One Heart, Many Gods Review

The author dedicates her work to Odin. Credit: Wikimedia Commons, public domain.

"Where eclectic isn't a dirty word" is the subtitle of this blog, and that's true to my original intent of depositing old 101-type (or admittedly 099-type) articles from my days over a decade ago writing at the Pagan site at BellaOnline. The goal at that site was to be a unification point to provide free access to resources for new pagans of every stripe. My path has taken many turns since then, and while I believe I'll always be eclectic in some form, my daily practice is what I consider devotional polytheism.

I remember the bad scholarship in books from the '80s and '90s, and understood the need for the backlash that happened in paganism. However, I always found the anti "fluffy-bunny" trend somewhat pretentious and unnecessary. Besides the derision towards new pagans and witches, there was a growing trend of anti-eclecticism and anti UPG* (see below) to the point of dismissing anything that isn't lore based. On one hand, annoyance can be justified at people who are calling a thing something it isn't and using poor research, or likely no research, to back up their claims. On the other hand, at least from observing online behavior, the "you're doing it wrong" attitude rears its ugly head still way too often.

I don't think I'm alone in hating proselytizing, so the pagans I've known don't do it. But do we have to do the opposite and chase people away?  I believe online paganism isn't a true representation of all paganism. While I've been disappointed in people in person, I've also met some great people who walk their talk.

This brings me to the excellent introductory book, "One Heart, Many Gods: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Devotional Polytheism," by Lucy Valunos (a pen name).

One Heart, Many Gods

A major strength the author brings to the topic is the attitude of beginning where you are. I've seen more than one pagan relate that they didn't feel ready to begin on a particular path because they didn't feel prepared. Valunos acknowledges that we may want to have elaborate offerings of time and materials, but we shouldn't let it stop us if that's not available to us right now. She encourages beginning any devotion with respect and gives practical ideas to take it from there including ideas for when you're away from home as well as when you live with others who don't share your beliefs.

This is in e-book format and the main sections include:

• The Roots of Devotion: Why
• Consecrating the Mundane:  When
• Growing the Branches:  How
• In the Heart's Temple: Where

It's also refreshing how she recognizes there are polytheists with disabilities including the 'invisible' ones, i.e. mental illness, chronic pain, etc. She comes to this topic from personal experience with chronic health issues. While she suggests committing to daily practice times, devotional practices can be adapted to your situation.

"But our Gods are not confined to pretty shrines or to appointed hours in our days. They are still there in the chaos, the sickness, and the catastrophes." ~ Lucy Valunos

I think this would make a great companion to Ceisiwr Serith's, "A Book of Pagan Prayer," or to a specific devotional you've created yourself full of prayers or to one of the several available to different deities nowadays.

Most importantly, to me, is that Valunos doesn't beat you over the head with, "You're doing it wrong!" That doesn't mean she doesn't take the devotional path seriously; she clearly does. She gently nudges you to honestly take a look at your priorities and how you might rearrange them. She wants you to get started. She knows none of us are perfect, but we can't tread a path we haven't even begun to walk upon for fear of making a mistake.

This is a short read at 53 pages, but there isn't filler material. She gets to the heart of each topic quickly, so you can begin or add to your practice today. Included is a detailed example of her devotionals including candle practices she gives as inspiration for you to incorporate into your practice if so desired.

The book is free right now at Amazon through this link, One Heart, Many Gods: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Devotional Polytheism, or you can go to the author's website, Whiskey and Incense, to find more source places for it. Her blog is a fascinating record of her journey from Catholicism to her current path.

*UPG = Unverified Personal Gnosis:  Inspiration for your paganism not supported by lore. In my understanding, the term wasn't meant to be used as a bludgeoning tool against non-pagans, newbies or woo people, but simply as a clarification tool to be used to represent where we're coming from on any given topic being discussed in forums, classes, comment sections, etc.

FTC disclaimer: I have not received incentive from the author or publisher for this post. However, I am an Amazon affiliate, and receive a small (very small) percentage of any sales from purchases made through links provided on this blog.

© Trish Deneen