Book Review: Gay Witchcraft

Title:  Gay Witchcraft
Author:  Christopher Penczak
Publisher:  Weiser Books
Release Date:  2003, Weiser Classics Series rerelease
Pages:  320

When “Gay Witchcraft” was first published in 2003, it was the only book in stores that introduced the Craft to the gay community – and by who better than a member of both. This edition introduces a new generation to a classic that continues to provide a sense of belonging. It has a new forward and preface; there are some additions and edits; and the language was updated – all while keeping the voice and the spirit of the original. Christopher Penczak did not feel the need to write a sequel to what serves as a manual for exploration and empowerment.  

The book continues to meet Christopher Penczak’s three goals for writing it: as a guide for gay witches confronted with much heteronormative fertility images, for members of the queer community interested in learning about witchcraft, and as a resource for those encountering someone different in their group. One example is offering not just “The Charge of the Goddess,” but also “The Charge of the Goddess and God.” 

There are three sections. The first covers gay themes present in the history of the Craft, queer mythology, and information about a host of queer-positive deities. Part Two introduces readers to magical tools, constructing an altar, performing a ritual, healing techniques, and animal medicine. The third part – taking up more than half the pages – is a collection of thirty-two rituals, charms, potions, and spells including a protection potion, a love charm, and a ritual to release past abuse. Spell working basics, ethics, working with the moon, meditation techniques, and a variety of correspondences lead off the section.

Penczak shares his own story, discoveries, and traditions from the perspective of a gay man. He explores taboos, healing modalities, and the sexual and romantic concerns unique to that community. Spells are written with advice specifically for gay witches. 

Not being a gay witch, I asked two dear friends who are, to comment on the book – which they each read years ago and still recommend to queer folk beginning to explore witchcraft. 

“I like that it’s written from the gay perspective. There’s not a lot of material incorporating the way we sexually relate to each other. This book gives readers a different way to view the world,” Norman Lebron and Roberto Vargas agreed. Looking at the book again, they said it “screams of the early-2000’s culture,” and praised it for being “queer coded” and for its many love spells. 

About the Author:
Christopher Penczak is an author, teacher, and healing practitioner. Rooted firmly in the traditions of modern witchcraft, he draws from the timeless wisdom of many cultures in the creation of new techniques and traditions. Among the more than books he’s written are the six-volume Temple of Witchcraft series, “Three Rays of Witchcraft,” and “The Plant Spirit Familiar.” He co-founded the Temple of Witchcraft tradition and not-for-profit religious organization. Together with his life partners and fellow authors – Steve Kenson and Adam Sartwell – Christopher founded Copper Cauldron Publishing to have their writing better support the Temple of Witchcraft community. In college he founded Doctor Soulshine, a band that fused mystical imagery and shamanic concepts to traditional heavy rock music. He founded The Second Road Newsletter: A Journal of Alternative Spirituality (1997-2002). Through his teachings, Christopher was a founding member of the Coven of a New Dawn (1999-2009), and co-founder of the gay men’s group The Circle of the Sacred Thyrsus (2006-2010). He keeps an office in New Hampshire. For more visit www.christopherpenczak.com and www.templeofwitchcraft.org.

About the Reviewer:
As an eclectic solitary practitioner, I travel the country in a converted school bus and share magick with those I meet. Find me at https://thewitchonwheels.com/ and on Facebook.