The Temple of Witchcraft Book and CD Series
The Temple of Witchcraft series of books serves as the foundation for The Temple of Witchcraft Tradition, a systematic approach to the modern Craft. The books outline the course of study for the Mystery School and Seminary Training for our organization, and is available to the public through these manuals for any and all to use while on the path.
The structure is divided into five levels, based upon the five elements and what we view as the Five Mysteries. The fifth level is divided into two separate volumes, based upon the mysteries of both Goddess and God, making it a six book series in total. Each of the Temple books also has a separate CD Companion available, with the exercises, meditations and rituals with original music, guided by the author, Christopher Penczak
Though based upon a modern and evolving tradition, the award winning series takes a non-dogmatic presentation style, and encourages an eclectic, personal approach while providing a strong foundation for the practice of witchcraft and magick based upon the foundations of history, practice and well tested methods.
The Inner Temple of Witchcraft: Magick, Meditation and Psychic Development
Fire – The first of the Temple series
I would recommend this book for anyone interested in pursuing life as a Witch, or those who simply wish to live a more magical life. I also recommend it for experienced Witches, as Penczak's insights are inspiring. It's never too late to strengthen your spiritual foundation. Even though I've been a practicing Wiccan for years, I learned something new on almost every page. 5 out of 5 Broomsticks!
- New Witch Magazine, Spring 2003
This book is the best book I have seen to date on the subject of magickal development, incorporating meditative practices that are much better than many I have seen in other publications. Its "auric cleansing" exercise alone is well worth the price of the book. ... I strongly recommend this book to intermediate to advanced practitioners of Witchcraft or other occult arts. Christopher Penczak, thank you for a wonderful book and especially the superbly recorded CDs: they will both find much use. – Paganet News
The foundation of the series is found in The Inner Temple of Witchcraft. Rather than focus on rituals and spells before understanding the inner workings of magick and psychic abilities, The Inner Temple provides a thorough course in understanding and directly experiencing magick, developing the inner world skills and psychic “muscles” to continue onward with success. The program outlined emphasizes introspection, meditation and the development of magickal and psychic abilities that are the birthright of the witch. It involves the “oracular” mysteries of psychic development. Four introductory chapters present the history, traditions and principles of witchcraft, followed by thirteen structured lessons starting with basic meditation techniques and culminating with the self-initiation ceremony for the First Degree of the Temple of Witchcraft
Explore the Inner Temple – your own personal sacred space where there are no boundaries and all are possible. With study, dedication, and practice, the lessons and exercises in this book will empower you to transform the repetitive rigors of the daily grind into a witch's web of magickal experiences.
As you progress through this year-and-a-day course of study, you will explore a wide range of topics that support and inform the dedicated witch:
- Ancient and modern magickal philosophy
- Modern scientific theories supporting a new definition of reality
- "Instant" magick techniques for protection, healing, and serenity
- Energy work and anatomy, including chakras and auras
- Astral travel, dreams, and spirit guides
- Healing techniques for body, mind, and spirit
- Past live exploration
Develop your psychic abilities and practice potent magickal techniques as you explore the source of every witch's power--the temple within. Winner of the 2003 Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) Award for Best Magic Book
The Outer Temple of Witchcraft: Circles, Spells and Rituals
Earth – The second of the Temple series
Like any good reference book, this one offers an abundance of exercises and visual examples throughout. But what makes this an exception resources is Penczak's ability to offer deeper philosophical discussions while simultaneously giving practical advice. On doesn't have to relate to the word "witch" to appreciate this guidebook; all it takes is willingness to create through intention, honor the cycles of nature and be ready to take personal power and responsibility over one's life. Once again Penczak proves himself to be a gifted teacher and a witch of the highest order. - Publisher's Weekly - Feb. 23, 2004
With the foundation of the first level in place, you are now ready to enter the heart of witchcraft and find at its core the power of sacred space.
Draw the sacred space from within yourself, your Inner Temple, and through the study of the Outer Temple, manifest that sacred space in the outer world through ritual and spellwork. Before you jump into spell work, learn the role of the priestess or priest through a relationship with the deities. Forge a personal connection with the spirits of Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Learn the structure of ritual to understand not only how to cast a magick circle, but the reasons behind each step and the purpose for the ritual, so you can create and adapt your own. Take on the role of the priestess or priest of the Craft, and conduct your own rituals esbats, or Moon rituals and Sabbats, the rituals of the Wheel of the Year. Explore the mysteries of the “fertility” aspect of witchcraft, harmonizing with the flow of nature. The four preliminary chapters are followed by a complete thirteen lesson course of magick and spellcrafting, culminating with the self initiation ceremony for the Second Degree of the Temple of Witchcraft.
Create the Outer Temple – your own ritualized sacred space where you sand between the world and create your reality. Expresing your own creativity with a thorough knowledge of magickal theory you will create your own spells of protection, love, prosperity and health. You will have the skills to design your own spells.
As you progress through this year and a day course, you will learn all the skills necessary for you to walk the path of the Priestess or Priest of the Craft, including:
- Building your altar and working with the gods
- Elemental gateways
- Divination and ethics
- Astrological timing and planetary hours
- Correspondences for Stones and Herbs
- Spells with potions, candles, cord, symbols and sigils
- Wheel of the year ceremonies
Develop your magickal abilities and explore your True Will as you develop the sacred space of the circle – the outer temple. 2005 Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) tied Winner for Book of the Year and Winner for Best Magic/Magick Book!
The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft: Shadows, Spirits and the Healing Journey
Water – The third of the Temple series
Is shamanism all that different from modern witchcraft? Though the two appear to be different from the outside, their roots both go back 20,000 years to the Stone Age traditions of the tribal hunter-gatherer societies. Much of what underlies the Craft is a deep and intimate connection with the spirit world, much like the connection tribal and modern shamans have with the spirit world. Both are concerned with healing the people and acting as bridge between this world and those beyond the veil. Working with the “ecstatic” mysteries to move beyond the flesh, the methods of trance found in witchcraft parallel those of shamanism – focus, drumming, dancing, isolation, pain, pleasure and herbal substances. Four introductory chapters outlining the similarities, differences and shared history are followed by a thirteen lesson course in the practical arts of the shamanic witch, with exercises, assignments and helpful tips.
Based upon the reflective nature of water, the course guides the student into the realm of emotion and healing. One must walk the healing path before helping others to heal. The training culminates with the process of Shadow Distllation, conjuring the repressed part of the soul what blocks your success and spiritual progress. Through the Shadow ritual you will be led through the self-initiation ceremony of the Third Degree of the Temple of Witchcraft. Move through the spirit lessons of this year-and-a-day course, and learn about:
- Three Souls
- Three worlds of shamanic cosmology including above, below and between
- Animal, plant and stone “totems” and “medicine”
- Flying ointments
- Trancing the Wheel of the Year
- Soul sickness and psychic surgery
- Dream magick
Encourage your talent to safely walk between the world and stand as a bridge between the creatures of flesh and blood and those beyond the veil of spirit and light. 2006 Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) Best Magic/Shamanism Book
The Temple of High Witchcraft:
Ceremonies, Spheres and The Witches' Qabalah
Air – the fourth of the Temple series
This is foremost an engaging textbook designed for home schooling the advancing witch, and it is encyclopedic in its rituals, charts, and even homework assignments. —Publishers Weekly.
The Temple of High Witchcraft has been described as “the Craft meets High Magick” as it explores the shared history and purpose of Qabalistic Ceremonial Magick and witchcraft. Many witches looking to go forward in spiritual evolution study the essentials of ceremonial magick, but often find theological conflict with a magickal tradition with its roots in Judeo-Christian mysticism. This text explores the deeply interwoven relationship between pagans and magickal Qabalah, and its influence on the modern Craft, presenting the essential concepts in a way that is compatible with witchcraft. Again four introductory chapters outline the history, similarity and basic practices, followed by thirteen lessons, each one based upon a sphere of the Tree of Life. Each lesson includes its correspondences, an understanding of its spiritual vision, a form of magick and a ceremony in its classic form and reconstructed in a more pagan friendly format.
While the teachings of the book correspond to the intellectual mysteries of Air, guiding you through the realm of creativity, critical thinking and communication, its essence is the search for personal truth, the mysteries of “gnosis” or direct knowledge, and how you express that knowledge through the creation of your own cosmology, a Reality Map. The cosmology you create will be based on your own spiritual experiences as well as the philosophies and practices of ceremonial magick. The course culminates with an invocation to your own Higher Self or Holy Guardian Angel, the creation of your Reality Map and the self-initiation ceremony of the Fourth Degree of the Temple of Witchcraft.
The fundamentals of a form of high witchcraft, drawing upon the ceremonies of the Golden Dawn and Thelema are taught, with topics including:
- The Qabalah and the Tree of Life
- Symbol and sigil magick
- The Rituals of the Pentagram, Hexagram and Rosey Cross
- Middle Pillar and Body of Light
- Pathworking
- The Ritual of the Rosy Cross
- Invoking and banishing rituals
- Fluid condensers
- Barbarous words of power, magickal constructs, and the Goetia
The course deepens your study of the four elements through the claiming of the inner spiritual tools of the Stone of Sovereignty, Sword of Truth, Cup of Compassion and Spear of Victory, helping your climb the Tree and find your own divinity. 2008 Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) Best Magic/Shamanism Book
The Living Temple of Witchcraft Volume I: The Descent of the Goddess
Spirit – The fifth of the Temple series
Christopher Penczak is a gentle priest with lighting bolts at his fingertips. He has power and wisdom balanced within himself and his teachings. – Laurie Cabot, author of Power of the Witch and Celebrate the Earth.
A Witch both traditional and modern, Penczak manages to combine no-nonsense practicality with the underpinnings of a deeper theological exploration.
