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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.
Popular 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
Popular 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
216 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2006
82 people are currently reading
914 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 3, 2012
Frankly I am getting tired of Wicca 101 books. Fortunately this book book is not one of them. I would never have bothered reading this book had it not been for the public recommendation of author, Donald Michael Kraig. You can check out what he has to say about in his blog ( http://www.llewellyn.com/blog/2012/05... )
This book takes magic back to where it really happens, in the mind. The result are in the real world. My first book on magic was I read was called "Creative Visualization" by Shakti Gawain and believe me there were no tool like wands or dagger. Just proper visualization of the desired goal. This book, Instant Magick, gives the magic worker the ability to perform a mental ritual on the spot when tools and what not might not be available. If you are like me tools make something that should be simple more complicated.
To do magic you need altered consciousness, raised energy and then you got to direct that energy somewhere. The first part of the book gives the reader an exercise that alters their consciousness that is real easy and quick. Then the author gives forward an exercise that develops intent and will. In all the book has 19 exercises. After giving three exercises the author discusses the the different paradigms that you can align your magic with. Pick one as you got quite a few. You elemental magic, planetary magic, chakras etc. After explaining the different paradigms the author gives the readers different exercises that help draw the desired energy from the desired paradigm into the practioner's to get them aligned.
Chapters 4 and five deal with spells directly. Chapter 4 being a list of spells. Chapter Five telling you to construct your own. The book continues on with instruction on how to construct your magical circle and you inner temple. Why the author even tells you how to locate your spirit guide. The book has exercise from the disciplines of Wicca, Yoga, Sufi meditation, visualization, ceremonial magic and some Hindu meditation. The book discusses healing, ethical behavior and how to contact higher selves inn order to determine if they really want healing.
Great book for the beginner and intermediate practitioner. This is the pure essence stripped of the extras. Mr Penczak great job. I think I need to get more of your books.
This book takes magic back to where it really happens, in the mind. The result are in the real world. My first book on magic was I read was called "Creative Visualization" by Shakti Gawain and believe me there were no tool like wands or dagger. Just proper visualization of the desired goal. This book, Instant Magick, gives the magic worker the ability to perform a mental ritual on the spot when tools and what not might not be available. If you are like me tools make something that should be simple more complicated.
To do magic you need altered consciousness, raised energy and then you got to direct that energy somewhere. The first part of the book gives the reader an exercise that alters their consciousness that is real easy and quick. Then the author gives forward an exercise that develops intent and will. In all the book has 19 exercises. After giving three exercises the author discusses the the different paradigms that you can align your magic with. Pick one as you got quite a few. You elemental magic, planetary magic, chakras etc. After explaining the different paradigms the author gives the readers different exercises that help draw the desired energy from the desired paradigm into the practioner's to get them aligned.
Chapters 4 and five deal with spells directly. Chapter 4 being a list of spells. Chapter Five telling you to construct your own. The book continues on with instruction on how to construct your magical circle and you inner temple. Why the author even tells you how to locate your spirit guide. The book has exercise from the disciplines of Wicca, Yoga, Sufi meditation, visualization, ceremonial magic and some Hindu meditation. The book discusses healing, ethical behavior and how to contact higher selves inn order to determine if they really want healing.
Great book for the beginner and intermediate practitioner. This is the pure essence stripped of the extras. Mr Penczak great job. I think I need to get more of your books.
November 7, 2016
The book was particularly interesting to me and really expanded my mind to another level when it comes to modern magick/energy magick. There is a part that discusses how to build an invisible energy ball up in your hands with your "energy" and being able to "throw the energy ball." That would just take the human species to the next level if this was possible. It was a very interesting book, I enjoyed it a lot. Almost like "Harry Potter Magick gone Modern." :P
December 7, 2019
This is absolutely one of my favorite books on magick. Penczak is wonderful at illustrating the mind as your most important magickal tool. His anatomy of a spell reminds us that we are accountable for the magick we speak into the world and the effects it has on our lives. And while you will find spells in this book, they are presented as flexible, simple ideas that empower the reader to develop their own personalized (thus arguably more effective) spells.
