Spiral Dance, The - 20th Anniversary: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess: 20th Anniversary Edition 
asked by sumbuddy on November 24, 2006 5:07 AM
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
Reviews
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I am the first to admit that there are flaws in this book and that it is not a perfect fit for everyone. Having said that upfront, I also think this is a critical book for Pagans to read. It has many positives, as well as negatives, but in the final analysis is a classic book and one that needs to be read by anyone seeking greater understanding of the history of the neo-Pagan movement in America.
Unlike most reviewers, I'd like to get the negative comments out of the way first.
It is important to understand the book in a historical context and the 20th anniversary edition helps to do that. However, there is an undeniable bias towards men in the book that comes out again and again. Although a certain degree of attention is paid to the masculine aspect of deity, it is sorely overshadowed by clear anti-male sentiments. Like many readers, I see this as equal to the anti-female sentiments expressed in other paths. Personally, I see the need to balance male and female and don't feel that Starhawk would agree with me.
Likewise, the history presented in the book is deeply flawed. While many in our community are now aware of this fact, many more are not and continue to quote from inaccurate historic sources like Spiral Dance. Even here on Amazon, some reviewers still cling to history that even the author herself acknowledges is inaccurate. As a historian, I see this as a significant flaw and one that I would like to see more overtly addressed in the 25th or 30th anniversary edition of the book. As others have suggested, it is confusing to some readers to look at end notes. It would be better to put the updated commentary directly in the existing text so that flaws could be corrected. Those who read the book without reading the end notes are missing some important information.
I won't go into the detailed flaws in the history, but I strongly urge readers to seek other sources of information. The entire "Burning Times" outlook is inaccurate in many different ways. That's not to minimize the suffering that has taken place in the past, but the propagandistic approach that many books from the 1970s used is invalid and should never be put forth to anyone as fact in the 21st century.
Although I have a few minor disagreements with the book, the gender relationships and pseudo-history it professes are my primary points of contention.
With that out of the way, let's look at the positive aspects of this book.
Starhawk's writing is beautiful. The chants, the poetry, and the prose are all striking and valuable. All Pagans should experience this book for the writing alone.
Beyond her skillful use of words, this is an excellent introductory book to goddess paths. Although not an ideal 101 book for all Pagans, it is highly useful for many Pagans, Wiccans, and Witches. I am surprised to see some reviewers state this is too complex for those new to the path but I totally disagree. It is not a book for simpletons, but it is a highly readable book that can be easily digested by those new to their path.
That leads me to the major benefit of this book. Spiral Dance introduces many of the major elements of Paganism in a very approachable way. The exercises in this book are incredibly powerful and useful to those on virtually any path. Starhawk's exercises in grounding are quite possibly the best in print. Many of the other basic techniques that she teaches are equally valuable. Even if you completely disagree with the politics (hey, we live in America, we can't avoid politics and I think that a spiritually responsible person should be politically active, IMHO) and female-center philosophies of the book, the exercises are so well written and easy to understand that they could easily comprise the introductory learning lessons for almost any new Pagan.
The book is not perfect, but I have yet to find one that is. I know that my writing is far from perfect as well. But in the finally analysis, Spiral Dance is a very readable, useful text that also holds a tremendous place in the history of modern Paganism.
Not only does our community owe a debt to Starhawk for her many contributions over the years, we owe her an even greater debt for putting out updated versions of this classic work. She is not afraid to admit that she has evolved in her thinking over the years. This shows that she is a worthy leader and teacher. Anyone who can't find flaws in something they wrote 20 years ago would be an ego-maniac. Clearly Starhawk does not fit this description.
Starhawk has honored us all with this updated look at a true Pagan classic. If you have not read this book, I urge you to do so. Read with an open mind and a critical eye. Read all the notes in the book. But please, do read it.
Unlike most reviewers, I'd like to get the negative comments out of the way first.
It is important to understand the book in a historical context and the 20th anniversary edition helps to do that. However, there is an undeniable bias towards men in the book that comes out again and again. Although a certain degree of attention is paid to the masculine aspect of deity, it is sorely overshadowed by clear anti-male sentiments. Like many readers, I see this as equal to the anti-female sentiments expressed in other paths. Personally, I see the need to balance male and female and don't feel that Starhawk would agree with me.
Likewise, the history presented in the book is deeply flawed. While many in our community are now aware of this fact, many more are not and continue to quote from inaccurate historic sources like Spiral Dance. Even here on Amazon, some reviewers still cling to history that even the author herself acknowledges is inaccurate. As a historian, I see this as a significant flaw and one that I would like to see more overtly addressed in the 25th or 30th anniversary edition of the book. As others have suggested, it is confusing to some readers to look at end notes. It would be better to put the updated commentary directly in the existing text so that flaws could be corrected. Those who read the book without reading the end notes are missing some important information.
