Janet Munin

I love this book. I read it after reading [[Consider the Ravens]] by Karen and Paul Fredette, which focusses on Christian eremiticism but which does touch on hermits of different faiths. This one builds on the conversation for me, and I got a lot out of each essay, which are varied and work well together, from the first chapter by someone just finding their monastic path to the last by someone who has worked with a group to develop a Druid Revivalist monastic church.

This last may sound bizarre to someone coming from one of the massive religions that dominate the religious landscape, who may be suspicious of anything that uses words like Neopagan or Druid. But if you are able to set those suspicions aside and listen to what the authors have to say, or if you yourself come from a Neopagan path, you will find much good here, to help you build your own contemplative practice.… (meer)

This collection of essays is a useful introduction to the concept of modern polytheistic monasticism. Since there is currently little institutional support for such a lifestyle the practice is defined more by a level of devotional practice that is higher than the norm as well as a feeling of having been called to such practices. The essayists also speak of restraining the consumerist lifestyle of Western culture, by dressing simply, abstaining from television or social media, and conserving resources. Since some of the writers have to earn a living in conventional jobs or care for family members, they cannot embrace the total immersion in religious practice of a monk or nun in Christian or Buddhist institutions. Nor is the role of mendicant monk or nun available in a culture that regards beggars as a nuisance rather than as an opportunity to acquire virtue through charity. This is an interesting book even if one is not contemplating such a lifestyle, making it clear that there are people who take a Pagan or Heathan life beyond the round of seasonal meetings or festivals.… (meer)