February 14, 2017
Penczak pulls off another great book. He gets back to basics with this book and what real magick is about. Ditch the candles, the props and go back to the original source of magick, one's mind. That's where it all starts. Love it. Get it, read it, absorb it and implement it! :) Or not. Either way, this is a great book.
March 26, 2012
I like Chris. I bought this book when he was on a tour and took a workshop pertaining to its contents. Very interesting read. And I use the mudras ALL the time. Especially when I'm driving.
August 10, 2018
Very basic but good for beginners.
May 10, 2022
This definitely is a book anyone considering witchcraft should pick up. The information is relevant for the beginner or the advanced, neither reader will be disappointed. The focus of this book is mental magick opposed to using a variety of tools. This type of work has it’s place along side books on candle magick or herb magick. Even if you don’t use this type of work often, it is a great asset to any witchcraft toolkit. If you love the content in this, definitely check out his book Inner Temple of Witchcraft. This is listed as a recommended reading at the end of one of the chapters but honestly, the two really go great together. He’s a fantastic writer and I can’t wait to pick up more from him.
September 21, 2021
Awesome info ,awful editing
This book is full of wonderful information. Sadly it doesn't seem that anyone edited the book. It is full of misspelled words, incomplete sentences and words used incorrectly in such a way as to make understanding the sentence challenging. I hope they fix these many , literally hundreds of errors. It made it hard to focus on the really great information laid out.
This is the first book I have read by this author, I had heard great things about him, now I am not sure if I want to read any others if he is willing to let this represent his work.
This book is full of wonderful information. Sadly it doesn't seem that anyone edited the book. It is full of misspelled words, incomplete sentences and words used incorrectly in such a way as to make understanding the sentence challenging. I hope they fix these many , literally hundreds of errors. It made it hard to focus on the really great information laid out.
This is the first book I have read by this author, I had heard great things about him, now I am not sure if I want to read any others if he is willing to let this represent his work.
February 5, 2022
Lays down basics of magick to help with modern day life. This is my first Penczak book. He's Wiccan, believes in the "harm none" rede (which I don't entirely), but has a wonderful, flexible vision for how magick should be. I'm mostly excited about the "instant magick trigger" concept. Will report back on how my spells work out.
March 1, 2021
It's a very good book for beginners.
June 18, 2021
A book worth perusing even for a seasoned practitioner. His understanding of energetic patterns is brilliant!
February 13, 2023
It's a beginner book, but I really appreciate the author's concept of purely mental magic. Very useful in daily use.
April 14, 2015
Originally when I bought this book about 4 or 5 years ago, I was young and dumb and treated the Craft as a toy. Basically, I bought this book thinking nothing of the work that would be asked of me regarding Witchcraft and Magick. After purchasing and thumbing disappointingly through it to see that what I expected to read was not what was written at all, thank God I decided to keep the book after all and not to sell it. This book was the first book I would read by Christopher Penczak, and after I matured enough to realize the true power and Magick of the Craft, and actually completely devote myself to the full practice of Witchcraft, Mr. Penczak, via Instant Magick, introduced me and my overly eager mind to a whole new world of Magick – one that I would forever be changed for the better by.
I cannot describe well enough how this book and Mr. Penczak's unemptying well of knowledge and true Magick has guided me and made me the knowledgeable Witch I am today. At 20 years old now, I've definitely come a very long way from being that starry-eyed young boy with unrealistic hopes for what being a Witch would be like, but I can honestly and safely say that the reality of it is way better than the dream.
This book really exemplifies that not all Magick is ceremonial or ritualistic in nature, in the respect that physical tools and ingredients aren't always necessary to work powerful, effective Magick. I have used the spells and workings from this book, and an assortment of my own personal "Instant Magick" spells, and they have all worked like a charm (excuse the pun...or don't)!
After finally reading this book for real and opening my mind to its knowledge and lessons, I went on to purchase and read (and LOVE) The Outer Temple of Witchcraft and The Witch's Shield, both written by Mr. Penczak. I ordered The Witch's Heart a few days ago, and after I read that, I will purchase The Witch's Coin to complete that trio (The Witch's Shield, The Witch's Heart, and The Witch's Coin, in that order).
I cannot describe well enough how this book and Mr. Penczak's unemptying well of knowledge and true Magick has guided me and made me the knowledgeable Witch I am today. At 20 years old now, I've definitely come a very long way from being that starry-eyed young boy with unrealistic hopes for what being a Witch would be like, but I can honestly and safely say that the reality of it is way better than the dream.
This book really exemplifies that not all Magick is ceremonial or ritualistic in nature, in the respect that physical tools and ingredients aren't always necessary to work powerful, effective Magick. I have used the spells and workings from this book, and an assortment of my own personal "Instant Magick" spells, and they have all worked like a charm (excuse the pun...or don't)!
After finally reading this book for real and opening my mind to its knowledge and lessons, I went on to purchase and read (and LOVE) The Outer Temple of Witchcraft and The Witch's Shield, both written by Mr. Penczak. I ordered The Witch's Heart a few days ago, and after I read that, I will purchase The Witch's Coin to complete that trio (The Witch's Shield, The Witch's Heart, and The Witch's Coin, in that order).
September 6, 2008
This is a very good spellbook. It essentially teaches one to focus and to program what Penczak calls 'an Instant Magick trigger' - a means for one to enter an Altered State of Consciousness (ritual consciousness) by means of self-hypnotization essentially...and a 'release' mechanism (such as crossing and uncrossing the fingers to 'send' a spell out into the world).
There is a wealth of Penczak's own spells to be had here and he also provides breath control techniques and a few other useful exercises. I would recommend this book for the Beginner or Intermediary Wiccan as most Advanced Practitioners don't choose to use the spells of others as-is. However, that being said, one could easily adapt many of the spells to his or her own personal tastes.
There is a wealth of Penczak's own spells to be had here and he also provides breath control techniques and a few other useful exercises. I would recommend this book for the Beginner or Intermediary Wiccan as most Advanced Practitioners don't choose to use the spells of others as-is. However, that being said, one could easily adapt many of the spells to his or her own personal tastes.
June 2, 2016
As usual, Christopher writes a great book! He teaches how to program a trigger to use instant magick and quickly get you into that deep meditative state. He discusses manipulating energies, chakras and more advanced ways to create a spell. Of course, he has lots of examples.
I love the charts he has at the end of the book -- so useful.
Correspondence Charts:
- Elements
- Three Worlds of Shamanic Cosmology
- Triplicity
- Chakras
- Planets
- Magickal Colors
- Elemental Spirits
- Archangels and Angels
- Deities
- Ascended Masters
- Animal Spirits
- Plant Spirits
- Stone Spirits
His final chapter is always so good!
I love the charts he has at the end of the book -- so useful.
Correspondence Charts:
- Elements
- Three Worlds of Shamanic Cosmology
- Triplicity
- Chakras
- Planets
- Magickal Colors
- Elemental Spirits
- Archangels and Angels
- Deities
- Ascended Masters
- Animal Spirits
- Plant Spirits
- Stone Spirits
His final chapter is always so good!
November 2, 2012
Decent book for a beginner. About the only thing I got out of this book was creating a "trigger" . A little over priced for only being 139 pages. But Christopher Penczak is a good and knowledgeable author.
August 28, 2013
I like this author's open-hearted personality, and we seem to mesh idealistically. I'd recommend this book especially to anyone who views magick as undiscovered science and anyone who feels disconnected from rituals written by others. This approach feels intuitive, which resonates for me.
December 16, 2012
A nice primer to Modern Magik and cutting edge Magikal techniques that are grossly overlooked in favor of dated ritual work, which is only operable under ideal conditions.
March 5, 2014
It is a very simple read and certainly good for instant magic techniques. I've used a few of them and really like it.
December 4, 2019
I have now read this book twice. It was good the 1st time but even better the 2nd time.
April 29, 2017
This is one of the most practical and useful magick books I've ever read. Very useful about how to use magick in our everyday life and how to create our own spells.
Even though the author is very concise, many different subjects are presented. The information about elements, colors, chakras, spirits, and deities is awesome. I love the author and I really recommend it.
Even though the author is very concise, many different subjects are presented. The information about elements, colors, chakras, spirits, and deities is awesome. I love the author and I really recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews