Penczak, an eclectic witch and prolific author (
City Magick;
Sons of the Goddess; etc.), returns with a volume that seeks to offer a comprehensive introduction to metaphysics. His stated purpose is to fill the missing gaps in the education of those new to esoteric religion and those who are "ungrounded, unbalanced, and misinformed." The book's organization is more than a little reminiscent of a high school textbook, though Penczak inserts enough of his own biography and spiritual preferences to keep the material engaging. Penczak is best when he's speaking about the knowledge areas with which he is most familiar; in the chapter on sacred space and time, for instance, he offers a description of the 12 signs of the Zodiac that surpasses most fuller treatments. However, his descriptions of shamanism and Kabbalah fail to instill the same sense power and wonder. Some readers will be frustrated by Penczak's placement of the chapters on magick at the end of the book, as many coming to it will have already chosen Wicca as their path. But Penczak is adamant that modern witches need to be grounded in the entire spiritual tradition. Those looking to broaden their spiritual perspective will be well-served by this highly accessible primer.
(Sept.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
THE PRACTICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MODERN MYSTICISM
Yes, Mysticism is both Modern and Practical.
Too often the Mystical is seen as 'airy fairy' and disconnected from the "Real" World.
What is this so-called "Real" World? You think you know it as that which you can touch and feel, the world you plant your feet on and that feeds you. You think it's really solid stuff.
The "Real" World
You're wrong! The "Real" World isn't really solid stuff, and the Mystical is actually the very stuff of reality - the far bigger reality that is as modern as tomorrow, and as practical as money in the bank. The Mystical is about actually understanding how things really work and how you can benefit from personal exploration and experience in what some people refer to as "the Magical Universe" where truly real things happen and affect you in this world you thought was such a solid thing.
This Magical Universe where real things happen is the same universe studied by modern scientists at the cutting edge of quantum physics and consciousness, and that has been studied for ages by mystics, philosophers, Kabbalists, shamans, hermeticists, yogis, alchemists - all scientists exploring those dimensions lying behind, below, inside, and above what you once thought of as the only "real" world.
Using Esoteric Technology
It is be means of various 'esoteric' technologies that you can actually reach in - behind the scenes so to speak - to touch, work with or even change the inner reality that manifests in the outer world. These technologies have been developed out of many differing perceptions of the inner reality that are as equally true and valid as are the many ways to describe the glory of a sunset, the beauty of a rose, or the glow of love.
Scientists and Mystics have developed many models to understand, explore and relate to this hidden world, each as different and yet the same as the brilliant facets on a cut diamond. These have names and their validity is enhanced by their attraction to you and the beauty you find in them. Certain of them 'speak to you' as others do not and it is your choice and your opportunities to work with those that strike the right cord within you.
The Many Pathways to Enlightenment
In this concise yet deep and insightful book many Pathways to Enlightenment are explored and their inner reality models described & illustrated with diagrams and charts - Alchemy, Ascension, Buddhism, Christianity, Druidism, Hermetic Ceremonial Magic, Hinduism, Judaism, Martial Arts, Paganism, Shamanism, Shinto, Sufism, Thelema, Theosophy, Witchcraft, Yoga and more - accompanied by many practical exercises, sacred texts and rituals for you to fully experience their power to move you between the worlds. An extensive glossary of mystical terms facilitates your understanding across these many systems to build your personal realization.
What You Will Learn
You will understand the Powers of Creation, the Elements behind all Manifestation, the Fundamental Forces and the Energy Centers within each person, the Structure of the Inner Worlds, the Spiritual Entities inhabiting other Dimensions, the Nature of Sacred Spaces & Time, Techniques of Meditation, Intuition, Psychic Development, the Foundations of Magic and Methods of Energy Healing. You will learn both Eastern and Western Systems, understand Initiation, and choose the Path that is right for you. You will practice Meditation, Chakra Balancing, Aura Cleansing, Rising on the Planes, Speak with Spirit Guides, Dowsing, the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, Psychic Travel, the Magic Circle Ritual, and Explore the Symbols used by Magicians to interact with the inner dimensions.
