I am not gay, so before I read Gay Witchcraft I gave it to a couple of my witch friends who are, and I listened carefully to their feedback. What they shared with me is that this is a comprehensive, honest, and genuinely respectful look at the Gay and Lesbian Craft community. Its appeal is much broader than just gays and (probably since Penczak is gay) it maintains a respectful attitude throughout. His factual portrayal of gays and lesbians, and their roles in Old Religion is fascinating and the way he explains and delivers information is straightforward and easy to understand. Most Craft authors skirt around issues of sexuality and magick (unless that is a specific aspect of their book), but not Penczak, and his chapter on Sex Magick is brilliant. His wisdom and knowledge is useful (vital even) for all witches, no matter their sexual orientation. I was impressed that he manages this while remaining true to his core audience of gay and lesbian practitioners. The meditations and exercises within the text are simple to do as well as functional with clear and concise guidelines to follow. Even better, he then encourages you to expand on what he has provided to fit the person you are. I applaud this books for both its' literary and social qualities, I'm sure present and future individuals of the Craft will find the book, empowering, emotional and above all educational. If you are a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender witch then I strongly recommend Gay Witchcraft. If you are a Craft teacher then I also highly recommend this book (if only so you will have a better idea of what your non-heterosexual students may be going through). If you don’t fall into either of those categories, it may not appeal as strongly to you, but I think you will find it to be an important piece of your occult library. ~review by Lisa Mc Sherryby Christopher PenczakWeiser Books, 2003pp. 265, $19.95
