The Mystic Foundation: Understanding and Exploring the Magical Universe

by Christopher Penczak

The sheer number of mystical traditions in the world can be overwhelming to seekers new to the metaphysical world. Summing up the universal truths underlying many mystic institutions, The Mystic Foundation is an initial step toward understanding the wisdom of each. This nondogmatic primer outlines the mystical teachings of Paganism, Christianity, Islam, and other spiritualities spanning Eastern and Western traditions. Penczak transforms complex subjects and ideas―such as the powers of creation, life forces, elements, the world beyond, spirit entities, sacred space and time, magick, and metaphysical skills-into easy-to-understand concepts. Each chapter features exercises-including meditation, aura cleansing, chakra balancing, and psychic travel-to help seekers "go within" and ground themselves in a variety of mystic beliefs. By the end of the book, readers will have a solid foundation in mysticism for choosing a path of their own.
"Those looking to broaden their spiritual perspective will be well-served by this highly accessible primer."― Publishers Weekly

Genres: Paganism, Wicca, Magick, Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Research

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

About the author

Christopher 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

Reviews

[Paige Bleu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it while I was up all night like an insomniac, so my opinion may be jaded. But I found it to be both fascinating and fun. The exercises weren't something I'm in to...felt like homework, but in fairness, it is sort of supposed to be a guided instruction manual of sorts. Loved the little tid bits about all the different religions. Even though he's coming from a different viewpoint then myself. It was very interesting seeing things from his point of view. A good read, I would say to just stick a toe in and learn a basic overview about as the title says, 'The Mystic Foundation.' And I felt that was well said because it really was a kind of foundation, or building block to a bigger concept.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s ok. It’s a high level overview of mystical traditions. Basically, a definition of each religion. It might be useful if you are wondering what exists. There’s a few useful exercises in the beginning. It might have been useful in the 90s, but Wikipedia exists now. It’s not poorly written or anything. It’s enjoyable. It’s just very basic. I was hoping for some more advanced exercises or teachings. But I guess with so many traditions, you can’t go deep in any of them.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

High level overview of various new agey/Magickal schools. Has some nice exercises and a serious/intelligent tone despite some woo wooish content

[sjams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penczak does an amazing job of keeping Wiccan bias out of this book. It's a thoughtful book about all the paths toward mysticism and what ways work for some people and what ways work for others. The exercises especially I liked, since he made sure to always give different examples and say that it's okay if that doesn't work for you. I'm surprised that at the end he equated Witchcraft with Wicca, but I guess it can't be perfect! I'm looking forward to reading some of his other books.

[Amanda BeReckonedwith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad overview, I guess. and sort of hilarious. In this book, Chris who takes himself a little too seriously, which is par for the course, teaches you how to make dowsing rods out of metal coat hangers for tracking water and spiritual currents, just watch out for those pesky electrical lines because they are also currents, or whatever he calls them.

[Min · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent beginner's primer about the general components of modern religious and mystical exploration. If someone is entirely unfamiliar with the subject, this book will put one on the starting ground. A little sparse for my personal tastes and needs, however, I always appreciate Penczak's narrative style, and smattering of personal experience added into the instruction.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basics overview type of book. Information at the start of each chapter over various things, and then meditations or practice ideas at the end of each chapter. Good review for long timers, and a decent starting book for beginners.

[Ashley]

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CompNtBk
Own in paperback.

FS: "A few weeks after teaching a meditation class, I got an e-mail from a student who was concerned about demons."

LS: "Make a commitment, and then add to it to make the practice truly yours."