Grey School Newspaper 7

Published on May 2016 | Categories: Documents | Downloads: 61 | Comments: 0 | Views: 291
of 26
Download PDF   Embed   Report

Comments

Content

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

Grey School
OF WIZARDRY

“A MAGICKAL WHISPER SPOKEN IN EVERY WORD.”

ISSUE 2 !

V OL U M E 2

!

SPR ING 200 6

02
07
17
18
18

GREY SCHOOL OF WIZARDRY
NEWS
OPINION
INTERNATIONAL
ARTS & CULTURE

Whispering Grey

Matters
A COOPERATIVE EFFORT OF TEACHERS, STUDENTS, AND WIZARDS DEVELOPING A SOUND FOUNDATION OF WIZARDRY FOR ALL
GREY SCHOOL OF WIZARDRY

FIRST EVER:

Grey School Conclave
What has 120 legs,
60 wands, and a
really big bubble
shield?

Faculty participants include Crow Dragontree, Morgan Felidae,
Rainmaker, WillowRune, and Moonwriter. Aaran and Kalla, the
current Lodge Captain and Vice Lodge Captain, will also attend.
This is a camping experi
ence—everyone will be
tenting under the stars
and cooking their own
meals, and everyone will
supply their own gear,
food, etc. Cost is esti
mated at $25/person.

The participants at the First
Grey School Conclave!

On July 20-23, 2006, sixty
Grey School students, faculty,
friends, and family will meet at
Silver Falls State Park
(Oregon) for the Oregon Conclave.
The event begins on Thursday
afternoon and runs through
Sunday. A long list of activities
is planned, including hikes,
nature study, star study, runemaking, wand-crafting, outdoor
cooking classes, ritual, and a
Bardic circle. Houses and
Lodges will have time to spend
together. We’ll have use of a
Day Lodge and will have a
magickal library on-site as well
as a magick market of wares
and goodies.

BY: MOONWRITER

A few spots are still avail
able. If you’re interested
in joining the group, email
Moonwriter at Moon

Check your email
for updates about
the first ever
Grey School
Conclave!

NEW CLASSES, MAJORS, &
MINORS!
The Grey School curriculum continues to expand. In the past several
months, dozens of new classes have
been added. One Major—the Major
in Lore—is fully developed and
ready to be earned, with a Major in
Wortcunning in progress. In addition, several Minors—Lore, Nature
Studies, Beast Mastery, and Wortcunning—are available now to
students.
Each Grey School student chooses
a Major and Minor after reaching
Second Year and before passing on
to Third Year. The Major defines
the student’s “specialty” during the
Grey School experience, while the
Minor covers an area of secondary
interest.
The requirements for Majors and
Minors can be found on the Department pages. Go to the student login page, but before logging in, click
the “Departments” link in the leftside menus.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

GSW Awards:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Silver Wheel, Grand Society of Astronomy

NEW CLASSES...

By Moonwriter

For more information on Majors and
Minors, contact the Dean of the appropriate Department. The name of the
Dean is available on the Department
page.
Also, if you’re a First Year and have
already decided on a Major and Minor, Prof. Barrette asks that you let the
Department Dean know—this information will help the faculty with planning and developing new Majors and
Minors.

GREY SCHOOL OF WIZARDRY

WHISPERING
GREY MATTERS
NEWSLETTER
STAFF:
News Editor: Jymi X/0
News Writers: Lilyth, Katalan,
Padraigin, Majashia
Opinion Editor: Deianaera
Opinion Writers: Artwizard,
Loneci, Essel Del
International Editor: Helega Austrinorum Africae
International Writers: Aguila, Gaia
Arts & Culture Editor: Skye
Arts & Culture Writers: Majashia,
Luna, Lord Akisho, Hikari the Black,
Murddin Earthdragon
Copy Editor: Wolf Loresight
Copy Staff: Magus
Publisher/Lead: Eothyll
Acting Advisor/Quasi-Editor:
Moonwriter
Special thanks to Jonathan Fresmire
and Eothyll for their artwork contributions!

Kalla, a Fifth Year member of the Stones Lodge,
has earned the “Silver
Wheel” award for excellence in studying the Seasonal Traditions of the
Wheel of the Year. Kalla
completed all four Wheel
classes, wrote a reflective
essay, and contributed
materials to be added to
the four classes.

House, earned the firstever spot in the Grey
School’s “Grand Society
of Cosmology.” To do
this, he finished classes
in the Cosmology department and then undertook
a special Star Quest, assigned by the Dean of
Cosmology and Metaphysics.

Dark Eagle, a Third Year
member of the Undines

The Grey School currently offers six special
departmental awards.

Details about the awards
and the requirements for
each are listed in the appendices of the Grey
School Student Handbook, downloadable from
http://
www.dragontreemagick.c
om/
GSWHandbookSTUDENT.pdf.

New versions of Grey School Handbook available!
We regularly update the Grey School Handbooks—one version for students and another
for faculty. Currently, we plan to publish updated versions four times each year, on the
equinoxes and solstices.
The latest version has been reorganized and includes a wealth of information to help you
find your way around the school. In addition, a group of appendices has been added to
summarize useful information. This includes a new “Student Record Sheet,” where students can keep track of their progress here in the Grey School.
The handbook can be downloaded from http://www.dragontreemagick.com/
GSWHandbookSTUDENT.pdf. Note that this link is preserved in the Great Hall, under
the “Grey School Business” topic.

STONES AND UNDINES WIN THE
CHRISTMAS AUDOBON BIRD COUNT
CONTEST
By Moonwriter

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is the oldest and largest citizen science event in the world, lasting from December 14 through January 5
each year. Thanks to Professor Barrette, three Grey School House and
Lodge teams took part in the First Annual Grey School Christmas Bird
Count Challenge.
The House competition was won by the Undines team—the Daring Dolphins (Prefect Dark Eagle, ShadowDragon, and NightWeaver). The Dolphins shared a wide variety of experiences and reported on a range of
birds from grebes to hawks to geese to gnatcatchers. They also hung a
bird feeder and created a team banner for their team.
The Lodge competition was dominated by the Stones team—the Bodacious Burrowing Owls—including Cashew, Xander, Prefect Kalla, and
Flock Leader Luna. Over the challenge period they participated in birding
activities and events in two countries, and used their experiences to

create a gorgeous, picture-filled document summarizing their results. Not
content to simply focus on bird watching, they also delved into ornithomancy
(bird-related divination) and learned to craft dream catchers using discarded
bird feathers. Along the way, they involved the rest of the Stones Lodge with
riddles, fireside tidbits, and general chatter.
Filling out the field was the Winds team—the Windy Blue Jays (Prefect Vi and
Padraigin Anie Hermonie). The Winds overcame technical glitches and some
teamwork issues to make a surprisingly strong showing, and were able to
contribute their experiences and discoveries.
The Grey School faculty plans to organize the reports and observations from
the challenge into a class on Bird Watching (Dept. of Beast Mastery). Watch
for it to appear in the Course Catalog.
Thanks to Prof. Dragontree, the Stone’s winning report can be downloaded
from http://www.dragontreemagick.com/GSW%20Bird%20Challenge%201.pdf
(note: older browsers may have trouble with this; if so, email Prof. Moonwriter
at [email protected] for a copy). In the report you’ll read about
ravens, burrowing owls, great blue herons, and sharp-shinned hawks, as well
as discovering the details of each member’s personal birding experiences.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

2

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

The Earth Day Challenge
Is Coming!

By: Moonwriter

The event was won by the Stones
Lodge and Sylphs House. In truth,
every participant was a winner. As
Cyclone member Majashia put it,
“This experience has contributed
to my learning at GSW. Honest,
direct questions about nature and
the earth were provided to us to
help us gain an appreciation for
the processes around us that so
many forget and are unaware of.
This challenge was meaningful
because it went beyond the rhetoric and had us connect to other
points of view.”

It’s almost that time
again…. Time for the
Second Annual Earth
Day Challenge!
Earth Day, created as a reminder
of humanity's collective responsibility to protect our planet, is generally celebrated on April 22. Last
year, six Grey School House and
Lodge teams took part in a megachallenge that celebrated Earth
Day and lasted for the two-week
period leading up to April 22.

Working Stiff Luna said,
“Participating in the challenge was
the most intense, natural high that
I have experienced…Yesterday, I
felt sadness and loss similar
to post-partum depression. While
the challenge was on, I was pregnant with ideas and excited, looking forward to seeing the final
outcome. As the deadline got
closer, my adrenaline kept increasing. If this intellectual effort
would have created sweat like
physical effort, I would have
looked like someone that finished
running a marathon. That is the
ultimate satisfaction of the challenge, to finish it. I am proud of the
effort. Any points are gravy.”

Last year’s teams included The
Firebirds (Flames Lodge: Adam,
Andela, Hannegal Skye, Huntress,
and Whiskerwind), The Working
Stiffs (Stones Lodge: Draco the
Grey, Helega, Luna, and Paxx),
The Ledwind Zephyrs (Sylphs
House: Aurora Vampira, Colubra,
Delano, and Vallen), Team Undines (Dark Eagle, Mickia, Morgan
Starwater, and PheonixSkywalker), The Waters of Time
(Waters Lodge: Oakmyst, Solaris,
White Horsedancer, and Whitedragon), and The Cyclones
(Winds Lodge: Gwen, Lilyth Rose,
Lionors, Majashia, Siobahn
Marcheur de Vent, Skye, and
Stacy).

become closer to my housemates.
I know more about them, and they
know more about me. We had to
cooperate and communicate to do
the challenge. Now I'm even more
comfortable talking in the forums.
The Earth Day Challenge was
very fun to do…I am looking forward to it next year!”
The Challenge is ramping up for a
repeat performance again this
year, and Houses and Lodges
should be thinking about putting
together teams for the event. Each
team must have a minimum of 3
House/Lodge members. Watch
the Great Hall “All School Challenges” forum for details.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

STONES AND UNDINES WIN THE
CHRISTMAS AUDOBON BIRD
COUNT CONTEST
You’ll also read some interesting background on the Bird
Count, see beautiful pictures,
and get quick lessons in ornithomancy and making dream
catchers.
Congratulations to everyone
who worked hard on this challenge—they not only supported their House/Lodge
(earning a lot of merits!) and
garnered publicity for the Grey
School, they also gave service
to the Audubon Society, a volunteer organization of critical
importance. This is certain to
become an annual activity here
at the Grey School of Wizardry!

And, from a Ledwind Zephyr,
Aurora Vampira, we heard, “The
First Annual Earth Day Challenge
was a great experience… The
challenge made me want to participate in Earth Day more. I'm
now much more aware of nature
and how my state takes care of it.
This challenge also helped me

The 28 Challenge team members
represented 3 countries (USA,
South Africa, and Australia) and
14 states: Arizona, California,
Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Nebraska, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New
York, North Carolina, Oregon, and
Pennsylvania.

GREY SCHOOL OF
WIZARDRY IN

South Africa
BY: HELEGA
The South African website for the Grey School of Wizardry was updated on the 6th
of February, 2006. I have added new material to the site to enhance the marketing
of the school. I am continuously brainstorming new material and ways of getting
the word out with regards to what we, as students and faculty members, get to
do. The most important message I want to be perceived through the website is that
we get to learn from real wizards and magickal folk from around the
world. Students as well as faculty members are truly empowering their lives
through our studies.
Jevese Consulting – the developer – has changed some of the pages and contents. Professor Elizabeth Barrette’s interview has been uploaded to the site.

3

A ‘Downloads’ page has also been uploaded, where all can download the school’s
newspaper. The newspaper has been made public since the last edition. The last page
added is a blog. This blog is for discussion on “Is Magick Real…?”. Feel free to join
in the discussions on this page.
I would still like to add a poetry page to the site, in order to publish all interested
students’ and faculty’s poetry. This is just another idea to market the school, proving
that we – the students, faculty, and the whole online school – do exist.
I would still like to add a poetry page to the site, in order to publish all interested
students’ and faculty’s poetry. This is just another idea to market the school, proving
that we – the students, faculty, and the whole online school – do exist.
To the powers that be…
Blessed Be

~Helega

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

House/Lodge Information
Circle of Standing Stones
The last quarter has been a time of great fun and achievement for the
Stones.

We are especially proud to announce our new prefect, Cashew. He will be
taking over at the Spring Equinox. Our current prefect, Kalla, will be stepping up to become the new Lodge Vice-Captain. This means that both
Captains so far, Aaran and Kalla, are Stones.

We are all incredibly proud of our achievements and hope to continue to set
Maintaining our precedent of excellence, we have nine Stones on the
new standards in excellence and school participation.
Dean’s List: Xander, Kalla, Amra, Moonwriter, Hikari the Black, Artwizard, Star Crowsdaughter, Aaran, and Greycloak. We are also proud to
recognize Helega, who has joined the Grey School staff as head of public
relations and marketing. Our current Stones Prefect, Kalla, has received
the "Silver Wheel for Excellence in Seasonal Studies," an award given
by the Dept. of Ceremonial Magick.
Outgoing Prefect, Circle of Standing Stones
Lodge Vice-Captain Elect
One of our most entertaining achievements was winning the Christmas
Bird Count Challenge. Our team, The Bodacious Burrowing Owls, was
made up of team leader Luna and her team: Cashew, Kalla, and Xander.
Their winning report can still be downloaded at: http://
www.dragontreemagick.com/GSW%20Bird%20Challenge%201.pdf

~Kalla

Waters Lodge
In my time as Lodge Prefect, we've gained some new members! I think we've all been studying hard. Some of us have been
busy putting together an essential oil with ingredients corresponding to water. At this time there is no further news.

~Quiet Bear

,

Water Lodge Prefect

We are currently working on several projects, one of which is
making a Winds Global Garden, which is a brain child of Lilyth.
Each wind chooses an air plant, grows it, and adds it to our archives of plants that we are currently compiling; thus, our global
garden. We also get together once a month at our Spire of the
Winds offsite chatroom where we brainstorm and come up with
new ideas for our lodge. What we would love to participate in is
having an all school anthem. Our very first Grey School of Wizardry anthem! Anyone interested?

Winds Lodge

The winds Lodge has been busily writing this term. We have
created our second Annual Lodge Spell, which you can find at
this website: http://www.dragontreemagick.com/
windspell2.htm. It was named "Healing Through the Winter",
and we performed it in January for all those that were in need
here at GSW. We have also created a Student Planned Lodge
Spell that we decided to create for a fellow wind in need. That
spell can be seen at http://www.geocities.com/runewzrd/
spellbook.html. And of course, i cannot leave out our very own Many Blessings,
Winds Anthem. We are so proud of that one, and it can be seen
at http://www.dragontreemagick.com/windsathem.html.

~Vi

Prefect, Society of the Four Winds
Undines House
Hello all! Serving as prefect for the last six months for this house couldn't have been better. Everyone answered the challenges they
wanted and we kept a steady lead in the merit points in the houses. The house of Undines is alive and kicking. For the last month or
so Professor Rainmaker and I have been working on a challenge to benefit our house in general and make it fit our personalities.
But, seeing as we couldn’t do any physical changes, we came up with the idea of turning it into a challenge.
So we both agreed on having a challenge about what we all think it would be like to travel to the Grey School and learn all that we
learn on the net. Students were asked to describe the common area of the house, the means of transportation to the school, different
spells, the password to get into the Undines house, and any sport teams that could be associated with the house, as well as anything
that they wanted to add.
Now that mundane school is back into full swing and students are having to deal with it, we are starting to slow down. We have, however, had some new additions to
the ranks of the Undine House. We have also had a few birthdays. I couldn’t have asked for a better house to serve and I am extremely proud of the whole house.
Blessings,

~Dark Eagle

Undines House Prefect

Defensor Secundus, DADA Club

4

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006
GR EY SCHO OL

New Faculty Members

DEAN’S LIST

A hearty Grey School welcome goes out to four new faculty members:
Jonathan Fesmire is the new Grey School staff artist. A yellow Wizard, Prof. Fesmire
is a practicing Wiccan and enjoys writing, art, and spending time with his family. His
fiction and articles have appeared in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Fantasy Magazine (issue
46) and Jackhammer, Lexikon. He has done cover art for Venus Press, Twisted
Dreams Magazine, Gryphonwood, Andrea Dean Van Scyock's novel, A Man of Two
Worlds, and Joseph Yakel's The Legend of Juggin Joe.
Kevin Filan (Houngan Coquille du Mer) is an indigo Wizard. Prof. Filan has practiced
Tarot and ceremonial magic since the early 1980s. In 2003 he was initiated in Societé
la Belle Venus #2, a Vodou temple located in New York. Filan is a regular contributor to
Pangaia and NewWitch magazines. His first book, Vodou: A Guide for the Solitary
Practitioner, will be released by Inner Traditions in Autumn 2006. Kevin resides in
Queens, New York with his life partner Kathy, their snake Lakshmi, and a whole host of
noncorporeal friends and advisors.

