GAY
WITCHCRAFT:
Empowering The Tribe
NOMINATED FOR A LAMBDA AWARD
BEST SPIRITUALITY BOOK of 2004
"Gay Witchcraft is a smart,
soulful, and inspiring introduction to Witchcraft that speaks to the
unique needs and gifts of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered
person. It is a valuable contribution to a very important and growing
part of the Witchcraft community. But because it is a book with insight
into the difficult journey of self-discovery and spiritual empowerment,
any reader-gay or straight-will find it a rich resource." -Phyllis
Curott, Priestess and author of the best-selling Book of Shadows and
WitchCrafting
"A fascinating survey of the Craft from a uniquely gay perspective."-Jason Newcomb, author of 21st Century Mage
"This is an important book, one that will help many people. I recommend it to all witches, gay or straight." -Eileen Holland, author of The Wicca Handbook and co-author, with Cerelia, of A Witch's Book of Answers
Gay Witchcraft is a complete manual of witchcraft for the gay community, revealing a path that is intimately entwined with both the heart and history of gay people. For both the novice and experienced practitioner seeking out new views on myth, ritual, and healing, Christopher Penczak takes you step-by-step through dozens of meditations, rituals, spells, and celebrations, awakening the love of the Goddess and God in you. In many ways, this book could be considered a basic manual for anyone seeking to learn about Wicca, but Gay Witchcraft brings together aspects of both identities in a new alchemy. After trying these meditations and rituals, you may reclaim the title of witch for yourself, or you may simply find witchcraft as a stepping stone for your own path, taking what serves you and building your own tradition.
"A fascinating survey of the Craft from a uniquely gay perspective."-Jason Newcomb, author of 21st Century Mage
"This is an important book, one that will help many people. I recommend it to all witches, gay or straight." -Eileen Holland, author of The Wicca Handbook and co-author, with Cerelia, of A Witch's Book of Answers
Gay Witchcraft is a complete manual of witchcraft for the gay community, revealing a path that is intimately entwined with both the heart and history of gay people. For both the novice and experienced practitioner seeking out new views on myth, ritual, and healing, Christopher Penczak takes you step-by-step through dozens of meditations, rituals, spells, and celebrations, awakening the love of the Goddess and God in you. In many ways, this book could be considered a basic manual for anyone seeking to learn about Wicca, but Gay Witchcraft brings together aspects of both identities in a new alchemy. After trying these meditations and rituals, you may reclaim the title of witch for yourself, or you may simply find witchcraft as a stepping stone for your own path, taking what serves you and building your own tradition.
REVIEWS
Horns And Cresent
There is nothing about this book
not to like. It is a comprehensive guide to the Craft, in many ways a
genuine Book of Shadows for the GLBT crowd. ...Many lesser authors
would have taken the low road here and skirted the explosive issues of
sexuality and magick. Not Christopher. He dives right into these deep
waters and takes the reader along for the ride. His chapter on Sex
Magick alone is worth the price of the book. And if well researched,
good writing is not enough for you, check out the provocative and
beautiful photography. What more can I say? If you are a gay, lesbian,
bisexual, or transgender occultist - you need to buy this book. Period.
If you are a Craft teacher - you need to buy this book. Period. The
rest of you can buy it or not - but trust me, you're the one who will
be missing out.....There is nothing more anyone could write on the
subject without being redundant. In my opinion, Christopher Penczak has
written the first great Craft book of the 21st century. - excerpted
from Horns and Crescent, review by Jimahl
This is one of the only books on the market that delves into the fascinating historical roots of gay witchcraft while also providing homesexual-specific advice on spells and rituals. One of Penczak's strengths is his broad reaching wisdom when it comes to love and sexuality. Most of his guidance could be relevant to practitioners of all sexual orientations. Yet Penczak also stays true to his niche --- often returning to particular sexual and romantic concerns unique to the gay and lesbian community. Over all, Penczak fulfills his promise -- finally offering homosexual readers a sensitive and sexually appropriate manual for the study and practice of witchcraft.
- excerpted from Publishers Weekly May 12, 2003
In this volume, Christopher Penczak synthesizes his personal gay life experience with his knowledge of Wicca tradition, but as he clearly states in the introduction, this is not a scholarly book just for reading. His intent is to empower his gay brothers and he encourages us to experiment with and to try the dozens of meditations and exercises he presents throughout the book. The book is divided into three parts. In Part One, History and Mythology, Penczak presents an account of pagan history as it relates to witchcraft in general and gay witchcraft in particular. He begins in prehistoric times and ends with Arthur Evans, Harry Hay, Michael Thorn, Greg Johnson, Sparky Rabbit, and others who have worked to reclaim the Wicca tradition for gay men. The section covering gay positive deities is encyclopedic and multicultural including ancient Roman and Greek deities, Mayan, Chinese, Celtic, Hindu, Native American, and deities of other traditions. In Part Two, Tools of Our Tribe, he presents the hands-on tools used in the witchcraft tradition. He begins with internal tools (meditation, visualization, and concentration), and goes on to animal guides, altars, the home, preparation of ?the temple of your body?, and covens. The last section of Part Two presents beginning concepts in ritual, including casting and releasing the circle. Part Three, Empowerment-Love, Sexuality, Healing, and Ritual, is the true heart of the book, covering seven chapters and more than 135 pages. Here Penczak deals with spells and magick, and their use in love, sex, and health. In the last chapter he makes some of his most important statements. First he points out that his book is only a beginning, a point of departure for the magical life. He encourages readers to explore other pagan paths and find what works best for them. Then he discusses the importance of integrity and commitment, particularly as they relate to integrating magic into all aspects of life. Special attention is given to self-acceptance, relationships, and activism. The book concludes with a helpful bibliography and a listing of online sources. For those of you looking for a basic introduction to gay witchcraft, this is a good book to read and experiment with. It is also an excellent view of how one gay man integrates paganism with his own life experience, and serves as a model and inspiration for anyone interested in doing the same. Reviewed by Bob Barzan in White Crane Journal
Penczak begins with a history of witchcraft through the centuries, from the Stone Age to the present day, noting that "in the past, queer mystics were healers, teachers, artists, poets, scholars, and aides to the community. They were visionaries. And they still are."
He chronicles how witches went from being valued and necessary parts of everyday life to despised outcasts as Christianity rose in power and influence and church leaders sought the positions of power that witches occupied.(Interestingly, a later chapter discussing Wiccan holidays shows how the Christian church co-opted numerous pagan rituals. For example, the winter solstice is known as Yule - the day "the Great Goddess gives birth to the Sun, as a child of light." Surely the placing of Christmas, Jesus Christ's birthday, so near to the solstice, is no coincidence? Similarly, for the probable origin of Easter, look to the vernal equinox, Ostara, when "eggs and seeds are blessed" as life returns to the land.)
Next, Penczak describes the various deities from ancient, pantheistic religions that are worshipped by present-day witches. Contrary to popular belief and cheesy horror movies, genuine Wiccans do not worship Satan. Instead, they revere various aspects of a spiritual force Penczak dubs the Goddess and the God. They can call upon deities from Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Babylonian, Hindu, Celtic or Aztec mythologies, for example.
Penczak's also careful to point out which deities were associated with homosexuality, such as Apollo, Hermes and Eros, "the patron and protector of homosexual love." From there, he explores additional concepts of modern-day witchcraft, such as practicing meditation techniques; explaining the components necessary for a space of worship (usually an altar of sorts) and the required ritual tools needed; the fundamentals of auras and chakras; and the concepts behind spellcasting ("the point of such work is not for the sake of accumulating power, but empowerment").
Since Wiccans believe that "all you do comes back to you...three times as strong as your original intent," harmful or selfish acts of magick (the "k" differentiates it from a stage magician's trickery) are avoided. Any spells should be cast in a spirit of "Pure Love and Pure Trust, for the greater good, harming none." These topics include petition spells, love magick, lust magick, sex magick, healing magick and seasonal celebration rituals.
Granted, to some people all this may sound like claptrap, and Penczak acknowledges that this spiritual path is not for everyone. Additionally, he "[doesn't] intend 'Gay Witchcraft' to be a historical document or scholarly argument."
He intends the book as a teaching tool for those gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered individuals who feel a calling/affinity/curiosity towards witchcraft and wish to explore it safely and in an educated manner. The book is written in a clear, easy-to-follow style that doesn't go overboard with jargon or similar mumbo-jumbo. Penczak cautions that "an aspiring witch must work to shed fear, anger, guilt, and hate, while gathering the qualities of love, self-esteem, and acceptance," and that's something we could all do with more of in our loves. Clearly "Gay Witchcraft" isn't for everyone, but members of its intended audience will find this tome both enlightening and enchanting. - By J.S. Hall, BAY WINDOWS, Published: Thursday, October 30, 2003
Most craft authors skirt around issues of sexuality and magick (unless that is a specific aspect of their book), but not Penczak - his chapter on Sex Magick is brilliant. His wisdom and knowledge is useful (vital event) for all Witches, no matter their sexual orientation. I was impressed that he manages this while remaining true to his core audience of gay and lesbian practitioners. The meditations and exercise, within the text are simple and function, with clear and concise guidelines to follow. Even better, he then encourages you to expand on what he has provided to fit the person you are.
I applaud the book for both its literary and social qualities. I'm sure present and future members of the Craft will find the book empowering, emotional and above all education. If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender witch, then I strongly recommend Gay Witchcraft. If you are a Craft teacher, then I also highly recommend this book (if only so you will have a better idea of what your non-heterosexual students may be going through). If you don't fall in either of those categories, it may not appeal as strongly to you, but I think you will still find it an important part of your occult library. - Lisa McSherry, Beltane Papers, Issue 31, Winter.
As a heterosexual, I wondered if I was the best person to review this book. However, since the intended audience is all Wiccans, not specifically gays, I started reading, still half-expecting the author to be in my face, making it his job to challenge the prejudices I surely must have. I am pleased to say my own assumption was totally wrong. The author has put together a unique blend of historical notes, mythological theory, his own personal observations and a great deal of instruction and advice on the theory and practice of Wicca, from a gay practitioner’s perspective. The author is a spiritual healer trained in the Western Mystery Traditions of Wicca and European Shamanism and his knowledge and wisdom clearly shows in this offering which serves many purposes. It explores the gay presence in religious practices, as well as homoerotic (and homophobic) occurrences and their ramifications in world history. It also presents an outline of the practice of Wicca as it is affects those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight. Gay Witchcraft can be seen as an introduction manual for gays and people of all orientations, and for Pagans seeking an alternative look at the Wiccan tradition. It contains spells and instructions to enhance the gay sexual experience and offers exercises and advice for carrying out year-round rites of passage in the Wiccan tradition. Highly recommended. - Kerry Gold, Pagan Dawn, UK.
Publisher's
Weekly
This is one of the only books on the market that delves into the fascinating historical roots of gay witchcraft while also providing homesexual-specific advice on spells and rituals. One of Penczak's strengths is his broad reaching wisdom when it comes to love and sexuality. Most of his guidance could be relevant to practitioners of all sexual orientations. Yet Penczak also stays true to his niche --- often returning to particular sexual and romantic concerns unique to the gay and lesbian community. Over all, Penczak fulfills his promise -- finally offering homosexual readers a sensitive and sexually appropriate manual for the study and practice of witchcraft.
- excerpted from Publishers Weekly May 12, 2003
PAN
GAIA
I must admit that as a heterosexual Pagan, at first I thought it
wouldn't make sense for me to read Christopher Penczak's book, "Gay
Witchcraft." ..."Gay Witchcraft" covers much that established Wiccans
know, but emphasizes much that we may have missed. It's structured like
many other introductory Wicca books, covering history, the rede, gods,
magick, initiation, and rights of passage. As it's written from a gay
perspective, it also covers relevant topics that few contemporary Pagan
books even mention, such as how homosexuality was viewed in societies
past, gay and lesbian religious orders, Penczak covers the sexually
mixed nature of many gods and goddesses. ...One of the most important
topics Penczak covers is self love and self esteem. It's vital for a
Witch to have self love in order to live a magickal life, yet our
society often causes people who are different to feel inferior. ..To
help foster self love, Penzak even includes a spell to increase self
esteem, and a bath to heal a broken heart. The inclusion of rituals
supporting the text is one of the things that makes Penzak's writings
great. Penczak encourages readers to read other Pagan books, even if
not written from a gay point of view. I would emphasize the reverse.
Don't pass up "Gay Witchcraft" simply because it's written from a gay
perspective. This is an enlightening, refreshing read, for any Pagan. -
From Pan Gaia. Review by JONATHAN FESMIRE. http://www.jonathanfesmire.com/WHITE
CRANE JOURNAL
In this volume, Christopher Penczak synthesizes his personal gay life experience with his knowledge of Wicca tradition, but as he clearly states in the introduction, this is not a scholarly book just for reading. His intent is to empower his gay brothers and he encourages us to experiment with and to try the dozens of meditations and exercises he presents throughout the book. The book is divided into three parts. In Part One, History and Mythology, Penczak presents an account of pagan history as it relates to witchcraft in general and gay witchcraft in particular. He begins in prehistoric times and ends with Arthur Evans, Harry Hay, Michael Thorn, Greg Johnson, Sparky Rabbit, and others who have worked to reclaim the Wicca tradition for gay men. The section covering gay positive deities is encyclopedic and multicultural including ancient Roman and Greek deities, Mayan, Chinese, Celtic, Hindu, Native American, and deities of other traditions. In Part Two, Tools of Our Tribe, he presents the hands-on tools used in the witchcraft tradition. He begins with internal tools (meditation, visualization, and concentration), and goes on to animal guides, altars, the home, preparation of ?the temple of your body?, and covens. The last section of Part Two presents beginning concepts in ritual, including casting and releasing the circle. Part Three, Empowerment-Love, Sexuality, Healing, and Ritual, is the true heart of the book, covering seven chapters and more than 135 pages. Here Penczak deals with spells and magick, and their use in love, sex, and health. In the last chapter he makes some of his most important statements. First he points out that his book is only a beginning, a point of departure for the magical life. He encourages readers to explore other pagan paths and find what works best for them. Then he discusses the importance of integrity and commitment, particularly as they relate to integrating magic into all aspects of life. Special attention is given to self-acceptance, relationships, and activism. The book concludes with a helpful bibliography and a listing of online sources. For those of you looking for a basic introduction to gay witchcraft, this is a good book to read and experiment with. It is also an excellent view of how one gay man integrates paganism with his own life experience, and serves as a model and inspiration for anyone interested in doing the same. Reviewed by Bob Barzan in White Crane Journal
BAY
WINDOWS
Like many gay men, Christopher
Penczak's first exposure to a witch
was during a broadcast of "The Wizard of Oz" on TV. For many years,
Margaret Hamilton's shrieking, green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West
left an indelible image of a witch as a villain - a preconception which
Penczak had to challenge when he began exploring witchcraft (or Wicca)
after 13 years of Catholic School. As he relates in his insightful book
"Gay Witchcraft," just as gay activists have fought to reclaim "gay"
and "queer" from those who use such words to oppress and insult us, so
too have Wiccans sought to reclaim "witch" as a non-pejorative term.Penczak begins with a history of witchcraft through the centuries, from the Stone Age to the present day, noting that "in the past, queer mystics were healers, teachers, artists, poets, scholars, and aides to the community. They were visionaries. And they still are."
He chronicles how witches went from being valued and necessary parts of everyday life to despised outcasts as Christianity rose in power and influence and church leaders sought the positions of power that witches occupied.(Interestingly, a later chapter discussing Wiccan holidays shows how the Christian church co-opted numerous pagan rituals. For example, the winter solstice is known as Yule - the day "the Great Goddess gives birth to the Sun, as a child of light." Surely the placing of Christmas, Jesus Christ's birthday, so near to the solstice, is no coincidence? Similarly, for the probable origin of Easter, look to the vernal equinox, Ostara, when "eggs and seeds are blessed" as life returns to the land.)
Next, Penczak describes the various deities from ancient, pantheistic religions that are worshipped by present-day witches. Contrary to popular belief and cheesy horror movies, genuine Wiccans do not worship Satan. Instead, they revere various aspects of a spiritual force Penczak dubs the Goddess and the God. They can call upon deities from Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Babylonian, Hindu, Celtic or Aztec mythologies, for example.
Penczak's also careful to point out which deities were associated with homosexuality, such as Apollo, Hermes and Eros, "the patron and protector of homosexual love." From there, he explores additional concepts of modern-day witchcraft, such as practicing meditation techniques; explaining the components necessary for a space of worship (usually an altar of sorts) and the required ritual tools needed; the fundamentals of auras and chakras; and the concepts behind spellcasting ("the point of such work is not for the sake of accumulating power, but empowerment").
Since Wiccans believe that "all you do comes back to you...three times as strong as your original intent," harmful or selfish acts of magick (the "k" differentiates it from a stage magician's trickery) are avoided. Any spells should be cast in a spirit of "Pure Love and Pure Trust, for the greater good, harming none." These topics include petition spells, love magick, lust magick, sex magick, healing magick and seasonal celebration rituals.
Granted, to some people all this may sound like claptrap, and Penczak acknowledges that this spiritual path is not for everyone. Additionally, he "[doesn't] intend 'Gay Witchcraft' to be a historical document or scholarly argument."
He intends the book as a teaching tool for those gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered individuals who feel a calling/affinity/curiosity towards witchcraft and wish to explore it safely and in an educated manner. The book is written in a clear, easy-to-follow style that doesn't go overboard with jargon or similar mumbo-jumbo. Penczak cautions that "an aspiring witch must work to shed fear, anger, guilt, and hate, while gathering the qualities of love, self-esteem, and acceptance," and that's something we could all do with more of in our loves. Clearly "Gay Witchcraft" isn't for everyone, but members of its intended audience will find this tome both enlightening and enchanting. - By J.S. Hall, BAY WINDOWS, Published: Thursday, October 30, 2003
BETWEEN
THE WORLDS
"Well its about time" was my thought when Christopher Penzcak's
"Gay
Witchcraft" rolled out in June 2003. Written as an introductory text,
this book provides guidance for members of the gay community who may be
interested in exploring the spiritual path of Wicca. And it does so in
a way that builds on the works of other scholars and practitioners, in
addition to the author's own studies, to provide a reference work that
speaks to the unique needs of LGBT readers. In addition to covering the
basics of history, symbolism, ritual, and magick, the author provides
information on "queer-friendly" Deities and amatory spell-casting, as
well as one of the few published chapters expounding the principles of
sex magick relevant to queer peoples. I was particularly pleased with
the emphasis on the ethics associated with spell-casting (particularly
as relates to love magick), which is not always sufficiently emphasized
in published texts. Penzcak approaches the subject from the perspective
of an eclectic Wiccan, and so not everyone will necessarily agree with
everything in this book. And that's okay. The few misnomers that arise
in the text are of interest mainly to initiated practitioners of the
mystery paths of Traditional Witchcraft, and are not relevant to the
intended audience of this book. Generally speaking, "Gay Witchcraft"
can be used to augment the information provided by other introductory
books (see Scott Cunningham, et al) to give the beginning queer
practitioner an understanding of her/his place in the scheme of things.
All in all, a good book. - Garan du, Organizer of Between the
Worlds Queer Men's Conference. BELTANE PAPERS
Before
I read Gay Witchcraft, I gave it to a couple of my gay witch friends to
read and then listened carefully to their feedback, which was that this
is a comprehensive, honest and genuinely respectful look at the Gay and
Lesbian Craft community. Its appear is much broader than this, however,
and (probably since Penczak is gay) it maintains a respectful attitude
throughout. His factual portrayal of gays and lesbians and their roles
in the Old Religion is fascinating, and the way his explains the
delivers information is straightforward and easy to understand.Most craft authors skirt around issues of sexuality and magick (unless that is a specific aspect of their book), but not Penczak - his chapter on Sex Magick is brilliant. His wisdom and knowledge is useful (vital event) for all Witches, no matter their sexual orientation. I was impressed that he manages this while remaining true to his core audience of gay and lesbian practitioners. The meditations and exercise, within the text are simple and function, with clear and concise guidelines to follow. Even better, he then encourages you to expand on what he has provided to fit the person you are.
I applaud the book for both its literary and social qualities. I'm sure present and future members of the Craft will find the book empowering, emotional and above all education. If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender witch, then I strongly recommend Gay Witchcraft. If you are a Craft teacher, then I also highly recommend this book (if only so you will have a better idea of what your non-heterosexual students may be going through). If you don't fall in either of those categories, it may not appeal as strongly to you, but I think you will still find it an important part of your occult library. - Lisa McSherry, Beltane Papers, Issue 31, Winter.
PAGAN
DAWN
As a heterosexual, I wondered if I was the best person to review this book. However, since the intended audience is all Wiccans, not specifically gays, I started reading, still half-expecting the author to be in my face, making it his job to challenge the prejudices I surely must have. I am pleased to say my own assumption was totally wrong. The author has put together a unique blend of historical notes, mythological theory, his own personal observations and a great deal of instruction and advice on the theory and practice of Wicca, from a gay practitioner’s perspective. The author is a spiritual healer trained in the Western Mystery Traditions of Wicca and European Shamanism and his knowledge and wisdom clearly shows in this offering which serves many purposes. It explores the gay presence in religious practices, as well as homoerotic (and homophobic) occurrences and their ramifications in world history. It also presents an outline of the practice of Wicca as it is affects those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight. Gay Witchcraft can be seen as an introduction manual for gays and people of all orientations, and for Pagans seeking an alternative look at the Wiccan tradition. It contains spells and instructions to enhance the gay sexual experience and offers exercises and advice for carrying out year-round rites of passage in the Wiccan tradition. Highly recommended. - Kerry Gold, Pagan Dawn, UK.
