55 review for The Living Temple of Witchcraft: The Descent of the Goddess (Temple of Witchcraft, #5; Living Temple of Witchcraft, #1)

1. 

   4 out of 5

   David Salisbury – Jul 09, 2010

   This is the 5th book in the temple of witchcraft series and is the second to last. I’ve had this signed copy for nearly a year now, but wanted to make sure I worked though the magickal material in the one before this (Temple of High Witchcraft) which took a ton of time (High Magick can be so long-winded *cough*). Anyways The layout of this book is based on the journey that that Goddess as Inanna (or Persephone) take as she travels through the gateways of the Underworld to learn the mysteries of l This is the 5th book in the temple of witchcraft series and is the second to last. I’ve had this signed copy for nearly a year now, but wanted to make sure I worked though the magickal material in the one before this (Temple of High Witchcraft) which took a ton of time (High Magick can be so long-winded *cough*). Anyways The layout of this book is based on the journey that that Goddess as Inanna (or Persephone) take as she travels through the gateways of the Underworld to learn the mysteries of life and death. In the journey, she must give something of herself to each of the gatekeepers in order to pass. For the book layout, Penczak relates each of these gates to a chakra going from buttom-up (i.e., the first gate is related to the root chakra). I found this an interesting correlation and one that has a strikingly high amount of similarities (as far as correspondences go). Each chapter’s gate/chakra focuses on the theme that has a light and dark aspect that one must explore before being allowed to “pass”. As an example with the first gate/root chakra, the central themes are origin and survival. The meaning of these ideas is contemplated and you’re challenged to review how this energy is of a help and a hindrance. For me, I find that the root chakra helps me develop resiliency and go with the punches that life sometimes throws. It reminds me that I am imbued by a divine right to survive. On the “darker” side, it also keeps me attached to worldly things and can keep my soul from ascending to a state of unity with the divine. It’s the fire that fuels the hearth flames of the higher chakras. It urges me to think “what, like Inanna, must I give of myself to learn of the mysteries”? The worldly overall lesson of the book is the first of two volumes that prepares the Witch for Priesthood and what that means. Whether it’s being a personal priest, or a priest of many. Each of the lessons are designed to aid you in an understanding of what it means to uphold the sacred mysteries of the Goddess and to bridge the gap between idea and practice. It faces realist challenges in this work like being a firm leader with a strong heart, and how one can learn from everyone they teach. In conclusion, this is one of my top favorite Penczak books now (second to Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft). It really falls in line with my desire to become more of a leader and to take on more responsibility for the benefit of both myself and my community. In terms of recommending this to others…I would say to please work through the material for the whole of this series before starting this one. The foundational work of that tradition is very important to master before doing the type of work this one entails. However, I think anyone exploring a leadership/priesthood role would benefit of skimming through the practical advice given, especially the chapters on counseling.

2. 

   4 out of 5

   Lyn – Oct 17, 2019

   A very conversational writing style that makes you feel like you’re working together as you develop your self. The exercises were interesting and enjoyable steps that added to the reading.

3. 

   5 out of 5

   Ben – Mar 12, 2009

   Good..

4. 

   5 out of 5

   Heather – Apr 15, 2012

   I am really enjoying this. Penczak is quickly becoming a favorite of my "go to" pagan authors I am really enjoying this. Penczak is quickly becoming a favorite of my "go to" pagan authors

5. 

   4 out of 5

   Michelle Watson –

6. 

   5 out of 5

   Darci Huddleston –

7. 

   4 out of 5

   mike freitas –

8. 

   4 out of 5

   Jacob Rundle –

9. 

   4 out of 5

   Kat –

10. 

    4 out of 5

    Creola –

11. 

    4 out of 5

    Michelle Robinson –

12. 

    4 out of 5

    Lindsay Baldassano –

13. 

    4 out of 5

    Nightlark Moon –

14. 

    4 out of 5

    Meg Dean –

15. 

    4 out of 5

    H A –

16. 

    5 out of 5

    Roxie Prince –

17. 

    4 out of 5

    James T –

18. 

    4 out of 5

    Abrielle –

19. 

    4 out of 5

    Kendra –

20. 

    4 out of 5

    Adam M Applegate –

21. 

    4 out of 5

    Corinne –

22. 

    4 out of 5

    maria –

23. 

    5 out of 5

    Molly Mague –

24. 

    4 out of 5

    Pamela –

25. 

    5 out of 5

    Nancy –

26. 

    5 out of 5

    Nausicaä Nausicaä –

27. 

    4 out of 5

    HiC –

28. 

    5 out of 5

    Terri –

29. 

    4 out of 5

    Rosalie –

30. 

    4 out of 5

    Amber –

31. 

    5 out of 5

    Torey –

32. 

    4 out of 5

    Sorita –

33. 

    5 out of 5

    Janette –

34. 

    5 out of 5

    Owlstar –

35. 

    5 out of 5

    Gabriel –

36. 

    5 out of 5

    Saevör –

37. 

    5 out of 5

    Alyson –

38. 

    5 out of 5

    Eric –

39. 

    5 out of 5

    Nicole –

40. 

    5 out of 5

    Aurielis Bubbles –

41. 

    5 out of 5

    Lavender –

42. 

    5 out of 5

    Dandylioness –

43. 

    4 out of 5

    Heather Plunkett –

44. 

    5 out of 5

    Strangerealms –

45. 

    5 out of 5

    Gaby –

46. 

    4 out of 5

    Jaymi –

47. 

    4 out of 5

    Robbie –

48. 

    4 out of 5

    Michael Blackthorn –

49. 

    4 out of 5

    Ariana Limin –

50. 

    5 out of 5

    Keely –

51. 

    4 out of 5

    Feithline Stuart –

52. 

    4 out of 5

    Asani Brewton –

53. 

    4 out of 5

    Bridget –

54. 

    4 out of 5

    Evil Queen Sf –

55. 

    5 out of 5

    Circle Ofmagic –