Book Review – Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation by Mat Auryn
Book Review
Psychic Witch
A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation by Mat Auryn
312 Pages
Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation by Mat Auryn sets the tone for its intention with a beautiful dedication and quote in memory of Raven Grimassi
… “ If the art of Witchcraft can be reduced to one aspect, it would be the achieving of altered states of consciousness…On a deeper level, we can add trance (induced by whatever means)
and psychic development. Such states of consciousness allow the Witch not only to perceive things behind their veneer but also to reshape reality in an experiential sense.”... Raven Grimassi, The Witch’s Craft: The Roots of Witchcraft & Magickal Transformation
The book is formatted into fifteen (15) Chapters, which may seem to be quite a lot, but the subject matter alone and the very thorough way in which Mat Auryn approaches the subject matter warrants the number. Each chapter methodically takes the reader through the process of beginning to adjust perception, break down the limitations we place on ourselves and provide concrete instruction. There is a wonderful balance between solid research and magickal studies that give the information the right amount of scientific credit and mystical wonderment.
Each chapter is chockfull of practical application exercises and illustrations to fuel the visual, kinesthetic and theoretical. All of this is offered through the very articulate and relatable style that Mat brings to what is a massive amount of information. The “Foreword” begins…
…Embracing your power and path as a psychic being can be the most rewarding experience a witch can have in their lifetime. When we finally suspend our disbelief long enough to hold close the simple truth that to be a witch is to be psychic incredible things start to happen…
In this very simple opening we have a sense that that we are part of the revealing of a truth that has been cloaked behind mystery for too long. And, that to acknowledge the validity of that statement also implies that there is work to be done.
Each of the exercises flow beautifully from chapter to chapter and each build upon the other, often using the simple ones given at the start as the basis for expanding upon. Exercise 23 in Chapter Four was one of my favorites, entitled: Spell to Awaken Psychic Abilities. This spell makes use of the moon’s energy, your personal receptivity, water as a conduit and breath and tuning in from previous exercises. I don’t want to give away the particulars, but the overlay of a runic spell coalesces and integrates the work being done with invitation to repeat monthly to “recharge” your battery.
Everything and anything you wish to know or have heard used regarding psychic abilities is to be found somewhere in Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation (no pun intended. LOL!) What makes this book unique however is that it is not simply an exercise in theoretical verbosity, leaving you as confused and unsatisfied as when you embarked on this journey. Mat has made the unusual, become usual business that can be accomplished by hard work and practice, but more importantly by understanding and clarity of the mechanics of psychic practice.
There are several chapters devoted to the understanding and alignment of the triune nature of the s(Selves), subtly bringing home the importance of the statement “Know Thyself”, especially in magickal practice. Taking the time to explore our nature(s) brings us closer to revealing the gifts inherent in all parts of our being in all of the worlds.
… It’s my firm belief that magick can be utilized at almost any time if performed
through one’s psychic faculties and willpower, as long as one has a firm
understanding of the elements necessary.,, (chapter 15)
This statement that opens Chapter 15 sums up very nicely the intention of Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation. As a conclusion to a thorough read, the emphasis is that psychism, magick and the s(S)elf are not independent of one another. Rather, they are co-creators of a wholeness that is at the very heart of a witch’s practice, philosophies and work. If you do the work outlined in the book and if you embrace a power that is part of everyone’s ability (in varying degrees) you are well on your way to becoming not only a self-empowered with, but more wholly the person you are meant to be as a Divine Being having a manifest experience.
Would I Recommend?
Whole-heartedly, YES! Mat’s style is readable, accessible and encourages you to be your best self. The formatting of studies has clarity and offers time to digest through exercise and contemplative work. I would recommend this title to both the novice(as example of what can be achieved on the Path) as well as the adept and experienced Witch (reaffirming and offering a deeper perspective to enhance the steps already achieved). The Bibliography is filled with resources that will make any practitioner of magickal studies and workings better informed and diverse in newfound perspective.
From the Publisher’s Page:
Praise for Psychic Witch:
“A rare jewel that radiates clarity of spirit that is genuinely manifest therein.”—Maxine Sanders, co-founder of the Alexandrian Tradition of Witchcraft
“An ambitious work that stands at the crossroads where witchcraft, energy work, and psychic development intersect.”—Michelle Belanger, author of The Psychic Energy Codex
“Mat is magickally and energetically connected, well read, and well researched.”—Laurie Cabot, official witch of Salem and author of Power of the Witch
About Mat Auryn:
Mat Auryn (New England) is a witch, writer, psychic, and occult teacher. He is an initiate of Black Rose Witchcraft and a priest in the Sacred Fires Tradition of Witchcraft. He is also a devotee of the Covenant of Hekate founded by Sorita D’Este. Mat has been featured in various magazines, radio shows, books, and other periodicals, such as The Witch’s Almanac, DisInfo, The Wild Hunt, Raise the Horns podcast, and Magick magazine. He also writes a blog for Patheos Pagan called For Puck’s Sake.
His Website: http://matauryn.com/
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About the Author:
Robin Fennelly is a Third Degree Initiate within The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition and serves as High Priestess of Coven of the Mystic Path, the 12th Coven within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches and facilitates classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that serves as foundation for membership within Coven of the Mystic Path.
Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice. A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers.
Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her 1st, 2nd and finally 3rd degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of Oak and Willow since Samhain of 2001.
As a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies she has used Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25 years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work.
Robin’s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally. She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented. She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival this Summer. Her most recent project is hosting an online blogging community entitled The Pagan Experience.
Robin is the owner of Holistic Embrace providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance and other related offerings. She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education.
Robin’s Books
The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It’s Written in the Stars-Astrology
The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah
The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah
The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe
Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose
A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord
The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF
Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions
Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion
A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year
The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings
The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World
For more info: http://www.robinfennelly.com/books.html
Robin’s Website: www.robinfennelly.com
Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW: www.covenofthemysticpath.org