- T. Thorn Coyle, author of Evolutionary Witchcraft and Kissing the Limitless
Christopher Penczak is one of the most significant authors writing today on the subject of witchcraft. His current book is derived from a profound understanding of the subject; one that can come only from years of personal training and experience. - Raven Grimassi, author of Witchcraft: A Mystery Tradition.
Journey further down the path of mystery, ministry and magick. The Living Temple of Witchcraft: Part I is a thought provoking guide and valuable tool for personal transformation. This book will be invaluable resource to teachers, Priests and Priestesses of the Craft. - Ellen Dugan, author of Natural Witchery & Garden Witchery Powerful, dynamic, full of wisdom, amazing! The Living Temple of Witchcraft is a soul's delight of travels into the inner realms for beauty, truth, understanding and enlightenment. Christopher Penczak is a true teacher of the mysteries. - Rosemary Ellen Guiley, author, of The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft & Wicca
A well written, inspired and in depth course on witchcraft and associated magical traditions; this comprehensive guidebook is a priceless treasure for the true seeker focused on the balanced and integrated development of self as a spiritual, magical and ethical being. Once again Christopher gifts us with sound, sane and safe magical practices with profound implications. - Orion Foxwood, The Faery Teachings and The Tree of Enchantments.
Venture deeper into the mysteries of witchcraft and discover within yourself new levels of wisdom, love, power, and responsibility. In the fifth installment of the award-winning Temple of Witchcraft series, we explore the mysteries of resurrection through the Descent of the Goddess. In the myth of Inanna, the Goddess journeys through seven gates to attain entrance to the Underworld and learn its secrets. In this unique book on witchcraft, you will parallel this descent by journeying through each of the seven chakras, symbolically evolving from survival to a state of divinity. Each lesson has meditations based on the teachings of this journey, as well as an advanced discussion of a key facet of magick or witchcraft often overlooked by intermediate books:
- The alchemical operations, the Miracle of Bread and the Seven Celtic Castles
- A pagan exploration of the Great Ages
- The measure of initiation
- The reason for being skyclad
- Power, fear and the Right and Left Hand Paths
- The Vocation of Healing
- Ethics and codes of conduct
- Working with soul history
- Evoking your Master-Teacher
- Discovering your own spiritual laws
- The Crown of Humility
- Receiving your secret names of the Goddess and God
The Living Temple of Witchcraft, Volume One: The Descent of the Goddess is for solitaries, eclectics, and non-traditional witches who are ready to integrate the mysteries and magick into their ministry and share their gifts with the world.
Witches & Pagans Review
THE LIVING TEMPLE OF WITCHCRAFT: VOL. 1, THE DESCENT OF THE GODDESS & VOL. 2, THE JOURNEY OF THE GOD
CHRISTOPHER PENCZAK
LLEWELLYN , 2008 & 2009
In 2002, six years ago, Christopher Penczak gave us the first installment in his Temple of Witchcraft series and with volumes 1 and 2 of The Living Temple of Witchcraft: Mystery, Ministry, and the Magickal Life he completes the cycle. I’ve reviewed most of this series and am frankly running out of new ways to say “this is great!’”
Shortest review ever: This set is a must-have addition to your magickal library if you are anything but a novice. (If you’re a novice, go get the first book in the series. Now.)
The subtitle of The Living Temple of Witchcraft gives us our first glimpse into the areas we’ll explore with Penczak this time: Mystery, Ministry, and the Magickal Life. These volumes are for those wishing to explore being a leader and taking a larger role within the Pagan community. Every Witch has a personal connection with the Divine — that’s a basic component of our beliefs — but not every witch has the desire, or skills, to also take on the role of priestess to others. As the Neopagan community has grown more established, the desire for leaders has grown, and we are slowly acquiring training through our large-scale teachers (books) that help fill the need.
Penczak makes two things absolutely clear: the final calling of a Witch is to be clergy, it is a necessary component of being a Witch; and no book can make you a high priest/ess. He knows that most Witches are content to find a personal practice that connects them more deeply into the natural world. The Living Temple of Witchcraft is a guide for those who hear the “call” but have no one to assist them to the next level. It’s an eclectic collection of teachings based on the seven chakras and tied to the seven gates of the Goddess’ descent, a traditional part of a second-degree initiatory cycle.
Mr. Penczak sums it up beautifully: “No matter how much training they have had and how confident they are in their abilities, few think they are ready to be a high priest/ess.” I believe there is even a sort of “rule” of Witchcraft which says that if someone wants to be a high priest/ess, they aren’t ready to be one.
Volume 2 uses a diverse set of myths and patterns overlaid onto the 12 signs of the zodiac (i.e., the gifts of the Goddess, labors of Hercules, Tools of Import, and the Goals of a Witch) to take the reader through a cycle of teachings that focus on just those skills that a high priest/ess needs. Unlike other books on ritual leadership, Volume 2 maintains an ongoing focus on one’s relationship with the Divine and the mysteries that accompany our working with Them.
The perspective is varied, unique, and thought-provoking. For example, the chapter on Aries includes both Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and a discussion of Witchcraft and weapons. The chapter on Virgo includes ministry, healing, and a discussion of professional (paid) clergy. Although I didn’t have time to “work” with all of the material provided, I recognized many aspects I’d had to discover the hard way during my own early years of being clergy, as well as a number of tasks I am going to make time to explore as part of my own growth and exploration.
Christopher Penzcak is breathtakingly prolific: in eight years he has produced twenty books and CDs, each distinct and (astonishingly) non-repetitive. Oh, themes are repeated, of course, but unlike some authors Mr. Penczak doesn’t feel the need to lift whole pages from previous writings to fill out a new work. He just writes on a new topic and allows his voice to tell the reader what we need to know. I have only the highest respect and admiration for this author who has done so much for our community. LISA MC SHERRY. Five out of Five broomsticks.
The Living Temple of Witchcraft Volume II: The Journey of the God
Spirit – The sixth of the Temple series
What a pleasure and most certainly a privilege it was to keep company with and listen to Christopher Penczak’s lessons/workshop/ lectures; his humour is marvellously universal; and better still, funny. I was impressed and the opinion that the good teachers of the Craft have always been at their best when young was once again confirmed. Christopher is a vibrant man with vast knowledge and understanding of the mysteries. He has none of the pomposity which is so apparent in many public Craft speakers. – Maxine Sanders, Alexandrian Elder and author of Firechild
Christopher Penczak has assembled a comprehensive summary of initiatory and magical techniques from many ancient traditions in this valuable resource book. But he has done more, for he shows the reader, with clarity and precision, how such traditions and textual sources have a thread of spiritual and transformative connection with one another, and how they may be used in new ways in a modern practice of witchcraft and magic. He also allows the student to make conscious choices, rather than dictate any one dogmatic path or “tradition”, offering multiple ways in which the inner calling to witchcraft can be brought through into the waking mind. In the 21st century revival witchcraft and paganism emerges into a new phase of maturity, and readers are fortunate to have a new generation of writers whose work comes from dedicated practice and experience, rather than from sensationalism and posturing. Christopher’s book combines research, integrity, and experience, and gives the student substantial material to explore and practice.- R J Stewart, Author of Earthlight and the Power Within the Land
It is a joy for me to share these comments. I began my training for Initiation when Christopher was not yet two years old. As one of the elder Wiccans around, I have seen a profusion of books being written about Wicca yet only a few authors begin to grasp the depth and wonder of Wicca as a valid Mystery Tradition. Reading Christopher’s books and coming to know him as a fellow author and educator, he is, in my opinion, the finest of the new generation of Wiccan educators and authors. Beginning with The Inner Temple of Witchcraft and The Outer Temple of Witchcraft, among his other books, Christopher has prepared the student for this major working of self-discovery and wisdom. In this new two volume series, he offers the serious student a well-crafted and intelligent path into the Mysteries of Witchcraft. Readers can place themselves safely into Christopher’s care, reading this thoughtful, well-constructed text and working with the projects and meditations which allow for guided study. Few books have ever been written capable of guiding a solitary practitioner into the inner mysteries. He takes the student through the initiatory concepts and practices of the seven archetypes which have been known to many generations of wise people in many cultures which, if this work is embraced, will bring the reader into the joys of spiritual wisdom. - Rev. Paul Beyerl, Author of The Master Book of Herbalism, The Holy Books of the
Devas and the founder The Rowan Tree Church.
How can we not endorse The Temple of Living Witchcraft! Christopher Penczak hits up some of the universal truths which are now coming to light in modern Witchcraft Training. This series of books will be a hit, appealing to every level of witch from beginner to advanced practitioner. It's written as always, in Christopher Penczak's easy to read but intelligent style. We look forward to reading the volumes which are to come. - Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone, authors of The Witches Bible, Witches Goddess, Spells and How they Work, and Progressive Witchcraft
Christopher Penczak has clearly emerged as the leading voice of the Next Generation Pagans in the 21st century! The Living Temple of Witchcraft is a brilliant synthesis of the Mystery teachings of ancient lore. Volume I: The Descent of the Goddess, utilizes the Sumerian legend of the Descent of Inanna through the Seven Gates of the Underworld as a framework for all systems of seven correspondences (planets, chakras, etc.). And Volume II: The Journey of the God, offers the Greco-Roman legend of the Labors of Hercules as a model for correspondences of twelve, such as the Zodiac. Profound wisdom teachings are followed by visualizations, meditations, and other effective exercises to deeply imprint the initiatory lessons of each Gate or Labor. Numerous appropriate illustrations and diagrams illuminate the inspirational text. These books will transform your life! - Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, author of Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard
A thoughtful and engagingly written exploration of an important subject for all those interested in deepening their spiritual perspective. - Phyllis Curott, J.D. H.Ps., author of Book of Shadows, WitchCrafting & The Love Spell
