Christopher Penczak, ever heard or read him? Options

My local, (that is the only one with in 100 mile radius) occult bookstore keeps suggesting this guy in their newsletter. I researched on Amazon, but there were only two reviews for his book (Ascension Magick) and both were glowing.

My local, (that is the only one with in 100 mile radius) occult bookstore keeps suggesting this guy in their newsletter. I researched on Amazon, but there were only two reviews for his book (Ascension Magick) and both were glowing.

And bye glowing you mean?

It depends on your focus. Christopher's bio blurbs mention him as an "eclectic witch," and if you identify with that path I think he has some good material available. At least, judging from my research of his writing, and skimming his books. He was also interviewed in a Thelema podcast I recently listening to, and I like a lot of his ideas overall.

That said, from personal experience I'm really enjoying his book Instant Magick. I see why he can be considered eclectic; he has a background understanding in general occult theory and CM, and he is not afraid to apply some of those ideas to what might be described as daily or street magick. Chaotes might get some good ideas from this book. He's also got some stuff on energy in there (I believe Christopher practices and teaches reiki), and generally, I'm finding it a fun book to work with. If you're looking for really esoteric material, you won't find it there, but for what it is, it's a good book. (Despite the hokey title!)

My impression is that if you are interested in paganism or learning about witchcraft, his Temple series (Inner Temple of Witchcraft, etc.) would be worth checking out. But be careful, I think his books tend to overlap. For example, I've read about people talking about the similarities between Instant Magick and the earlier City Magick (if I got the title right). And I looked at his book on shamanistic practices yesterday in the store, which didn't offer enough new material for me to want to buy it.

I hope that helps. Post back here if you do find any of his books helpful to you.

Thanks,

Chaos, By glowing I mean "favorable, enthusiastic, positive," etc.

Thanks rif, it doesn't sound like something I'd spend me hard earned $$$ on, but I just might. I am usually into the more "esoteric". I'm looking into this "The New Hermetics" by one Jason Newcomb.

Thanks rif, it doesn't sound like something I'd spend me hard earned $$$ on, but I just might. I am usually into the more "esoteric". I'm looking into this "The New Hermetics" by one Jason Newcomb.

I''ve thought about picking New Hermetics up myself. I skimmed through it in the store, and I like a lot of its ideas, allthough I'm mixed about the fact that it's based around doing everything in an astral temple. The author has a background in hypnosis and NLP, two other interests of mine, so in that sense the author's background as well as what he's written appeals to me. He was also interviewed in the podcast I mentioned above, and I liked his words.

But on the other hand, his work is stripped of some of the things that make CM aesthetically pleasing. For example, the LBRP is more "fun" (IMO) when done with traditional names and words, as opposed to his non-secular abstract english language version. And it's arguably nicer to move around and do it in a real space, when you can. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) You can add these things in yourself if you know them, of course; and samples of this are available on his website. The url ishttp://www.newhermetics.com/ you can get a feel for things there.

Do you have a decent library system near you? I've found a lot of surprising and esoteric occult books at my library. Secrets of the Grimoires, Kyballion, Garden of Pomegranates... who knew?!

I'd also suggest scanning the book topic here, if you haven't yet. Or even posting there.

*whew* I'm on a roll this morning! (I'm delaying getting ready for work.) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dots.gif)

Yes, I ahve not only heard of him, I own most of his books. They are very good, but very "new agey" at certain times and occaisionally repeat the same material. I would ahve to give him 4 stars on his books though. They are very useful if you pick and choose.