Instant Magick: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Spellcraft

In this, his 10th volume on metaphysics, Penczak praises the traditional tools of magick (e.g., altars, candles and special ingredients), but devotes his energies to spells "accessible at any time, through meditation, visualization, words, and intent." Most of the book deals with clearly described procedures that are designed to effect change upon the spell caster more than on the outside world. After providing introductory techniques to alter consciousness, often through breathing, Penczak offers cross-cultural paradigms (the five elements, the web of life, chakras, astrology and the Tree of Life), encouraging readers to build a working familiarity with these tools for harnessing energy to create change. The 28 spells themselves range from the pedestrian (finding a good parking space) to the sublime (animal communication) as well as the ongoing and essential (perseverance). For each he provides corresponding colors, elements, chakras, planets, entities and the like. His clear instructions make this magick within reach of everyone, and his substantive appendix of corresponding systems (stones, animals, deities, etc.) is helpful. Chapters on healing are especially valuable. Penczak contends that in focused states of mind, clarified, applied thoughts are real things that shape us and our world. To this end, we should engage them with wisdom and precision. (Feb.)