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Temple of Witchcraft #2
The Outer Temple of Witchcraft: Circles, Spells and Rituals (Penczak Temple Series) by Christopher Penczak (2012) Paperback
As you enter the heart of witchcraft, you find at its core the power of sacred space. In Christopher Penczak's first book, The Inner Temple of Witchcraft, you found the sacred space within yourself. Now The Outer Temple of Witchcraft helps you manifest the sacred in the outer world through ritual and spellwork. The book's twelve lessons, with exercises, rituals, and homework, follow the traditional Wiccan one-year-and-a-day training period. It culminates in a self-test and self-initiation ritual to the second degree of witchcraft-the arena of the priestess and priest.COVR Award Winner (tied) for Book of the Year and Winner for Best Magic/Magick Book
Paperback
First published April 1, 2004
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About the author
Christopher Penczak
97 books433 followersChristopher Penczak is a Witch, teacher, writer and healing practitioner. His practice draws upon the foundation of both modern and traditional Witchcraft blended with the wisdom of mystical traditions from across the globe as a practitioner and teacher of shamanism, tarot, Reiki healing, herbalism, astrology and Qabalah. He is the founder of the Temple of Witchcraft tradition and system of magickal training based upon the material of his books and classes. He is an ordained minister primarily serving the New Hampshire and Massachusetts pagan and metaphysical communities through public rituals, private counsel and teaching, though he travels extensively teaching throughout the United States.
Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on May 10, 1973, Christopher was raised in an Italian/Polish family while living in Salem, NH. After twelve years of Catholic school and becoming an avowed agnostic, he initially pursued an interest in chemistry, stemming from a childhood fascination with alchemy and herbalism. As a youth, he had an out of body experience, passing out in a fourth grade science class, but observing the whole scene in spirit, from above the room. While in high school, he was visited by an apparition of his recently deceased great aunt. These two experiences made him question his dedication to science and pursue a study of the mystical and occult, as well as his artistic pursuits. He attended the University of Massachusetts as a vocal major, earning a Bachelor of Music Performance/Music Business in 1995 and set his sights on becoming a full time performer. While studying classical voice, he founded a band called Doctor Soulshine that fused mystical imagery and shamanic concepts to traditional heavy rock music.
While in college, a long time friend and teacher introduced Christopher to the principles of witchcraft, meditation, tarot and spell work. At first he was skeptical, but his experience with a healing spell at a full Moon ritual was enough to convince him that there was truth to these ideas and he sought to understand more. He took classes with Laurie Cabot, in her Cabot Tradition with an emphasis on Witchcraft As A Science. He was fascinated with the science and philosophy of her teaching, grounding witchcraft in sound thinking and personal experience. A psychic healing experience left him with a sense of empowerment and spiritual connection. After this initial training, he studied with an assortment of witches, shamans, yogis, psychic readers and healers in the New England area, developing an eclectic path of personal witchcraft. He later focused on the healing arts, completing training as a Reiki Master (Teacher) in the Usui-Tibetan and Shamballa traditions and certification as a flower essence consultant and herbalist.
After graduation from college, Christopher began work at the A&R department of Fort Apache, a recording studio and record label in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He soon found himself leading meditations and ritual groups for friends seeking to know more about the Craft. During his time in the Boston area, Christopher experimented with the ideas he later wrote about in his book City Magick: Urban Rituals, Spells and Shamanism. The initial ritual group formed the nucleus of the first Temple of Witchcraft series.
Although having no real interest in teaching formally, Christopher received a message during a meditation in 1998 to start teaching more and begin writing. Thinking it was his imagination, Christopher ignored it, saying to himself and the universe, “I’m too busy with my music career. If you want me to teach, give me the time.” The next week he was laid off from his job and had plenty of time. Although with a booming economy and many job opportunities, Christopher had no luck finding a position in the music industry, or a more traditional office job. When he posted a few flyers about meditation and witchcraft classes at a local shop, the response was immediate and he began teaching cla
Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on May 10, 1973, Christopher was raised in an Italian/Polish family while living in Salem, NH. After twelve years of Catholic school and becoming an avowed agnostic, he initially pursued an interest in chemistry, stemming from a childhood fascination with alchemy and herbalism. As a youth, he had an out of body experience, passing out in a fourth grade science class, but observing the whole scene in spirit, from above the room. While in high school, he was visited by an apparition of his recently deceased great aunt. These two experiences made him question his dedication to science and pursue a study of the mystical and occult, as well as his artistic pursuits. He attended the University of Massachusetts as a vocal major, earning a Bachelor of Music Performance/Music Business in 1995 and set his sights on becoming a full time performer. While studying classical voice, he founded a band called Doctor Soulshine that fused mystical imagery and shamanic concepts to traditional heavy rock music.