Christopher Penczak's Temple of Witchcraft series has earned a reputation as one of the most comprehensive systems of Pagan spiritual and magical training available to the contemporary seeker. The Living Temple of Witchcraft, a detailed manual of training for the prospective High Priestess or High Priest, brings this project to a triumphant conclusion that will be useful not to Witches alone, but to Pagans of many traditions. - John Michael Greer, Archdruid and author of The Druidry Handbook and The New Encyclopedia of the Occult
To continue and to supplement his Inner Temple of Witchcraft, Outer Temple of Witchcraft, and Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft, Christopher Penczak here looks at the fundamentals of the Craft in terms of Magic, Mystery and Ministry. Christopher describes the material in this volume as “the trunk of the tree”; the tree of the knowledge of his teachings. Much like his others, this is an eminently practical book; a valid teaching tool that will progress you along your chosen path. All such paths need a trustworthy guide. Christopher Penczak is such a guide. He here proves himself experienced and knowledgeable. You may safely place yourself in his hands. - Raymond Buckland Author of Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft
Christopher Penczak is a sharp writer and a talented Witch. He offers here a book of focus and skill that will be a great help on your path. - Deborah Lipp, author of The Elements of Ritual and The Study of Witchcraft In the sixth installment of the Temple of Witchcraft series, we explore the quest of the God and the mystery of “service” through the role of the High Priestess or High Priest. In this volume, the twelve signs of the zodiac represent the God's symbolic journey through the sky, much like the journey of Hercules through his twelve labors before attaining godhood. Each archetypal astrological force offers readers unique insight into the mysteries and the role of a clergy and the challenges they face, as well as personal development exercises designed to “round out” the education, training and experience of the minister. This manual of practical exercise, Witchcraft theology, and ministerial advice and also explores Witchcraft and the modern world, discussing how contemporary issues can be approached from the perspective of Witchcraft spirituality.
Topics include:
- The Thirteen Gifts of the Goddess
- The Role of the Warrior
- Crafting Master Spells
- Stewardship with Nature
- The Trickster
- The Roles of the Great Mother and Great Father
- Grief, Crossing Over Rituals and Ancestral Rites
- Counseling Work
- Coven Structure and Community Work
- Large Public Rituals
- Crafting you Goals and Mission Statement
The lessons in this advanced magickal guide culminates in a powerful self-initiation ritual of the Fifth Degree of the Temple of Witchcraft, through the twelve stations of the Sun and the seven gates of the Underworld, to brings together all the previous teachings of the Temple of Witchcraft series.
The Inner Temple of Witchcraft CD Companion
Allow the author of the Inner Temple of Witchcraft to take you on a guided journey as if you were in the classroom with him. In this four CD set, experience the meditations and exercises of the book guided by Christopher and accompanied with original meditation music. Start with basic meditation exercises and build your skills up with magickal shielding, psychic travel, past life exploration and contacting your spirit guides while visiting the inner temple.
The Outer Temple of Witchcraft CD Companion
Reading meditations from a book is one thing, but when you can relax to the author’s voice and appropriate background music, it is much easier to immerse yourself in the elemental realms and build a personal relationship with the goddess and god. This four-CD set leads you through many of the exercises in the book The Outer Temple of Witchcraft. It guides you through the meditations, the journeys to the elemental realms, and the casting of a magick circle. It even includes chants for celebrating the seasons and raising power, along with ritual music (without words) for setting the tone of your ceremonies.
The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft CD Companion
This four-CD set complements The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft by Christopher Penczak—a year-and-a-day training guide for Witches and Wiccans seeking to expand their practice through the shamanic arts. Two CDs feature enchanting music of drums, rattles and signing bowls with the author’s soothing words to help you relax and embark on enlightening shamanic journeys. The rest of the set is devoted to guiding listeners through exercises related to emotional body training, tree breathing, higher self connection, upper world energy, plant spirit communication, healing past-life regression, hands-on healing, and more.
The Temple of High Witchcraft CD Companion
This four-CD set is designed to enhance your learning experience of the twelve-lesson program featured in The Temple of High Witchcraft. Relaxing music and Christopher Penczak's own soothing voice will guide you through the book's meditations, during which you'll have the chance to journey though the ten stations of the Tree of Life, as well as commune with the gods, archangels, totems, and spirits. Also featured are four additional meditations for opening your consciousness to the elemental realms. Meet with the spiritual rulers of each element and learn to master the spiritual tools of the Stone of Sovereignty, the Cup of Compassion, the Sword of Truth, and the Spear of Victory.
The Living Temple of Witchcraft Volume I CD Companion
This five-CD set is designed to enhance your learning experience of the witchcraft lessons featured in The Living Temple of Witchcraft, Volume One: The Descent of the Goddess. Relaxing music and Christopher Penczak’s voice will guide you through the book’s meditations, taking you on a healing journey through the seven chakras of the human body: the root, belly, solar plexus, heart, throat, brow, and crown. Explore the ancient past through the Great Ages, journey through your own blood lines and awaken the power of your ancestors, speak with your Master Teacher and awaken the third eye to profound mystical vision.
The Living Temple of Witchcraft Volume II CD Companion
This five-CD set is designed to enhance your learning experience of the twelve-lesson program featured in The Living Temple of Witchcraft, Volume Two. Relaxing music and Christopher Penczak's soothing voice will guide you through twelve intense magickal pathworkings with the deities of the zodiac signs. Each one will teach you, challenge you and empower you with their lessons and blessings. The first four CDs are based upon the Zodiac seasons, with Spring—Aries, Taurus, and Gemini, Summer—Cancer, Leo, and Virgo, Fall—Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius a d Winter—Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces
These powerful meditations culminate in a self-initiation ritual on the fifth disc that combines the teachings from both volumes of The Living Temple of Witchcraft, descending to the Underworld for an intense and personal experience of the Goddess and the God.
OTHER BOOKS BY CHRISTOPHER PENCZAK
Ascension Magick: Ritual, Myth & Healing for the New Aeon
Throughout Ascension Magick, Penczak discusses a huge variety of topics, including sacred calendars, secret histories, Theosophy, Left hand Initiations, individual progress and planetary, galactic and cosmic ascension. The words may inspire you, but they never become a manual of the One True Way. Is this an essential book for the average Pagan? I’m sad to say, no. It is, however, a priceless resource for those who are interested in a path involving Ascension Magick, and for those who wish to expand their personal knowledge beyond the ‘usual’ in all areas of magick. - Lisa Mc Sherry, Facing North.
Taking a magickal approach to this often misunderstood spirituality, Christopher Penczak explores the fascinating path of ascension. Ascension Magick unveils the diverse mystical roots of ascension, and highlights where the beliefs and practices of today's "light workers" intersect with those of modern pagans, witches, and magick practitioners. It also examines the practical side-various forms of magick, energy healing, meditation, past life regression, channeling, dowsing-and provides helpful meditations, spells, and exercises. From angels and aliens to reincarnation and the Merkaba, Penczak leaves no stone unturned in this remarkably thorough and absorbing examination of ascension spirituality and magick.
Gay Witchcraft: Empowering the Tribe
There is nothing about this book not to like. It is a comprehensive guide to the Craft, in many ways a genuine Book of Shadows for the GLBT crowd. ...Many lesser authors would have taken the low road here and skirted the explosive issues of sexuality and magick. Not Christopher. He dives right into these deep waters and takes the reader along for the ride. His chapter on Sex Magick alone is worth the price of the book. And if well researched, good writing is not enough for you, check out the provocative and beautiful photography. What more can I say?
If you are a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender occultist - you need to buy this book. Period. If you are a Craft teacher - you need to buy this book. Period. The rest of you can buy it or not - but trust me, you're the one who will be missing out.....There is nothing more anyone could write on the subject without being redundant. In my opinion, Christopher Penczak has written the first great Craft book of the 21st century. - Horns and Crescent
This is one of the only books on the market that delves into the fascinating historical roots of gay witchcraft while also providing homesexual-specific advice on spells and rituals. One of Penczak's strengths is his broad reaching wisdom when it comes to love and sexuality. Most of his guidance could be relevant to practitioners of all sexual orientations. Yet Penczak also stays true to his niche --- often returning to particular sexual and romantic concerns unique to the gay and lesbian community. Over all, Penczak fulfills his promise -- finally offering homosexual readers a sensitive and sexually appropriate manual for the study and practice of witchcraft.
- Publishers Weekly May 2003
I must admit that as a heterosexual Pagan, at first I thought it wouldn't make sense for me to read Christopher Penczak's book, "Gay Witchcraft." ..."Gay Witchcraft" covers much that established Wiccans know, but emphasizes much that we may have missed. It's structured like many other introductory Wicca books, covering history, the rede, gods, magick, initiation, and rights of passage. As it's written from a gay perspective, it also covers relevant topics that few contemporary Pagan books even mention, such as how homosexuality was viewed in societies past, gay and lesbian religious orders, Penczak covers the sexually mixed nature of many gods and goddesses. ...One of the most important topics Penczak covers is self love and self esteem. It's vital for a Witch to have self love in order to live a magickal life, yet our society often causes people who are different to feel inferior. ..To help foster self love, Penczak even includes a spell to increase self esteem, and a bath to heal a broken heart. The inclusion of rituals supporting the text is one of the things that makes Penczak's writings great. Penczak encourages readers to read other Pagan books, even if not written from a gay point of view. I would emphasize the reverse. Don't pass up "Gay Witchcraft" simply because it's written from a gay perspective. This is an enlightening, refreshing read, for any Pagan. - Pan Gaia.
Gay Witchcraft is a complete manual of witchcraft for the gay community, revealing a path that is intimately entwined with both the heart and history of gay people. For both the novice and experienced practitioner seeking out new views on myth, ritual, and healing, Christopher Penczak takes you step-by-step through dozens of meditations, rituals, spells, and celebrations, awakening the love of the Goddess and God in you. In many ways, this book could be considered a basic manual for anyone seeking to learn about Wicca, but Gay Witchcraft brings together aspects of both identities in a new alchemy. After trying these meditations and rituals, you may reclaim the title of witch for yourself, or you may simply find witchcraft as a stepping stone for your own path, taking what serves you and building your own tradition.
