One of the key things to keep in mind is that Paganism is a generic or umbrella term which covers a wide variety of religions. Druidry, Wicca (one religious form of Witchcraft), non-Wiccan Witchcraft systems, Asatru, and the many recreationist groups that focus on Greek, Roman, Celtic, etc. religions are all Pagan yet all quite distinct.
Another excellent resource on the internet for Pagans is
Witches' Voice - 26 March, 2007 - 10:08:05 AM -- it's primarily a networking site (individuals and groups list themselves for free there and represent thousands of Pagans around the globe) but it also serves as a clearinghouse for user-contributed essays and basic information. Click on the Info menu there, and go into Basics for some information that is relevant to beginners (scroll down past the moon phase stuff to get to the real info for beginners.)
Another excellent site to check out for a wide variety of religious topics including Paganism is
ReligiousTolerance.org by the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance It's more of an information site than a messagesite or networking site.
Margot Adler's book "Drawing Down the Moon" (completely revised and updated in the most recent 2006 edition) gives a comprehensive overview of Paganism in its glorious diversity, focussing on the United States community but relevant to Pagans everywhere. I strongly recommend this for anyone who is interested in learning more about Paganism.
And finally, Isaac Bonewits' helpful "Advanced Bonewits Cult Danger Evaluation Frame" found
here on his website is a good checklist to help newcomers decide if a particular group is worth investigating or avoiding. Bonewits is one of the Pagan community's shining lights -- he has written some highly influential books and is also the founder of one of the popular Druid groups,
ADF. (Note too that there are a number of different Druid groups; ADF is just one of them.)
; )
Ben Gruagach
WitchGrotto.com
