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The Virtual Pagan: Exploring Wicca and Paganism through the Internet
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Author: Lisa McSherry
List Price: $14.95
Our Price: Click to see the latest and low price
ISBN: 1578632536
Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser (April, 2002)
Edition: Paperback
Sales Rank: 767,480
Average Customer Rating: 4.25 out of 5
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Customer ReviewsRating: 2 out of 5
Good Idea, Wrong Book
Here is a good idea that went astray. Sometimes good material can get lost amongst material that is highly controversial.The idea of this book, to explore Wicca and Paganism on the Internet, was a good idea. There is material here which would have been good on its own; resources that the Pagan community on the Internet can use to further studies and make surfing interesting and educational. Ms. McSherry provides information about pagan oriented email groups, chat channels and websites that would have made a good book if presented as a resource tool for Internet Pagans. Her discussion on how the internet works, email and chat room etiquette, flaming and witch wars shows she has much familiarity with the workings of Cyberspace and she did a good job on these topics. What went astray was her inclusion of her own personal path of CyberCovens and her commentaries on Paganism. I defer to the passage on page 9, which almost set me to pass on reviewing this book: "If you are new to Paganism, then you need to know a few things about this religion: 1. We all truly only agree on one thing:" An' it harm none, do what ye will." As a result, we do not take any action - magickal or otherwise - that would harm any person, including ourselves." Paganism categorized as a religion, that Pagans agree on anything spiritual, that the Wiccan Rede is followed by all Pagans and that everyone has a "harm none" ethic makes me feel that Ms. McSherry should have stuck to the technical aspects of the Internet. There is more in this book on Ms. McSherry's CyberCovens, and the value of connection without contact is something that has been touched on in many circles on the Internet. I believe Ms. McSherry has provided fuel here for some very heated discussions amongst both students and teachers of many paths who use the Internet as a tool for the Pagan Community. While it is interesting to read, Ms. McSherry's personal path should have been presented as a separate book. The usefulness of this book as an Internet resource becomes muddled in her attempt to define Paganism and present CyberCovens as an alternative to real life experiences.
Rating: 5 out of 5
A Great Reference and Guide
I was a computer illiterate! After exploreing the PC with the help of friends and family I felt better about my skill. I read this book and now, I am a 'thoroughly modern witch'. Not too bad for an old Crone. Thanks for writing this book so that even I can understand.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Creating an online Pagan group, and keeping it vital
Lisa McSherry's Virtual Pagan provides a virtual map for getting online, creating a Pagan group, and keeping it vital. The basics of computer user, from email etiquette to building a cyber altar, are here to appeal to a mixed audience of beginners and those with some experience who want to translate the computer world to a meaningful spiritual environment.
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