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Gay Witchcraft: Empowering the Tribe
When Christopher Penczak was introduced to Witchcraft, he found a spiritual path that hononred and embraced his homosexuality. Now he has written a book of clearheaded theory and practice that is bound to become a classic. With Gay Witchcraft, Penczak joins the ranks of his forebearers in spirit, gay writers who have taken a tradition and made it home. This is a complete book of theory and spiritual practices of Witchcraft for the gay community. Penczak's writing will make it much easier for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people interested in practicing any form of Witchcraft. Exploring the history of Paganism and offering a compendium of spells, meditations, ceremonies, and affirmations that will enrich both the novice and the experienced practioner seeking out new views of myth, ritual, and healing.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2003
63 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Penczak
97 books434 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 29, 2018
This book starts off on a bad foot by using the term tribe and I might review it further of there's anything that pisses me off enough when I'm finished.
July 1, 2021
I didn't actually get that far ...... but what I wanted was Radical Queer Witchcraft and what I got was Gay™ Wicca™
May 23, 2022
Really really enjoyed this. I absolutely loved the focus on the mix of "masculine" and "feminine" within all people and the power that can bring, as well as all the information about queer gods and goddesses from ancient religions. I would say, though, that it is clear it was written in 2003 so some of the language reads uncomfortably- especially the conflating of sex and gender. This book also has lot of info about the craft which isnt specifically queer but just reads like a beginners guide- like info about turning the wheel etc- which I wasnt looking for. I would have preferred for this to have more complex ideas about the craft and queer practitioners in place of this content BUT it would make a really really good starting place for a baby gay/baby witch.
September 22, 2022
Mostly reads like a beginner book but has good information for the non-heteros practicing wicca and witchcraft.
July 6, 2022
This book definitely delivers what the title promises, though it is a book about Wicca and not necessarily broader witchcraft themes. I enjoyed the discussions of gender-fluidity, and there was some good solid philosophy here, but if you're looking for a book to base your own practice on I would look elsewise. This book is outdated in much of it's language, and has many of the more-common, problematic themes of modern witchcraft today such as some cultural appropriation and being a hodge-podge of cultural traditions taken from many sources.
That all being said, if you're a queer practitioner, or just interested in a unique philosophy, this can give you some insights and inspiration for your own craft. But again, take everything in the book with a grain of salt.
That all being said, if you're a queer practitioner, or just interested in a unique philosophy, this can give you some insights and inspiration for your own craft. But again, take everything in the book with a grain of salt.
April 15, 2019
Sparse and sketchy when dealing with transgender identity (chapter 14 on Turning the Wheel of the Year has a subsection on "Transgenderism and Magick" that just contains the platitude that all of us contain masculine and feminine energy, and suggests cross dressing).
I'd also have liked to see more content of Native American mythology, beyond just Aztec/ Incan deities. The ritual of calling the quarters contains many parallels with the medicine wheel (personally and as a Canadian, I cannot conceive the direction North being allied with Earth/ Goddess/ growth energy).
The format of the book is good and useful, with the first section as an introduction to various mythologies with a queer focus, and later sections dealing with the details of rituals and various paths. Not all paths will appeal to all practitioners, but that's ok. If there's one thing that I'm taking away from this book, it's the philosophy of "do what thou will, and let it harm none".
Practically speaking, gay witchcraft seems to be rooted in greater self-knowledge, practicing love and compassion, and acknowledging that you can pray to win the lottery all you want, but you also need to buy a lottery ticket (i.e. follow up intentions with action). That groundwork is bound to improve your life, and the esoteric wrapping paper appeals to the feral child in me.
I'd also have liked to see more content of Native American mythology, beyond just Aztec/ Incan deities. The ritual of calling the quarters contains many parallels with the medicine wheel (personally and as a Canadian, I cannot conceive the direction North being allied with Earth/ Goddess/ growth energy).
The format of the book is good and useful, with the first section as an introduction to various mythologies with a queer focus, and later sections dealing with the details of rituals and various paths. Not all paths will appeal to all practitioners, but that's ok. If there's one thing that I'm taking away from this book, it's the philosophy of "do what thou will, and let it harm none".
Practically speaking, gay witchcraft seems to be rooted in greater self-knowledge, practicing love and compassion, and acknowledging that you can pray to win the lottery all you want, but you also need to buy a lottery ticket (i.e. follow up intentions with action). That groundwork is bound to improve your life, and the esoteric wrapping paper appeals to the feral child in me.
May 31, 2019
Lots of great ideas in here. While some of the language is outdated (using terms like "transgendered", referring to transwomen as "transgendered males", etc), I appreciate that gender fluidity is included in the history and the practices presented in this book. I really enjoyed the analysis of the wild hunt, and how to incorporate the Holly King/Oak King dichotomy into intimacy. I'm still trying to gauge whether I'm more the Oak or the Holly in my current relationship, lol!
I'm probably going to purchase a copy for my home bookshelf.
I'm probably going to purchase a copy for my home bookshelf.
November 24, 2025
Very wiccan focused book overall. I am a fan of his works, but I do find him to be so dry of a read. There is a lot of harping on rule of three and the wiccan rede, which is fine, but not everyo0ne is a wiccan practitioner nor does everyone follow the wiccan rede. I do appreciate this text as a great collection of beginner friendly information and collections of correspondences, but I'd like readers to be mindful the text is heavily wiccan and can be adapted, but just a warning. Also due to his background, he brings up going sky clad in rituals several times. He's not encouraging you to go sky clad, but he is saying it's an option more than once, and that's funny, but also a result of his magical practice.
I love the discussion of love magic. Most people automatically assume that love magic means you are putting a spell on others. But like I have tried to explain on many occasions, much of love magic is just self love spells. Most love magic is making sure you are right with yourself and that your self esteem is good, because when you shine brightly it attracts others to your inner light. Penczak does a great job describing this point and explaining how inner happiness makes for attractive people.
I also really like how he goes over the concept of black magic and white magic. He approaches this topic on both the fact that it is heavily influenced by racism, classism, and Eurocentric ideas heavily influenced by a sense of morals that would villainize pagan ideals. I do not, however, like how he describes curses as part of the dark ages. I feel the sense of morality we attribute to the practice of curse work is heavily skewed by the forgive and turn the other cheek mentality when it should be considered more an extension of freewill and natural escalation. Penczak describes a lot of magic as imposing your free will to preform magic and ask things of the universe. He describes a lot of lesser magic as Hollywood and performative, as if it deliberately goes against freewill, such as with magic to influence others. I don't agree with a lot of his views on this point but I felt I should bring them up as he covers them a lot in the book.
Now while this book describes a very wiccan practice and give witchcraft basics and it really just includes history of gay people in ancient practices. It does a small overview, but when reading it doesn't feel like that is the focus. It's basically telling you how he came out as gay, people used to be gay and it wasn't a problem in ancient times, and that masculine and feminine energy is not exclusive to sexual or gender identity. But it did not feel like the focus, it was more saying "if you're gay, you can do witchcraft". Pretty simple.
The section of lust and arousal focuses on masturbation and getting the feeling to heighten but not releasing and it is just such an extra addition to this book I wasn't expecting. Like wiccan edging was not on my bingo card for this book.
There's also a lot of discussion of energy work and chakras. This includes a break down of how the chakras and their connected meanings, i.e. throat chakra and speaking up, are connected to physical ailments. Readers are reminded that magic does not makes them immune to physical ailments and disease. With many of the lust and sexual based rituals and recommends, readers are reminded to be wary of catching stds or stis and to be smart. Magic doesn't make you safe.
There is also a discussion of how internalized homophobia is a big issue in the gay community. While I don't have anything to add on that topic, I appreciate it being mentioned and discussed as I dop find it to be a big issue.
I love the discussion of love magic. Most people automatically assume that love magic means you are putting a spell on others. But like I have tried to explain on many occasions, much of love magic is just self love spells. Most love magic is making sure you are right with yourself and that your self esteem is good, because when you shine brightly it attracts others to your inner light. Penczak does a great job describing this point and explaining how inner happiness makes for attractive people.
