Chris Penczak

[greenbeans]

Have any of you got any of his stuff? I was kind of intruiged by the 'temple of.." series- i liked the idea of a book with a CD for guided meditatons and stuff. But the book covers look a bit cheesy/fluffy. (I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover...but they look like they're trying to be 'spooky' or something- not a good sign!)

 

What do you all think?

[Ancestral Celt]

I used the CDs as guided meditations and passed them on to someone for her "beginner's class". Never read the books, but I did scan them quite extensively in several bookstores that provide reading areas ;) which convinced me I shouldn't buy them. :rofl:

[AnjelWolf]

Have any of you got any of his stuff? I was kind of intruiged by the 'temple of.." series- i liked the idea of a book with a CD for guided meditatons and stuff. But the book covers look a bit cheesy/fluffy. (I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover...but they look like they're trying to be 'spooky' or something- not a good sign!)

 

What do you all think?

 

I have all three of the temple collection...not bad stuff

[Whispering Willow]

I've heard of his work through this person and that, but can admit to never having thumbed through or listened to any of his CD's...though they've been recommended a few times. I woud be interested in hearing anyone's opinions of it, simply because I'm curious. I can't say I've been drawn to it, as I have others, but would consider picking up a copy just to expand the boundaries of my limited knowledge if anyone thinks it worth it. Of course, any opportunity to learn something new is welcome..but tend to lean towards those that have been touted as having a fresh new perspective or interesting material/opinions to share.

[Ancestral Celt]

I can't say I've been drawn to it, as I have others, but would consider picking up a copy just to expand the boundaries of my limited knowledge if anyone thinks it worth it. Of course, any opportunity to learn something new is welcome..but tend to lean towards those that have been touted as having a fresh new perspective or interesting material/opinions to share.

 

The reason I didn't purchase the books is because no new perspective was provided, and the information I felt would be relevnat to me and my practices, could be sourced elsewhere. Not to mention that his writing style didn't appeal and that does make a difference for me. If I can't abide the writing style, the information will never sink in. :brickwall: That said, his voice was suited to the meditation CDs and it a nice collection of meditations, all in one place.

[BellaFae]

I must say here that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE his work! Wiccan? Yes. Fluffy? Not so much, in my opinion. A lot of beginner's material? Yeah, for the most part. But I find his writing to be very interesting and full of common sense, which I love. He has a very interesting perspective on things and he talks quite a bit about The Hermetic Principles and The Holographic Theory, stuff like that. He explains Quantum Physics to where people like me (who failed regular Physics) can understand. I love learning how magick really works.

 

I have bought so many of those damn Llewellyn books (mostly used thank goodness) and to me, his offer a lot more than the rest. If you don't agree with his spiritual beliefs, then read it for the theory and science aspect.

 

I have just started reading the Shamanic Witchcraft one and it looks pretty good, which is kind of more where my interests lie.

 

If you do decide to give one of his books a try, check a public library or ebay to try it cheaper. If you go ebay, check Amazon first b/c they have his books on sale right now and free ship over $25.

[greenbeans]

thanks everybody for your replies! I don't mind it being 'beginners stuff' as I am a beginner, I just didn't want to waste my money completely. Sounds like the CDs might be more interesting than the books, might try and track them down.

[Terri]

Books by Chris Penczak:

 

The Inner Temple of Witchcraft: Magick, Meditation and Psychic Development

 

The Outer Temple of Witchcraft: Circles, Spells, and Rituals

 

The Witch's Shield: Protection Magick & Psychic Self-defense

 

Gay Witchcraft: Empowering the Tribe

 

Spirit Allies: Meet Your Team from the Other Side

 

Magick Of Reiki: Focused Energy for Healing, Ritual and Spiritual Development

 

City Magick: Urban Rituals, Spells, and Shamanism

 

Ascension Magick: Ritual, Myth & Healing for the New Aeon

 

Ok, I'll stop with the Google books soon ;)

 

I was actualy going to buy his book on City Magick, but after reading a bit of it on Google Books, I changed my mind, lol.

 

Terri

[Sara]

Start with the Inner Temple book! That is the first one in the Temple series. I don't know about any of his other stuff but I really like that series. He helps you with all of the basic stuff and progresses you up to more advanced thinking. He is also coming out with a fourth book in the Temple series, but I don't know when it will be out, or if it already is.

[AnjelWolf]

I have the temple series...again I find it useful...sorta fluffy (I tend to ignore those as I roll my eyes at him LOL!)...but overall noot a bad series of books.

[SapphireMoon]

I have the temple series & a few more of his books. For me they were easy reading. I have a simple mind when it comes to physics & the hermetics & such, so its easier for me to understand thru him. I really like his work as its all the stuff in one place(book) for me to easy reference. I guess I'm still new in alot of concepts of witchcraft (with the way its done with the auras & such). I'm use to just doing what I feel to do.

 

I'm use to a "knowing" now I'm looking into what everythings called & the principles behind it.

 

SapphireMoon

[BellaFae]

Sara, the new book is called "The Temple of High Magick," which is the 4th temple book in his series. I am so not ready for that yet. But it has been released already.

[Raina]

I don't have any of Chris Penczak's books but wondered if they were worth buying so I really appreciated all of your comments. I think I will give them a try.Thanks.

 

Raina

[Loona Wynd]

I have the first 3 books in the series, and I plan on getting the other 2 at some point in time. I personally love his work. In many ways the "assignments" get you to explore your self and your own practices. It's like he's more there to give you the foundation to start your own practice.

 

While the books are intended to go one after the other, they can stand alone. The first book by him I read was The outer Temple of Witchcraft. I got a lot out of it, and while that one is strongly Wiccan based (as he considers himself Wiccan), the information about the ceremonies and the like can be applied to most any other practice.

 

I have started with the first book in the series and I feel that while in some places I'm like "yeah, yeah I know that already", he goes slow for a reason. He also repetes some information for a reason. he wants you to take the time to actually "work" through the material and not just read it and be done with it.

 

I'd recommend him for any beginner, especially the first book. Take it or leave it with a grain of salt like anything else. For the company that published it I was like "Wow".

[Grymdycche]

Digging this out of the ol' archives!

I just ran across all these books of his (yet again) at the local Borders. I get a 25% off coupon every week, so I usually head there to make good on it, and add to my library.

 

When I first saw those Temple books, I thought "no no, way too wiccan", and passed them by. Then I looked at his Spirit Allies and Psychic Shield books more recently, and thought that they weren't too bad (haven't bought them though - as least, not yet).

 

But thumbing through the Inner Temple book tonight, and having recalled the series being favorably mentioned here, it actually looked pretty good, so I bought it.

I don't see much of a wiccan slant to this one fortunately. The Outer Temple, however, does not appear to be my cup of tea.

Overall, Inner Temple looks to be quite a rare kind of book; neither really a "spell book", nor a history book, but a "general principles of magic" kind of book, exactly what I'm looking for. I like the section on meditation too. There should be more books like this! Cool.

[luneargentee]

Thanks for digging this up, Grymdycche.

 

I'll have to consider the Inner Temple book for my next Borders coupon.

[Guest Melodye]

What I like about his temple series is that he starts with the "inner" stuff. I believe this is the very basis of witchcraft. Without it you just have meaningless ritual.

 

Most "learn witchcraft" books start out with ritual and tools. I think this is why many new witches never really evolve and lose interest. Its just superficial garbage.

 

That being said I never read is Outer Temple book because I wasn't interested in ritual.

 

I've heard many witches say that his books are for intermediate learners. I don't believe that at all. I think they're excellent beginners books. They throw you right into the very workings of witchcraft. If a beginner witch can't grasp the concepts of his Inner Temple book then witchcraft is probably not the right path for them.

[Guest Alayna]

What I like about his temple series is that he starts with the "inner" stuff. I believe this is the very basis of witchcraft. Without it you just have meaningless ritual.

 

Most "learn witchcraft" books start out with ritual and tools. I think this is why many new witches never really evolve and lose interest. Its just superficial garbage.

 

That being said I never read is Outer Temple book because I wasn't interested in ritual.

 

I've heard many witches say that his books are for intermediate learners. I don't believe that at all. I think they're excellent beginners books. They throw you right into the very workings of witchcraft. If a beginner witch can't grasp the concepts of his Inner Temple book then witchcraft is probably not the right path for them.