Nominated for a Lambda Award for Best Spirituality Book of 2004
Sons of the Goddess: A Young Man's Guide to Wicca
If you are a young man who is looking for a book that addresses the path of Wicca from the perspective of a young man and is written specifically with the young man in mind, this book is a great starting place and a good reference tool. I feel Mr. Penczak has done an excellent job covering an aspect of Wicca that has not been directly addressed before. It is clearly written, well illustrated and the focus is excellent. This would also be a good choice for any parent whose young man is looking for the first time at the path of Wicca and wants something that specifically addresses his needs. – The Wiccan Pagan Times 2005
Readers interested in the masculine side of Wicca will enjoy not only a succinct cataloguing of gods and male ritual but also general rituals and spells associated with witchcraft (including an intriguing spell for binding bullies) and a detailed code of Wiccan ethics. Each chapter includes helpful sidebars that detail everything from the devil to the story of the god Horus, as well as a series of practical exercises, reflections and guided meditations designed to help the reader explore and develop his identity as a witch - Publisher's Weekly Feb 2005. Wicca is a spiritual path open to all. Yet young men may have trouble identifying their place in this seemingly female-dominated religion. Without many male role models, how can one become empowered as a son of the Goddess?
Christopher Penczak, who learned about Witchcraft and magick in his late teens, offers guidance to all the young men out there who are curious about Wicca. This much-needed masculine perspective on the Craft discusses divine masculinity found in ancient myths, male energies, and rites of passage. Penczak also describes the fundamentals of Wicca, including the rule of three, the Wiccan Rede, spellcraft, rituals, holidays, and Witchcraft ethics.
- A beginner's guide to Wicca that offers a masculine approach to the Craft
- An introduction to Witchcraft exclusively for young men
- Discusses and explains rituals of men, stories of gods and goddesses, how to raise energies, images of male divinity, instant magick (combining meditation with spells), ritual tools, healing, and how to live as a responsible Wiccan.
Winner for the Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) Award for Best Wicca/Paganism Book 2006 and tie for Book of the Year 2006
Instant Magick: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Spellcraft
What if you could practice magick anytime, without the use of ceremonial spells, altars, or magickal tools? Items such as candles, special ingredients, and exotic symbols are necessary to perform many types of magick, but these items aren't always feasible, attainable, or even available. The purest form of magick-tapping into your own energetic awareness to create change-is accessible simply through the power of your will.
Author Christopher Penczak explains how to weave natural energies into every facet of life by inspiring readers to explore their own individual willpower. This book features personalized techniques used to weed out any unwanted, unhealthy, or unnecessary desires to find a true, balanced magickal being. Penczak's innovative, modern spellcasting techniques utilize meditation, visualization, words, and intent in any situation, at any time. The results can seem instantaneous, and the potential limitless. Finalist for the Coalition of Visionary Resources Award for Best Magick/Shamanism Book
The Witch's Shield: Protection Magick and Psychic Self-Defense
An intelligent and ethical guide to protection magick.
Is it possible to gain spiritual enlightenment even in difficult or threatening situations? In this thorough and thoughtful handbook, readers are urged to take responsibility for their own actions, ask what the situation might be teaching them, and hold compassion for those viewed as doing the harm. Popular author and teacher Christopher Penczak takes a threefold approach to protection magick in this guide for Witches, pagans, shamans and psychics. First, find out how to protection yourself using personal energy, will and intent. Next, discover how to connect with your guardian spirits, angels and patron deities. Finally learn how to use traditional spell craft and ritual for protection
- A comprehensive guide to psychic self defense that respect the intelligence and intentions of the readers
- Tells how to identify different types of psychic attack
- Present a variety of techniques for protection, including purification rites, banishings and bindings, and invoking protective spirits.
Includes a thoughtful look at the nature of evil and the role of seemingly bad things in the universe.
2005 Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) First Runner Up for Best Magic/Magick Book
Spirit Allies: Meet Your Team from the Other Side
It would be hard to imagine a more complete guide for getting to know such companions who want to help, befriend or teach us. Numerous exercises, primarily forms of meditation, visualization and ritual, make this a very practical manual. This work can benefit those of any faith who can comfortable trust that divine aid may come in many forms. - Publisher's Weekly - Feb 11, 2002
From ancient Egyptians to modern-day witches, King Solomon to Native American shamans, individuals throughout time have possessed the power to work with the spirit world. But it's not necessary to be a Tibetan holy man or ghost hunter to communicate with the other side. Everyone has friends beyond the veil, as author Christopher Penczak explains:
"A spirit ally is a being in the unseen realms who, for whatever reason, decides to aid, befriend, protect, or teach us while we live our own Earthwalk." He dispels the shadowy ambiguity and fear surrounding the existence of these spiritual entities, shares compelling personal anecdotes, and offers straightforward techniques:
- such as relaxation, automatic writing, and oracle interpretation
- to help readers contact their own guides. Through 30 simple exercises, Spirit Allies helps readers find their Power Animal, dream journey, speak with devas, communicate with ancestors and ascended masters, meet their personal spirit allies, and much more.