I won't go into the detailed flaws in the history, but I strongly urge readers to seek other sources of information. The entire "Burning Times" outlook is inaccurate in many different ways. That's not to minimize the suffering that has taken place in the past, but the propagandistic approach that many books from the 1970s used is invalid and should never be put forth to anyone as fact in the 21st century.
Although I have a few minor disagreements with the book, the gender relationships and pseudo-history it professes are my primary points of contention.
With that out of the way, let's look at the positive aspects of this book.
Starhawk's writing is beautiful. The chants, the poetry, and the prose are all striking and valuable. All Pagans should experience this book for the writing alone.
Beyond her skillful use of words, this is an excellent introductory book to goddess paths. Although not an ideal 101 book for all Pagans, it is highly useful for many Pagans, Wiccans, and Witches. I am surprised to see some reviewers state this is too complex for those new to the path but I totally disagree. It is not a book for simpletons, but it is a highly readable book that can be easily digested by those new to their path.
That leads me to the major benefit of this book. Spiral Dance introduces many of the major elements of Paganism in a very approachable way. The exercises in this book are incredibly powerful and useful to those on virtually any path. Starhawk's exercises in grounding are quite possibly the best in print. Many of the other basic techniques that she teaches are equally valuable. Even if you completely disagree with the politics (hey, we live in America, we can't avoid politics and I think that a spiritually responsible person should be politically active, IMHO) and female-center philosophies of the book, the exercises are so well written and easy to understand that they could easily comprise the introductory learning lessons for almost any new Pagan.
The book is not perfect, but I have yet to find one that is. I know that my writing is far from perfect as well. But in the finally analysis, Spiral Dance is a very readable, useful text that also holds a tremendous place in the history of modern Paganism.
Not only does our community owe a debt to Starhawk for her many contributions over the years, we owe her an even greater debt for putting out updated versions of this classic work. She is not afraid to admit that she has evolved in her thinking over the years. This shows that she is a worthy leader and teacher. Anyone who can't find flaws in something they wrote 20 years ago would be an ego-maniac. Clearly Starhawk does not fit this description.
Starhawk has honored us all with this updated look at a true Pagan classic. If you have not read this book, I urge you to do so. Read with an open mind and a critical eye. Read all the notes in the book. But please, do read it.
reviewed by motivations on November 26, 2006 4:58 PM
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Contrary to what other Pagans may have written on this site, I LOVE "The Spiral Dance" precisely because of its political overtones. As an anticapitalist, ecofeminist gay man, I am deeply moved by Starhawk's vision of an earth-based spirituality that honors women, community, the earth, sexuality and the body. Frankly, I am shocked by the outright sexist reviews some people have given of this book, not to mention the widespread denial of the burning times as a patriarchal holocaust against women, gays, and non-Christian people. The eagerness of certain Pagans to minimize the suffering of this period is, to me, a disturbing reflection of the larger culture's willingness to silence the histories and voices of feminist women and other marginalized groups. Furthermore, in at least one review of this book, I detect anti-Semitism, implying that Starhawk can't fully be a Witch if she retains her Jewishness. Such a narrow definition of what constitutes a Pagan denies us the complexities, nuances, individual choices and ancestries that enrich our lives. Need I remind the reader of the many Hebrew Goddesses of the Middle East or the ecological undercurrents, feminism, and social consciousness that informs Jewish tradition (the contradictions of right-wing Zionism aside). Without a doubt, what seperates Starhawk's writings on the Craft from many other Pagan authors is her passion for social justice, ecological sustainability and peace. Personally, I believe that spirituality devoid of concern for other human beings and the earth is nothing more than right-wing, reactionary navel-gazing. Unfortunately, I have met far too many witches who are much more interested in fluffy, woo-woo nonsense like astral projection and past live regression than they are in restoring the land (the living body of the Ancient Mother we supposedly worship). Moreover, as someone who strongly values participatory democracy, egalitarianism and consensus, I really appreciate Starhawk's insights on coven structure and group dynamics. (Coven hierarchies, like corporate hierarchies, do not appeal to me in the least!) Simply put, if you are looking for another New Age book on channeling spirits or casting hexes, then this book is not for you. However, if your idea of magic involves planting seeds in a community garden or marching for peace, then read this book immediately. It just may change your life forever.
Blessed be and tikkun olam.
Blessed be and tikkun olam.
reviewed by rafit on November 29, 2006 2:10 PM