Leo and Julia interview modern witch, Christopher Penczak! Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on May 10, 1973, Christopher was raised in an Italian/Polish family while living in Salem, NH. After twelve years of Catholic school and becoming an avowed agnostic struggling with the intersection of his spirituality and queer sexuality, he initially pursued an interest in chemistry, stemming from a childhood fascination with alchemy and herbalism. As a youth, he had an out-of-body experience, passing out in a fourth grade science class, but observing the whole scene in spirit from above the room. While in high school, he was visited by an apparition of his recently deceased great aunt. Memories of these two experiences made him question his dedication to science and pursue a study of the mystical and occult, as well as his artistic pursuits. He attended the University of Massachusetts as a vocal major, earning a Bachelor of Music Performance/Music Business in 1995 and set his sights on becoming a full time performer. While studying classical voice, he founded a band called Doctor Soulshine that fused mystical imagery and shamanic concepts to traditional heavy rock music. While in college, a long time friend and teacher introduced Christopher to the principles of Witchcraft, meditation, tarot and spell work. At first he was skeptical, but his experience with a healing spell at a full Moon ritual was enough to convince him that there was truth to these ideas and he sought to understand more. He took classes with the Official Witch of Salem, Massachusetts, Laurie Cabot, in her Cabot Tradition with an emphasis on Witchcraft As A Science. He was fascinated with the science and philosophy of her teaching, grounding Witchcraft in sound thinking and personal experience. A psychic healing experience left him with a sense of empowerment and spiritual connection and a dedication to pursue magick deeply. After this initial training, he studied with an assortment of Witches, shamans, yogis, psychic readers, and healers in the New England area, developing an eclectic path of personal Witchcraft. He later focused on the healing arts, completing training as a Reiki Master (Teacher) in the Usui-Tibetan and Shamballa traditions and certification as a flower essence consultant and an herbalist. As a community leader, Christopher was first ordained in the Universal Brotherhood Movement, Inc (2000) as an independent minister, initiated as High Priest in the Cabot Tradition of Witchcraft (2008) alongside Sully Erma of the rock band Godsmack, served as the secretary for Gifts of Grace Foundation, and director of publicity for the Between the Worlds Queer Pagan Brotherhood Festival. Through his teachings, Christopher was a founding member of the Coven of a New Dawn (1999-2009), co-founder of the gay men’s group The Circle of the Sacred Thyrsus (2006-2010), a guest teacher in the Cabot Academy of Witchcraft, and was a part time faculty member of the North Eastern Institute of Whole Health. Christopher keeps an office in New Hampshire and sees clients in-person and online for readings, healing, and personal consultations, though he travels extensively teaching in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. His vision is of an evolving Witchcraft culture making magick accessible to all, yet preserving the heart of the mystery. Website: www.christopherpenczak.com Socials: Facebook: www.facebook.com/christopher.penczak Instagram: www.instagram.com/christopherpenczak/ Email us at mysteryofthesoulpodcast@gmail.com with any questions or topic suggestions! Disclaimer: This podcast represents the opinions of our hosts Leo, Julia, and our guests. The content we share or review should not be taken as medical, mental health or professional advice. Our podcast is for informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions or concerns. Acknowledgements: Audio engineering, technology consultation and YouTube video graphics by Jeff Gordon, Ideal Video Strategies. This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms/ Licensor's Username: https://pixabay.com/users/paulyudin-27739282/ Licensee: MOTSpodcast Audio File Title: Epic Fantasy Adventure Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/main-title-epic-fantasy-adventure-156890/
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