The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft: Shadows, Spirits and the Healing Journey

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 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 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

"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.