!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"

Aaron
Aguila
Amra
Artwizard
Coldrayne
Dark Eagle
Grey Panther
Greycloak
Hikari the Black
Kalla
LeopardDancer
Lilyth Rose
Majashia
Moonwriter
Star Crowsdaughter

Patricia “Trish” Telesco, a grey Wizard, is a noted author of many books in the Pagan-Wiccan field, including The Kitchen Witch’s Cookbook and the new Cakes and Ale
for the Pagan Soul. Prof. Telesco is a down-to-earth Kitchen Witch whose love of folklore and worldwide customs flavor every spell and ritual. Originally self-trained and selfinitiated, she later received initiation into the Strega tradition of Italy. Her hobbies include gardening, herbalism, brewing, singing, handcrafts, antique restoration, and landscaping. She believes in following personal vision, being tolerant of other traditions,
making life an act of worship, and being creative so that magic grows with you.
Rainbow Wolf, an aqua Wizard, is the only child of a Cherokee father and a English
war bride. Her Cherokee elders call her Tsis'detsi Tsigoti, which translates as “I See the
Rainbow.” She is a stonetalker, and has studied complimentary healing including aromatics, reflexology, massage, diet and nutrition, and noesitherapy. She is also an astrologer (Native American, shamanic and karmic), a spiritual counselor, and for the
past several years has sold craft work and done readings at folk festivals and craft fairs
throughout Great Britain and the American Midwest.

NEW

Prefects & Captains
Welcome to our newest group of Captains and Prefects:
Captains
!"
!"
!"

Lodge Captain: Aaran, a Second Year majoring in
Alchemy.
Lodge Vice-Captain: Kalla, a Fifth Year majoring in
Lore.
House Captain: Dark Eagle, a Third year majoring in
Dark Arts.

5

Prefects:
!"
!"
!"
!"

Gnomes: Kitiara Goldmoon
Salamanders:
Roen
Sylphs:
Aurora Vampira
Undines: **NOTE: This name to be inserted as
soon as available.**

!"
!"
!"
!"

Flames:
Stones:
Waters:
Winds:

Firesnake
Cashew
Darkman
Niveus Dragonheart

Whispering Grey Matters

CLUB UPDATES

TOWER OF BABEL
CLUB
The Tower of Babel Club currently has 13 services offered
to students! It has a section for
Asian Languages, Native
American Languages, African
Languages, Fantasy Languages, Magickal Languages,
Gaelic, Greek, German, Eastern European Languages,
Latin, Spanish, all the Romance Languages, and an area
that we call "Translation Services". If you would like to
know any of these languages
or would like to teach any of
these languages, feel free to
stop on by. We are always
looking for speakers of languages to answer questions
and make up lessons! Currently, the TOB--as I affectionately call it-- has speakers
for Greek, German, Spanish,
and Latin. Hope to see you
there!
Many Blessings,

Spring 2006

Announcing:
The New Grey School Class Rings
The Grey School of Wizardry is proud to announce its new class rings!
Created in the traditional format, the sterling silver rings feature the Grey School name and penkhadeuce logo, plus
a choice of gemstone in a selected department color:

!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"

Wizardry (indigo) -- indigo lapis
Nature Studies (silver) -- hematite
Magickal Practice (gold) -- goldstone
Metapsychics (aqua) -- aqua turquoise
Healing (blue) -- blue aventurine
Wortcunning (green) -- green jade
Divination (yellow) -- yellow amber
Performance Magicks (orange) -- carnelian

!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"
!"

Alchemy (red) -- garnet
Lifeways (pink) -- rose quartz
Beast Mastery (brown) -- brown jasper
Cosmology (violet) -- amethyst
Mathmagicks (clear) -- clear quartz
Ceremonial Magicks (white) -- white moonstone
Lore (grey) -- grey moonstone
Dark Arts (black) -- black obsidian

Rings may be ordered
through the school
store,

Magick Alley.
Cost is $65.00 per ring.

~Vi

http://greyschool.com/
store/

Prefect, Society of the Four
Winds and TOB aficionado!
*grin*

NEW CLASSES AT THE GREY
SCHOOL OF WIZARDRY
The following classes have been uploaded since Yule 2005:
Year 4:
Principles of Wildcrafting
Elemental Gardening 401: Air And Fire
Icon Magick I: Divination
Star Stories Around the World

Year 1:
Wizards of History 101: Archaic
Year 2:
Wizards of History 201: Classical
Woods Wizard 201: The Hike
Gardening 201: Miniature Magical Gardens
The History of the Ogham

Year 5:
Natural Wonders 501: Waterfalls
Natural Wonders 502: Arches and Natural Bridges
Folklore 502: Land Lore of the Cascade Range
Seven Wonders 501: Religious Buildings
Wizardly Tales of Ancient Wales I

Year 3:
Wizards of History 301: Medieval
Stone Magic 301
Dreamwork 301
Pratical Metapsychics
Tarot 301: Choosing a Deck
Archeoastronomy 301
Cleansing and Purification
The White Wizard's Library

Year 6:
Gardening 601: Thematic Gardens
Wizardly Tales of Ancient Wales II
Year 7:
The Development of European Magic
Lore 799A: Practicum Lecture
Lore 799B: Practicum Lab

6

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

Healer’s Tea Room Club
The Healer's Tea Room Club is

The herbs for December/January

healing, but to help out our fellow

busy as always!

through February were: Ginseng,

students at Grey School!

Every month we

research three herbs for the

Horehound, Irish Moss, Jasmine,

Healer's Tea Room Club Herbal,

Kava Kava, and Lavender. In

we post new editions of The Heal-

addition to the Reiki column, we

ing Thymes Newsletter and per-

also covered Aromatherapy and

form a healing ritual. The months

Gemstone Therapy in the alterna-

of December and January were

tive healing section.

Many Blessings,

~Lilyth
President, Healer's Tea Room
Club

combined this time around to
allow for the craziness of the holidays . Within The Healing
Thymes Newsletter, we have the
monthly herbs, the monthly ritual,
a Reiki column written by Rahmid,
and an Alternative Self-Healing
column and recipes by Skye.

We'd love to see new members in
the club! However, even if you
can't find the time to join the club,
please feel free to pop in and
place your name or the names of
those you're concerned for in the
Healing Circle for us to send healing energy to. Our purpose is not
only to learn more about

CLUB UPDATES CONTINUED
FROM PAGE 6

THE DEFENSE
AGAINST THE
DARK ARTS CLUB
The Defense Against the Dark
Arts Club (Dada Club) has had
its recent focus set on that of
protecting the home. We've
covered areas from the hex
signs of the Pennsylvania
Dutch to Witch Jars. Getting a
little off topic, I brought up the
topic of book blessings, which
I feel are important.
I have to admit, things have
been slow which is very much
understandable with everything going on in the mundane
world and Gaia slowly awakening from her winter slumber.
Our terms are nearly up and
I'm sad about it, but the end
has to come sometime.

Society for the Study and Care of Beasts
Greetings Fellow Students and Faculty,
Spring has arrived in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, and will soon be making its presence known to the rest.
With Spring come baby animals, and, unfortunately, some of these will be abandoned or orphaned. Some of you may
have the honor of caring for one or more of these wild babies. It can be a demanding job, but the rewards will be
worth it. As some of you may know, I recently released my first orphan charges of the year (four baby Black Rats).
Here at the Society for the Study and Care of Beasts (SSCB), you can always find someone to help you find out what
you need to know to care for that wild orphan. Whether it's finding the proper cage set-up for a baby Grey Squirrel, or
the right baby formula for a fledgling Crow, the SSCB is always willing to help. It's also the place to share your
experiences with your pets with others who love animals as much as you do. Here you can also ask questions about
your favorite animals, living or extinct. We love to discuss magickal and mythical animals, too.

Many blessings to everyone
and their endeavors!

~Gero,
President, Defense Against the
Dark Arts Club

You can also learn about many unusual animals in our weekly (more or less) beast lessons, so stop by and say hi. I'll
bet you'll come back again.
Blessings,

~Firesnake

NEWS

SSCB Beastmaster

Inspiration
WHAT IS

TO THE WORLD?

Firstly, let’s go back to the history of the word Inspiration. The Oxford Concise
Dictionary of English Etymology explains that the word inspiration is from the
word inspire, which means to infuse into the mind; impart or suggest by divine
agency. It had the same form in both the ‘Old’ and the ‘Modern’ period as inspirer, which was taken from the Latin word inspirare and formed from in+spirare.

“Last week my 97-year-old grandmother handed me a tattered, faded, torn picture
of her mother and dad. This picture was taken in the early 1900’s and was probably one of the first paper photographs that existed. Grandma told me that she
wished that she was able to see it well. I took this small photograph, placed it on
my scanner, and scanned it on the highest resolution I could. I then went to work
with the magick of Photoshop to remove the cracks and bring the details that had
long faded back out. I printed the picture which was amazingly beautiful on an 8 by
10 and gave it to her… my inspiration simply was the tears that welled in her eyes.”
~ Allen Prunty, Louisville, Kentucky

Interesting to see how one word can have several different meanings to different people. The word inspiration – for me – is that visualization of what I want
to achieve and then breathing it into being, feeling it and embracing it as if it
was in the here and now! I have done some research on the Internet and have
found that the most popular of inspirations have been received through meditations, people’s own religions and beliefs, poetry, and music.
I ask you today: How do you feel about being inspired? Have you ever given
it some thought or was it something you always took for granted?
To the powers that be…Blessed Be

I’ve asked people what the word inspiration meant to them. Here is what some of
them said:
“Inspiration is the moment when the idle thoughts and imaginings of our interior lives
take on lives of their own and behave in ways we don’t consciously dictate. Instead,
we connect unrelated concepts and ideas, or make a decision based on no good
reason at all. Characters speak words we didn’t put in their mouths, songs develop in
ways we don’t anticipate, we use a completely unexpected color in painting. To experience this moment, for me, is to hear the whisper of the Goddess, and because it's a
whisper, we have to train ourselves to hear it when it comes.”
~ Alex Bledsoe, Madison, Wisconsin

7

~Helega

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

MAGIC IN THE

Government

BY: ESSEL DEL

Magick is not restricted to the realms of the WortWise Kitchen Witch and the savvy Beast-Speaking
Vet. Governmental bodies all over the world have
invested time and money into the research and
application of the Magickal arts and sciences. This
has primarily been for the benefit of a state or country, so that it may prosper and succeed under its
leaders or in warfare, but sometimes it has also
been misused for the hoarding of power.
The Modern History of Parapsychology
The study of magick and psychic phenomena by
modern governments started in the 1950s. The
primary interest in the field was, and still is, remote
viewing. This phenomenon enables the "viewer" to
see, even from thousands of miles away, into places
they have never been such as heavily guarded topsecret enemy sites or the surface of the moon.
Russia quickly became the world's leading source
on parapsychology and the effects of the biophysical field. Research suggests that this electromagnetic 'aura' produced by the body is responsible for
psychic and magickal phenomena. Since the 1950s,
Russian researchers have focused on the military
uses of the biophysical field as well as the search
for “psi genes”--the genes dormant in the greater
population that support these biophysical field effects. In their search for ways to artificially boost
these “psi genes”, Russia developed a number of
drugs, hypnosis techniques, brain surgery techniques, implants, and a series of electromagnetic,
electrostatic, magnetic and psychotronic means to
boost latent psi abilities.
In the 1960s, the C.I.A. and the U.S. military took up
their own research into what they call "Remote Mind
Control Technology", although, because it proved
difficult to control, the Americans instead concentrated on electronic techniques for another two
decades. In the 1980s, the US began its research
on the effects of different forms of radiation, hoping
to find out what conditions were favorable to the
activation of these parapsychic abilities in humans
and which hindered their development. This was
done by observing the effect the stimuli had both on
the electromagnetic field of the body as well as on
the brain tissues (also considered responsible for
psychic abilities). U.S. military research into remote
viewing was implemented with Project Scangate,
and continued with many different projects such as
Grill Flame, Center Lane, Sunstreak, and Stargate
1.
Astrology in the Government
Since Grecian times, astrology has been a core part
of determining when to construct state buildings,
when election day will be, and when to make important decisions, especially in America. For example,
the founding fathers, who were predominantly Masons and therefore astrologically savvy, decided to
have the first week of March, with the Sun in Pisces,
as the date for the presidential inauguration because it formed a water trine with two other important dates: Election Day in November with the Sun
in Scorpio and the United States’ Birthday on July 4
with the Sun in Cancer. This arrangement was chosen because the water signs were said to ensure
harmonious adjustment to the new changes these
dates brought about. March remained the date of
the inauguration until the Twentieth Amendment in
1933, when the date was changed to January.

8

It has been suggested by some authors that Washington, D.C. was built in accordance with the ancient
Greek and Egyptian Mysteries and that the 1791
planning of the city's Federal Triangle (that is, the
Washington Monument, White House, and Capitol
building) aligned it with the three main stars of Virgo
(Arcturus, Regulus, and Spica). The fixed stars are
to provide stability and spiritual benevolence, while
the choice to link Virgo with the capital indicates the
designers’ mystical intention to establish a balance
between the masculine and feminine.
There are 23 zodiacs in public government buildings
in Washington, D.C., such as a statue of Albert
Einstein overlooking a granite horoscope in the
National Academy of Science (this was dedicated in
1979). The Academy building has twelve bronze
stylized zodiacal characters on the south entrance
hall door, while astrological images appear in the
Library of Congress on a clock, paintings on the
ceiling, and in the marble floor of the great hall.
There are many examples of the use of astrology by
governmental members, although when it was discovered that former President and First Lady
Ronald and Nancy Reagan based many of their
important decisions and dates on the astrological
calendar, the media made a good deal of fun of
them! The President took astrology very seriously,
though, even having an astrologer select the most
beneficial election partner, as did his First Lady,
who planned all official trips and any major decisions, such as the signing of documents, according
to favorable astrology...down to the minute. President Reagan's interest in the 'paranormal' did not
end with astrology: he was openly interested in
UFOs, lucky numbers, lucky coins, and ghosts, as
well. He was known to be superstitious; for example,
when friends of his purchased a house numbered
666, he immediately got to work on the paperwork
required to change it to number 668.
Magick and the great variety of skills it embodies
have far-reaching uses and implications for the
adept and the aware. Governments have not failed
to make use of the support they can gain from astrology, remote viewing, telepathy, and telekinesis,
which has no doubt given them an 'edge' in their
ability to succeed in their endeavors. It just goes to
show that people from all walks of life appreciate the
power of the “things unseen”.
Sources
http://www.occultforums.com/showthread.php?
t=9060
http://www.barbelith.com/topic.php?id=6147
http://www.stariq.com/main/articles/P0001999.htm
http://www.presidentialufo.com/
sydney_omarr,_reagan,_and_astrology.htm
http://www.nexusmagazine.com
-http://www.nexusmagazine.com/articles/
espionage.html
-http://www.nexusmagazine.com/articles/
boylan.html

The study of magick and psychic
phenomena by modern governments started in the 1950s.

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

MAGIC IN THE

Media

BY: LILYTH ROSE

There was a time that lessons in magic were spread
only from shaman to selected heir, from high priestess to other witches as they progressed through
their levels, from alchemist to apprentices, or
through degrees attained in ritual magic groups.
Most lessons were passed on verbally and there
was precious little that was written down. In the
case of alchemy and ceremonial magic, even what
was written down was sometimes misleading or
incomplete on purpose, to force the inquirer to seek
out one who was more knowledgeable. Now, however, there is a plethora of resources on just about
every kind of magic. From books to magazines,
blogs to podcasts, it's out there. The trick is knowing how to access it and filter out the "junk" from the
good stuff.

and they are still somewhat limited; however, the
point is that they are starting to get the message of
magic out there in a visual format and they are
breaking ground for what might actually lead to a
"regular" cable TV magic channel. You can view
Magick TV’s videos by going to http://
www.magicktv.com.
Another ground breaking media is the use of podcasts. Some popular podcasts are Lance and
Graal (http://www.lanceandgraal.com) where even
Ray Buckland was interviewed, Thelema Coast to
Coast (http://www.thelemacoasttocoast.com), and
The Crooked Path (http://www.crookedpath.org/
show.html). Some podcasts are unpolished and
are not quite up to what some might consider professional radio level. Once again, though, they are
breaking ground and getting the message out there.

