Beloved author and teacher Christopher Penczak will be at Pantheacon this year and will be presenting a myriad of classes to attendees. Fresh from his Pagan Dream Cruise Christopher took a few moments to answer some questions for PNC.
What will you be presenting this year at Pantheacon?
The Mighty Dead – Saturday, 11 AM Pine
Traditions across the world honor the sanctified dead-not just the ancestors of flesh and blood - but the ancestors of our spiritual traditions, who died in a state of alignment and union with the divine. Known as the Boddisattvas, Saints, Secret Chiefs, Ascended Masters and Inner Plane Adepts in other traditions, Witches know our ancestors as the Hidden Company, the Mighty Dead. In truth, they are the guiding principles of our tradition, as inner world allies. Understand the nature of the Mighty Dead and how to work directly with them for your own healing and evolution.
Avalon: The isle of Nine Morgans Sunday 1:30 PM Cedar/Pine
Avalon is the mystic retreat of Arthurian myth, the Isle of Apples found upon the glass waters and mists of enchantment. Upon the Isle is said to live nine sisters, priestesses, healers and faery women. The nine sisters are teachers and tutors, healers and guides. Come and experience the nine faery sisters of the Isle of Apples. Work with the images of Glastonbury, including the Garden Well, Grail, Tor and Tower. Learn about the nine faces of the Morgan, and experience them directly through guided vision. Seek them for healing, wisdom, knowledge and power.
What inspired you to present these topics?
They are two topics I’ve been working with pretty extensively in the last few years. The Mighty Dead is based on my newest book, out for the Pantheacon event, called The Mighty Dead. I’ve had some spontaneous experiences with these spirits that helped bridge the gap between my Theosophical studies and my Craft, and wanted to share my experiences both in the book and through the workshop.
The Avalon connection goes back to my original training with Laurie Cabot, who saw her Cabot Tradition of Witchcraft as a Celtic tradition entwined with both Avalon and Tara. I got to spend some time in a retreat two years ago in Glastonbury, possibly the physical space associated with Avalon if you believe the myths, and I do. It was an amazing experience, life changing in many ways, and my work has included more of the spirits from the Avalonian traditions lately.
What do you feel Pantheacon brings/gives to the community?
It is by far the best event for education – from any range of topics and level of experience, from how to to academic. I always learn something.
What are you are looking forward to attending/participating in this year outside of your own event?
I’m hoping to catch Sam Webster. I have a man crush on Sam Webster since reading Tantric Thelema and we got to spend some time at Between the Worlds in Delaware. Don’t tell him I said that…lol. I always try to catch something with T. Thorn Coyle and Lon Milo DuQuette whenever possible. And Orion…. when I’m often at other festivals, there is not time to see other people. I love the diversity of Pcon as there is always something going on to see. I usually let it flow when I’m there and find myself at the right place at the right time.
What else do you have in-store for 2013?
Busy, busy busy year…. the Temple of Witchcraft is building a parking lot after obtaining our building, so that has been my world. I also have a new line of Temple of Witchcraft jewelry coming out through Deva Designs as a fundraiser, along with a few anthologies that are also fundraisers. One is on ancestors of the witch, with each entry as a short biography. I’m all about the fundraising. I’m got a collaborative project with Laurie Cabot that I hope will be out by the end of 2013. Traveling a bit in the spring and summer ,but trying to stay a little more low key and local in the fall and winter.
If people want to find out more about you and your work where can they find information?
My website are www.templeofwitchcraft.org, www.christopherpenczak.com and http://www.indiegogo.com/TOWparking
Devin Hunter- Reporting for PNC Bay Area
