The 1980s saw the emergence of New Age and neo-paganism as major new religious movements. In the first book-length study of these movements, Michael York describes their rituals and beliefs and examines the similarities, differences and relationships between them. He profiles particular groups, including the Church Universal Triumphant, Nordic pagans, and the Covenant of Unitarian Pagans, and questions the adequacy of existing sociological categories for describing these largely amorphous phenomena.

"Once in a long while a book comes along so outstanding as to merit a "must buy" recommendation. This is such a book. If this were the only book you could have on "new religions", it would very well satisfy the need. Highly recommended!" - Cultic Studies Journal

"...treatment of these groups [New Age and neo-pagan groups] is informative. ...well written." - CHOICE