While in college, a long time friend and teacher introduced Christopher to the principles of witchcraft, meditation, tarot and spell work. At first he was skeptical, but his experience with a healing spell at a full Moon ritual was enough to convince him that there was truth to these ideas and he sought to understand more. He took classes with Laurie Cabot, in her Cabot Tradition with an emphasis on Witchcraft As A Science. He was fascinated with the science and philosophy of her teaching, grounding witchcraft in sound thinking and personal experience. A psychic healing experience left him with a sense of empowerment and spiritual connection. After this initial training, he studied with an assortment of witches, shamans, yogis, psychic readers and healers in the New England area, developing an eclectic path of personal witchcraft. He later focused on the healing arts, completing training as a Reiki Master (Teacher) in the Usui-Tibetan and Shamballa traditions and certification as a flower essence consultant and herbalist.
After graduation from college, Christopher began work at the A&R department of Fort Apache, a recording studio and record label in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He soon found himself leading meditations and ritual groups for friends seeking to know more about the Craft. During his time in the Boston area, Christopher experimented with the ideas he later wrote about in his book City Magick: Urban Rituals, Spells and Shamanism. The initial ritual group formed the nucleus of the first Temple of Witchcraft series.
Although having no real interest in teaching formally, Christopher received a message during a meditation in 1998 to start teaching more and begin writing. Thinking it was his imagination, Christopher ignored it, saying to himself and the universe, “I’m too busy with my music career. If you want me to teach, give me the time.” The next week he was laid off from his job and had plenty of time. Although with a booming economy and many job opportunities, Christopher had no luck finding a position in the music industry, or a more traditional office job. When he posted a few flyers about meditation and witchcraft classes at a local shop, the response was immediate and he began teaching cla
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 13, 2012
I love it...it is very useful workbook recommended for daily or occasional use for practitioners and followers of an ancient wisdom...I warmly recommend books and workbooks of Christopher Penczak especially if You are selfinitiated Witch
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2020
Wonderful book - full of information, practical application and an excellent companion to the online class available through the Temple of Witchcraft online.
December 24, 2019
I felt silly for wanting to read a book on real life witchcraft, but I found this to be not only a useful guide for the craft, but a mindfulness resource as well. I couldn't stop noticing the similarities between Penczak's magick philosophy and what holistic psychology proposes. At the same time, I really appreciated the author's open-mindedness and encouragement for doing what feels best rather than having to strictly adhere to a predefined system. I'm glad this book found me!
December 29, 2018
The information and suggestions were very helpful. I love his writing style, it's like we're sitting across the table from each other.
January 8, 2025
Good intro to Witch Craft book, lots of correspondences and spells for someone new to the Craft.
September 6, 2008
This is probably Penczak's second best work in the Temple of Witchcraft series.
In my opinion, this should have been the first book of the series; and it should have combined some of the information from the first installment (The Inner Temple of Witchcraft) with the information found in this installment.
This is the 'meat' of the Wiccan path. I love his approach to spellwork and ritual - there really is nothing that I can criticize about this book. He has laid a solid foundation for the beginner and a great refresher course for the intermediary or even advanced student. There are skills to be learned within this book which can be applied to ANY path - not just Wicca.
In my opinion, this should have been the first book of the series; and it should have combined some of the information from the first installment (The Inner Temple of Witchcraft) with the information found in this installment.
This is the 'meat' of the Wiccan path. I love his approach to spellwork and ritual - there really is nothing that I can criticize about this book. He has laid a solid foundation for the beginner and a great refresher course for the intermediary or even advanced student. There are skills to be learned within this book which can be applied to ANY path - not just Wicca.
January 6, 2009
I would highly recommend reading this book after reading the Inner Temple of Witchcraft for the simple fact that understanding how you function on the inside effects the outside with go miles in helping you make the outer workings found in this book really work for you.
This book is very easy to understand and covers the basics in spell casting, rituals, the 4 elements and how to connect with them, all the tools and how to use them and more. This book will inspire you to seek out more information to continue your practice.
Dawn Michele
www.aurora-dawn.com
This book is very easy to understand and covers the basics in spell casting, rituals, the 4 elements and how to connect with them, all the tools and how to use them and more. This book will inspire you to seek out more information to continue your practice.
Dawn Michele
www.aurora-dawn.com
March 2, 2015
again the second in the series of witchcraft degrees by Christopher Penszac's. - building in the foundations set out in the first degree ( inner temple) this moves into the more personal side and was not only a delight to read but also adds to the skills of meditation and personal growth required to complete the second degree of Wiccan studies
April 26, 2008
A continuation of the series Christopher has created to help people expand their spiritual skills. This book deals specifically with elements and elemental energy. A great book for getting in touch with our Earth on a personal level.
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March 21, 2013Great book! One of the best I've read!
November 1, 2012
Nov 01, 2011
October 17, 2012
The Temple series is great to have, to learn, to remember and to teach by.
August 19, 2017
I am utilizing this book as part of the Temple's W2 program so it will take me a year to go through it. Class starts in July 2015, I'll do my review when I'm done.
November 12, 2017
Love this book series! 💜💜💜
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews