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Spirit Allies: Meet Your Team from the Other Side
From ancient Egyptians to modernday witches, King Solomon to Native American shamans, individuals throughout time have possessed the power to work with the spirit world. But it's not necessary to be a Tibetan holy man or ghost hunter to communicate with the other side. Everyone has friends beyond the veil, as author Christopher Penczak explains, "A spirit ally is a being in the unseen realms who, for whatever reason, decides to aid, befriend, protect, or teach us while we live our own Earthwalk." He dispels the shadowy ambiguity and fear surrounding the existence of these spiritual entities, shares compelling personal anecdotes, and offers straightforward techniquessuch as relaxation, automatic writing, and oracle interpretationto help readers contact their own guides. Through 30 simple exercises, Spirit Allies helps readers find their Power Animal, dream journey, speak with devas, communicate with ancestors and ascended masters, meet their personal spirit allies, and much more.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2002
59 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Penczak
97 books436 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 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 10, 2013
This is, quite simply, the most comprehensive book on spirit guides/allies I have ever read. (And I read everything I can on this subject.) It covers 30 exercises and explains many phenomenon by which people connect to spirit. I haven't worked with the exercises yet, but they seem very comprehensive and more well-rounded than exercises I've found in other books. I've really found a kindred spirit in Christopher Penczak, and I intend to read more of his books. He is a spirit worker who doesn't force his path down the throats of his readers so even though we don't entirely agree on everything I feel it's very safe to learn from him, and he knows quite a lot. I will probably read sections of this book again.
June 12, 2007
Best book I've ever read about contacting your allies from beyond. It works. Penzcak's writing style is very easy to understand and concise. The exercises he lays out are easy to master and the warnings and protections he offers are a necessary part of anyone who wishes to work with beings 'beyond the veil'. This should be on any occultist's shelf.
March 5, 2014
Great starter book for those seeking assistance from helpful Spirits and Guides.
November 2, 2024
Before picking this up, I had only read one book previously on the subject of spirit communication, and that was Consorting With Spirits by Jason Miller. This was initially written and released over two decades ago and it deals with everything Miller began unpacking with Consorting and then some, from the perspective of Penczak, who studied the Cabot tradition of witchcraft. He does a good job of separating fact from personal gnosis, the latter of which I still found to be quite valuable. There are step-by-step instructions included with each suggested ritual/meditation and everything flows in a way that makes sense. I would consider this essential reading for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of, and connection to, unseen forces.
February 7, 2018
Imagine sitting down with a dear friend over a series of tea's (dinners, whatever's) and talking about stuff you didn't DARE talk about with family, friends, co-workers (souls who have little or no desire to color outside the lines). You talk about all those feelings, visions, thoughts, knowings that seem to rise deep within you. You talk about how much joy you feel while 'talking with ''those'' people' (people your family, friends, co-workers (etc.) will think you're absolutely crazy if you talk about them with them). You talk about questions about 'how to's' and 'what if's' that surface as you feel your growth blossoming as a spiritual being experiencing a human, earthly life.
Well! Meet Christopher! I did while savoring his work Spirit Allies: Meet Your Team from the Other Side. As an out gay monk of three orders, shaman in four traditions and practicing teacher I smiled early on as I gently found my head nodding in absolutely agreement with Penczak's wit and wisdom. Most of Spirit Allies reminded me of all my teachers sharing almost the exact same words. As I read this work I enjoyed a delicious (and sometimes gut-wrenching) trip down memory lane. While reading the last Appendix I chuckled when the thought bubbled up, "GEE! Where was this book 40 years ago LOL!"
In genuine heartfelt gratitude I bow to Christopher for taking the time to harvest into print wisdom many need to water their seeds of service.
Well! Meet Christopher! I did while savoring his work Spirit Allies: Meet Your Team from the Other Side. As an out gay monk of three orders, shaman in four traditions and practicing teacher I smiled early on as I gently found my head nodding in absolutely agreement with Penczak's wit and wisdom. Most of Spirit Allies reminded me of all my teachers sharing almost the exact same words. As I read this work I enjoyed a delicious (and sometimes gut-wrenching) trip down memory lane. While reading the last Appendix I chuckled when the thought bubbled up, "GEE! Where was this book 40 years ago LOL!"
In genuine heartfelt gratitude I bow to Christopher for taking the time to harvest into print wisdom many need to water their seeds of service.
May 17, 2020
My quest to read every spiritual book on hoopla continues with this gem. It’s a great book, but I didn’t learn much new information.
Christopher Penczak has a very accessible writing style. It helps to make unfamiliar subject matter less frightening. It helps bring out similarities across religions. It helps simplify complicated, esoteric principles. You can tell that the author has tolerance and appreciation for those with other cultural, religious, and spiritual beliefs that differ from his own.
On the flip side, the conversational tone also makes it feel like we are only scratching the surface of the topic and remaining in the superficial knowledge. Additionally, with the invention of the internet, everything in this book is freely available. I think I would have loved this book as a teenager. I do love that Penczak includes meditations and exercises in his books.
Overall, Penczak exposes his readers to many spiritual beliefs, introduces many concepts and archetypes and encourages readers to perform additional research on those topics that interest them.
Christopher Penczak has a very accessible writing style. It helps to make unfamiliar subject matter less frightening. It helps bring out similarities across religions. It helps simplify complicated, esoteric principles. You can tell that the author has tolerance and appreciation for those with other cultural, religious, and spiritual beliefs that differ from his own.
On the flip side, the conversational tone also makes it feel like we are only scratching the surface of the topic and remaining in the superficial knowledge. Additionally, with the invention of the internet, everything in this book is freely available. I think I would have loved this book as a teenager. I do love that Penczak includes meditations and exercises in his books.
Overall, Penczak exposes his readers to many spiritual beliefs, introduces many concepts and archetypes and encourages readers to perform additional research on those topics that interest them.
August 3, 2018
It would have been nice if it went a little more indepth, but it was still fun to read Christopher's perspective.
December 10, 2014
I liked that the author explained ideas from a variety of traditions, so the reader could decide what would work for them. For example, my experience with nature spirits is different than what he describes, but that's OK, as he states, everyone has their own approach/perspective. Overall, very interesting approach to this topic.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews