It was about time that I finally found a book solely on Pan. I've wanted to read about him for so long that getting this little one was very exciting! Today I want to tell you about Pagan Portals - Pan: Dark Lord of the Forest and Horned God of the Witches, by Melusine Draco. Thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!
- Print Length: 96 pages.
- Publisher: Moon Books (November 25, 2016)
- Publication Date: November 25, 2016.
- Topics: Folklore, Greeks, History, Mythology, Witchcraft.
- Rating: 3 / 5 stars.
Those who have grown up with Pan as a playmate remember how, back in the day, it would be possible for a young child to disappear into the woods with only a dog for company for hours on end without there being a hue and cry raised in its absence; and it was on those woodland rides and pathways - summer or winter - that Mélusine Draco often encountered Pan.
The book explores several of the aspects of Pan as a god, some of them often overlooked when one starts reading about him. We all know him as the Lord of the forests, animals, the wild life, maybe even music, but we are also taught about his influence in art, fear, sexuality, and more.
There are also chapters that examine his history, the meanings of some of his myths. I was particularly interested in the one exploring how he's not actually dead, and his relationship with the witch-hunts, the confessions, along with the evolution of his image as one that would represent the God of the Witches. I may not agree with some of the ideas explored, but can't deny how interesting it all was.
My only complain is the organization of the ideas. The author moves from one topic to the other that might not be as related as one would expect, and while it does give it an informal look, as if having a conversation with a friend, I prefer something with a more solid structure. It confused me some times so I had to go back to re-read and understand where all that was coming from.
All in all, Pagan Portals - Pan: Dark Lord of the Forest and Horned God of the Witches is a useful introduction on one of the most appealing gods in Modern Paganism. Melusine Draco did a good amount of research to present it in an informal way. While leaning more towards theory, there are a few exercises included to make it a complete approach.
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