Earth God Rising: The Return of the Male Mysteries (Llewellyn's Men's Spirituality Series)

Alan Richardson is an interesting read. He is an English author which colors much of the book. Another facet of him that is evident in this book is his apparent reverence for the late Crowley. He has a sartorial wit of which he seems to be very much aware. If you can block out his numerous asides this is actually a very good book on the masculine deity.When I said that Richardson's Englishness colors "Earth God Rising" I meant that he dwells quite a bit on Cernunnos or Herne. This of course is natural. Any good writer writes about what he knows. I found his exploration of the God to be enlightening and informative. His occasional sly references can easily be taken in stride as long as one understands where he is coming from. Richardson is one of those traditional English Witches. He expects you to read between the lines, to look at his work at a slant. He tries to point in the right direction but he expects that you will work it out on your own.This is an excellent book for the serious student. The answers are not in this book but the questions are. You have to know the right questions to ask before you can find the answers you seek. If you expect knowledge to be handed to you on a plate this book will disappoint.

This is an interesting and thoughtful book about pagan concepts of male deity and I heartily recommend it.