Magick of Reiki: Focused Energy for Healing, Ritual, & Spiritual Development
The magickal side of Reiki revealed in this groundbreaking book. What is Reiki? How has this Japanese healing tradition evolved over the years? How are modern magick practitioners using Reiki energy in their spells and rituals? Christopher Penczak answers these questions and more in his groundbreaking examination of Reiki from a magical perspective. The history, mythos, variations, and three degrees of Reiki are discussed in depth. Penczak also suggests way to integrate Reiki and magical practice, such as using Reiki energy for psychic development and with candle magick, crystals, herbs, charms, and talismans.
- An innovative fusion of the complementary practices of Reiki and magick for all levels
- Written for magicians, Witches, Pagans, Reiki practitioners and masters, and those interested in alternative healing practices
- Includes more than seventy new Reiki symbols, along with instructions on Reiki attunements
- Provides exercises that encourage Reiki students to develop their own brand of Reiki Magick
Winner for the Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) Award for Alternative Health Book 2005
Mystic Foundation: Understanding and Exploring the Magical Universe
The Mystic Foundation provides a practical foundation of modern mysticism. Creating a manual for the seeker to explore the many facets of mysticism and the spiritual experience. Drawing from a variety of topics and cultures, Penczak seeks the thread of truth that runs throughout mystical traditions, highlighting similarities and exploring differences. He encourages you through exercises and simple rituals to explore the esoteric technologies, to actually experience the mystical and perceive reality in a new way.
Ideal for the new seeker trying to find the path or the seasoned practitioner looking for a different perspective and new insight, the Mystic Foundation lays a path before you. All the basic terminology of the modern mystical movements will be clearly explained and defined. An extensive glossary of mystical terms facilitates your understanding across these many systems to build your personal realization. Topics of the Mystic Foundation include:
- Powers of Creation
- Elements behind all Manifestation
- Chakras
- Structure of the Inner Worlds
- Spiritual Entities inhabiting other Dimensions,
- Nature of Sacred Spaces & Time
- Techniques of Meditation
- Intuition and Psychic Development
- Foundations of Magic
- Methods of Energy Healing
- Dowsing
- Aura Cleansing
- Psychic Travel
- Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram
- The Magick Circle
- Astrology
- Feng Shui
The final sections of the book explores the traditions of the world with simple overviews of many world mystical systems, including Alchemy, Ascension, Buddhism, Christianity, Druidism, Hermetic Ceremonial Magic, Hinduism, Judaism, Martial Arts, Paganism, Qabalah, Shamanism, Shinto, Sufism, Thelema, Theosophy, Witchcraft, Yoga and even Satanism. Included are selections of scripture from holy texts from across the world.
City Magick: Urban Rituals, Spells & Shamanism
Penczak's is a robust, Darwinian strain of magick in which modernity doesn't jam the spiritual receptors. Granted, from our urban jungle we can't see the nights skies or the stars to weave our spells, but, with Boy Scout initiative, Peczak finds replacements components for a, no less potent, soupy cauldron of city-flavoured magic with a side order of urban attitude. - London Metro, 2001.
If you reside in a city, this book is a must-have. It will help alleviate the notion that magic can only be effective in a natural setting. Feel "at-one-ness" with the beat of the urban heart. Connect with your surroundings. Use the energy around you to strengthen and enhance magic. Practice urban magic and embrace the pulse of city-life. - New Age Nexus
In today's busy life, we often feel disconnected from our surroundings. As more and more people are living in cities, we are putting the vibrant and dynamic forces of nature "out there" and resigning ourselves to live "dead, man-made" urban lifestyles. Christopher Penczak tells us this does not have to be the case. City Magick shows us the live and dynamic forces at work in a metropolitan area. Everything we make comes from the Earth, so nothing can be "unnatural.' All existence has energy and power and we can tap into these energies. This is crucial to know if we want to practice truly effective magic in the city, for we are meeting the energies there, and cannot be longing for the woods or wild animals when the reality of our immediate world is different.
Christopher Penczak tells us we can learn to embrace the heart of the surrounding world using tools right in front of us" our minds, the spices in our kitchens, a rock from a construction site, anything that calls to us. Magic is not about the perfect wand, but the perfect intent. City Magick is accessible, it has no dogma, it introduces people to the principles of magic and core shamanism, and draws from basic modern ritual as well as lesser known chaos magic.
City Magick guides us through the city's spiritual spectrum. Included in this book are: an outline of the basics of magic as relevant to city surroundings; a discussion of the potential for magic in everyday places; how to read the writing on the walls (graffiti); creating and maintaining a personal temple' an introduction to metropolitan spirits'; how to find spirits guides and animal totems within the city.
Winner of the Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) 2002 Best Magic Book of the Year