Central Valley Pagans

This book is meant to back up the Ongoing Lecture Series Hosted by Penny Verin-Shapiro in her Anthropology of Religion Classes at Fresno State University each Semester. It gives the students a chance to delve a bit deeper into topics such as Witchcraft , Wicca, Goddess Worshippers, Druidry, Asatru/Nordic Heathenry, Ceremonial Magic, Sha’can Tradition, and Eclectic Pagan Practitioners, as well as those from other various alternative spiritual pathways practiced by individuals living throughout the Central Valley of California. Students will hear both from actual practitioners of these different alternative pathways (an emic perspective), but also from a researcher who has spent extensive time since 2005 investigating this fascinating community by ethnographic research, conducti ng in-depth interviews and participant-observation, the hallmark methodology of Anthropology (giving an etic perspective). Jewish Kabbalah is also explained, as it formed part of the basis for the Western Esoteric Occult Tradition. Recommended Further Reading Lists and Study Questions are presented in each chapter to give further direction to the reader. 

As this is a first edition of this text book and is limited in length, it cannot make any claim to be comprehensive--it merely offers a taste of the different topics and then points the reader where to look to go further in depth on these various topics. Over time, however it will be expected to change and grow in the types of information it can provide, eventually to include appendices for different types of holidays, rites of passage rituals, a glossary, common symbols used, etc. Plus since the speakers in this series continue to grow and evolve themselves, new topics will be discussed in future seminar presentations, to supplement what is already presented in this edition. Eventually, the author foresees a series of such books to continue to add to the knowledge being made available to the public by those who practice, for those who are interested in learning the truth behind the stereotypes. Welcome to the journey and enjoy the ride!