 

 

I have several of his books...I enjoy them..not necessarily the same ole retoric that one finds in most books on the craft

 

Alayna

[The Old Crone]

I am sure you may be able to find something good in his books. And I understand he is a very popular author in the wiccan circle, though he does say his books are for all paths. I beg to differ. I bought one of his books and promptly sold it on ebay after reading this quote from him"When I look at those in the craft who don't share my ethical beliefs or, more importantly, those who don't live by them, regardless of what they say in public, and who work curses maliciously, I take a close look at their lives. Without making a moral judgement, most of them dont seem happy or healthy, be it on a physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual level." This quote alone soured me on the guy forever.

[Oakbuchanan]

I am sure you may be able to find something good in his books. And I understand he is a very popular author in the wiccan circle, though he does say his books are for all paths. I beg to differ. I bought one of his books and promptly sold it on ebay after reading this quote from him"When I look at those in the craft who don't share my ethical beliefs or, more importantly, those who don't live by them, regardless of what they say in public, and who work curses maliciously, I take a close look at their lives. Without making a moral judgement, most of them dont seem happy or healthy, be it on a physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual level." This quote alone soured me on the guy forever.

 

Pompous fart!

[Guest Melodye]

I am sure you may be able to find something good in his books. And I understand he is a very popular author in the wiccan circle, though he does say his books are for all paths. I beg to differ. I bought one of his books and promptly sold it on ebay after reading this quote from him"When I look at those in the craft who don't share my ethical beliefs or, more importantly, those who don't live by them, regardless of what they say in public, and who work curses maliciously, I take a close look at their lives. Without making a moral judgement, most of them dont seem happy or healthy, be it on a physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual level." This quote alone soured me on the guy forever.

 

LOL That tickled my funny bone for some reason. As much as I enjoy the author (and I really don't remember that quote - I tend to skip straight to the practical stuff) I have to agree with Oak - Pompous LOL

[Jevne]

I'm just not a big fan of Chris Penczak. Not a bad writer as far as that goes, and I know he is very popular with others, but I have a strong aversion to any self-proclaimed Witch that would peddle their magical knowledge on the Internet. I don't read him, simply because I understand his intent and his motivation. The guy is making money; lots and lots of money. The man is using his writing talent to capitalize on a specific market segment. Power to him.

 

So, his most recent book was "inspired by a vision"; its purpose revealed to him . . . I wonder if the Gods who revealed this (less than) startling information to Chris specified what he should charge.

 

Jevne

[Guest Melodye]

I'm just not a big fan of Chris Penczak. Not a bad writer as far as that goes, and I know he is very popular with others, but I have a strong aversion to any self-proclaimed Witch that would peddle their magical knowledge on the Internet. I don't read him, simply because I understand his intent and his motivation. The guy is making money; lots and lots of money. The man is using his writing talent to capitalize on a specific market segment. Power to him.

 

So, his most recent book was "inspired by a vision"; its purpose revealed to him . . . I wonder if the Gods who revealed this (less than) startling information to Chris specified what he should charge.

 

Jevne

 

Wouldn't the same apply to all authors?

[Jevne]

Wouldn't the same apply to all authors?

 

Actually, yes. Which is why I can't fault them for it. The guy has to make a living.

 

J

[Thornblooded]

I'm just not a big fan of Chris Penczak. Not a bad writer as far as that goes, and I know he is very popular with others, but I have a strong aversion to any self-proclaimed Witch that would peddle their magical knowledge on the Internet. I don't read him, simply because I understand his intent and his motivation. The guy is making money; lots and lots of money. The man is using his writing talent to capitalize on a specific market segment. Power to him.

 

So, his most recent book was "inspired by a vision"; its purpose revealed to him . . . I wonder if the Gods who revealed this (less than) startling information to Chris specified what he should charge.

 

Jevne

 

Penczak makes "lots and lots of money" you say? That seems to suggest that you have knowledge of the Publisher's annual sales figures on his titles and know what his royalty percentage is on those sales. So, what income figure are we talking when you say "lots of money" - I'm curious. Thanks.

Edited December 20, 2010 by Shadow Touch