MamuBabu Witchery is honored to present our first and very noble feature on our Communities page; The Temple of Witchcraft of Salem, New Hampshire.
The Temple of Witchcraft was co-founded by Christopher Penczak, Steve Kenson, and Adam Sartwell as an organization in 2009 but the roots of the tradition go back to 1998.
Pioneering what American pioneers wouldn’t have dared to attempt during early colonization, they’re taking back the power and meaning of the word “witch” and fighting the stigma of witchcraft as a 501c3 nonprofit church.
The Temple of Witchcraft has been educating communities and speaking up for the witches of today and for the ancestors who were demonized for their early practices.
By upholding the dignity of ancient teachings of the connection between both the natural and spiritual worlds, the Temple of Witchcraft is a major part of revolutionizing the acceptance of witchcraft as a recognized religious organization in the US.
Their website displays a beautifully written page titled; “Why”Witchcraft”?” we encourage you to check out to empower and inspire your witchcraft journey.
On May 13, 2022, you can get a closer look into the profound teachings and movements the temple is making in the name of witchcraft in the upcoming documentary titled “Love, Will, and Wisdom” filmed and directed by River Ouellet.
The Temple of Witchcraft Speaks with MAMUBABU WITCHERY
Courtesy of one of the most prominent figures in the witchcraft community, Christopher Penczak spoke with us to fill us in on what The Temple of Witchcraft in Salem, NH is all about:
What is the Temple of Witchcraft and are there any inspirations that led to its development?
The Temple of Witchcraft evolved out of the community of students and graduates working with the Temple of Witchcraft series of books and their associated classes that I created. The members of the original classes became a community that created a tradition and eventually formed a 501c3 nonprofit church to organize the community and safeguard it for future generations. In 2011 the community purchased land and buildings in Salem, NH, and is working to develop the land into a community center and sacred site.
Is there a foundational philosophy or belief system that serves as a platform for the organization?
The Temple of Witchcraft has focused upon the key concepts of Love, Will, and Wisdom in a magickal paradigm known as the Three Rays of Witchcraft, and how that is expressed in the concept of modern Witchcraft as an Art, Science, and Religion. Many of our practices focus on the underlying concept of the triad as a means of connection, also including the Three Souls of the Namer, Shaper, and Watcher; Three Realms of the Overworld, Middle World, and Underworld; and Three Essentials of Sulfur, Mercury, and Salt.
Who are the leaders/organizers of the temple?
The Temple of Witchcraft was founded by Christopher Penczak, Steve Kenson, and Adam Sartwell, bringing much of their own personal practice and paradigms to the structure of the Temple, with the support of many of the graduates of the classes serving on those early committees. As a nonprofit, the organization is run by a Board of Directors of seven members, each serving a two-year term. The ministries in the Temple of Witchcraft are overseen by a council of twelve, one lead minister for each of the twelve zodiac signs, and each ministry has three deputy ministers aiding the lead minister. The entire pattern is based upon the astrology of the seven ancient planets and the zodiac. Leaders can serve in more than one capacity at a time when needed.
How is the Temple of Witchcraft different or alike to similar organizations?
The Temple is an occult initiatory organization, though our formula of initiation is modeled on the Aquarian Age, and is based upon a direct transmission between the center and the individual, so it is not lineage-based. We share a lot of foundational concepts such as the Goddess and God, the four elements, astrology, Hermetic philosophy, healing, herbalism, and other teachings found in the Mystery Traditions with many other magickal groups and organizations, but our focus is on the paradox of the individual and the community, and how both are interconnected and interdependent.
What are the goals of the temple? Are there any focal teachings emphasized in your practice?
One of our main goals is to evolve the art and culture of Witchcraft, providing a framework and resources for the current and future generations, including resources such as land, physical temples, and community spaces. As a tradition rooted in the land, we want to see the evolution of sacred centers beyond any one generation.
Working in the model of a school, rather than a coven, we seek to support individuals and groups in their practice and provide opportunities for service and community building outside of the traditional coven structure where graduates “hive off” to form their own groups, as not everyone is called to lead groups and teach classes, but they have many skills and talents to share in the greater community.
Who is the Temple of Witchcraft for and what is the average member like? Are there any closed practices?
Anyone interested is welcome to attend our public rituals. Some events are restricted to initiates of the tradition. Our main focus is our Mystery School and the ministries provide areas of service for students and graduates to interact with the Temple community, the greater Pagan community, and the world. Every member is unique and comes from their own background. While we share some common myths and themes, we are ultimately a tradition of technique, and the learning comes from the doing, not belief. We are not focused on any one cultural tradition of Witchcraft, but on the Perennial Tradition of Wisdom.
How can someone become a member of the temple?
One can become a general member by attending three events and at a public ritual, ask to be consecrated as a general member of the community. One can be an initiate by completing the first-degree class over the course of the year with an official teacher and receive initiation. One can become a minister after completing the seminary training, our fifth degree, and one can become an ordained minister, and potentially a teacher, official ritualist, or leader, by applying to become ordained after completing the ministerial program. There are in-person and online options for all of these potentials.
What days of the week does the Temple of Witchcraft hold services?
We hold public services for the eight sabbats of the Wheel of the Year, the esbats of the full Moon, and a variety of other rituals and classes on a case-by-case basis. We do events in-person and online and are developing a number of branches of our community in different locations across the USA.
Are there ways people can help contribute to the expansion of the temple’s mission?
As a nonprofit, we accept donations that are tax-deductible to help us serve the community, with our primary goal of building our community center in Salem, N.H. Our website has details on donations. Taking classes, coming to events, and shopping at our store are the main ways that really help support our mission.
Are there any special events or holidays hosted by the Temple of Witchcraft?
We hold an annual in-person festival event every August called Templefest and an online event in February called Templehearth. We often host guest teachers and hold special events, fairs, and gatherings when there is a desire in the community.
What is the best day and time to contact the Temple of Witchcraft?
Inquires are best via email through our website. Many basic questions and information can be found at www.templeofwitchcraft.org
