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Magick of Reiki: Focused Energy for Healing, Ritual, & Spiritual Development
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 magickal perspective. The history, mythos, variations, and three degrees of Reiki are discussed in depth. Penczak also suggests way to integrate Reiki and magickal practice, such as using Reiki energy for psychic development and with candle magick, crystals, herbs, charms, and talismans.
Winner of the 2005 COVR Award (Best Alternative Health Book)
Christopher Penczak answers these questions and more in his groundbreaking examination of Reiki from a magickal perspective. The history, mythos, variations, and three degrees of Reiki are discussed in depth. Penczak also suggests way to integrate Reiki and magickal practice, such as using Reiki energy for psychic development and with candle magick, crystals, herbs, charms, and talismans.
Winner of the 2005 COVR Award (Best Alternative Health Book)
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2004
120 people are currently reading
1520 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Penczak
97 books435 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 25, 2017
First of all, I love Penczak's way of writing. He is down to earth and easy to understand, without a lot of fluff and banter. He gets straight to the point, presents the facts, and offers some of his experienced opinion (but not too much so that you feel as if all you're reading is a manifesto).
Being that he is a High Priest and also a Reiki Master/Teacher, I felt he was more than qualified to write the book and I've read a few of his other works, as well. This one did not disappoint. His approach to writing about Reiki is progressive, in that he doesn't believe it should be a "hidden" practice but he also stresses the importance that an attunement to Reiki is necessary before using the symbols, etc.
What I really enjoyed in this book are the chapters where Penczak presents the dozens of different symbols used in various Reiki traditions. I am Reiki Level 2 and know a few of the symbols, but the rest were new to me. While I found them interesting, I do not plan to use them as I have not been attuned to these traditions and levels (yet). Though it did put a fire under me to take more Reiki courses so that I can be given these amazing symbols. Also, the fact that he details the many different Reiki traditions...I had NO clue there were so many out there! The one I was particularly interested in was Shamballa Reiki. Karuna Reiki is another on my list.
Penczak also goes into detail in the book about ways to use Reiki in your magick, if you are indeed a magickal practitioner of some kind (witch, shaman, etc). There are shamanic rituals and circle-castings that can be combined with Reiki, and I love his approach to each of them. I use Reiki in my magick and feel it goes hand-in-hand (pun intended).
Highly recommend to magickal practitioners who are also Reiki practitioners and want a new perspective on combining the two!
Being that he is a High Priest and also a Reiki Master/Teacher, I felt he was more than qualified to write the book and I've read a few of his other works, as well. This one did not disappoint. His approach to writing about Reiki is progressive, in that he doesn't believe it should be a "hidden" practice but he also stresses the importance that an attunement to Reiki is necessary before using the symbols, etc.
What I really enjoyed in this book are the chapters where Penczak presents the dozens of different symbols used in various Reiki traditions. I am Reiki Level 2 and know a few of the symbols, but the rest were new to me. While I found them interesting, I do not plan to use them as I have not been attuned to these traditions and levels (yet). Though it did put a fire under me to take more Reiki courses so that I can be given these amazing symbols. Also, the fact that he details the many different Reiki traditions...I had NO clue there were so many out there! The one I was particularly interested in was Shamballa Reiki. Karuna Reiki is another on my list.
Penczak also goes into detail in the book about ways to use Reiki in your magick, if you are indeed a magickal practitioner of some kind (witch, shaman, etc). There are shamanic rituals and circle-castings that can be combined with Reiki, and I love his approach to each of them. I use Reiki in my magick and feel it goes hand-in-hand (pun intended).
Highly recommend to magickal practitioners who are also Reiki practitioners and want a new perspective on combining the two!
August 8, 2012
I loved this book...It was well worth the time and money spent. It was unique compared to all the other Reiki books that I have read. I highly recommend it.
January 16, 2019
Review: Enjoyable and easy read. Penczak uses conversational latter and covers many styles and types of Reiki as well as the History. He includes many Reiki symbols and makes the practice feel accessible to the layman.
Tone: Christopher Penczak is part of the new spiritual community. One that embraces many outlooks and backgrounds, denies exclusivity, and promotes inclusivity. I believe we are all healers, and his tone is one of raising the vibration on Earth. Healing for the sake of healing. I hope that practitioners and Reiki Masters use the messages in Penczak's book to spread access of Reiki by offering pro-bono classes to assist Earth in healing as many people as quickly as possible. The time is now!
Tone: Christopher Penczak is part of the new spiritual community. One that embraces many outlooks and backgrounds, denies exclusivity, and promotes inclusivity. I believe we are all healers, and his tone is one of raising the vibration on Earth. Healing for the sake of healing. I hope that practitioners and Reiki Masters use the messages in Penczak's book to spread access of Reiki by offering pro-bono classes to assist Earth in healing as many people as quickly as possible. The time is now!
