City Magick: Urban Rituals, Spells and Shamanism

by Christopher Penczak

Penczak tells us we can learn to embrace the heart of the surrounding world using the tools right in front of us. Included in this book an outline of the basics of magic as relevant to city surroundings; a discussion of the potential for magic in everyday places; how to read the writing on the walls (graffiti); creating and maintaining a personal temple, an intruduction to metropolitan spirits; how to find spirit guides and animal totems within the city.

Genres: Witchcraft, Magick, Paganism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Magic, Occult

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2001

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

[Kass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good pick for beginners as it describes some basic techniques of energywork like meditation, visualisation and astral projection. Furthermore, it contains several practical exercises on combining city life with witchcraft. I did however find that unfortunately, as with many books of that kind, it was significantly culturally appropriative (mostly from native shamanic practices) as well as patronizing and presenting the authors personal views, experiences and practice as the "only correct way to practice". Would not recommend buying that book but borrowing it from a friend or a library if interested in the topic.

[Carrie (The Butterfly Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I've been looking for a book that deals more with city witchcraft or mainly just ideas for city witches and after reading this book, I think I will stop. Now, this is just my personal opinion and maybe you do like this kind of thing but bring airplanes into my practice... or cars...? Not my thing. This book is full of info for the city witch and I did learn some cool things that I didn't know before, like envelopes can be used for binding, I never would've thought of that and I love the idea.

This book is well written and easy to understand as I've come to expect from Christopher Penczak. It's like he's just sitting there and talking to you. Overall, this book is great for ideas about city witchcraft ideas.

[Sarah Goodwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a very interesting book with some ideas that I will be looking at and trying out myself. However it is difficult to read cover to cover as there are a lot of exercises to do which you won't necessarily have time to do then and there, so you'll be skipping over large chunks and then being confused when rituals start with 'Do exercise 1, then 3, then 4 before this ritual'.

Also I felt a lot of it was wordy filler that didn't really express much in terms of information. And there was some talk of prana and calling on 'whatever gods fit your goal' which I am sort of opposed to - because of cultural appropriation and that not being the way I would relate to the gods. They're not a table of correspondence to me, you either believe in them and honour them or you don't.

So, interesting, but I found the Urban Primitive a much more engaging read and with overall more content and a more open style of practice.

[Thomm Quackenbush · Rating 3 out of 5]

If one excises the parts that are hilariously outdated and the Wicca 101, the remaining 40% of the book would be great. Some worthwhile ideas and exercises, but it can be a chore to get to them. A revised edition would be welcome.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this a while ago. I think it gets mixed reviews because it's actually a very thorough treatment of applying magick principles in an urban setting. Like I think it's pretty rigorous, and wonder if that might turn some people off who were expecting a book about how space and place aren't super critical in magick. He gets into that of course--but it's a reasonably deep dive into how to do magick.

[mari_is_sleeping · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dropped it after the whole "misplaced energy causes physical illness" nonsense. Stop this madness

[Min · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a fan of Penczak's work, however, this one didn't inspire me as much as I had hoped. It is certainly a must read considering the limited availability of books specifically about working Urban Energy.
This is his first book, so one should expect improvement in later texts. Which he does, very well. This book is longer than it should be, for lack of editing. Oft-times, the prose feels unorganized, and lacking cohesion. An error he improves with later work.
I like his imagery for envisioning sacred spaces in those places specific to urban areas such as the various neighborhoods, large buildings, nightclubs, libraries, museums, and offices. Also, conceiving of the urban herbal, totems, and spell craft that utilizes modern devices, such as television, and computers. It is here, let us use it.
I live by the idea that the gods are returning, transformed; and new ones are being born that speak directly to this technological world

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book on energy sensing and use in the city. Very Pragmatic magick.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pragmatic book. It has some interesting ideas and adaptations about Pagan/Magickal practices in urban centres. The recognition of the nature in cities was especially appreciated.

[Daphne Nightshade · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book, to me, can be divided in three parts: -The first one is introductory and provides insight in some interesting topics, like practicing magick and being close to nature, while living in the city. There are also some unique views of invocations, spirits and gods in modern times.
-The middle is more of a practical guide, filled with basic information which, honestly, i had to skip, but it can be great for beginners or someone who likes having all the information in one place.
-The last part is more of an epilogue and makes a few repetitions, but there are still some interesting views, like a modern interpretation of entering the Underworld.
All in all, it's an easy-to-read book with broad subjects, both practical and theoretical information and many many exercises (that i also skipped..for now).

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. If you really hate living in a city this approach would make it a lot more fun. I appreciated the section about tools. There are incense, oil, and charm recipes that you can make with things you already have in your kitchen. Very nice. No more spending 10 bucks at the metaphysical store for premium incense. No more spending 20 bucks on herbal baths or oils. Wonderful for closet witches, pandemic witches, and everyone else who doesn’t have access to a metaphysical store. Brings some fun into every day life.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: City Magick by Christopher Penczak

Christopher Penczak’s City Magick is an inspiring read that shows how even in a busy urban world, we’re all deeply connected. He explores the idea of our inner skyscraper, connecting our inner, upper, and underworlds and how working on ourselves can ripple out to change the world around us. Full of practical tips and fresh perspectives, this book is perfect for finding magic in unexpected places.

[Janie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really inventive, interesting take on urban witchcraft.

[Anne Lydolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overall introduction, with many useful tips. A bit repetitive at times.

[Nicole Luttrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took so much away from this book.

[The Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

pues, hay cosas interesantes, y otras un poco extrañas. Y permítanme cuestionar eso de las nuevas runas...

[Becca Sporky · Rating 2 out of 5]

not as good as i thought it would be.

[Allison]

This is a great book for learning about trance state and transcendence. It also has a lot of symbolism for divination. However, It is an old book and many things it discusses are a little outdated.

[William Frost · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I'm a former pagan, take this with a grain of salt, but this was one of the books that kept me going for a bit before giving it up entirely. It felt more real, more connected to my own life. For those who want to maintain their belief structure but feel like most pagan books are too ridiculous or too disconnected with their lives, give this a shot.

[Claudia Loureiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a phenominal piece of city craft lierature. It brings paganism from the forest into the concrete jungle. This is one of the most enjoyable, original and inventive books on witchcraft/magic that I have read. It's clear, concise terminology walks us through the urban landscape finding magical potential in all we encounter. It provides the three R's; Reality - Rapture - Ritual.
Always remeber Spirit is everywhere, we only have to learn to discern its presence and make the connection. Loved this book!

[Ilyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was well written, but it wasn't really my cup of tea, which is why I didn't finish reading it. I've lived in NYC all my life so I thought that perhaps this book would help me to figure out how to walk my path in the concrete jungle, but all it's really done is prove to me that I need to be hip-deep in nature instead.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the ideas in this book on how to apply magickal principles to modern day city living.

[Strangerealms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the book really good about tuning into the magick of the city.