Published for an eponymous Open U. course taught by Pearson (religious studies), this text explores the forms and increasing popularity of New Age Movements in the UK and US. Part 1 consists of chapters on the genesis of modern paganism and Wicca; contemporary Celtic spirituality; American Indian wannabes; and religion, science, and the New Age. The rest of the 11 contributions delve further into neopaganism's roots and images, Celtic Christianity as postmodern primitivism, the issue of spiritual exploitation, and radical feminist appropriation of the Burning Times. Includes b&w photos of prominent occultists, modern rites, and ancient sites; color media images; and glossaries. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction / Joanne Pearson Ch. 1. The history and development of Wicca and Paganism / Joanne Pearson Ch. 2. Contemporary Celtic Spirituality / Marion Bowman Ch. 3. Aspirational Indians: North American indigenous religions and the New Age / Susan Mumm Ch. 4. Witches and Wicca / Joanne Pearson Ch. 5. Religion, science and the New Age / Roderick Main

The roots of modern Paganism / Ronald Hutton Madame Blavatsky's children: Theosophy and its heirs / Kevin Tingay The faith of the fringe: perspectives and issues in 'Celtic Christianity' / Donald E. Meek Wanting to be Indian: when spiritual searching turns into cultural theft / Myke Johnson From the Devil's gateway to the Goddess within: the image of the witch in neopaganism / Wouter J. Hanegraaff The witch in history / Diane Purkiss.