Pagan, Shinto & Spiritual Book Reviews October 2016

 Melusine Draco, Pagan Portals – Pan: Dark Lord of the Forest and Horned God of the Witches

(Moon Books, released November 25, 2016)

I think Pan has admirers from all shades of the Pagan spectrum, so it’s good news that we have this book devoted to Pan coming out this November.

Like others in Moon Books’ Pagan Portal series, Pan: Dark Lord of the Forest and Horned God of the Witches is short and snappy; a brief introduction to Pan for the unacquainted. It covers a brief overview of Pan’s history, from his appearance in Greek and Roman myths to his later incarnations as the Devil in Christianity and, later a symbol of untamed nature for Victorians.  It’s filled with quotations from writing and poetry featuring Pan, including ancient hymns to the God (which are very beautiful).

I felt that there was a lot more about Pan that could be said which hasn’t been covered in this slim volume. There’s no exploration of Pan’s modern incarnations (for example, the creature in Pan’s Labyrinth), and there’s also not much in the way of practical guidance for those wishing to work with this deity; while there are prayers, there are no rituals, meditations, or dedication ideas. As a result, Pagan Portals Pan feels somewhat spartan.

Complete newcomers to Pan will probably find this an easy introduction to the deity, while veteran Pan devotees might enjoy the collections of poetry and other resources featured here. Pagan Portals Pan is a good appetiser, but would need a bit more fleshing out in order to leave one fully satisfied.