August 31, 2020
Best Reiki book I've read so far. Great, clear info.
October 3, 2021
Lots of information + super practical in its approach
December 13, 2023
Very cool to be read, good symbols to be requested and a great resource to reiki practitioners
Want to read
December 12, 2025to-read
October 9, 2018
Magick of Reiki definitely took my thoughts of mystic aspects deeper than what was given through going through Reiki 1 & 2 training. I also noticed the real deeper aspects of magick were covered and ways in which to combine them. I am going to likely buy this in the hardcover as well. I got the kindle edition thinking I could just go through it. I had no idea that I would have all these extra reiki symbols that I could add to my tools in here showing up. It also gives a detailed analysis of what each one does outside of the well-known ones. If you're a Reiki practitioner definitely add this if you want to boost your healing focuses with key aspects in life like addictions, awareness, burns, infections, communication, emotional healing etc.
February 12, 2017
This book was recommended to me from my Reiki Master, who is also a fellow pagan. Great book that, although written by a Wiccan, has a strong focus on reiki while incorporating it into a magickal pathway that doesn't feel 'too witchy' as stated by another reviewer. There's a lot of information presented within this book and it's a great addition to any reiki library!
January 27, 2015
I have to say I own a lot of reiki books, collected over many years of studying Reiki and Seichem. And most of them get a cursory glance over then get put back on the shelf. And hands up those of you who flick through the pages hoping that with a quick glance, all the wisdom held between the pages will be instantly imparted to you so you'll never have to pick the book up again. I thought so. Well, this book actually made me want to read it. I think it is in part down to how it is set out, in easy chapters with information you actually want to read. I used to own a shop where I sold lots of metaphysical books, and this was the one Reiki book I would actually encourage fledgling reiki healers to buy. Highly Recommended.
August 8, 2009
This book was really informative. Reiki is not a religion and is not magic but this book showed a nice link to the possibility. I have already learned many of the techniques that are talked about but not in the magical context.
The main point that the author reminds the reader is to use your own intuition and do what feels right to you because Reiki is always going to work for the greater good. I was very happy that this point was driven home.
The main point that the author reminds the reader is to use your own intuition and do what feels right to you because Reiki is always going to work for the greater good. I was very happy that this point was driven home.
April 18, 2020
Mistake in Directions
A simple altar can consist of a table with items symbolic of the four elements. You could have a stone or crystal for Earth in the North; (a red candle for Fire in the East {West}); (incense or sage for Air in the South {East}); and a bowl, chalice, or seashell for Water in the West. I usually place a white candle in the center for Spirit. Use the symbols and arrangement you desire. Please re check this...
A simple altar can consist of a table with items symbolic of the four elements. You could have a stone or crystal for Earth in the North; (a red candle for Fire in the East {West}); (incense or sage for Air in the South {East}); and a bowl, chalice, or seashell for Water in the West. I usually place a white candle in the center for Spirit. Use the symbols and arrangement you desire. Please re check this...
March 24, 2011
This is a very informative book and has rekindled (pun intended) my pursuit of my higher self and Reiki energy. I liked the Kindle edition so much that I had to order the book. That way I will have all the information even when the electricity is off. No need to recharge a battery of a real live book. :)
July 26, 2014
Perfect introduction to Reiki. Very detailed and covers a lot of different areas. I really love the author because he always encourages you to do what feels right to YOU, and not worry about "the rules". He seems very open minded :)
January 2, 2015
Best Reiki book ever!!! Don't worry, it's not too witchy for the mainstream reader. I have had this book since 2009 and refer back to it many times. A must have in every Reiki practitioner or master's library
Read
October 27, 2007reiki is good and i likee it...
January 1, 2008
This was a recommend from my Reiki Master Trainer. I use it often as a sort of a textbook. It is the best one I have found for information regarding Reiki.
January 28, 2008
Amazingly clear and comprehensive connections between paganism and Reiki, written by my darling friend and Reiki Master...
March 12, 2008
Read this after getting first level attunement. Better than I expected. Doesn't give away methods that should only be taught by a master practitioner, but does some cool things.
March 29, 2008
this book has a lot of good information, but gets a little woo-woo. i'm not a penczak fan; i find his writing style to be overly simplistic and redundant.
January 17, 2009
This is a book full of symbols from various Reiki traditions and very interesting ways for using Reiki in your magical system.
March 5, 2014
Great book for those looking for a more expanded approach to the practice of Reiki, especially from a Pagan perspective.
March 8, 2015
Penczak gives a nice overview of the Reiki system as well as integrating it with traditional Pagan beliefs. Well written and a definite must have for fellow Reiki practitioners.
August 12, 2012
Fantastic book. Very helpful to me when learning to do reiki.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews