Paganism in its many varieties is one of the fastest growing religious and cultural
movements of modern America. Who are the Pagans? What are they like? What
does it mean to be a Pagan? What do Pagans believe, and how do they actually
practice their faith?
 
This program provides a fascinating,
highly personal look at several groups of Pagans living in New England
at the close of the 20th century. Expertly guided by Ellen Evert Hopman,
a Druid Priestess, herbalist, and author of People of the Earth, this program records the major ceremonies of the Pagan sacred year. Pagans contains images beautifully captured by videographer James MacAllister,
and a haunting original musical score written, performed, and arranged
by Paddy Keenan (one of the founders of the Bothy Band). |
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Reviews
June 2013
I came across your production of "Pagans, Wheel of the Sacred Year," yesterday, just by chance. I had taken this vhs out of a local library back in 2003, in south Florida, and was very happy to see it. I had just recently began studying Paganism, and this put every thing I read in perfect vision for me, this was my path ever since I was a young child growing up in rural New England and then moving to Florida, as a young child, I still was a student of nature and the seasons. For many years after the first viewing of this beautiful explanation of Paganism I wanted to see it again, but failed to remember the title of the video.
I told many people of it and went back to the libraries, but as times passes so do the products. I love to google photos and yesterday, just by magic, I googled Pagan videos, and as I came across a snippit of your story, I watched the first sabbat, Yule, and I knew I found it after all these years, this got me so excited, I did more research and found out who did it. I can't tell you how happy I am to now be able to have this for my own,
Thank You, again for this beautiful portrayal of us Pagans, many people do not understand what this belief is all about, maybe now I can change this thought. Bless you, keep making videos for all of us to see, you have a great website, with lots of informative and engaging information.
Diane - Hollywood Florida
Video Librarian, Volume 15, #2, March-April 2000
by M. Tribby
Pagans ***
Since Paganism refers to not just one religion, but a tradition encompassing
many belief systems, this low-key, in-depth documentary, which follows
the festivals of the Pagan calendar, takes care in delineating the different
traditions and practices shown. Wiccan, Druid and Native American devotees
are seen engaging in nature-based ceremonies, the meanings and accoutrements
of which are explained and explored as viewers are introduced to the eight
high holy days of the Pagan calendar: the Winter Solstice, Imbolc, the
Vernal Equinox, May Day, The summer Solstice, The autumnal Equinox, Laughnassad,
and Halloween. There are, of course, no steaming cauldrons or any other
kind of sensationalism; in fact, with the peaceful flute music accompaniment,
the mood is much like any religious group's introductory presentation.
While the pacing is perhaps a bit too relaxed at times, the cinematography
is solid and the information should serve as an excellent reference source.
Will it turn kids away from mainline religions? Doubtful, but it will
explain--and probably demystify--paganism. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P.
PanGaia, #23; Spring 2000
by Leni Austine
This video on contemporary Neopagan practice is a well-crafted and intimate
look at the actual ritual workings of actual every-day Pagans. Pagans
focuses on the eight seasonal celebrations as practiced by small groups
and Pagan families in New England. It shows Wiccan, Scandinavian and Druidic
ceremonies, as well as shamanic and Native American components in Neopagan
ritual. The result is a warm, poetic documentary that accurately depicts
the ritual lives of many Pagans, against the lovely background of rural
New England.
Expertly led by Ellen Evert Hopman, Druid priestess and author, and videographed
by James MacAllister, the video also includes a beautiful original score
by Paddy Keenan. This reverent and joyful work is lovingly made, and quite
affirming and positive of Pagan faith. An excellent resource for anyone
interested in Wicca or Neopaganism.
For additional reviews click
here
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