Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely Essential Reading!
Review: I'm on my second copy of this book. I literally wore the first one out. This is an absolute must in any library. Naturally, it's of interest for Feminists and students of Women's Spirituality, but it is relevant to everyone in Western Culture. It gives a new perspective on the origins of many of our popular myths, customs, symbols and beliefs that would give any reader a more balanced perspective of these topics.Highly recommended for everyone; an absolute requirement for Feminists, Witches and other Pagans, as well as any student of Thealogy or Theology. Keep in mind that books on Women's Religion often go out of print for long periods of time - buy this while you can!
Rating:
Summary: Objective Restoration of both Genders (God/Goddess) Roles
Review: Barbara G. Walker properly sought out from her thorough study of anthropology, "myth, magic & comparative religions" a clear, concise, and errudite compendium of Magic, Myth & Religion. She succeeds without Dogma and like a complex puzzle she has thoroughly corrected where it has been blatantly hidden, Truths about such topics that most orthodox minded individuals would rather disappear or be seen and not heard from for another two millenium. Her scientific approach kept her from being submerged in any type of dogma and allows her to keep the reader focused on the origins of her subject matter. Also how those subjects have either remained true to their origin or veered with the political steerings of past, present and potentially future powers of State. She makes it clear that the supression of either one force, whether it be the masculine suppressing the feminine or the feminine suppressing the masculine, will not bring humanity into change that will teach us all about Truth, let alone become any closer to our own individual ideas of Divinity. The greatests minds take the greatests risks, especially in a world made up primarily of individuals devoid of even knowing or having the ability to take such risks. Thank you Barbara for such a wonderful Encyclopedia of Myths & Secrets concerning both the Gods & Goddesses of Human Archetypes, both past and present.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Aid in Raising Feminine Consciousness
Review: Our patriarchal society has done an excellent job repressing feminine knowledge and wisdom and for those who want to wake up from the great patriarchal nap, this book is a winner. It's filled with fascinating information about the root of some of our most enduring mythological symbols. It also gives credit to the old pagan cultures for their contribution in developing many of these symbols and rituals that help us understand the relationship between our inner and outer worlds. The dominating and repressive behavior or patriarchal cultures is also exposed on a number of different levels. For example, patriarchal religions took the concept of soul from pagan times and labeled it as male-only -- women were told they didn't have a soul. Yet those of us who have looked into the meaning of soul know it is strongly feminine because it represents the essence of wholeness. It is the feminine principle's integrative process that helps us discover our completeness. Patriarchy favors separation, disconnection, and fragmentation which explains why so many people today feel half -- not whole -- and all alone. Those that discount Walker's work because they don't agree with her facts or sources seem to be missing the message of what this book provides -- an aid that empowers women with their own history (or her-story). The Bible and most history books are filled with misleading and inaccurate information that essentially encouraged masculine over feminine thinking -- yet these errors are ignored or forgiven. People like Walker that have the courage to address the dark side of culture are often treated like snooze alarms - people want to hit them with anti-male rhetoric so they can go back to sleep. Anti-patriarchy is not the same as anti-male. One only needs to look at feminine-centered cultures to know that they were egalitarian in nature -both men and women were valued as equals.
Rating: 
Summary: Didn't like it
Review: I don't return too many books but this one I sent back. It was too hokey for one thing with all of the hocus pocus reference. Seemed to anti-man and just all around not my thing. I don't know about the accuracy of the contents as others referenced. This is one case where I'd really recommend going to a physical bookshop to look at it before buying it to see if you like it. It's a big thick book - one that you'd have to really like to get through - not a small commitment. Thumbs down from me.
Rating: 
Summary: Dated, Biased, Bilious, and Inaccurate
Review: Yeesh. This is supposed to be some kind of reference book? Only for the deluded, or perhaps for "crones" with crewcuts and plaid shirts with an ax to grind. Yes, it's entertaining, if you totally ignore the misquoting of sources and the out-and-out invention of "facts" which, in this far-too-long tome, are as numerous as the manufactured miracles of the middle ages. I spotted several errors almost immediately and have since checked out many of the ones mentioned below. Better this book should have been written by it's critics--at least their references prove out!
Rating: 
Summary: VERY Feminist, but don't let that turn you off
Review: Walker's viewpoint here is unapologetically feminist, but whether or not you share her views, you will appreciate her research and interesting stories about ancient cultures, women's roles, and the origins of some common words and customs. The book is set up -- as the title implies -- in encyclopedic format to provide easy access to information on specific subjects of interest. It's just as much fun to read straight through the book, though; I often find myself continuing on to the next entry and the next after I'm finished with the one I originally looked up. The whole massive thing is filled with interesting trivia, and great for passing on to mothers, daughters, and good friends.
Rating:
Summary: Very questionable
Review: I will not go into the details of the poor scholarship of this book; other reviewers have done that and done it rather well. While I find the lack of scholarship disturbing worse is the defense of this book. Reviewers of this book are not arguing for it's accuracy but arguing that any critic of this book is biased, prejudice or terrified of the truth. Weather or not a book has used good scholarship has nothing to do with the gender of the reader of the book, the readers political or their particular religious views. Similarly good scholarship has nothing to do with politics, with being a member of a particular religion or holding a particular worldview. Good scholarship has to do with providing evidence for your claims and accurately citing works of others that you have used in coming to your conclusions. It is not unreasonable to ask (demand) that a reference book on mythology and Paganism and one epically designed for a market obviously so hungry for such a reference provide accurate information based on good research. It is important to look at controversial theories and to work hard to make connections between mythologies and religious practices from around the world. . But the desire to find answers does not excuse the altering of history, the misuse of other's scholarship and the twisting of language to fit ones political agenda. Ms. Walker loudly accused patriarchal society of altering history of altering religion of engaging in a conspiracy of twisting facts to suit particular its needs. However the fact is that Ms. Walker is happily engaging in all of these activities without so much as batting an eye. Read it, enjoy it but please don't pretend it is accurate or reflective of history of mythology. If one uses it as a tool to stimulate ones research that is fine but recognize this book is NOT scholarly, it is NOT a reliable reference and should not be used as such.
Rating:
Summary: Full of interesting possibilities
Review: I wouldn't recommend this work as a reference for scholars, but perhaps as a reference for poets and other writers. While etymological 'connections' are often used to make sweeping claims that don't stand up to even light scrutiny, this sort of thing can be fun, if not inspiring, where not taken too seriously. I don't think the author's substantial effort was wasted at all.
Rating:
Summary: A "must have" for any serious student
Review: I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in researching the origins of traditions, holidays, prejudices, customs, words, myths and more! I have owned this book for nearly 20 years and I have used it so much it is falling apart =) There is information on just about anything you wish to find out more about and as a reference book it is indispensable! The bibliography given is extensive and excellent! This book has a place in anyone's library who appreciates little known facts and histories. I can't recommend it enough... buy it and use it.. you'll love it!
Rating:
Summary: A Invaluable book for research and more...
Review: I've had this book now for a couple of years and when I need information for research or just for my personal knowledge this book (including "The White Goddess" and "The Golden Bough") never fails to have what I'm looking for (and than some) This is a book every Priestess should have.
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