the how things change & stay the sa More...
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Jan 31, 2012
Sara
rated it:
kindle edition.
I like the basic structure of this book, but it was filled with too much ritual breakdown for me.
I am glad I read the 20th anniversary edition of this, because I think I got more out of the chapter notes than from the chapters themselves. And the bibliography is full of titles that will keep me busy with research for ages.
I like the basic structure of this book, but it was filled with too much ritual breakdown for me.
I am glad I read the 20th anniversary edition of this, because I think I got more out of the chapter notes than from the chapters themselves. And the bibliography is full of titles that will keep me busy with research for ages.
Oct 14, 2010
Shine
rated it: 
The only thing bogging down the rating is that it was very difficult to get past all the wordiness. There is very good information in here, and was the first non-fiction pagan book I ever read. Evidently, it didn't turn me off to being pagan, so it must have been good enough. It just took forever to read. I was bored a lot when reading it.
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Nov 17, 2011
Kathy
rated it:
One of the first books people should read once they realize that modern male based religion has failed miserably. The ancient energies work with Spirit directly no middlemen. The ancient energies allow you to realize that power over is a masculine delusion and power with is the only way you can deal with the energies of Source.
Aug 28, 2009
Thomas
rated it:
A really good read for wiccan beginners and old salts, my only problem is that it is SO "womyn-centered" it feels a bit like men are left waiting in the hall while the gals have all the fun ritual-wise.
Not the best for menfolk due to that.
Look at all the reviews, 90% are from women cause the book is directed at them.
Not the best for menfolk due to that.
Look at all the reviews, 90% are from women cause the book is directed at them.
Dec 25, 2010
jennifer
rated it:
I love this book. Read it several times and get something out of it each time. Deals with spiruality, magic, ritual, psychology, and the divine in a real and validating way. Tackles all these elements of our being without losing itself into extremes. Stays grounded yet powerful.
Apr 17, 2010
Shannon
rated it:
Excellent first book for goddess/earth based religions. Wish I'd had it back when I was 16, but Cunningham's books still have their place. Consider me a Starhawk fan after this one- good stuff, intelligently written, and well amended in the 20th anniversary edition. Cuz the author decided the differences between age 28 viewpoint and age 48 viewpoint needed to be reflected. I dug that as well.
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Feb 11, 2012
Spider
rated it:
This is another of the books that I read in my youth as I was learning about the Goddess. I do strongly recommend this book for anyone that is interested in the Goddess and wants to get to know her.
Oct 27, 2011
Cinnimini
rated it:
This is generally considered one of the Must reads. And there is a reason for it. The book is well written, packed with personal stories and exercises and information.
Feb 28, 2011
Elizabeth
rated it:
My dear sister gave this book to me, still have the same copy which is well worn. I do not necessarily follow this "religion" but I do enjoy reading about them.
Jul 21, 2011
Included in Carl McColman's The Well-Read Witch (2002) - sections on Introductory Books on Wicca and Wiccan Classics.
Nov 08, 2009
Tara
rated it:
One of my most favorite books of all time. I have read this over and over. So powerful, passionate, poetic. A need to read for all women.
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Apr 07, 2011
Arlene
rated it:
Little did I dream that one day I would meet Starhawk, dance the spiral dance with her, and get my book signed for my daughter.
Oct 22, 2009
The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess: 20th Anniversary Edition by Starhawk (1999)
Mar 21, 2009
Natasha
rated it:
This is a good read on the goddess tradition. It's very intelligently written and made me feel very comfortable with the information I was being presented with.
Jan 13, 2009
Grant&Mimi's
rated it:
I don't have the shiney 20th anniversary edition, I have the old tattered one with the red cover--lolz
Jan 03, 2009
Sarah
rated it:
Absolutely the most important book I use in teaching goddess spirituality. I read it over and over again.
May 11, 2011
Stephanie
rated it:
Along with Drawing Down the Moon, I consider this an essential book for anyone interested in the Goddess.
Nov 23, 2009
The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess by Starhawk (1979)
Jan 11, 2009
Karianna
rated it:
Probably one of the most interesting looks into Wicca/Paganism and Goddess worship.
Jan 11, 2009
true or not i like believing that witchcraft is ancient and has its roots in the arctic
