I first met Christopher Penczak back in August of 2007, so a year ago. Everything you hear is true; he is an incredibly friendly, very down to earth kind of guy. I recently got back in touch with Christopher and suggested my readers might like a little note as to what’s been going on with him. Just like the super nice guy he is, he sent me a letter to share with you.
08/24/08
Hi Everyone,
Things are unfolding as they should in my world, which means both joys and challenges. The challenges have been dealing with the continued side effects of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy with my mom, who is still clear of all cancer thankfully. She’s suffering from edema pretty severely, which is making life a challenge for myself and my Dad. We thank everybody who has been sending reiki, magick, prayers and kind notes. We all really and truly appreciate it. Despite the challenge, I see her recovery as such a blessing and life is good.
I’m in the midst of my final edits for The Living Temple of Witchcraft Volume I: The Descent of the Goddess. I should be wrapped up before my busy season begins, Sept- Nov, with festivals, classes, Samhain and a Midwest tour. I’m in various stages with a few other books too, but Volume One and Two are both complete and in production. I was recently initiated as a High Priest in the first tradition I ever studied, and did not have a chance to complete, the Cabot Tradition of Witchcraft, and I’m quite honored. Laurie was my first serious teacher and I’m blessed to be able to experience this with her. The daturas in my garden are blooming quite nicely, and I recently enjoyed a little vacation getaway with my partner Steve, who was working at GenCon, a role playing game convention. I got to hang out, shop and visit with his co-workers at Green Ronin who are quite fun. I’m looking forward to the fall and the season of the witch!
Blessed be,
Christopher
About Christopher Penczak
Christopher Penczak is an award-winning author, teacher and healing practitioner. Beginning his spiritual journey in the tradition of modern Witchcraft and earth based religions; he has studied extensively with Witches, mystics, shamans and healers in a variety of traditions from across the globe to synthesize his own practice of magick and healing. He is an ordained minister, herbalist, flower essence consultant and certified Reiki Master (Teacher) in the Usui-Tibetan and Shamballa traditions. Christopher has been involved with the Gifts of Grace Foundation and is a faculty member of the North Eastern Institute of Whole Health, both in New Hampshire. He is the author of many books, including Magick of Reiki, Spirit Allies, The Mystic Foundation, Instant Magick and The Inner Temple of Witchcraft.
The Living Temple of Witchcraft Volume I: The Descent of the Goddess will be available November 2008. To keep up with Christopher visit his website and/or be his My Space friend!
If you’re well past the more basic Wicca 101 books, and even have read some more in-depth or intermediate books on Witchcraft, this book is still set apart from all the rest.More than a how-to (although Gramassi does give some inotnuctisrs on various subjects I’ll point out later) the author gives a depth to subjects many readers already know about.You know that Witches use a chalice, athame, wand, and pentacle while practicing, but have you been able to make the historical connectrion as to why? Why do specific elements correspond to these tools? What exactly does a witch do BESIDES cast spells?What makes a Witch? Who can become one? Is the Path of the Wise for you? Gramassi devotes more than just a chapter to these questions and some how-to’s on where to get started. He details a ritual to guide you on your quest for knowledge in order to find out if Witchcraft is for you, and proceeds to take the next logical step in outlining a dedication ritual if you decide it is.How do you go from a monotheistic religion to a polytheistic religion such as Witchcraft, without the awakward feeling of abandoning your religious roots? Gramassi also covers this, and is the one author I have found that does so in a helpful, positive way. In fact, he’s the only author I have come across that actually discusses the issue.This is truely a great book, especially for those who are looking into Witchcraft, and to those who need to be reminded of the spirtuality that drew them to it in the first place.
I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting Christopher (at last year’s Pantheacon in San Jose) and corresponding with him on occasion. He is an absolute sweetheart, and very generous with his time and advice to a new writer. I’m so glad to hear his mom is doing better. For anyone who hasn’t read it, his book THE MYSTIC FOUNDATION is a must own, must read for any pagan!
Deborah