In print publications, there are some publishers that
have built up a reputation of providing quality magic
books. These reliable magical and spiritual publishers include Llewellyn Publications (http://
www.llewellyn.com), Red Wheel/Weiser, L.L.C.
(http://www.redwheelweiser.com), New Page Books
(http://www.newpagebooks.com), and Shambhala
(http://www.shambhala.com). If you're just starting
out, these are great publishers to look for. There
are also many independent publishers with a
smaller inventory, but you need to use caution in
buying from them unless you know the reputation of
the author or trust the publisher. When you're starting out, it's best to seek out authors who are known
for their wisdom in the craft. For magazines, one
can look to such periodicals as PanGaia (http://
www.pangaia.com) and SageWoman (http://
www.sagewoman.com).

Then there are all the Yahoo! Groups, and various
blogs. These avenues help the average person put
into the mainstream their own beliefs and teachings.
If you look to these for information, my suggestion is
to confirm what you learn there with what is taught
at the Grey School and the more established sites
and books. The same advice goes for podcasts.
Since anyone can create a world on the internet, it's
important to realize that both the very good and the
very bad are going to be out there. The internet is
creating media opportunities never before dreamed
of in the magic world and those of us at the Grey
School are already part of that cutting edge.

There was a time that lessons in
magic were spread only from shaman to selected heir...Now, however, there is a plethora of resources on just about every kind of
magic.

As a person with a low budget, my favorite resources are those things that are out there for free
(or close to it). Usually a beginning wizard has very
little money and a huge amount of curiosity. If you
have a limited budget, the internet is the place to be.
For socializing with those of like mind, there are
groups in Yahoo!, message boards, chat rooms on
magickal web sites, and blogs.
Lots of information and full digital versions of books
can be found at internet "libraries" such as Internet
Sacred Text Archive (http://www.sacred-texts.com/
index.htm), The Reluctant Messenger of Science
and Religion (http://reluctant-messenger.com/
main.htm), World Mysteries-Ancient Writings (http://
www.world-mysteries.com/awr.htm), and Project
Gutenberg (www.gutenberg.org).
Some great Web Sites for magic articles are: The
Witches' Voice (http://www.witchvox.com), Llewellyn's Article Archive (http://www.llewellyn.com/
bookstore/article_search.php), and Real Magick The Occult Library (http://realmagick.com/main/
home.html). Finally, Wikipedia (http://http://
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page) is a popular
online encyclopedia.
For education, the least expensive and best school
is, of course, The Grey School of Wizardry. However, for those who are seeking to learn about
Wicca, Witch School has a free first level course in
the Correllian Tradition (http://
www.witchschool.com). They also have other
courses on magic that make wonderful supplements
to the Grey School. Witch School has also started
to branch out into the world of internet video with
their Magick TV. Their nightly news isn't nightly

9

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

INTERVIEW WITH

Headmaster Oberon Zell-Ravenheart

BY: HELEGA

booth self-destruct, but my show will get canceled. I figure that as long

Thank

you,

Headmaster

as my life continues to be entertaining, the gods will keep giving me

Oberon, for taking precious

ever more interesting assignments. And, so far, this has certainly been

time off to have this interview

the case! My life has been an amazing ongoing adventure, and I have

with me.

always lived it from the perspective of trying to ensure that it would

…You’re welcome, Helega.

make a cool movie I’d love to see. Since I currently have a biographer

Happy to oblige. I rather enjoy

working on getting my life’s story into a book form, such a movie may

giving interviews like this. I’m

indeed be produced someday!

never quite sure what I’m
going to say until someone asks me the question.

Q. All of us – being part of this wonderful school – know the passion
and belief you have of Life and the Greater Good. Please share

Q. Yet another year and another accomplishment. The

with us your inspiration for your newly-released book, Compan-

Grey School currently has 655 students, though

ion for the Apprentice Wizard.

not all have had the chance to read about your
wondrous journey. If you were given only two

A.

My publisher wanted a second book in what we are all now

paragraphs to summarize your life and your ac-

thinking of as an extended series. I decided that for the next

complishments, how would they read?

book, rather than a Journeyman Grimoire (which will come even-

A. Well, from the time I was 20 or so, my lifelong Mis-

tually), a practicum or workbook was needed to supplement and

sion Statement has been: “To be a Catalyst for the

deepen the teachings and materials in my first book, Grimoire for

Coalescence of Consciousness.” This concept of my

the Apprentice Wizard. The sales of the Grimoire have been

purpose in life has infused everything I have put my

gratifying, so New Page has been very accepting of my subse-

energy into over all these four-plus decades since:

quent proposals.

publishing a student newsletter in college, co-founding a

As with the Grimoire (and pretty much everything I create), my crite-

“water-brotherhood” and a Pagan church (the Church of

rion was to produce something that I myself would wish to have—

All Worlds), earning college degrees in psychology,

indeed, to have had throughout my life. It is my fervent hope that in my

sociology, anthropology, religion, and education; insti-

next life, I will be given these books upon entering adolescence. And

gating an entire religious movement (Neo-Paganism),

that’ll save me a lot of time not having to learn all this stuff all over

publishing the leading journal (Green Egg) of that move-

again.

ment over three decades, founding and co-founding a
number of ecumenical and inter-faith councils and

By the time of the second book, the Grey School had been in exis-

alliances, becoming deeply involved in complex rela-

tence for awhile, and many wonderful and brilliant teachers had been

tionships, raising several families, living in a rural home-

designing all these really cool classes taking the Grimoire materials to

steading community for many years, raising Unicorns

the next stage—broadening and deepening them, while remaining true

and chasing mermaids, studying the magickal arts from

to the original Vision. I felt I just had to get their stuff out to a wider

various teachers and receiving initiation into several

audience!

different Traditions, traveling throughout the world learning and teaching, doing countless interviews for news-

You see, throughout all of this venture, I have had in the back of my

papers, magazines, books, radio, and TV; creating and

mind the image of Merlin teaching young Arthur what he needed to

marketing conceptual art and sculptures to convey my

know to become High King of England; of Plato forming the first Acad-

Vision, gathering together the Grey Council, writing

emy that helped create the Golden Age of Greece; of Obi-wan Kenobi

books for Apprentice Wizards, and, most recently,

and Yoda training young Luke Skywalker to become a Jedi; of Charles

founding a School of Wizardry. In all these efforts, I feel

Xavier and his “School for Gifted Youngsters”… Somewhere out there,

I have been extremely successful in manifesting my

I know there are new generations of Arthurs, Lukes, and “X-Men” who,

original and continuing Mission.

with the right mentoring, will be able to realize their destiny towards
shaping the world into a better place. And I felt that I had a cosmic

You know how some people are xenophobic—fearing

assignment to do my part to help make it so!

anything strange? Well, I’m a passionate xenophile,
loving things that are strange, unusual, mysterious or

The sections covered within your book are based upon the 16
colors of wizardry within the Grey School of Wizardry. Would

interests, and studies. And my basic secret is that when

you say the Companion for the Apprentice Wizard is more of a

I get these mysterious “Mission Impossible” phone calls

‘how-to’ or a guiding book for Apprentice Wizards?

(“Your next assignment, should you choose to accept it,
is…”), I just always say “yes!” Because I know that if I
just hang up and walk away, not only will the phone

10

Q.

unknown. “Arcane” is the right word for my pursuits,

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Whispering Grey Matters

A. Yes, this exactly how I see

Spring 2006

A. Well, I have a number of future books gestating in my mind—and sev-

it, and how I tried to write and

eral I am already working on. These will eventually include a Journeyman

illustrate it. Not a “sequel”

Grimoire and Companion, and a Master Grimoire and Companion. But I

exactly, but a supplement.

also want to write a book on the Gaea Thesis, incorporating many of my

Something that would be not

papers from the early ‘70s. Another book I want to do is to simply publish

only informative and entertain-

my journal notes and photos of some of my travels and adventures in

ing, but also useful. And fun! I

strange places around the world. I want to write a bestiary of mythical and

just love this stuff.

legendary critters, to be called Creatures of Night Brought to Light. I want
to do an encyclopedic “Who’s Who” of Wizards throughout history and

Q.

What inspired the ‘cut-outs’ section within your

legendry. And the story of Gaea, told as an illustrated mythic biography

book?

spanning four billion years from Birth to Awakening, in the style of an epic
myth. I want to edit several collections of “Best of Green Egg.” And many

A. One of my little hobbies—which I have enjoyed since

more ideas…

I was a kid—is making cut-out paper models of all kinds
of things. I started out making model animals from

I am envisioning the next phase of the Grey School as we come close to

cardboard, and I won a hobby contest in Jr. High School

having our first graduates: a college-level program of journeyman studies

with a model “City of the Future” I built over an entire

that would culminate in a degree of Master Wizard. I envision an eventual

desktop: soaring futuristic buildings and elevated road-

physical campus for a future manifestation of the Grey School. I have

ways, with tiny streamlined cars and flying vehicles all

many more statues I want to sculpt, including a twice-life-size version of

drawn, colored, cut out, and assembled out of my own

my Millennial Gaia that is already commissioned. I am currently engaged in

imagination and skills. Later on I learned origami, and

the 3rd resurrection of the Church I founded 44 years ago. I would like to be

my first Christmas tree after leaving home was deco-

able to buy a house and farm in the country and raise unusual animals

rated entirely with origami critters I’d made.

(unicorns, kangaroos, emus, pythons, owls, draco volens, flying foxes, a
phoenix…). I want to learn paraplaning and fly like Leonardo envisioned.

I love those books you can buy in art supply stores of

And I hope to travel to many places in the world I haven’t seen yet: South

colorful cut-out paper models to assemble. I have walls

Africa, Egypt, Thailand, Malta, New Zealand, India, Ireland, China, Mex-

full of intricate paper models

ico… I want to travel into space, to the Moon and Mars…

of tribal masks; paper models of birds, dragons, and
spaceships hang from my ceiling; and I have assembled
castles, temples, ships, and astronomical instruments
from such cut-out kits. But there are a few things I haven’t found elsewhere, and I wanted to make them and
have them in my collection: various dragons, Leonardo
da Vinci’s ornithopter, a model of the galaxy… So I
thought, if I wanted to make these things, maybe some
of my readers would too. So I designed a few for this
book. I hope you have fun making them. I have other
ideas in mind for future books, as well.
Q.

What is the message or lesson(s) you wish the
reader would take with them after reading your
book Companion for the Apprentice Wizard?

So I have a lot to do over the next four decades. And then maybe I’ll
retire and just spend my time…fishing? SCUBA diving? We’ll just
have to see…
CONGRATULATIONS from all of us here at The Grey School of Wizardry for a tremendous accomplishment with your second book, the
Companion for the Apprentice Wizard!
Thank you! I hope it’s as successful as the Grimoire.

A. That learning arcane knowledge and skills, and
putting them into practice, is really fun, and far more
fulfilling than just watching TV and playing video games!
I hope to inspire readers of all ages with the same
fascination and love I have of all manner of arcana and
curiosities, and set them on an adventurous path of
exploration into the Mysteries of the Universe and the
blank areas off the edges of the maps.
Q.

Anything else on the horizon the Headmaster
would like to share with us?

Editors Note: The Companion for the Apprentice Wizard by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart can be
purchased online from Amazon.com. ISBN #
1-56414-835-1
11

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

Katalan on:
Inspiration “A Guy Named Paul”
By Katalan

I suppose it all started last year, when I made several large mistakes. I don’t think I’d be where I am
now if I hadn’t had to deal with those problems.
People say that everything happens for a reason,
and I do not doubt that for a second.
I have been struggling with depression for my entire
life, but I always thought I was above medication.
Being overweight, I think, contributed to much of my
depression. But the really wonderful changes I’ve
made in my life started because of a guy named
Paul.
I was in school last year and doing horribly. I was
depressed, which was nothing new for me. Being a
night owl, I stayed up one night browsing personal
ads on the internet, thinking that meeting a guy
would magickally solve everything. I answered an
ad and met Paul. He was a very good actor (and I’ll
leave it at that), but meeting him led me to Git,
which is where the real trouble began.
So after two men who completely killed my selfesteem and much financial debt, I started a really
wonderful job that I thought, again, would magickally make everything bad in my life go away. Of
course, once again, it didn’t work. In about 2
months’ time, I shattered any good things I had in

my life.
I quit my job and went to Arizona to stay with my Aunt,
thinking that maybe if I got away and started a new life
somewhere else, my problems would disappear (the logic
of a 20-year-old really isn’t very good at making important
life decisions). I had betrayed my Mom’s trust and left her
with a large financial burden (my car that I had just
bought that she co-signed on because she thought I
would not quit my job), which caused her to not talk to me
for about a week and a half.
While in Arizona, I realized that the things I took for
granted every single day were no longer with me (no
computer, no car, and no loving and supporting family
and friends). It really got depressing and after two weeks,
I was ready to go home.
I went home after my Mom forgave me, and that’s when
the changes really started. I was so happy to be home
and back in Oregon. I got a couple of jobs and dealt with
even more issues before things got really good. I had to

Once I figured those things out, I found out what true
love felt like, but it wasn’t love for other people. It
was love for me. I know that may sound a bit conceited, but I had spent my whole life being so depressed and self-hating that loving myself just as I
am was a big step. In fact, it was probably the hardest thing I ever had to learn to do. Loving oneself is
something that takes times and true dedication. That
saying that you can’t truly love another if you don’t
love yourself is true. Now that I love myself, the love
I feel for others has deepened to a level I never
thought possible.
All of those horrible mistakes I made last year have
led me to beautiful and positive things this year. I am
much calmer, I never worry about anything now, my
spirituality is restored, and my relationships are
much more loving and healthy. I don’t eat fast food
or drink soda now and I quit smoking (I’ve been
losing some weight, as well). Everything is perfect in
my life, even with my financial problems. And do you
know what I can’t stop thinking about? That it all
started with a guy named Paul.

sort out some childhood issues that had been plaguing
me for a very long time.

Below: from left-to-right: Onyx Ravenclaw, Oberon ZellRavenheart, Morgan Felidae and Estara T’shirai

REPORT FROM

PantheaCon
By Majashia

PantheaCon is an annual pagan and metaphysical convention that has taken place for 12 years
on Presidents’ Day weekend. This year it was
held at the Doubletree Hotel in San Jose, California, USA. The schedules included over 200
presentations, rituals, performances, and discussion groups. Hospitality suites, vendor locations,
basic etiquette, and a hotel survival FAQ were
published in the program for ease of reference.
While the convention has a pagan, religious
focus, adult students of Wizardry can benefit
from many of the opportunities that this conference offers.
Indigo and Gold wizards might appreciate hearing about the Interfaith Sacred Space Design
Competition or Instant Magick Spellcrafting by
Christopher Penczak.
Aqua wizards may like advanced meditation
techniques, a ritual for a sphere of protection by
John Michael Greer, diagnostic skills for energy
healers, the alchemy of dreams and tarot, or
meditative yoga.
Blue wizards had a number of opportunities this
year, including a presentation on the difference between healing and curing,
trance work in a counseling setting, and a journey to one’s secret garden as
shamanic self healing with Thena MacArthur.
Green wizards could join a discussion about the Witch’s Garden and Pagan
Permaculture.
Yellow wizards may enjoy a demonstration of a technique called Gestalt Tarot,
Hebrew Lot casting, additional approaches in Ogham interpretation, Faery
Stone Magic by Raven Grimassi, or a talk with Thalassa about troubling tarot
cards.
Pink wizards might have taken part in a discussion about Magickal Group
Dynamics, Incorporating and Running Pagan Organizations by Brian Ewing,
Justice Informed by Pagan Roots, and sharing dreams for the convention.
Brown wizards might have liked a discussion about how wolves have defied
their own stereotypes to become “hip” spiritual animals, raising Alfar’s Blot
to the Ancestors, or a Shamanic journey to discover your power animal.

Clear wizards might appreciate a Sri Yantra discussion and numeric secrets of the tarot.

12

White wizards might enjoy the Performing Art of Living Druid Oracle, a ritual temple
dance from priestess temple dancers, the Egyptian Sekhmet ritual, and the Temple
of Thelema’s healing ritual of light and sound.
Grey Wizards had a variety of options (many more than are listed here): Friday
hosted a presentation on Egyptian Religion, a performance of stories from Norse
Mythology, and a “Druidry Handbook” release party. Saturday included presentations on archaeological finds regarding women warriors, Huna: the Shamanic
Tradition of Hawaii, Aleister Crowley’s Magick and Mysticism, Stregheria, Hellenismos, an exploration with Hekate, Apollo, and “Beyond Stonehenge: Sacred Sites of
Ancient Britain”.
Orange wizards may like a Dionysian Celebration of Comedy, D&D Theater and
Ritual Role Playing presented by the Magical Acts Ritual Theater, Liturgy for Lady
Liberty, Bardism 101, or Emperor Norton’s Longsword Dance.
I look forward to PantheaCon 2007!

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

The Quiet Revolution in Scouting

PANTHEACON
2006

By: Luna Silverstone

BY: ESTARA T’SHIRAI

Many of you probably have fond memories of your Boy
or Girl Scouting experiences, but some of you may also
remember some problems, depending on your religious
and/or cultural background. This especially becomes
evident at the adult level as one assumes leadership
responsibilities or has a child participating in the program. Spirituality is one pillar of the conventional scouting programs. The Cub Scouts, for example, offer an
emblem of faith medal and special patch that can be
worn on the uniform. Despite one and a half pages of
various religions listed in the handbook, there are no
Earth-based religions listed.
As a den leader and Cubmaster for my youngest son’s
pack, I basically instruct the parents that the religious
unit is their responsibility as it is their business only.
They notify me when the requirements have been fulfilled, and I order the awards. As a leader, I have been
able to circumvent the system, but it is not an ideal situation. Not every family practicing a minority religion is
going to be in a situation where one of the parents wants
or is able to assume a leadership role.

SpiralScouts helps kids to learn energy balancing by
having leaders and scouts of both genders participate in activities. In fact, the prerequisite for chartering a circle is to have both a male and female leader
who are willing to serve as such. The circle is similar
to the Cub Scout’s pack, while a hearth is similar to
a den. These are based on the age of the participants. FireFlies accommodate preschoolers through
age 8. SpiralScouts range in age from 8 to 14, and
PathFinders are 14 on up. Typical activities include
camping, hiking, crafts, singing, etc. Topics such as
citizenship, mythology, woodland lore, outdoor living
skills, cultural exploration, theatre, etc. are investigated. Service projects and participation in community events are also undertaken, and, of course,
badges are earned.

For the second consecutive year,
Headmaster Oberon Zell-Ravenheart
and other Grey School faculty and
administration held a panel at Pantheacon, the largest Pagan convention on
the west coast of the United States,
which this year was held in San Jose,
California, on February 17-20. Joining
him this year were Headmistress
Morning Glory, Morgan Felidae,
Estara T'shirai, and Onyx Ravenclaw,
as well as the school's lawyer, Brian
Ewing, some prospective faculty, and
several current Grey School students
in the audience.

If you see some youngsters wearing khakis, a forest
green polo shirt and a cord around their neck, you
are probably observing some Spiral Scouts in action! Information about how to charter or join a circle
is available on the website noted above. It is wonderful to discover that Scouting, too, can evolve.

The panel was held on Friday night,
near the beginning of the convention. Attendance was high—the room
was filled, with people wandering in
and out once all seats were
taken. Oberon and crew presented the
new book, Companion for the Apprentice Wizard, discussed the history of
Grey School so far, and presented
opportunities for both students and
faculty.

Lo and behold, there is a new movement in scouting that
debuted in February of 2001 called SpiralScouts International. Although it began as a children’s program within
the Aquarian Tabernacle Church, the program is now
available worldwide. This version of scouting has its
roots in Paganism but is adaptable for any minority religion. Children of any faith are able to participate. SpiralScouts are currently active in 20 of the U.S. states, Canada, and Europe.
On visiting the official website at http://
www.spiralscouts.org, I was impressed by a slogan atop
one of the first pages that read, “Youth Celebrating Our
Shared Planet”. Their broad goal of teaching respect for
the earth, each other, and all living things is admirable. It
is certainly an effort to better prepare children to function
effectively as an individual and as a group member in the
larger context of the real world. Some schools have
character education programs, but they can’t come close
to fostering this same type of respect.

“Inspiration” See Below

“Dream No Small Dream.”
FINDING

Immediately after the panel and
throughout the weekend, Morgan
Felidae kindly opened her hotel room
for “meet and greets” for current and
prospective Grey School members,
where she offered school shirts, signed
books, snacks, and a Powerpoint presentation created by Moonwriter.
If you'd like to join the fun next year,
keep your eyes on the Ancient Ways
website for information on Pantheacon: http://ancientways.com/
pantheacon/. The conference is always
held around President’s Day weekend
and always in San Jose, California.

BY: MOONWRITER

Inspiration

Here in the northern hemisphere, spring is almost upon us. Our vernal equinox
occurs on Monday, March 20, at 10:26 a.m., Pacific Standard Time. In my home
in northwest Oregon, the days have begun to lengthen, the trees to swell with
buds, and the lawn to green and thicken. My bulbs are up—daffodils line the
front walk and pop up around the yard, crocuses bubble under the mailbox, and
miniature grape hyacinths and fritillaria add a spot of color to the still-skeletal
Japanese maple. And for the last few nights, I’ve gotten up in the wee hours to
throw open the window, feeling the need to let the fresh air in, even if it’s still a
little on the cold side. Spring is clearly on the way.
Yet this morning I woke to a surprise: near-freezing temperatures and the sight
of half-dollar snowflakes drifting down thick and fast to cover the lawn. The daffodils looked heavy and confused and my ancient poodle was so unwilling to go
outside for his morning constitutional that I had to carry him out and deposit him
on the lawn. Now, at mid-morning, the snow is already gone, but what a wonder
it was. I sat in the living room in my reading chair with a cup of coffee for almost
half an hour, just watching it.
The changing of the seasons never fails to surprise and inspire. Though each
one finds me marking the recurrent seasonal changes—the phenology

-Goethe

so well described in my newest, most favorite every-day book, Cosmo Doogood’s
Urban Almanac- Celebrating Nature and Her Rhythms in the City, the unexpected is
always waiting to stir things up. Whether it’s a snowfall in mid-March, a migratory
bird that suddenly appears—hundreds of miles off-range—at my feeders, or a
windstorm that blows up unexpectedly under purple-green skies, leaving a layer of
hailstones and yielding to brilliant sunshine fifteen minutes later, the Earth always
reminds us that the mysteries are hers. Last fall a fairy circle appeared spontaneously in my pumpkin patch. I spent an evening sitting by it, meditating, filled with a
sense of wonder. Leaving a bit of butter and cream for the fairy folk, I thanked them
for gifting my garden with such a splendid thing.
That the natural world inspires me probably doesn’t surprise anyone—I’m a Silver
Wizard, after all! I find my meaning and my center in the world of nature. If I’m ever
feeling exhausted, stressed, or unbalanced, I have only to take a walk, or even to
just sit outside in my yard for half an hour or so. I might build a fire in my fire circle,
and doze off as the night falls and bats whicker by. Or, I might take an entire day
and head east to my beloved Columbia River Gorge, where a simple gaze upon the
broad expanse of water and cliff and basalt is enough to refresh my spirit and lift my
soul, inspiring me to return to the everyday world with a lighter heart.
The word “inspiration” derives from the Latin inspirare, which literally means “to
breathe into”, as in “to fill with guidance”. The idea of finding one’s own inspiration is
an elegant subject for apprentice Wizards to ponder. I urge you to make it part of
your daily meditations and magickal workings, and if you need something to help
you get started, I suggest Cosmo Doogood’s advice: Look up! Look out! And always, look in!

13

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006
BY: HELEGA

INTERVIEW WITH

Professor Elizabeth Barette
Q: You are well
known in Pagan
Communities,
but for those
who might read
of you for the
first time today,
please tell us:
who is Elizabeth
Barrette?
A: I serve as the
Managing Editor
of Pan-Gaia.
I’ve been involved with the
Pagan community for more
than seventeen
years, and have done much networking with Pagans in
my area, including coffeehouse meetings and open
sabbats. With the Grey School of Wizardry (which is a
Pagan-friendly but not Pagan institution) I am the Dean
of Studies, Librarian, and teacher in several Departments. As of this writing, I teach twelve GSW classes
and have a couple more in development. My other
writing fields include speculative fiction and gender
studies. I live in the United States, in central Illinois. I
enjoy stone magic, ritual design, and gardening for
wildlife. Visit my Website at: http://www.worthlink.net/
~ysabet/sitemap.html.
Q: Looking back on your life, what turning point or situation made you decide to do what you do today?
A: That depends on which part. I’ve always been a
writer; there was no turning point there. I’ve always felt
a sense of reverence for nature and an interest in mythology. Then I discovered the contemporary Pagan
community about halfway through high school, when a
copy of The Spiral Dance jumped into my hands.
Now editing, that’s a turning point. I never intended to
become an editor. I just happened to wind up doing the
kind of favors for some of my editor-friends that eventually inspired one of them to offer me a job, which I took
and quickly came to love. Teaching is something I’ve
done, mostly informally, for many years, which gradually
turned into more structured activities. I got into the Grey
School because I knew some of the founders, particularly Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, who attracted my attention with the Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard and
descriptions of his vision for a magical school. By the
time he asked me to serve as Dean of Studies, I figured
I was already doing the work – chiefly commenting on
other people’s proposed class materials – and might as
well take the title to go with it. If you look at my path as
a whole, it mainly involves finding a way to get paid for
what I’m good at and, often, already doing.
Q: You are currently writing columns for two major
Pagan publications – Sage-Woman and PanGaia.
Please share you objectives for these columns and
what you would like the readers to take with them.
A: As the Managing Editor of PanGaia, I write an editorial column called “First Impressions,” where I discuss
each issue’s theme. The first part contains my personal
thoughts on the topic, and the second introduces some
of the magazine contents. I aim to get people thinking
about the wider scope of the matter before they get into
articles and poetry and such that deal with individual
aspects of it. I’ve also found that my editorials often
come from experiences in my own life that relate to the
issue’s theme, so it’s a way of making the personal
spiritual and the spiritual personal.
For SageWoman, I’m not currently writing a column. I
have written two for that magazine in the past, each of
which ran for several years. The first was “Into the
Green” for novices; the second was “Over the Bridge”
for intermediate practitioners. Those encouraged
women to explore their spirituality through personal
experience. I do still write articles and other features for
PanGaia and SageWoman occasionally. Most of my

14

writing aims to get people thinking for themselves – I’ll present some
information and ideas, then expect readers to apply it based on their
own needs and perspectives.
Q: You are the Managing Editor of PanGaia and the Assistant Editor of
SageWoman. Tell us about these two positions and the responsibility
that goes along with it. How did you get involved with these two publications?
A: Blessed Bee, Inc. publishes four magazines: SageWoman, PanGaia, The Blessed Bee, and newWitch. I first got involved with SageWoman as a freelance writer, very early in my career, with poetry,
reviews, and articles. Then I wrote the two columns for SageWoman.
When our publisher, Anne Newkirk Niven, needed extra editorial help
with SageWoman, she asked me, and that’s how I got to be Assistant
Editor there. Shortly thereafter, the previous editor of PanGaia left to
pursue other projects, so I took over as Managing Editor of that magazine. That’s been my primary job. I put a lot of work into developing a
pool of regular contributors for PanGaia, which has really paid off; the
submissions we receive now are much better than when I started. I’m
also a Pagan scholar, so I’m very conscious of the role a magazine
can have in fostering a sense of culture and community. That especially shows in my quest to establish Pagan fiction – I’ve been talking
about that from my first days in the Pagan community, because of
course every subculture develops its own literature – and over the last
few years, a lot of other people have also showed interest in the field,
so it’s catching on. I’m glad to have a venue where I can promote it
and publish some of the best stories. One recent change is that Anne,
who had been editing SageWoman as well as publishing all the magazines, passed that magazine to a new Managing Editor, Cristina
Eisenberg. So I’m no longer officially an editor for SageWoman –
although all of us at BBI tend to exchange input for each other’s magazines. We’re a close-knit team. Cristina has done a terrific job with
SageWoman already.
Q: Your writing fields include speculative fiction and gender studies.
Why did you choose to write about these specific topics? What other
topics do you also write about and which one(s) are you more a tuned
to?
A: I write about what fascinates me. I write what I like to read. I write
what needs to be written, what won’t leave me alone until I get it out of
my head and onto paper. I’ve always enjoyed science fiction and
fantasy; I grew up watching Star Trek returns and my mother read me
The Hobbit when I was four. (I was reading adult-level books by the
time I was six, although I’ve never lost my love of children’s literature.)
There are two basic kinds of writers, especially in the speculative field:
the kind who make things up and the kind who write things down. I am
essentially a “write things down” person: less an inventor of tales, and
more an inter-dimensional journalist. I peek into other worlds and tell
the stories of people I meet there. I find myself attracted to memorable
characters, strange dilemmas, alien languages and religions. Hence,
the field that usually lands me in is speculative fiction, although I’ve
written other types of story – Pagan fiction is another favorite. My
favorite stories tend to be ones that encourage readers to think about
underlying issues, get them into the habit of reading deeply and considering the implications of choices, and my hope is that people who
do that will be better equipped to make choices in this life which make
the world a better place. The best writing educates and exercises the
mind while it entertains.
Gender studies has been a casual interest for many years, and a
practiced field since I took a Women’s Studies minor in college. That
was before the field had widened to include men and the more exotic
permutations of sex and gender, back when it was essentially the
feminist branch of academia. I’ve explored sex and gender roles in
mythology (like the Sumerian goddess Inanna, with her cross-dressing
clergy), anthropology (like the Native American tribes that recognized
extra genders like the “two-spirit” people), literature (aliens and elves
and others that don’t conform to human male/female dynamics), and
so forth. I write about this in hopes of reminding people that life is
analog, not digital – biology and culture offer a lot more than two
choices, and trying to force everything into those boxes marked “men”
and “women” can do a lot of damage. Plus it’s just plain fun to explore.
Where gender studies overlaps with fiction, the possibilities are limitless: just when I think I’ve logged all the potential sexes and genders,
I find a new book, or a new character pops into my head, that introduces a whole new option. And where it touches religion, it’s a reminder that the Divine is not physical and therefore not necessarily
male or female.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

W

As for other topics, I have written about everything that
has ever held my interest, which is to say, almost everything. This is especially true for poetry; it’s rare for
someone to name a topic that I can’t reach into my
archives and find an example of. My essays and articles
have a fair range too. Some things I may only cover
once or twice, other topics recur frequently. My favorites
include mythology, nature, the seasons, plants and
animals, stars and star travel, history, foreign cultures,
personal experience, language, metaphor construction,
family dynamics, magic, and Pagan culture. I write
about politics and world events, often some of my
darker material, as part of my archival tendencies. I’m
also a huge fan of poetic forms. I’ll try a new form just
because it looks fun. I’ve even invented a few of my
own. Really, anything that draws my eye is fair game.
I’ve had teachers try to convince me to focus on only
one type of writing, but much of my talent lies in flexibility. If the market – or the inspiration – is better in one
field than another, I can shift that way. So for instance,
I’ve had bigger and faster success on the Pagan side
than the speculative fiction side, which means I’m better
known in this community.
Q. Your poetry speaks for itself. Many of our readers
have come to recognize themselves in your poetry,
though it’s not only our readers, but also everyone
around the globe, as it’s available all over the web.
Where do you get your inspiration from, and how long
have you been writing poetry?
A:
I get my inspiration from the world. “Everything
is research.” An aggravating situation can often be
turned into a profitable poem, story, or article. That
includes nature, people, places, whatever I encounter. I
enjoy seeking out new experiences—if I go to a harvest
festival, an art fair, a science exhibit, etc., then more
often than not I get a poem out of it. Some subjects
generate poetry every time they come around, like the
falling leaves of autumn. Occasionally I enter poetry
contests that come with a topic. I’ve been known to bail
out of a conversation with, “Hold that thought! I have to
go write something down!” and the same thing can
happen with television and movies. I’ll be riding in the
car, misread a billboard, and use what I thought it said
as a title or line in a poem. Anything is open to inspiration. I’m glad to see my poetry finding a global audience, because I do draw from cultures, concepts,
events, and locations from around the world. I’ve had
some spectacular demonstrations that my poetry is
widely visible and attention-grabbing. In August of 2004,
I got a surprise email from Len Lemeire of the band
Impact – from Belgium! – who wanted to record one of
my poems, which he’d found on the web. I get reprint
requests occasionally but that’s the most surprising to
date. So “Surface Tension” is now available on the
album Self-Inflicted (you can read more at: http://
move.to/implant), and it turned out beautifully.
I’ve been composing poetry since I could talk. The
earliest one we have is in my father’s handwriting, from
before I could manage a pencil. I wrote odds and ends
of poetry through my grade school years. Junior high is
when I decided to start writing regularly, and I put out a
poem almost every day for several years. It’s tapered
off a little since then but I still tend to write at least one
per week – and it’s not rare for me to sit down and write
two or three poems at a time. A really good topic, or just
a night when my muse is feeling frisky, can generate six
to twelve. I took a quick count, and in 2004 I wrote over
280 poems.
Q: Your main traditions are Celtic, Native American,
and African. These may sound to be so different from
each other; are they? Why these three traditions? What
makes them special and/or different from other traditions?
A: Those three traditions each come from a different
continent, so in that regard, the “flavor” varies – in my
experience, the continents have a unique character that
influences all the traditions and cultures they contain.
So while Cherokee and Lakota religions are quite distinct from each other, they are more like each other than
they are like, say, Shinto. On the other hoof, all three of

my main traditions have their roots in historic tribal cultures, and all of them
have descendant traditions today. Roots and wings, if you will. Tribal religions tend to have certain things in common, like a tight family bond and
reverence for the Ancestors. In that regard, these three are similar.
I practice each of these traditions for a different reason, because they
resonate with particular parts of myself and they’re good at diverse things.
That which is Celtic speaks to my heart; this is the path through green
fields and silver mist, to the tune of pipe and bodhran and faery harp. It’s
good for bardic lore and tree magic and battlecraft. That which is Native
American concerns where I live, plus the distant but real ties I have to the
indigenous people. This is the language my land speaks, the way it has
told people it likes to be addressed, so I try to follow along. It’s good for
learning how to live in a specific place, interact with the spirits and creatures there, and develop personal insight. That which is African relates
most strongly to the Ancestors, in the form of orishas, who fall somewhere
between ancestor-spirits and deities. I got involved with this tradition when
two of the orishas – Oya and Yemaya – showed an interest in me. It’s good
for speaking with the Beloved Dead, and for magic that brings justice
where mundane methods have failed or don’t apply.
Q: Please share with the readers your ordination as a Priestess through
Sanctuary of the Silver Moon and your experience since then.
A: That was neither planned nor expected. I’d been helping a friend draw
up a training program for Silver Moon, and when the program was ready to
launch, he asked if I’d like to be ordained – because I obviously knew all
the material, since I helped him compile it! Well, I can take a hint from the
Universe, so I agreed. A few days later a couple asked me to officiate their
handfasting. My covenmates held a priestessing ritual for me, too. It’s not a
credential I use often, but it’s very useful to have when I need it.
Q: You are a Professor at the Grey School of Wizardry. Please share with
the readers your passion for the school and why you chose to be part of it.
A: I’ve always been intrigued by magical schools, as described in history
and fiction, and I love schools in general. I found out about the Grey
School through a friend, Oberon, and as often happens I got to bouncing
around some ideas on the topic. Oberon liked the ideas, I liked the school,
and that’s how I got involved. It seemed like the world could use more welltrained Wizards. The school grew from a casual interest to a passion – and
eventually, as its budget expanded enough to start paying teachers a
modest stipend for classes taught, the school also became part of my
actual wordsmith career. I’ve watched other people come in, similarly, and
expand to do great things with this school. The more it grows, the more
exciting it gets.
Q: You specialize in Lore Mastery – among other disciplines – and you are
the Dean of Studies at the Grey School of Wizardry. Please share with us
what it’s like as a professor of Lore and what your role is as Dean of Studies.
A: Lore is one of our “catchall” Departments that covers a really wide
range of subtopics. The color of Lore is grey, like the school itself, because
this concerns the study of knowledge for its own sake. So I think of this as
my primary Department and color, because knowledge is the core of my
talent, profession, and vocation of wordsmithing. I accrue and synthesize
and analyze and produce information, both the magical and the mundane.
One ironic thing is that I don’t actually have a class in Lore yet – the ones I
expected would fall into that Department wound up elsewhere, due to
crossovers. A lot of subjects span more than one Department, like my
class on “Magic in Animated Movies” which could have gone in Lore and
wound up in Wizardry.
As a professor of Lore, I’m always on the lookout for material that would
make a good class in this Department. As Dean of Studies, I helped develop the standards for Grey School classes – what length range they
should be, how much homework they need, how many test questions, etc.
I wrote up some tips for teachers on how to create effective homework
assignments and test questions. I take part in the ongoing discussions
about what classes we should develop, especially when new teachers
come in with ideas. When somebody submits a new class, I read through it
and suggest improvements before it gets uploaded. I help determine what
Level and how many credits a class should be. I sketched out preliminary
plans for the Major/Minor program, which the Deans are developing further. I also started the Dean’s List for recognizing academic excellence,
although the record keeping part of that will get passed around to different
members of the faculty over time. Basically I oversee the academic aspects of the school.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

15

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006
BY: HELEGA

INTERVIEW WITH

Professor Elizabeth Barette (continued)
Q: You are also the Grey School of Wizardry’s Librarian. and you mentioned in your profile on Witchvox’s
website, “My idea of a perfect decorating scheme is the
one that involves the most bookcases”. Where does
your love for books come from, and do you believe all
knowledge lies within the pages of ancient and/or modern books?
A: I’ve always had an innate love of books, stories,
information – language in almost any form. However,
my parents provided a lot of support and inspiration in
this regard. I grew up around old books and new books,
all kinds of books. Most knowledge appears in books,
the ancient and the modern. In my experience, there
are some kinds of knowledge that just aren’t easy to put
into a language made of words, and thus are difficult to
put into books. But if you look in enough books, you can
usually find a place where somebody is trying to talk
about them, or talk around them. Part of the fun is finding new information, or new ways to phrase old information, so that you can put it into a book. I do that a lot
with my poetry and sometimes with fiction and nonfiction as well.
Q: Elizabeth Barrette is seen as a respected person.
How do you feel about Respect in the Pagan and NonPagan communities of today? Is there any hope left in
this world?
A:
I feel that Respect, and its related term Authority,
are an important part of any culture. People who don’t
respect others tend to have little respect for themselves
as well. I think they get confused by the mainstream
culture, which routinely demands that people respect –
or at least “show respect” – for others who they do not
consider worthy on account of character or deeds.
There’s a wonderful saying: “Courtesy is owed, respect
is earned, love is given.” If respect is not earned, but is
required to be shown, then it becomes meaningless.
Then when people get into a situation where respect is
appropriate, they don’t know how to behave. The same
is true of Authority, which properly is a kind of inner
power that emanates from somebody who knows a lot
about a topic or excels at doing something or is old and
full of life experience. Someone with that kind of Authority doesn’t have to throw their weight around. They
already know that they have the credentials, the power,
the knowledge. They can use it deftly. But the world is
full of people who have a lot of political or institutional
influence, and who behave like autocrats simply because they can. It makes other people suspicious of
power and organization – and if your group doesn’t
have any power or organization, because frequent
abuses have made you want to avoid them, then it’s
almost impossible to get anything done. All this makes
for a very chaotic atmosphere in the Pagan community.
We have people who have been around long enough to
build up a substantial amount of Respect and Authority.
Some folks intuitively show respect for them, and invite
their opinions, and listen to their suggestions – and
speak up honestly when they feel that someone is
about to make a mistake. Other folks make every effort
to tear down Authority wherever they encounter it,
showing respect neither to themselves nor to others.
Some follow blindly whoever winds up in a leadership
position, whether that person is worth following or not,
and they won’t speak out against mistakes or misbehavior. Respect and Authority in appropriate situations are
important components in the social glue that holds a
culture together. Misusing or abandoning them is disastrous, and we can see the problems it causes – different
problems – in the mainstream and magical communities.
So one of the challenges we face is repairing some of
that damage, to rebuild healthier systems of interaction.
I’ve actually done a lot of this in my wordsmithing career. The publishing world is full of pesky things that
people do, just because they can or because they don’t
bother to think through the implications or because they
hope it will make them more money at someone else’s
expense or because they believe nothing can be

16

changed. Writers, editors, and publishers often wind up working
against rather than with each other. I prefer a more cooperative work
environment, so I try to find other people who share that goal. As a
writer, I won’t deal with editors who refuse to treat me as a professional. As an editor, I won’t deal with writers who can’t behave as
professionals. As a reviewer, I’ll criticize publishers who slack off their
jobs and try to get editors or writers to do things that are the publisher’s responsibility. I expect people to show respect for themselves
and others, and for the work itself; I also expect each person to have
some Authority within their own area of expertise and to wield it with
some grace. I’ve found that when I have great expectations of people,
most of them live up to those expectations, and most of them are
delighted with the results. When you have a team of people who like,
respect, and admire each other, who know how to do their jobs and
enjoy the work, then you get better books and magazines out of it.
So it’s absolutely worth putting in the effort to make your corner of the
world more cooperative, more respectful, more authoritative. Hope,
like the ocean, has its own high and low tides. It can ebb and ebb
when nobody does anything about a bad situation. But it can also rush
in suddenly with great force, and sweep everything away, when nobody thought there was a chance. So there is always hope for the
world. Even if we’re not in a position to make huge changes, we can
do our best to improve our own corners of the world – and the more
people who do that, the better the world becomes in general. Finally,
there are a lot of times when history or culture can turn on what one
person does, and it’s not always somebody “important” or highly
placed. You never know when you might be placed in an extraordinary
situation, or when you might have a chance to make an ordinary situation extraordinary, when you could be the right person in the right
place at the right time. That, too, is cause for hope.
Q: You enjoy herbal landscaping and gardening for wildlife. Is this a
hobby or is there more to it?
A: It’s a little of both. Puttering around with plants is a hobby, in that I
don’t do it for money. However, it’s also part of my vocation. As a
Pagan, I like to have green growing things around me, and I feel that
it’s important for humans to share habitat with other species. So my
yard is loosely managed for enjoyment by humans and wildlife alike. It
has open space for outdoor rituals and other activities, brushy areas
for cover and nesting, trees and bushes that bear edible fruit. I like to
push for diversity, so there are many kinds of native plants, ranging
from forest to prairie species. We pick up fallen wood for brush piles
and bonfires. Our yard is big enough that it gets out of hand easily, so
there are often parts that are maintained and others left wild. There is
always something to do. As we hold more magical activities here, we
add new features – our coven built a real fire pit this spring, and we’re
working on a hedge for privacy screening along the road. People who
live in town like to come out here to enjoy the quiet, walk in the yard,
watch the wildlife, and sometimes do personal rituals. Impromptu
stretch breaks have turned into nature walks. I’ve gotten many ideas
for poems, articles, and stories from my yard. The hobby blends into
the vocation which overlaps the profession.
Q: Finally, what are your visions for the future? What does Elizabeth
Barrette wish to accomplish in her life?
A: There are always many paths the world could take. I do what I can
to encourage it towards the more positive options. I think there’s a
good chance that humanity as a whole will follow where some people
have led, and begin taking better care of the Earth. Although life always comes with challenges, most of the serious problems are ones
that our species has created for itself; and what we have unbalanced,
we can repair, if we choose. What I see beginning in the Grey School
of Wizardry is a step in the right direction. I think Stacy, Prefect of the
Society of the Four Winds, said it best: “Serving as a Prefect made me
realize that all Wizards, although human, should be Prefects out in the
world at large. The level of responsibility of helping run a House/Lodge
is nothing compared to being a Wizard acting in her community.”
That’s the kind of people we’re attracting to our school, and we’re
teaching them the kind of magical and practical skills that can make
profound changes in the world. So I envision this school growing,
becoming a widely known and respected magical academy, pushing
the envelope of what is known and done with magic, and cultivating
Wizards of great power and promise who then go out and do splendid
things.
As for what I’d like to accomplish in my life, well, my goals are quirky
and eclectic. I’d like to be remembered as one of the founders of a
genre, such as Pagan fiction, which I was writing and talking about 17
years ago or more, when nobody else around me seemed aware of
the need and value of a cultural literature.
I’m not much interested in the traditional goal of wanting to write “the
Great American Novel”, but I would like to write “the Great Terran
Novel” that would capture the quintessential experience of being human on the planet Earth. I would love to see one of my constructed
languages achieve the cultural renown of Tolkien’s Elvish or Mark
Orand’s Klingon. I have my everyday goals, but at heart I agree with
Goethe: “Dream no small dreams.”

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

OPINION

On Inspiration...

MUSIC IN OUR
WORLD
By: Deianaera

BY: LONECI
Music drives people in different ways. To

Ironically enough, I’ve put off
writing this article because I was
hoping for something, anything,
to move me to write this.
It didn’t happen.
So, I’m going to shoulder
through this and I hope you will
all bear with me.
These last two months, I have
courted inspiration. I’ve read
books and I’ve written short
stories. I’ve built web pages and
written Java programs. I’ve
watched the Olympics and
brushed away a tear as my
nation’s anthem played. I’ve
sung in public and danced in my
living room. I’ve laughed and
cried, hoped for something to
do, and worked hard when I got
something. I’ve meditated to
enjoy the silence in my mind
and head-banged to metal. I’ve
smiled at the moon at midnight
and enjoyed the stark beauty of
the desert at noon. Sadly, on
the eve of my deadline, I have
to admit that none of those endeavors are inspiration.

I’ve come to the conclusion that
inspiration is the extroverted
twin of intuition. It is the spark
that moves us. In a sense, it is
madness. It is an inborn notion
that drives us to commit certain
acts, and with that point of view,
a case can easily be made for
lunacy. However, my philosophy
has always been that insanity is
a sane reaction to an insane
world. When we’re inspired, we
move with a purpose greater
and more complete than any
mundane agency can comprehend.
I’ve heard inspiration described
as a “bright white light,”
“hammer between the eyes,”
and a “whisper in the wind.” For
me, it is a vision in the mind,
breathtakingly real. Nice sentiments, all of them, but what is
inspiration, really? After these
last two months, I like to think of
it as simply knowing. No matter
how you experience inspiration
or what triggers it, it always
comes as knowledge.

Regardless of what we experience, it is our incorporation of it
into ourselves that provides that
catalyst for inspiration. That
assimilation of knowledge is
what gives us all the keys to
create something more in the
arms of our muses. In the end, if
you are looking for ways to feed
your muse, the best thing to do
is live, fully and completely, and
experience all that you can.

some it is the way of life. To others it is just
the music on the radio. To me it is both. I
love to listen to pop and rock. Those two
types of music, in my opinion, are not as
bad as some of the music we listen to today.
Rap is not inspirational music. It just talks
about drugs and “being a gangster”. To
some it is the best music in the world. To

So, tonight, when I sit down to
write another chapter in my first
novel-length story, or tomorrow,
when I sketch out a design for
my next homework assignment,
I’ll look for that internal spark
within me, and not to the world
without. After all, as it says in
the Charge of the Goddess:
For if that which you seek, you
find not within yourself, you will
never find it without. For behold,
I have been with you from the
beginning, and I am that which
is attained at the end of desire.

me it’s just people talking with a rhythm
behind them.

I believe that music should be about life and
love. If you look at country music, it is all
about love and life. In rock they talk about
love, breakups, and the way life is not fair.
Even though it is not happy thoughts about
love and life, it still relates to them. Even if
you look at foreign songs, such as Spanish
tunes, they talk about love, or maybe even
life, although most of the time we don’t
understand

should reflect a person’s feelings towards the world. If rap and
hip-hop present their music as anger against the world, then that is
fine, but I highly doubt that is their view towards the world.
Many times a certain song is needed to help you in a certain situation. Often in movies, they use depressing music to show that the
character is sad. It all depends on the person. If one is sad they
might listen to dance music to lift their spirits, while others might
choose a sad artist to listen to. I personally like to listen to Evanescence when I am sad. I might sometimes choose an uplifting song
to make myself feel better, like Bowling for Soup, or Good Charlotte.
Sometimes when you listen to a song, you get touched by it. You

might cry because it reminds you of a loved one. It might
move you because it is your wedding song. Either way, a
song might move you. The song that moves me is “If I Never
Knew You” from Pocahontas. This song reminds me of my
deceased grandmother. Music can act in such a way as to
release your energy positively or negatively.
Music has such an effect on people that it can help inspire
them in many things, such as a product that they need to
present or a school project. Music helps me to think straight.
Right now I am listening to music to help me think more fully
on the subject at hand. I usually use music to help work on
homework or to inspire me to think about a school project. I
have found that music is a cure to many symptoms,

JOURNEYING
THROUGH TO

The Other Side
BY: ARTWIZARD

Recently, I have been through several rounds of betrayal, being in the middle, or
being left out. Life brings us the lesson we need. Life also brings us teachers. When the student is ready, the teacher appears.
Whatever "test" or "mess" we are going through, it will not last long. There is a
saying, "the voices get louder before they shut up". Any current scenario, life
lesson, or question indicates past behavior or thinking we need to reevaluate. We need to take a large leap across the creek flooded with old ideas and
foolish energy and drain it. We need spiritual housecleaning.
I am reminded of the conflict I had following a recent published item. I became
angry. I felt I had to justify, explain, etc. Then I realized that I still had issues
with my father and his faith, as well as, perhaps, any literal Bible interpretation
that takes it beyond context and bends it to a personal agenda. Only one viewpoint (theirs) is focused on, to the detriment of the entire story. My father used
the Bible to justify his being better than others (especially women), being chosen
of God, and as an excuse for mental and physical abuse.

such as when you are sad, sick, or maybe even in love. So,
in conclusion, music helps many people to survive and it
affects their life in many ways, even thought they might not
know it.

that there is nothing to be ashamed about if I really believe my convictions. If I truly
believe that my path leads me to God, then all this bickering about unimportant stuff
shouldn't matter. It is easy to get wrapped up in emotion, and I, like others, miss the
whole picture. We miss the message of love, acceptance, and forgiveness.
It may be that this recent experience will help me decide when disclosure works, when to
stay quiet in prayer and meditation, when to help, and/or when to rely on a friend's judgment. All friendships need to last forever. Right now I don't have all the answers.
I did feel I wasn't treated in a positive manner. This left me feeling discarded and lacking
worthiness. I needed a kinder way to get to the point, a friend who listened without judgment. So a major part of the issue (as usual) is that I still need healing. But also, I must
recognize and truly believe I am worthy of being loved and helped through my current
situation, or any other situation that rears its head. I am entitled to this whether I am
right, wrong, stupid, bad, good, sick, healthy, on a different path, or whatever. No matter
what our biological age, hurt hits us. It wounds our sacred, trusting, inner child. Often we
look to others for power as we looked to our parents. But neither parent, consul, friends,
nor masters have all the correct answers all the time. We must learn to lean on God
while relying on our own personal strengths. We (hopefully) are ALL still learning.
Another saying, "if you meet the Guru on the path, shoot him" makes sense. One of the
most dangerous things we face is when someone believes she/he has all the right answers for themselves and, therefore, everyone else.

fter some deep personal work, I got to the other side. I came to the conclusion

17

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

INTERNATIONAL

Meeting the Headmaster and
Headmistress
By: Gaia

modern neo-paganism and historical observations. Oberon is a very
“down to earth” person, and
speaks in a very engaging manner. All present were enthralled
with his presentation. It was a
privilege to be able to partake of
his wisdom in such a small gathering.

Greetings one and all!
My husband and I have just returned from a fantastic weekend,
during which we met our illustrious
Headmaster and Headmistress!
The event was advertised as “Live
In Intensive with Oberon ZellRavenheart”, and boy, was it
intensive! Here it is Tuesday, and
my head is still zinging with information. I’m sure it will take me
quite a while to process all that
happened.

Lynn Santer (author of “Professor
Midnight”) gave a talk on her motivations and the basis of the book.
She also spoke of some of the
responses to the book, which,
while amusing in the telling, gave
us all serious points to ponder on
the hypocrisy of various major
religions in the world today. Lynn
is an animal advocate and author.
Her website is http://
www.santersghostwriting.com/
index.html

It was held on a magical bushland
property in the hinterland of
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast
(Australia), complete with wildlife,
natural bushland, bush “dunny” (a
toilet made from a hole dug in the
ground, with a box for a seat –
complete with painted Redback
Spider, and tarpaulin overhead),
electricity from generators, water
from tanks, and small black, annoying flies. Very far from our
usual “civilized” environment of
four walls and flushing commodes,
I can assure you.
Friday night was full of setting up
and settling in for campers and
hosts. After our meal, we sat
around the fire with Oberon to
gaze at the Southern Sky and the
brilliant full moon. It was very
informal and the discussion was
quite eclectic.

Morning Glory then gave an indepth and fascinating presentation
on Hecate and her personal experiences with her, both in Greece
and the United States. I, personally, learnt a lot from this presentation, and now have a greater appreciation of the faces of Hecate
and a more personal connection
with her as a Goddess. Morning
Glory then guided the group
through a meditation based on her
own experience as she rediscovered Hecate, which gave me a
powerful connection with this
Goddess that previously had not
called to me.

Saturday morning saw Oberon
regale us with anecdotes from his
time with the magazine “The
Green Egg”, along with some
serious discussion on the path of

The majority of the group went for
a bush walk late Saturday afternoon, where they had the opportunity to see nature at its best –
Aussie style!

Saturday night we all participated
in a ritual written by Elizabeth of
the Water Dragons. A “Drunken
Parrot” tree was blessed and
planted by Oberon and Morning
Glory. The full moon gazed down
on us as we worked on this beautiful ritual. Many thanks go to
Elizabeth for the last minute pressure of putting the ritual together.
Oberon’s discourse on the structure and traditions of rituals on
Sunday morning was fascinating.
All were again enthralled as he
discussed the process of creating
a ritual, interspersed with anecdotal experiences of past rituals and
groups he and Morning Glory
have been involved in, and then
guided the group to create its own
ritual. Morning Glory then shared
some of her Chants with us, and
these were incorporated into our
ritual, lending a wonderful celebratory air to the proceedings.
This discussion has had a profound effect on both my husband
and I. To observe Oberon and
Morning Glory “negotiating” the
order of the workings gave us both
an insight into what magickal
rituals are really about. Following
traditional rituals has its place, but
the formulation of one’s own can
only generate more energy and
communion in a group. To personalize the workings in this manner,
so that the ritual speaks to all
participating in a meaningful way,
is, to me, the ultimate tool in
magickal ritual.

had created. All present participated, and each prepared their
own part, which lent a very casual
air to the proceedings, without
detracting from the intent in any
way. I’m only sorry that I can’t
share it with you in any detail, as it
was not recorded. Our God and
Goddess were Hermes and
Hecate, gifts were given, personal
items were blessed and we all
joined in with Morning Glory’s
wonderful chants.
After we finished, Oberon and
Morning Glory had to rush away
for the 4 hour drive to the Gold
Coast (also in Queensland). The
rest of us dispersed on our equally
long homeward journeys. My
husband and I met up with
Oberon, Morning Glory, Lynn
Santer and her publishers at a
service (gas) station on the way
back, which was quite a coincidence, for there are many to
choose from along the way. More
“Hail and Farewells” ensued, and
we were on our way again.
Meeting Oberon and Morning
Glory here in Australia was quite
an unusual experience for us, as
normally we don’t have the opportunity to meet well-known people.
The tyranny of distance!
If any of you ever have the opportunity to meet our Headmaster
and Headmistress, please take it.
You will not regret it!

After lunch on Sunday, we put
together our magical accoutrements and worked the ritual we

ARTS & CULTURE

MYSPACE.COM

Myspace.com to be user friendly. You must be fourteen to be a member. It is totally free of charge. You create a profile, upload some pics of
yourself if you wish, and you are on your way to becoming a
Myspacer. The rules are: you are not to upload photos of yourself
nude, sexually explicit photos, or photos that are violent in nature. The
site is filled with all of this. Parents must be aware of what goes on on
this website. It is a good source of entertainment and fun if you are on
there to do just that. Myspace.com requires no credit card to sign up,
thereby making it easier to signup. They do not monitor very well, but
lately have changed their format to make it easier to report inappropriate
content to them.

National Craze
BY: PADRAIGON ANIE

It has become a national craze. Myspace.com, friend or foe? With millions
of users all across the nation and abroad, Myspace has become an international craze. From blogging, to photo sharing, to publishing your own music, it has become a national phenomenon. You can chat about your favorite
subjects, join groups, create your own interests groups, etc... This is the fun
of it. Sound harmless? Well, Myspace has guidelines every user must follow. However, most do not. Recently, in the news, Myspace made headlines. There was a murder of one of the member’s parents by the boyfriend
she met on Myspace.com. There is plenty of pornography to go around--with
profiles loaded with x-rated material for our youngsters to view at their own
leisure.

Is social networking a thing of the future? Yes, a thing of the future, if we
keep our eyes and ears tuned to helping keep this site user friendly.

There are pedophiles on Myspace.com, along with undercover detectives seeking out those who are making things difficult for

18

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

A Peek into My Library
My Favorite Magickal Books

By: Essel

Del
Here are my top ten favorites
from my personal book collection. Some are fiction, some are
not, but for all you bookworms
out there, these make for a jolly
good read!
1. The Firebringer Trilogy by Meredith Ann Pierce.
(Comprised of Birth of the Firebringer, Dark Moon, and The Son of
Summer Stars)
Genre: Fantasy.
Age Group: any age.
These wonderful little books are
easy to read, a lot of fun, and are at
the top of my list because the main
characters are unicorns! Sweet,
charming, and different, if you want a
look into the magick of Pierce's
unicorn herds, their culture, and their
adventures, get a load of these! Also
worth looking at is the art by cover
illustrator Indigo Wake at http://
www.firebringer.co.uk/.
2. Dragoncharm by Graham Edwards.
Genre: Fantasy
Age Group: Reading level would
suit 12+ years (aimed at adults), I
read it as a young adult.
This was the most fun I'd had with a
dragon book in a long time. The
main characters are the dragons
and, like Firebringer, it dives into the
culture and magick of the author's
dragons. It has some great anecdotes for the working of magick, and
there's nothing to take a dragon
enthusiast's mind off the important
thing—the dragons themselves!
3. The Book of Unicorns by Jackie
French.
Genre: Fantasy
Age Group: Youth, although I keep
reading it now that I'm an adult and I
don't enjoy it any less!

Jackie French is an Australian author
who has written a charming book full
of short stories about unicorns unlike
anything else in the unicorn books
field. This is something completely
different, captivating, and completely
magickal that will capture the imagination of any reader.
4. Faeriecraft: Treading the Path of
Faerie Magic by Alicen and Neil
Geddes-Ward.
Genre: Non-Fiction
Age Group: Any age, plus some
maturity.
When I saw this book, I had to have
it. It is full of information about rituals
and magickal activities to get in
touch with Faeries, Faerie Kings and
Queens, and Nature in general. It
has great illustrations, makes some
good points, and is lovely to read. I'd
suggest it as a reference for anything
to do with faerie magick!
5. The Obernewtyn Chronicles by
Isobelle Carmody 1.Obernewtyn,
2.The Farseekers,
3.Ashling,
4.The Keeping Place.
Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi.
Age Group: Teens and adults.
Aimed at young adults, i.e. 13+.
Set after the holocaust, these novels
follow the adventures of Elspeth
Gordie, a girl with enhanced mental
abilities in a world that has come to
persecute people with such powers.
These books are addictive: you get
hooked on finding out more about
Elspeth's mysterious destiny, the
fight for her own and her friends’
freedom from persecution, their
amazing psychic powers, and the
danger that the people in power will
resurrect the technology that lead to
the holocaust in the first place. Don't
let the size of the books daunt you-you'll soon find they are in fact not
long enough!
6. Ariadne’s Book of Dreams: A
Dictionary of Ancient & Contemporary Symbols by Ariadne Green

Genre: Non-Fiction.
Age Group: Anyone who wants to
read it!
I've read a lot of dream books, and
while this one is not as comprehensive, it contains far more common
sense! I found new interpretations
that supported my personal dream
interpretations, and it was nice to
find a book that disagreed with fiftyyear-old studies on dream symbology! This book has taught me more
about dreams than a lot of other
books that all agreed with one another or studying psychology. Needless to say, it’s worth a look in!
7. Earth Magic: A Book of Shadows
for Positive Witches by Marion
Weinstein.
Genre: Non-Fiction.
Age Group: I'd say 11+, since that's
the lower age for Grey School!
Earth Magic was a wonderful introduction to The Craft for me. While I
often turn my nose up at many Wiccan books and don't follow any one
way, this book is comprehensive,
explains why we use certain things in
magick, encourages the exploration
of your own style of magick (as
opposed to being step-by-step, do it
this way) and unassumingly explains
about Tools, Deities, Holidays, History and many other things about
Witchcraft. That and I really enjoyed
reading it and discussing it with my
family!
8. The Findhorn Garden: Pioneering
a New Vision of Humanity & Nature
in Cooperation by the Findhorn
Community
Genre: Non-Fiction.
Age Group: All ages.
There is one thing everyone who
reads this book will tell you: "Read
This Book!" The Findhorn Garden
follows the story of Eileen Caddy and
her family and later the whole community that develops around them
and their amazing little garden.

HERBAL SPOTLIGHT:

Tansy

Eileen began her journey communicating with (channeling) God, and
was guided to build a garden, working with the cooperation of the Nature Spirits. There are accounts of
people who have gone on to see
real-life fairies, and even the Nature
God Pan (see, you knew you weren’t
imagining it--all this happened in the
70's and 80's!). The Findhorn Garden produces some of the healthiest,
biggest vegetables and fruits available, with no chemical sprays, on
what began as an infertile little plot of
sand! A short review doesn't do the
book justice... photos too! Simply
amazing.
9. The Magician’s Workbook: Practicing Rituals of the Western Tradition by Donald Tyson
Genre: Non-Fiction.
Age Group: Adults. I say that tentatively because many teenagers will
also benefit from reading and working through this book.
The Magician's Workbook is refreshing in its practical application. It
explains the whys and wherefores
and reasonably concludes that most
magick has hiccups or inconsistencies because people aren’t developing themselves and their psychic
abilities before plunging into the
deep end. It then gives you a list of
40 exciting exercises to practice over
the course of a year that will greatly
increase your abilities. It’s worth
reading, as that will get you started,
and more worth doing (I want to, I
just don't have a spare year....), as
well as generally really interesting.
10. Crystal Enchantments: A Complete Guide to Stones & Their Magical Properties by D.J. Conway
Genre: Non-Fiction.
Age Group: Any Age.
While D.J. has been copping a bit of
slack lately, this is a good book. It is
the only one I have so far that lists
specific magickal uses for each
stone. While it wouldn't be the only
source to go to, it has yielded some
exciting information and is definitely
worth having as a well-used reference on the shelf of crystal and
stone enthusiasts! I spend hours
going through it. Easy to read, comprehensive, and has information you
can't find anywhere else!

flat, round, yellow flower heads in clusters. The scent of the tansy resembles
camphor and is stronger in the wild tansy than the garden tansy. Tansies
prefer disturbed sites and can be found along fence lines, roadsides, waste
areas, pastures, and stream banks. Although this herb originated in Europe
and Asia, the colonists brought it to America for medicinal uses and ornamentation. It has spread from coast to coast and is listed in some states as a
noxious weed.

Tanacetum Vulgare
BY: LUNA SILVERSTONE

It is appropriate to focus on tansy as we approach the spring holidays. At
Easter time, bishops and archbishops would play a traditional game of
handball with the males of their congregation. The winner was given a
Tansy cake made from the young leaves of the plant and eggs. This cake
was believed to purify the body of humours resulting from meager Lenten
fare. The cakes became known as Tansies and are symbolic of the bitter
herbs eaten by the Jews on Passover. Some sources indicate that the
tansies are to be eaten on Easter, while others mention Good Friday.

Records from ancient Greece note the use of this herb to treat a variety of
ailments. Even Charlemagne and the Benedictine monks used tansy to treat
intestinal worms, digestive problems, fevers, and rheumatism. Large doses of
tansy were used to induce abortion during medieval times. The use of tansy
as an insect repellant is also common to several locations and periods. This
herb also makes a good preservative and was used by the Greeks to pack
around corpses at burial. Funeral shrouds and wreaths were made from tansy
by the American colonists. They also used it to pack perishables such as
meat.

The tansy plant is a perennial herb in the sunflower family. It is also known
as golden buttons, garden tansy, bitter button, cow bitter, and mugwort.
The plant has toxic elements and can be lethal if consumed in large quantities! The plant’s oil contains a large amount of thujone, a poison that can
cause vomiting, convulsions, and uterine bleeding. Caution should also be
taken when handling the herb, especially if pulling it out by hand.

Tansy is still used today for medicinal purposes, but you need to experiment
under the direct supervision of someone who has prior experience with the
herb.

The stem of the tansy is erect, leafy, and two to three feet tall. The leaves
have a fern-like appearance. From mid- to late summer, the plant produces

19

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

C O M PE T ITI O N T IM E!
We are adding some fun to this edition of
The Whispering Grey Matters. Everyone
within the school is welcome to fill in this
crossword and send it to me. The first
puzzle I receive with the right answers will
win a free e-book of your choice. When
submitting your answers, please write down
if it’s across or down and their numbers
with corresponding answers. There will be a
prize for students and a prize for faculty
members. The winners will also be published on the South African Website for the
Grey School of Wizardry.
You can win one of these topics:
Hypnosis for Beginners
How to Hypnotize People and Other Living
Things
Success Secrets of Hypnotism
Get the Truth about Hypnotism
Advanced Hypnotic Techniques
The Atkins Diet Plan
The Atkins Carb Counter
The Atkins 1000+ Recipes
Recipe Books--Topics include Atkins,
Barbeque, Breads, Coffees, Desserts,
Great Tastes, Indian, International, Tried
& Trusted, Italian, KFC, Restaurants,
Prize Winners, Secrets, and lots more…
Hidden Strategies of Casino Gambling
UFO’s — The Unknown Origin
30 Minute Marketing Miracle
Email your entries to
[email protected] with
“Crossword Competition” in the subject
line. Closing date for entries is 3 April
2006. A public announcement will be
posting the winners on the GSW website.
By the way…you never know, you might
just earn some merit points for this!

XANDAR’S BUTTERBEER RECIPE

1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

By Xandar

Xander, barkeep for “The Wizard’s Keep” tavern, says, “You know, in
my travels, I stumbled upon a chap by the name of Barliman Butterbur, a barkeep from the Bree region of Middle-earth. A bit of a windbag, he claimed to have inspired JK Rowling on the naming of Butterbeer. I have my doubts, if you've ever met this lad...a bit unsavory,
really! I should think Ms. Rowling would choose better company...
There are many ways and versions of butterbeer, but this one is my
favorite and serves six.”

1/4 teaspoon ground clove
1 quart (1.1 liters) sparkling apple cider
Allow ice cream to soften (about 30 minutes) and bring butter to room
temperature (about two hours).
Cream together butter, sugar and spices into bowl. Add to ice cream and
refreeze. Heat cider in a pot until WARM, not hot. It needs to be still carbonated.

You need:
1 pint of vanilla ice cream (softened)

Fill each glass with a generous scoop of ice cream mixture and pour the
warmed cider over it. It will foam like beer, hence the name.

1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter, at room temperature (this is always
frustrating if the butter fairy doesn't visit the night before and replace
the butter in its dish!)

This recipe serves six foaming tankards of hot butterbeer.
Cheers!

1/3 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

20

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

Wand Creation
I wish I were better at identifying
trees; then I could describe my
sacred woods to the reader and be
completely understood. Sometimes,
during the summer and fall, when I’m
lucky enough that my woods are
fairly free of joggers and gabbing
walkers, the wind blows through
straight, tall trees and the rustle
seems like the voice of Earth herself.
Walking along its main path, eventually one comes to a crossroads that
is guarded by a great beech with the
scars of human lovers carved into its
silvery bark. If one goes left, they go
past a meadow filled with glistening,
rainbow-refracting webs and into the
Deep Woods, a dark place where the
wind cannot blow. It is hushed in
these woods, because it is sacred.
Its wardens are a series of post oaks
whose majestic tendrils define
mighty circles. Just past the chief
oak, the central intelligence of the
forest, there are Native mounds,
where lie the bones and relics of a
tribe long gone from the Ohio river
valley.
The moment I found out I’d need a
wand, I knew that this is where

down and take a good look at it. I could
feel that this stick would make a wonderful wand. Sometimes, it felt as though it
were “humming.”

By: Hikari the Black

it would come from. I chose my
sticks from the ground, because
stripping a branch from one of the
trees would have offended the spirit
of the oaks. I took several sticks
when I went last fall, but the one that
I picked was a thin hickory stick that
had a good feel to my hand. I
stripped it of its bark and then let it
dry in a corner for awhile. Then I
rubbed several coats of linseed oil
into it. (Warning: read all of the
instructions on the bottle of linseed
oil that you use. It can cause newspapers and rags to combust if used
improperly.) This gave it a nice,
natural finish.
A few days later, I cut it to its proper
length, that of my forearm from my
elbow to my middle finger. It was not
completely straight. In fact, I cut it so
that the handle slightly inclined like
that of a French fencing foil, though
not as severely. I also left some of
the knobs on it to provide seating for
the wire I would be using. I left one
of them near the business end of the
wand, in case I decided to carve a
thyrus. I carved my magickal use
name in Theban script, minus the

color, into it and the Feanorian script
for “Ea,” the word for “let it be,” in
one of Tolkien’s Elvish languages. It
is a word that Tolkien attributed to
Illuvatar, his version of God, when he
brought Middle Earth into existence.
I thought it appropriate, because this
wand would also bring things from
thought and imagination into the
world and cause them to happen.
Then I filled in the carvings with
silver paint that comes in a pen,
which I got from my local homeimprovement store.
I put my wand between the hooks
that would normally hold my doublerecurve bow above my altar (a fun
diversion and a sign of the Goddess
of the Moon) and let it sit for awhile.
Every now and then, I would pull it

We stare into the fire,
my grandmother and I.
She sings of the old ways;
of fading and forgotten knowledge.
In her voice I hear the howl of Wolf;
the cry of Falcon, master of the Wind.
I look into the flames and see-Fox chasing Rabbit, Bear fishing in the River.

In other words, I’ve made this wand an
extension of my will, as well as a connection to the things that I hold sacred and to
the things that establish my identity. It’s
almost as if I’ve created a new, detachable limb. I think that this is probably the
heart of wand-creation.

For an instant I become the flickering flames.
I sink into the great Spiral of Life.
For a brief moment I can feel the pulse of the Earth itself.
Grandmother's song ends, but the memory is left,
warm and radiant as the summer sun.
Something wondrous has been touched
and left its mark on the soul.

I consecrated it exactly as the Grimoire
for the Apprentice Wizard recommended.
After doing so, I watched it trace almost
visible lines of energy into the air.
Though it is not completely straight, it
comes from a beloved place, it works and
it is very uniquely mine. Although I intend
to have several wands in the future,
including store-bought wands, this one
will always be my primary tool.

Campfire Tale
A

PART TWO
BY: MERANA

“Oh! Honored Grandmother! I didn’t see you there. I am so sorry, can I get you
anything?”
“A spot of tea would be nice. I wasn’t ready for you to see me yet, my dear, not to
worry. How have you been?”
The matron pushes back a wisp of curly red hair, and pours two cups of tea. “Oh,
the same, I suppose.” She sits down, hands the elder a cup and takes a long sip of
her own. A gaggle of children invaded the kitchen, laughing and screaming.
“Michael, Timothy, Rachel, Gavin, Christine, Maeve!” She chastises the children

Everything came together the Wednesday before last. I constructed my wand
and then consecrated it on the following
Wednesday. I drilled out what could
have been the thyrus and then used an
epoxy paste to set the aqua aura into it.
Then I wrapped that end with copper
wire. I wrapped the copper wire around
the middle and the other end of the wand,
as well.
So, why did I construct it as I did?
Those of you who I have written to have
probably seen that I conclude most of my
responses with “Will under Love,” an
inversion of “Love under Will,” a variant
of the Rede of Thelema. Let’s just say
that I believe a little differently than those
who came up with the Rede. Copper is
the color that corresponds with Venus
(both the planet and the goddess of love).
The hickory stick, a sign of my will, is
under it. By doing this, I’ve keyed the
wand very specifically to me and balanced the Mercurial flow of energy with
the force of cohesion that lies within the
sephirah of the goddess of love, Netzach.
I chose a crystal over a thyrus because I
like the way it looked, but also because I
thought that the crystal would amplify and
purify the energy. Though I have to
experiment more with it, I think that it
fulfills its function.

Soul Singer

We return to an encampment in the wilderness. Our wizened old crone steps inside
a thatch hut and collapses with a sigh on a bench. A bustling kitchen continues
around her, for a moment oblivious to her arrival. She enjoys the respite, and
merely watches and catches her breath. After a few minutes, one of the cooks takes
a plate out and comes back through the door. On her way back, the matron spies
the Druidess.

In December, I went into a great local
shop called Pearls of Wisdom. They
carry one of the widest assortments of
raw magickal materials I’ve ever seen,
including a huge selection of stones,
incense and herbs. I chose a kind of
crystal called “aqua aura”, which purifies
the physical body and enhances mental
capabilities while amplifying energy like a
quartz crystal. Then I went to a bead
shop called Byzantium and picked up a
roll of copper jewelry wire.

but they ignore her, and keep right on running through. “I just don’t know what to
do with them. They are so keyed up with the Wild Hunt this moonrise and they
keep getting in my way…” Their mother moans helplessly.
The Druidess smiles, and pats her on the hand. “There, there, dear. I’ll take care of
the children; you take care of the feast.”
As if on cue, Gavin Muir notices the Druidess. “Grandmother! You’re back!” He
runs outside yelling “Grandmother’s back, the druid’s back, she’s here, she’s here!”
Several children come running and crowd around the table. “Tell us a story, mum,
please…………..” By now a dozen pairs of eyes are looking hopefully at her.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

21

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

A Campfire Tale (continued) By Merana
The Ancient Mother of the Land
stands regally, and looks scornfully
down her nose. “What makes you
think you deserve a story? I hear
you’ve been giving your mothers a
dreadful time. What kind of behavior is this? When they are busy
preparing for the biggest feast of
the year?”
Gavin says “We’re sorry, honest
we are…”
She continues to look over the
children balefully. “Tell your
mothers, not me. They are the ones
you have been harassing.” A chorus of apologies is softly heard.
“Now promise, to me, and to your
mothers that you will not get in
their way for the rest of the festival
preparation.”
“Yes, mum.” “We promise.” “Aye,
we’ll be good.” “Yes, Mam.”
Once every child has promised,
their mothers grin at the Honored
Mother. Matron Muir, ever clever,
interjects, “You know what happens when you break your promise
to a Druid, don’t you Gavin? Children? They see everything, so
don’t forget. I don’t want to be
mourning any children just yet.”
She winks at Merana, who gives
her a wry grin in return.
A subdued calm settles over the
kitchen. Gavin, however, ever the
spunky young firebrand, asks quietly, “So would you please tell us a
story, Grandmother? I mean a
history? Since we promised to be
good?”
Druid Merana picks up her cane.
“Well, I suppose every young
person needs to know the story of
Cuchulainn. He was a great hero.
Would you like to hear the tale?”

Teapot

The children grin and start to jump
around. “Well, come on then, let
us get out of the way.” Merana
heads for the door, and the children
follow, chanting:
“A story!” “A history!” “The
druid is here!” “A story!”
“Grandmother’s back!” The
crinkly old woman limps across the
field, through the encampment as
the crowd of children grows. As
she passes, the druid notices how
threadbare the clothes are, and the
sharp thinness of the people. As
she counts the people, she decides
the tribe must be split. The area
obviously cannot support a group
this large. She resolves to advise
the war-chief of this tonight. He
will not be pleased, but he will bow
to her counsel. However, for now,
she has children to teach.
---The Druidess finds a perch on a
comfortable low branch of an old
oak, her favorite tree. She coos to
the tree softly as the children jostle
for seats around her. Finally, she
raises her hand, and silence descends, as the children wait with
baited breath. The stories of a
druid were always the most popular
of all, and even a few adults with
tasks in their hands gathered
nearby. One woman shucked wool,
while a man sat sharpening his
sword.
“Once upon a time, long, long ago,
in the Kingdom of Ulster, ruled a
wise and benevolent king, named
Conchobar Mac Nessa. He was
beloved by his people and had a
troop of loyal braves, known as the
‘Champions of the Red Branch.’
Chief among these champions was
Conchobar’s nephew, the brave
Cuchulainn. He was the son of the
Tuatha King, Lugh.”

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

THE GREY TEAPOT

*****Please be sure to either speak to your doctor before using herbs or
read up on the safety and uses of herbs. Use caution when taking or mixing herbs.*****
I have to say that for me, there is nothing like hearing the teapot whistle,
pouring a cup of tea, curling up on the couch or in bed and reading a book
or watching a movie. I look forward to those times when I am lucky enough
to be able to spoil myself and relax like that. I find that they are too far
apart and very few in between lately.
You don’t have to have an excuse to have a great cup of tea. I find that I
am always looking for recipes to fight sickness or the blahs. I have gathered a few recipes for you to try when you’re feeling down. There is even a
spell for stress. I have tried all these recipes and recommend them, along
with some more to come in the following issues of the paper. I am always
looking for a new recipe to try (food or herbal blends), so if you have any,
please email me at [email protected] and make sure you type *Tea*
in the subject so I will receive it. I will print it in the next article to share with
fellow classmates. Until then, enjoy!

22

“It is said the countenance of
Cuchulainn was so bright that no
one could look him in the eye. His
body heat alone melted snow and
boiled water. His one weakness
was his geas: It was forbidden for
him to look at the sea.”

fierce warrior queen of the Tuatha,
was so taken by his bravery and
valor that she offered him her heart.
He went on to battle in the Other
World, and had a great love affair
with Fand, the wife Mannanan mac
Lir abandoned.”

“Cuchulainn’s name actually
means Hound of Culann. Cuchulainn’s birth name was Satanta. As
a child, his misbehavior caused the
death of the chief blacksmith’s
watchdog. As punishment, Satanta
was forced to act as the watch -day and night -- until a new dog
could be trained. From that day on
he was called Cuchulainn.”

“Like all heroes, however, my pets,
the reign of Cuchulainn did not
last. After he tragically killed his
own son, he lost heart, and his fate
was sealed. The Amazon Queen
Medb had not forgotten our hero,
and her thoughts of revenge had
festered to a dark and horrid level.
Together with the sons of the men
he had slain, she contracted three
witches. These witches used trickery and deception to draw Cuchulainn out, causing him to eat the
flesh of his totem…” A hiss breaks
out of the gathered crowd. This
was one of the worst taboos a person could break. “Cuchulainn was
blackmailed with the lives of his
family to lay down his weapons.
Then, after Cuchulainn was weaponless and helpless, the hordes
attacked. But, as every true hero
must, he went out fighting with
glory. Even badly wounded, he
managed to use his belt to strap
himself to a tree so he could stay
standing. Even as he was dealt a
death blow, his sword fell, severing
the head of his killer.”

“Wow… I thought my ma was
tough.”
“Did he get to sleep?”
“How long does is take to train a
dog?”
The chatter continued.
Merana smiles toothlessly. “Would
you like me to stop?” After a round
of apologies, she continues,
“Cuchulainn was driven to overcome this shame. As a young man,
he defied his father, and traveled to
Alba to learn arms and weapons
from Scathach, the Warrior Witch.
Scathach was the most highly
skilled teacher that could be found,
and ruled the Isle of Skye. He won
his bride, Emer, by rescuing her
from the teeth of a host. Eventually, by these and other terrible
tests and feats of glory he earned
the right to be named HeadChampion of Ulster.”
“Now, the Kingdom Ulster had one
great enemy: Medb, the last known
Amazon-Queen of Ireland. She
wanted, more than anything, a
magick bull. This bull, the Brown
of Cualgne, was so great a prize,
she convinced the Kingdoms of
Meath, Munster, Leinster, and
Connaught to make war upon the
Kingdom of Ulster. Medb used the
Curse of Macha to incapacitate all
the men of Ulster. This strange
magick left the men weak and
helpless to fight. Only Cuchulainn,
by virtue of his divine father, was
immune. One by one, he defeated
the onslaught of warriors from the
four invading kingdoms. Day after
day after day for three months did
he fight, while none could raise a
hand to help. Finally, by some
strange misfortune, he was fighting
his best friend, Ferdiad. After he
killed his friend, Cuchulainn cried
out with grief. So powerful was
Cuchulainn’s lament that it broke
the spell, and the men of Ulster
shook off their lethargy and routed
the enemy.”
“After the gory battle, Cuchulainn’s father Lugh, himself, came
to heal his wounds. Morrigu, a

“Ewwwwwww, Grandmother, that
was gross.”
“It is important for you to know
what battle is like, Gavin. This
peace we have had is good, but
peace rarely lasts on the Isle. You
have listened to more of my stories
than anyone here; surely you see
that.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“The tales of the heroic Cuchulainn
were so rampant that even the
Christian scholars have remarked
on it. So great was the legend of
the final battle that it has been
decided that Cuchulainn must have
had divine blessings. Of course,
they believe it is their god, but we
know there’s not much difference.”
A quiet comes over the plain as the
people
absorb
this
truth.

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Riddles
1. What is it that you can see with
the naked eye, seems to have no
weight, and yet the more you put it
into empty containers the lighter
the containers become?
2. In a hotel in Japan is a glass
door that says:
PHUSLUL9
What does it mean?

My third letter is in GANG and
also in GROUP.
My fourth letter is in ARMY, but
not in TROOP.
My last letter is in LOAN and also
in RENT.
I am a musical instrument.
5. What am I?

TH E
G R E Y T EA P O T
My third letter is in NOBLE, but
not in LAND.
My fourth letter is in CARD, but
not in BOARD.
My last letter is in SLACK, but not
in HAY.
You look at me every single
day. What am I?

This riddle will have you fuming!

3. A man married each of his
three sisters. He didn't do anything against the laws of God or
man. How could this be? He also
did not belong to a religious order
which permitted multiple marriages.

Three fourths of a cross and a
circle complete,
Two semi-circles at a percpendicular meet.
Next add a triangle which stands
two feet,
Two semi-circles and a circle
complete.

4. What am I?

6. What am I?

My first letter is in HOT and also in
COLD.
My second letter is in BRASH, but
not in BOLD.

My first letter is in ACT, but not in
PLAY.
My second letter is in APRIL, but
not in MAY.

For the answers to these riddles,
flip to page 25!

This recipe is great to make to go along with tea. It is simple and easy to make.
Fairy Cakes

For all of the following tea recipes, mix
all ingredients together and steep 15-20
minutes.
Chest cold tea
1 tsp black tea
2 tsp elder flower
2 tsp feverfew
1 tsp peppermint
1 tsp rosehips
1 tsp yarrow
Bad cold tea
3 tsp English Teatime tea
1 tsp horehound
1 tsp mint
1 tsp rosehips
1 tsp verbena
1 tsp yarrow
Sore throat tea
1 tsp black tea
1 tsp mullein flower
1 tsp raspberry leaf
Sore throat/fever tea
1 tsp china black tea
1 tsp comfrey
1 tsp elderberries
1 tsp raspberry leaf
Upset tummy tea
1 tsp black tea
2 tsp peppermint
1/2 tsp rosehips
Head cold tea
1 tsp black tea
1 tsp mullein
1 tsp fenugreek
1 tsp rosehips
1 tsp boneset

1 cup Bisquick
1/8 cup quick oats
1/8 cornmeal
1/8 cup flour
1/8 tsp almond extract
2 tsp sugar
1/2 cup milk
Stir all ingredients together. Knead and mix to form a ball. Make 1 inch balls and place
on an ungreased cookie sheet. Cook for 10-12 minutes at 425 degrees. Makes 1 dozen.

This is my favorite recipe. It actually
works too!!!
Stress Tea
1 tsp English Breakfast tea
1 tsp chamomile
1 tsp elderflower
2 tsp hops
2 tsp rosehips
1 tsp valerian root
As you are preparing the tea, chant
these words:

LUNA’S RECIPES
A Tansy Pudding

Violet Salad

¼ lb almonds
2 ½ fluid oz rose syrup
4 tbsp bread crumbs
½ glass brandy
pinch grated nutmeg
2 tbsp tansy juice
1 sliced orange
3 oz fresh butter
1½ pt milk
sugar to taste
juice of 1 lemon
8 beaten eggs

1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp minced shallot
1 tbsp raspberry vinegar
fresh ground black pepper
1½ tsp chicken stock
1½ tsp virgin olive oil
½ lb washed mixed greens
¼ c violet blossoms
¼ c wild strawberries

Grind up the almonds and put them into a bowl. Add the
rose syrup, bread crumbs, brandy, nutmeg, tansy juice,
butter, and orange. Bring the milk to a boil and pour it
over the ingredients in the bowl. Sweeten the mixture
with sugar and let it cool. Mix the ingredients, and then
blend in the lemon juice and eggs. Boil the pudding.

In a small bowl, combine the mustard, shallots, vinegar and pepper. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes.
Whisk in the chicken stock before adding the oil. Toss
the greens with the dressing. Garnish with the violets
and strawberries. Serve right away.

Black is for strength, boosting the power
within.
Yellow is for health, to calm the herbs
within.
White is for purifying with healing and
rest,
Beige is for gentleness and feeling my
best.
Red is for energy to overcome stress.
Root is for steady protection, made
manifest.
As you drink the tea, chant:
Chase away pain and distress, chase
away all duress.
Chase away the negative, open up the
positive.
If you like this section, you should check
out the Herbal Tea Room.
Look for the Monthly Herbal Thymes
newsletter!

23

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

Spring Equinox Astrological Forecast
By Majashia
A bright and fiery sun in Aries marks the
turn of the equinox this year on March
20, 2006. The sudden shift from dreamy,
watery Pisces to Aries may bring a jolt of
energy or anxiety. The strength of the
shift is fueled by conjoined Mercury (in
retrograde) and Uranus in Pisces. In the
days leading up to the equinox, our intuition is extremely strong, but we have a
hard time getting the words to come out.
This will lessen as the sun shifts to fire
and Mercury reaches a direct station on
March 25th.
Retrograde planets often present us with
mix-ups or snafus over which we may
have little control. Mercury retrograde in
Pisces gives us a chance to think about
introspective issues and concerns, an
opportunity to gain insight into our ego.
We must be careful to maintain privacy
and dignity in our public lives and working environment. We may be anxious,
thinking we feel others’ judgement. Mercury will return to its point of retrograde
on April 14th, when we will be able to
make clearer decisions.
The moon in Sagittarius and Mars opposite in Gemini force a stalemate between
our emotions and our anger. We may
not know which is which, and may turn
against ourselves.
A retrograde Saturn in Leo, an unpleasant influence, strengthens this instinct.
Our grounding seems unstable, and we
question our ability to be a hero in the
world. We have surges of regrets about
the past. We may perceive others as
treating us passive-aggressively. If you
are of an age divisible by 14, your Saturn
may be in Leo, in which case I want to
strongly emphasize that we cannot discredit our own worth or capability to
achieve, even if we are not feeling so
heroic right now. Refrain from making
harsh judgements about ourselves, at
least until April 5th when Saturn goes
direct.
Our minds may turn to romantic fantasies
at the equinox, and for good reason:
Neptune and Venus are conjoined in
Aquarius. We may want to invite someone on a first date. However, Jupiter is
in retrograde in Scorpio, square from
Aquarius. The fantasy is sweet, but the
ruler of good times is in a dark and sour
mood, and the reality may not turn out
how either person wants.
Although I do not recommend beginning
a romance now, I continue my winter
advice: with our intuition in full-gear, and
our minds in overdrive, this is a great opportunity for creativity, particularly the emotional outlet of art and writing. A good
course of action in public is to maintain a
patient and reasonable attitude for the next
few weeks.

24

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

New Planets Make For

Crowded Houses
For centuries, astrologers had
seven planets to work with: the
Sun and Moon (both considered
“planets” in astrological charts),
Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and
Saturn. Our knowledge of the
Solar System was limited to that
which we could see with the naked eye.
Then telescopes came along, and
with them, the outer planets: in
1781, William Herschel discovered
Uranus. In 1845, Neptune was
added to the line-up. Finally, in
1930, Pluto was discovered, and
that was it for a few decades.
Most astrologers adjusted their
charts to accommodate the new
additions.
Today, we know that our Sun’s
family is a lot bigger than early
astrologers ever dreamed. Four
new outer planets have been
found since the turn of the century, and astronomers think that
there are a lot more planets and
planetoids in store for us.
How are astrologers dealing with
this? Can the ancient science
adapt to modern knowledge?
Some believe that the sudden
boom in planetary discovery is
symbolic of a new evolutionary
stage for human consciousness.
Astrologer Richard Brown writes
on his website,
www.karmastrology.com: “These
new planets represent the new
energies which are awakening in
us all and represent a new era of
human evolution. As above, so
below. That is the maxim of astrology. The ‘above’ is changing, and

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

By: Jymi X/0

that reflects the ‘below’ which is
changing. That ‘below’ is each of
us.”

Here's a brief overview of the four
new planets' names, discovery
dates, and associated mythology:

Some astrologers, like Mr. Brown,
are incorporating the new additions into their astrological practices. Others will continue to work
only with the traditional ten planets. It is thought that these newer
planets probably won’t have much
impact on individual birth charts or
personal predictions, but may
have more to do with major trends
and global events that affect all of
us on planet Earth.

Quaoar (2002LM60) -- June 4,
2002 -- 285 year orbit
This is named after the "Great
Force of Creation" in the mythology of the Tongva people. According to their tale, Quaoar
danced and sang everything into
creation, including the Deities!

Determining a planet's astrological
associations is a daunting task for
those trying to fit the new planets
into the picture. Astrologers will
have to update their ephemeredes
(tables which give the planets’
locations at any given time), see
when the planet moved through
the different houses and look at
the angles it formed with other
planets. Then they look for corresponding patterns in the events of
individual lives and world events.
The farther a planet is from the
Earth, the slower its orbit, making
it difficult to track significant
changes. (The planetary motions
through the zodiac constellations
and the angles the planets form
with each other in relation to Earth
are the basis of astrology.) Astrologers also consider the significance of the planet's name when
making associations. It is often
assumed that the planet's energy
will be similar to that of the character or circumstance after which
it is named.

Sedna (2003VB12) -- November
14, 2003 -- 10,500 year orbit
Sedna is the name of an Inuit
ocean goddess who is associated
with betrayal and victimhood.
Orcus (2004DW) -- February 17,
2004 -- 248 year orbit
Orcus is one of the three names
for the Roman god of the underworld, the other two being Pluto
and DisPater. This is fitting, since
Orcus’ orbit almost exactly
matches that of Pluto.

ANSWERS TO THE
RIDDLES!
1. Holes or beams of
light.
2. Push is on one side,
pull is on the other.
3. The man was a priest
who presided over the
marriages of each of his
three sisters.
4. I am an organ.
5. I am tobacco.
6. I am a clock.

UB313 -- July 29, 2005 -- 560
year orbit
To the dismay of many, "Xena"
will not be UB313's official name.
No Warrior Princess for our solar
system...yet. This reporter is
guessing that the name "Xena"
will stick in the public’s mind,
whether the International Astronomical Union likes it or not.

HERBAL SPOTLIGHT:

Sweet Violet Viola Odorata

Contemporary use of the violet is mainly for coloring and perfume, but they
are also used in cooking. The flowers are crystallized for use in desserts,
fresh flowers can be tossed with salad, and they are also used to flavor liqueurs. Violet leaf tea can be implemented in the treatment of varicose veins,
while decocted flowers can be used as an eyewash. The root of the violet
treats bronchitis. The flower syrup has antiseptic as well as laxative properties
and can be used with the leaves to relieve coughs, insomnia, and headaches.
Recently, violet leaves have been prepared for both internal and external use
in the treatment of cancer.

BY: LUNA

Most of you are familiar with violets, as they are widely distributed throughout the temperate and tropical regions of the world. Their deep purple color
gives them their name, but white, lilac and pale-rose colored blooms are
also common. They appear towards the end of February and finish blooming by the end of April. The diminutive form of the Latin Viola is Violet. Viola
is the Latin form of the Greek name Ione. Legend has it that Jupiter protected his beloved Io from Juno’s jealousy by changing Io into a white
heifer. He then caused these herbaceous flowers to grow from the earth to
provide food for the heifer. He named the flowers after her.

The magical properties associated with violets include healing, peace, love,
luck, lust, and protection. Carrying violets on your person wards off evil spirits
and brings changes in luck and fortune. Some believe that if you gather the
first violet in spring, it will make your dearest wish come true. Mixing violets
with lavender is supposed to be a powerful love stimulant.

The ancient Greeks used violets to induce sleep, moderate anger, and
strengthen the heart. In the works of Pliny the Elder, a liniment of vinegar
and violet root is described for the treatment of gout and spleen problems.
He also mentions that a garland of violets worn around the head will prevent headache and dizziness, as well as dispelling the smell of wine. The
Celts steeped violets in goat milk for cosmetic use to enhance feminine
beauty. Romans made wine from violets. The emblem of the Imperial Napoleonic party was the violet.

Violets, then, have quite a bit more significance than serving as the state
flower of Illinois, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Visit a violet patch near you
soon and check them out!

25

Whispering Grey Matters

Spring 2006

Book Review:

The Science of the Craft
By William A. Keith
Article By Deianaera
After reading twenty pages of
this book, I wanted to jump up
and down with it, take it into the
streets and demand that others
read it. After reading one hundred pages, I knew I couldn’t do
that. This book presents one of
the most logical, concise arguments for magic being a practical application of quantum mechanics that I have ever read.
Unfortunately, it also requires a
basic understanding of quantum
physics to appreciate the arguments it lays out. Nevertheless,
if you have that understanding,
or if you like an intellectual challenge, this book is well worth
reading.
This book does have its flaws.
The author primarily writes in
the field of science fiction, which
can make it very difficult to take
the theories he lays out with any
degree of credibility. Moreover,
his only call of scientific expertise is a “lifelong love of science
and metaphysics.” With no
formal scientific training and no
professional experience in a
scientific field, anyone of a logical bent (the exact audience
Keith is appealing to with this
book) has to take the theory he
presents with a large investment
in salt mining. In addition, the
theory he presents is very fragile. Its basis in quantum theory,
a field where scientific information is limited and theories are
controversial at best, does not
provide a firm foundation for the
house of cards he erects.

This book outlines the basic
concepts behind quantum physics, from the atom through to
today’s theories about how
quantum physics works. He
also delves deeply into classical
philosophy, psychology, and
biology to reinforce the gaps in
quantum theory. With a large
helping of results from studies of
paranormal abilities and activities, he attempts to show a way
that quantum physics can be
what magic and psychic abilities
tap into. Interspersed with his
scientific reasoning are anecdotes of magical activity and
standard magical facts, such as
Isaac Bonewitz’s Laws of Magic.
The entire book, just shy of
three hundred pages, is written
with a sly sense of humor, which
is desperately needed with the
sheer density of information
covered to give readers a
thumbnail sketch of quantum
theory.
Maybe more science-fiction
writers should write about science today.
The basis of Keith’s theory is
the Zero-Point Field (ZPF),
which he (being admittedly poetic) calls the Quantum Sea.
ZPF is essentially the background noise of quantum in the
universe. It is also
(theoretically) responsible for
continued electron orbits and
the spontaneous generation of
quantum particles. Keith postulates that ZPF is the receptacle

Check Out our next issue!
Issue 3, Volume 2
Summer
2006

26

of all information, all knowledge,
and all possibilities. He carefully weaves together magical
experiences with scientific theory and case studies in remote
viewing, laying on of hands, and
other psychic phenomena to
show that ZPF, being quantum
and able to take advantage of
non-locality (what Einstein
called “spooky action at a distance”), can explain all of these
events.
Keith skillfully builds his theory
step by step, explaining the
rationale and any potential evidence to support it. He goes
back to Democritus for the first
inkling of the atom, Aristotle and
Sir Thomas Aquinas for the real
foundation of the material realist
philosophy that has dominated
scientific thinking for centuries,
and uses Schrödinger’s cat to
get across the idea of parallel
realities running in tandem.
This book makes a quick side
trip into biology for microtubules:
15nm hollow tubes within each
cell that are used to carry energy which, as some studies
have shown, cause the human
body to generate light at minute
voltages. This light is amplified,
up to 60 volts in one case, when
energy was channeled for healing. Each piece of this puzzle is
laid out by Keith in a very methodical fashion. Alternate theories are discarded after careful
examination, sometimes because they do not work with the
proposed theory and sometimes

Since this is a magical book,
Keith also includes the obligatory meditations, visualizations
and energy manipulation exercises for the reader to try out as
a way of showing how his theory
of magic and science comes
together. However, he does
end the book on an unusual
note:
“Please do not see this as a
means to ‘explain’ magic, […] in
the sense that explanation robs
the subject of awe and wonder,
reducing somehow to business
as usual.”
In the end, Keith writes this
book for every student of magic
who has struggled to suspend
their disbelief, not to give magic
a legitimacy that mainstream
science says we need. I think
that anyone who has ever
looked for a reason or a scientific basis for magic needs to
read this book. Anyone who
has dismissed magic as, as the
author used to say, “New Age
woo-woo crap” needs to pick up
a copy of this book. It may just
open some eyes.

Find Oberon!

Sponsor Documents

Or use your account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Forgot your password?

Or register your new account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password.

Back to log-in

Close