Customer Reviews

The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft: Shadows, Spirits and the Healing Journey (Penczak Temple Series)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft" was highly anticipated by myself, and I got it the day it was released. My only thoughts right now are: whatever the fourth book will be in the series, I am there.

Once again, Christopher Penczak hits the nail on the head. He starts off with an in-depth cultural history of shamanism, more than I was ever aware of. After that, he's off and running. Sacred space, ethics, cosmology, tools, power animals, the Underworld, the Angelic world, countless journeying...I can go on and on. Just about everything, almost every concept, is illustrated with diagrams and/or tables.

This is more information than I have ever seen before altogether in one book about shamanism. Although I have studied this practice myself and have some wonderful teachers, this book will be invaluable to me. As always, Mr. Penczak brings my spirit to that place of wonder, excitement, and awe in the natural world. I am now impatiently awaiting his fouth book in the Temple series. Whatever it is, I am so there. Thanks, Christopher.

I had not read anything by this author before, but I am a Hellenic Shaman, so I thought I'd give it a read. I was absolutely blown away by the care and research that Christopher put into this book. He includes Shamanic techniques from all around the world. There was even some Greek information, which I enjoyed immensely.

I like Christopher's focus on healing, as I am in the process of retrieving soul pieces myself. It is obvious that this man has dedicated his life to helping and healing others. After reading this, I just had to run out and get a copy of Spirit Allies, which I'm enjoying just as much.

Basically, this author is fantastic. You've GOT to read him.

This is the third in Penczak's Temple of Witchcraft Series. I actually read it out of order, after the Inner Temple. I don't think I missed much by skipping the Outer Temple, but he did reference material and exercizes in both books frequently. As with the others, this book is laid out as a year-long lesson plan, with a few introductory chapters, then 12 lessons, one per month, with exercizes culminating in an initiation ritual.

All the Temple books are long, 400+ pages, and packed with information. It took me a long time to get through this one, but I'm glad I finished it. I've decided I don't really care for Penczak's writing - he tends to be verbose and repetitious, but not excessively so - but I do like his books.

This book describes the first lessons of a potential shaman. There are chapters on animal spirits, plant medicine (he even explains the poisonous ones), healing, and traveling in the three spheres, the upper, middle and lower worlds. The ultimate exercize at the end of the book is called "distilling the shadow," where you really get in touch with yourself. I haven't done any of the exercizes myself yet, in fact I am just starting the first book's exercizes, because I like to read it first to get an idea of what's in store. In fact, I recommend that, because even Penczak says the shamanic path is not for everyone. Even if you don't follow the lessons, this is still a good book full of information.

Being initiated into shamanism is no easy task. It takes a lot of hard work and you really have to be willing to put the time and effort into it. He said the distilling the shadow experience can make you not your usual self for weeks.

I highly recommend this book and the series. They are good guides for solitary practitioners.

This is a wonderful book for continuing your spiritual studies, clear and very readable, never dry reading. Excellent addition to the collection of a true seeker.
Thank you

This book was an excellent compilation of studies from all shamanic taditions, not rejecting or favoring any one culture. I loved the use of the World Tree as a journeying tool, and definitely benefitted from it. It also is a collection of herbal associations and totem animal meanings, and has a great layout that guides the reader through various exercises that strengthen their work in the shamanic realms. I really don't have anything to complain about with this book, I felt it covered at least all of the most important bases, and helps a person grow through use of various meditations and exercises.

Penczak does two things really well in his book. First, he integrates Wicca and Shamanism into a concept that makes sense. Although the newbie should learn one or the other in more depth first, those of us who have studied for a few years or more can benefit from the expanded perspective he offers.

Second, there are useful exercises. My only caveat is that I have been told by some shaman practitioners that journeying without a teacher at first can be dangerous, so caution should be utilized. Shamanism, like any other path, takes discipline and discretion. If you read the book and want to pursue some of the techniques listed (such as journeying or soul retrieval), you may benefit even more from a teacher who is well-trained in shamanic practices. Trust your intuition.

Either way, Christopher Penczak will give you the ideas and tools for a more fulfilling path.

I bought this book for my wife for X-mas and she really luved it.It was just what she wanted and after recieving it she was very very happy.

I liked how he explained the infinity loop the spiralization of the universe and spirit world that is an incredible bit of knowledge.

The Temple of Shamanic witchcraft is one of the many very wonderful products of our soullife but as there are many more touches of the unknown we will be hungry to learn about the wonders of the universe.

Being a scientifically, artistically, and metaphysically oriented person, I find myself especially drawn to works that pull together diverse threads from a wide variety of disciplines. I'm also inspired by great, entertaining writing. Christopher delivers on all counts! Anyone who is worried or put off by the word "witchcraft" need only open any one of Penczak's books to witness the beautiful tapestry of personal ethics, humor, scholarly background and harmonious empowerment he delivers. Fantastic work from a lovable, accessible teacher!