Margot Adler

Margot Adler (1946-2014) was an American author, journalist, and National Public Radio correspondent who made significant contributions to both journalism and the understanding of modern Paganism. She worked at NPR for 35 years, serving as bureau chief of the New York office and regularly contributing to programs like All Things Considered and Morning Edition. As a practicing Wiccan high priestess, Adler wrote "Drawing Down the Moon" (1979), which became a foundational text documenting the emergence of contemporary Paganism in America. The book combines scholarly research with firsthand accounts of various Pagan traditions and remains a crucial resource for understanding the modern Pagan movement. Adler came from a notable intellectual lineage as the granddaughter of psychologist Alfred Adler, a contemporary of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. Her background as the child of Jewish intellectuals and political activists influenced her perspective and approach to both journalism and religious studies. In addition to her work on Paganism, Adler authored "Heretic's Heart," a memoir of her experiences during the 1960s, and covered a wide range of topics in her journalism career, from politics to cultural phenomena. Her death in 2014 marked the end of a career that bridged mainstream journalism and the study of alternative spirituality.

Readers consistently highlight "Drawing Down the Moon" for its detailed research and objective reporting on modern Paganism. On Goodreads and Amazon, readers note its academic rigor while remaining accessible to general audiences. Readers appreciated: - Thorough documentation of Pagan movements and practices - Balanced, journalistic approach to controversial topics - Personal interviews and firsthand accounts - Historical context and analysis Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Dated material in older editions - Focus primarily on American traditions - Limited coverage of some Pagan paths One reader on Goodreads wrote: "The interviews and personal stories make this history come alive." Another noted: "Could use more updating, but still the best overview available." Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (5,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (300+ reviews) Her memoir "Heretic's Heart" receives fewer but positive reviews (4.2/5 on Goodreads) with readers noting its insights into 1960s activism and counterculture movements.

Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America (1979) A comprehensive study of contemporary Paganism in America, combining academic research with firsthand accounts of various Pagan traditions and practices.

Heretic's Heart: A Journey Through Spirit and Revolution (1997) A memoir chronicling Adler's experiences during the 1960s, including her involvement in the Berkeley Free Speech Movement and her spiritual evolution.

Vampires Are Us: Understanding Our Love Affair with the Immortal Dark Side (2014) An examination of vampire mythology in literature and popular culture, exploring why these stories resonate with modern audiences.

Out for Blood (1989) A journalistic investigation into modern vampire subculture and its intersection with broader social movements.

Starhawk combines feminist philosophy with earth-based spirituality in works like "The Spiral Dance." Her writing explores similar themes to Adler's regarding modern Paganism and activism, documenting the intersection of spirituality with social and environmental movements.

Ronald Hutton provides academic historical analysis of Paganism, witchcraft, and British folk customs. His work "Triumph of the Moon" offers detailed research into modern Pagan history comparable to Adler's scholarly approach in "Drawing Down the Moon."

Diane Purkiss examines witch histories and folklore through a feminist academic lens. Her work "The Witch in History" presents historical research on witchcraft with attention to gender and social contexts, similar to Adler's analytical approach.

Graham Harvey studies contemporary Paganism from an academic religious studies perspective. His research methodology mirrors Adler's combination of scholarly analysis with first-hand observation of Pagan communities.

Michael Harner writes about shamanic practices and indigenous spirituality based on anthropological research. His work "The Way of the Shaman" documents alternative spiritual practices with the same kind of detailed participant-observer approach that Adler used.