I also really like how he goes over the concept of black magic and white magic. He approaches this topic on both the fact that it is heavily influenced by racism, classism, and Eurocentric ideas heavily influenced by a sense of morals that would villainize pagan ideals. I do not, however, like how he describes curses as part of the dark ages. I feel the sense of morality we attribute to the practice of curse work is heavily skewed by the forgive and turn the other cheek mentality when it should be considered more an extension of freewill and natural escalation. Penczak describes a lot of magic as imposing your free will to preform magic and ask things of the universe. He describes a lot of lesser magic as Hollywood and performative, as if it deliberately goes against freewill, such as with magic to influence others. I don't agree with a lot of his views on this point but I felt I should bring them up as he covers them a lot in the book.
Now while this book describes a very wiccan practice and give witchcraft basics and it really just includes history of gay people in ancient practices. It does a small overview, but when reading it doesn't feel like that is the focus. It's basically telling you how he came out as gay, people used to be gay and it wasn't a problem in ancient times, and that masculine and feminine energy is not exclusive to sexual or gender identity. But it did not feel like the focus, it was more saying "if you're gay, you can do witchcraft". Pretty simple.
The section of lust and arousal focuses on masturbation and getting the feeling to heighten but not releasing and it is just such an extra addition to this book I wasn't expecting. Like wiccan edging was not on my bingo card for this book.
There's also a lot of discussion of energy work and chakras. This includes a break down of how the chakras and their connected meanings, i.e. throat chakra and speaking up, are connected to physical ailments. Readers are reminded that magic does not makes them immune to physical ailments and disease. With many of the lust and sexual based rituals and recommends, readers are reminded to be wary of catching stds or stis and to be smart. Magic doesn't make you safe.
There is also a discussion of how internalized homophobia is a big issue in the gay community. While I don't have anything to add on that topic, I appreciate it being mentioned and discussed as I dop find it to be a big issue.
August 20, 2022
This book is an excellent read. I wish I had read this book earlier on in my spiritual development. Christopher Penczak contextualizes heteronormative concepts that may be queered or reinterpreted for a gay practitioner. Though the book was published almost 20 years ago, the material is still relevant, and overall, the book appears to have aged well. I recommend this book to anyone looking to build their library as it is such a fantastic foundational read.
January 26, 2025
Definitely interesting information. I enjoyed many aspects of this book, and found it overall empowering. I did find it a bit repetitive and organized somewhat confusingly. However, I am more interested in learning about witchcraft and practices.
September 30, 2017
A good introductory book on the subject, easy to understand and follow. The healing-related chapters were amazing!
December 11, 2018
BEST OCCULT BOOK OF ALL TIME
July 11, 2020
Some of this was informative, but a vast majority of it didn’t align with what I thought it would include (more histories and such) and I definitely don’t practice the same way as the author, haha.
February 14, 2021
Pretty guide for gay witches and a perfect point of view to empowering our mind ❤️ isn't the best about some arguments, but is a great book.
November 3, 2022
DNF at 24%.
December 26, 2022
A solid entry to the topic of witchcraft. Only tangentially relevant to my needs, but it's not the book's fault.
March 12, 2023
Thanking for adding more awareness to this space!
Read
August 19, 2025Dnf, talked about history without siting sources:/
October 13, 2023
Highly readable! A good book, recommended for every Pagan's collection. I was charmed 20 years ago by one of his first books, City Magick. I seriously need to catch up on his work.
January 23, 2016
Definitely Helpful
Me being a gay male Witch myself, I instantly connected with this book. I did Craft the Protection Potion twice now. Both times with herbs instead of oils. Herbs work better in my case. This second time, I did add three tiny tumbled quartz pieces. Awesome power!!!
Me being a gay male Witch myself, I instantly connected with this book. I did Craft the Protection Potion twice now. Both times with herbs instead of oils. Herbs work better in my case. This second time, I did add three tiny tumbled quartz pieces. Awesome power!!!
March 26, 2012
Empowered. Thanks Chris. Great book.
October 12, 2014
A really lovely introduction to Wicca and its relationship with LGBTQI individuals, a look at the relevance of magick and Wiccan lore to the community.
February 21, 2015
It is a good book to begin with, the information is set up as introductory with an LGBT theme
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews