Today marks the end of my first month as a student of the Grey School of Wizardry! Unfortunately, work on most of my classes has ground to a halt because I haven't yet been able to obtain a copy of the required textbook, Grimoire for the Apprenctice Wizard. It's been a bit of a saga! It's on the way now though, and hopefully it should arrive this week. Meanwhile, I've been keeping myself busy by participating in non-academic challenges to earn merit points for my Lodge. Merits can be earned for activities such as book reviews, writing about various aspects of magick, craft projects, etc. At the end of the year the Lodge with the most merit points wins the House Cup, so I really want to earn as many as I can!
I've still been working on the class that doesn't require the textbook: Core Energy Practices 101, but that's also been slow going because I'm not used to meditation, working with energy, etc. I have done the exercises several times, but I'm hesitant to write them up because I'm not confident that I'm "doing it right." Already, I'm finding the School challenging in more ways than I'd anticipated! But that's a good thing.
Classes Completed:
✷ Technomagick 101: Internet Safety
✷ Writing and Citing: How not to Plagiarise
Classes In Progress:
✷ Core Energy Practices 101: Centring, Grounding and the Senses
✷ Wizardry 100: Becoming an Apprentice
Credits:
✷ This month: 2 Total: 2
Merits Earned:
✷ Academic: 2
✷ Non-Academic: 7
Monday 31 July 2017
Monday 24 July 2017
Some Thoughts on Astrology
I've had occasion to think about Astrology again recently though, when I was sorted into my Lodge at the Grey School of Wizardry. There are four Lodges, and students are sorted into them based on their Astrological Sign. Because I'm a Fire sign, I've been sorted into Flames Lodge. I have to admit, I was a little dismayed by this as I don't relate to the element of Fire at all.
Then I remembered that in Chinese Astrology I'm a Dragon. Not only that, but the year I was born in was a Fire Dragon year -- the fieriest sign of all! I tend to lean more towards Chinese Astrology because it runs on a 12-year cycle, and something big has happened in my life every 12 years so far. Plus being a dragon is kind of cool. In my Astrolenergies chart, I'm a triple Fire. It seems like it was meant to be. So I decided to run with it and embrace my fiery side in Flames Lodge! Perhaps it's time I was more confident, and let my enthusiasm for my passions show. Though I'm not so sure on the part about wanting to be the centre of attention ... we'll see!
From a more scientific perspective, as the Sun and the Moon move through the houses over the course of a year, their alignment within the solar system changes. Could the alignment of the Moon and planets have any affect on our bodies, our minds or our spirits? I certainly think the Moon is close enough to the Earth to have an affect on us. There are many theories from many cultures about what that effect might be, but I always like to rely on my own observations and intuition first. It's something I want to explore more.
Sunday 16 July 2017
Surprise Parcel from Belladonna & Bones
When I heard last week that Belladonna & Bones was offering a limited edition surprise parcel, I jumped at the chance to secure one for myself. I subscribed to Raheli's monthly herb boxes (links to my other blog I'm A Table) before they disappeared into the aether, and it's always a thrill to receive such quality magical items from a local.
As always, the parcel was generous and accompanied by a thought-provoking card. The brown paper wrapping tied with string was a pleasing vintage touch. Here's what it contained:
+ dried mugwort
+ dried marshmallow
+ dried amanita muscaria mushroom
+ Conpluria flying ointment balm
+ Aureus enchanter's divination balm
+ a hand-dipped divination candle
+ a hand-crafted stoneware offering bowl
+ two glass vials
I'm famously bad at growing herbs, so to be able to obtain some from a local source that I know I can trust is a huge plus. The herb-encrusted divination candle is just wonderful. So much care and work has been put into these products.
I was especially excited when I saw the Aureus balm with its citrine crystal and gold leaf embellishment. I need to find some special magick to use it for very soon!
As always I was thrilled with my purchase from Belladonna & Bones. It's not every day that you can find such well-made products, and more importantly: authentic, from a hugely knowledgeable source. Raheli has hinted that she's working on some new products to be released in the near future -- I can't wait to see what they are.
Monday 10 July 2017
What is the Grey School of Wizardry?
Seeing as I'm a new student at the Grey School of Wizardry, I'm planning on writing about it quite a bit on this blog! I thought I'd share a bit about what I know of the School so far, so you have a better idea of what I mean when I talk about it.
The Grey School of Wizardry is an online school teaching a wide range of magical theory and practice. The sixteen Departments cover everything from Magickal Practice to Lore, Wortcunning to Beast Mastery, and more. A secular institution, the Grey School accepts students of all religions and spiritual beliefs, and strives to teach magic in a way that will fit into any worldview.
The School was established in 2004 by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, a well-respected figure in American Paganism, and is presided over by a group of around 20 senior magickal practitioners known as the Grey Council. Professor Oberon Zell-Ravenheart is the first and current headmaster of the school.
Professor Oberon Zell-Ravenheart
{Image Source}
The Grey School accepts students from the age of 11 onwards, and adults of all ages. For children, the school is designed to be completed over a 7-year period, much the same as mainstream secondary schools. The Grey School of Wizardry is a registered educational institution in the State of California, and thus provides young people with an alternative but legally recognised education.
Students progress through 7 levels. The terms 'level' and 'year' are used interchangeably, as (especially for adults) learning is self-paced and the student may complete a level in less than or more than a year. The format allows for a rate of learning which suits the individual's life and commitments. After successfully completing the seven years/levels, the student graduates and is presented with a certificate and the title of Journeyman Wizard.
To complete each year/level, the student must obtain 24 credits. Each class is worth between 1 to 3 credits, with most being worth 2. This works out at approximately 12 classes per level. The complexity and maturity of classes increases at each level. The suggested completion time for each class is listed in the class description: most range from 1 week to 6 weeks. Although, as mentioned above, learning is self-paced and there are no due dates for any work. To pass a class, the student must submit one or more assignments in the form of either an essay, multiple choice test, or practical activity.
The Grey School of Wizardry Logo
{Image Source}
Being completely online, the School is location-independent. Anyone from around the world can study at the Grey School, as long as they have internet access. Some classes require students to submit photographs, videos etc., but from what I have seen so far, there are no requirements that would preclude any students with a reasonable knowledge of technology. (And for those with less internet proficiency, there are classes which teach subjects like internet safety, taking and editing photos, etc.) Students can apply for special consideration if there are any barriers to completing a class.
Socially, the school is very lively. Upon enrolling, students are sorting into one of four Houses (there are separate Houses for under 18s; the houses for over-18s are called Lodges). Sorting is based on the student's astrological sign. Students can show their House/Lodge pride with t-shirts, scarves and patches available. The School forums are a place to find out information, socialise and discuss various topics. There is also a Virtual campus on Second Life which I believe is very popular amongst the younger students.
At this stage, perhaps you may be thinking -- hmmm, 7 years, 4 houses, entering at the age of 11? Even a wise headmaster with a long beard? Doesn't that sound a bit familiar?
Well, yes! The Grey School of Wizardry is partly modelled on Hogwarts School from the world of Harry Potter. It was opened just a few years after the first Harry Potter book came out, but the idea was around long before that. As Oberon Zell-Ravenheart mentioned in this YouTube video, the idea for the school had been in his mind for a long time, but it wasn't until he saw how popular the Harry Potter books were that he believed the school could become a reality. (Of course, the advent of the Internet and increase in its uptake would certainly have helped.) The School has Departments for Divination, Beast Mastery and even Defense Against the Dark Arts! Of course, there are differences too. The Grey School teaches 'real life' magic, not 'fictional' magic. There's an important difference. Perhaps I'll write a separate post about that one day soon.
These are my impressions of the Grey School so far, from reading the website and the Student Handbook. After all, I have only been a student for one week at this stage! I'm very much looking forward to getting started with my studies, and I'm sure I'll have a lot more to share once I move further into student life.
Sources:
Grey School of Wizardry Student Handbook
Grey School of Wizardry Wikipedia Page
Grey School of Wizardry: About
Magickal: YouTube Video
The Grey School of Wizardry is an online school teaching a wide range of magical theory and practice. The sixteen Departments cover everything from Magickal Practice to Lore, Wortcunning to Beast Mastery, and more. A secular institution, the Grey School accepts students of all religions and spiritual beliefs, and strives to teach magic in a way that will fit into any worldview.
The School was established in 2004 by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, a well-respected figure in American Paganism, and is presided over by a group of around 20 senior magickal practitioners known as the Grey Council. Professor Oberon Zell-Ravenheart is the first and current headmaster of the school.
{Image Source}
The Grey School accepts students from the age of 11 onwards, and adults of all ages. For children, the school is designed to be completed over a 7-year period, much the same as mainstream secondary schools. The Grey School of Wizardry is a registered educational institution in the State of California, and thus provides young people with an alternative but legally recognised education.
Students progress through 7 levels. The terms 'level' and 'year' are used interchangeably, as (especially for adults) learning is self-paced and the student may complete a level in less than or more than a year. The format allows for a rate of learning which suits the individual's life and commitments. After successfully completing the seven years/levels, the student graduates and is presented with a certificate and the title of Journeyman Wizard.
To complete each year/level, the student must obtain 24 credits. Each class is worth between 1 to 3 credits, with most being worth 2. This works out at approximately 12 classes per level. The complexity and maturity of classes increases at each level. The suggested completion time for each class is listed in the class description: most range from 1 week to 6 weeks. Although, as mentioned above, learning is self-paced and there are no due dates for any work. To pass a class, the student must submit one or more assignments in the form of either an essay, multiple choice test, or practical activity.
{Image Source}
Being completely online, the School is location-independent. Anyone from around the world can study at the Grey School, as long as they have internet access. Some classes require students to submit photographs, videos etc., but from what I have seen so far, there are no requirements that would preclude any students with a reasonable knowledge of technology. (And for those with less internet proficiency, there are classes which teach subjects like internet safety, taking and editing photos, etc.) Students can apply for special consideration if there are any barriers to completing a class.
Socially, the school is very lively. Upon enrolling, students are sorting into one of four Houses (there are separate Houses for under 18s; the houses for over-18s are called Lodges). Sorting is based on the student's astrological sign. Students can show their House/Lodge pride with t-shirts, scarves and patches available. The School forums are a place to find out information, socialise and discuss various topics. There is also a Virtual campus on Second Life which I believe is very popular amongst the younger students.
At this stage, perhaps you may be thinking -- hmmm, 7 years, 4 houses, entering at the age of 11? Even a wise headmaster with a long beard? Doesn't that sound a bit familiar?
Well, yes! The Grey School of Wizardry is partly modelled on Hogwarts School from the world of Harry Potter. It was opened just a few years after the first Harry Potter book came out, but the idea was around long before that. As Oberon Zell-Ravenheart mentioned in this YouTube video, the idea for the school had been in his mind for a long time, but it wasn't until he saw how popular the Harry Potter books were that he believed the school could become a reality. (Of course, the advent of the Internet and increase in its uptake would certainly have helped.) The School has Departments for Divination, Beast Mastery and even Defense Against the Dark Arts! Of course, there are differences too. The Grey School teaches 'real life' magic, not 'fictional' magic. There's an important difference. Perhaps I'll write a separate post about that one day soon.
These are my impressions of the Grey School so far, from reading the website and the Student Handbook. After all, I have only been a student for one week at this stage! I'm very much looking forward to getting started with my studies, and I'm sure I'll have a lot more to share once I move further into student life.
Sources:
Grey School of Wizardry Student Handbook
Grey School of Wizardry Wikipedia Page
Grey School of Wizardry: About
Magickal: YouTube Video
Saturday 8 July 2017
My Hogwarts House
I'm A Table in November 2016.]
Yesterday, [late 2016] I finally created an account at Pottermore and found out my official Hogwarts House! I don't know why it took me so long to get around to it. I first started reading the books after the third one came out, so that makes it 1999. At the time, I was instantly drawn to Ravenclaw -- it fit my personality perfectly.
When the online quizzes and tests appeared, I did a couple and the result was always Ravenclaw, too. I was a dyed-in-the-wool Ravenclaw! Or was I? When chatting with Husband and some friends earlier this year, they said I struck them as being more of a Hufflepuff. Were the tests wrong, or perhaps I've changed?
About a month ago, I came across a sorting system based on personality psychology. It's quite complicated, and there's no quiz -- you have to read through the desciptions and decide which one fits you best. The site is here and I would recommend it as an interesting exercise if you're interested in psychology. The system is two-tiered. Your Primary sort is based on your value system: why you do the things you do. Your Secondary sort is your methods: how you achieve the things you want to do. It also explains the concepts of Modelling and Performing.
Choosing my House for the Secondary sort was easy: it was Ravenclaw far and away above the others. I had a very hard time choosing a House for the Primary sort, however. In the end, I tentatively chose Hufflepuff first, with Ravenclaw a close second.
While this exercise and learning more about the psychology-based sorting system was very interesting, it left me even more confused than before. Can you be a RavenclawxHufflepuff? That's why I decided to join Pottermore, do the sorting quiz there and get the 'official' truth. Which is: I'm a proud Hufflepuff!
It wasn't much of a surprise actually, when I think back on the last 15 years. I've changed in many ways. Learning and knowledge are still very important to me, but so is community and supporting others. (The rise of the internet is probably partly the reason for that.) In the last 3 years especially, since buying our house, gardening and plants have become a new and passionate hobby for me. That, more than anything else, is probably the reason my friends now think of me as a Hufflepuff!
I am very happy to be a Hufflepuff, as I think it suits my personality the way it is now. And who knows, perhaps I would have been the student to build bridges between the Houses and show that Hufflepuffs aren't "duffers" after all! There's only one drawback to being a Hufflepuff. The House colours -- yellow and black -- are the same as a football team here in Melbourne. None of the other House's colours suffer from that problem. I suppose that if I ever want to deck myself out in Hufflepuff regalia, I will have to make sure the crest with the badger is clearly visible. I don't mind though, because the badger is the most adorable and foresty of all the animals!
I actually think that if I lived in the Harry Potter universe, I would have been a Ravenclaw. If I'd been admitted to Hogwarts at the age of 11, where would the Sorting Hat have put me? I was such a strong Ravenclaw back then. If the hat had given me a choice between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, I would certainly have chosen Ravenclaw. Now, I would choose Hufflepuff. And J. K. Rowling agrees.
TL;DR I'm a Hufflepuff!
Tuesday 4 July 2017
Hello! and, About Me
Hello, my name is Katie. Welcome to the House with 3 Eyes.
I started House With 3 Eyes to document my spiritual path. While I have a crafts and hobbies blog which has been around since 2004, there's a lot I want to share which I feel doesn't quite fit in there; plus I'm not sure how it would be received by a wider audience. Now that I'm an Apprentice Wizard at the Grey School of Wizardry, I'd very much like to start sharing my journey -- both at the School and my spiritual / witchy life in general.
I would probably describe my worldview as non-theistic Taoist, with a portion of Germanic paganism and a dash of Shintoism. Science and magic co-exist happily in my way of thinking. I take my ethical basis from Epicurianism. I've become more animistic recently, too.
I'm a solitary witch. I work with runes, crystals and, often, textas and bits of paper. Sometimes I just point my finger at stuff. I do magic because it works.
I am an archivist and an artist.
I enjoy all sorts of crafts - crochet, knitting, sewing, embroidery, and anything that seems interesting. I love reading, cooking, gardening and animals. I'm an incorrigible daydreamer. I write zines. I like tabletop gaming, Pokémon Go and anime. I'm a member of the Spell Squad and the Fluent Self's Secret Star Society.
I'm a Mori Girl. Mori Kei ("forest style") is both a fashion and a lifestyle that originated in Japan in about 2008 and is now gaining popularity in the West. It emphasises attunement with the seasons, modest dressing, a slow and gentle way of living, and a culture of DIY. It's a lifestyle that often appeals to introverts like me.
Where else to find me:
I'm A Table - my arts, crafts, hobbies and home blog.
My Instagram - I enjoy taking photos of nature and my surroundings, my garden and my cat. Also occasionally what I ate and what I wore. (Hint: you don't need the Instagram app to view, just click the link and the website will open in your browser.)
My Facebook page - for my art. Not posting very often right now but hopefully that will change!
Finally, please be aware that this blog is the opinion of just one person. I never claim to be an authority on any subject. The things I write about here are my own personal experiences. The way I do things is only one way out of many. My aim is not to tell you what and how to do things, but to inspire you to explore your own way. If I make an error, please let me know. I am happy to be corrected.
I started House With 3 Eyes to document my spiritual path. While I have a crafts and hobbies blog which has been around since 2004, there's a lot I want to share which I feel doesn't quite fit in there; plus I'm not sure how it would be received by a wider audience. Now that I'm an Apprentice Wizard at the Grey School of Wizardry, I'd very much like to start sharing my journey -- both at the School and my spiritual / witchy life in general.
I would probably describe my worldview as non-theistic Taoist, with a portion of Germanic paganism and a dash of Shintoism. Science and magic co-exist happily in my way of thinking. I take my ethical basis from Epicurianism. I've become more animistic recently, too.
(Having said that, I don't like to label myself, because words can mean different things to different people. It's a bit difficult not to use words when trying to write an About Me page, though!)
I'm a solitary witch. I work with runes, crystals and, often, textas and bits of paper. Sometimes I just point my finger at stuff. I do magic because it works.
I am an archivist and an artist.
I enjoy all sorts of crafts - crochet, knitting, sewing, embroidery, and anything that seems interesting. I love reading, cooking, gardening and animals. I'm an incorrigible daydreamer. I write zines. I like tabletop gaming, Pokémon Go and anime. I'm a member of the Spell Squad and the Fluent Self's Secret Star Society.
I'm a Mori Girl. Mori Kei ("forest style") is both a fashion and a lifestyle that originated in Japan in about 2008 and is now gaining popularity in the West. It emphasises attunement with the seasons, modest dressing, a slow and gentle way of living, and a culture of DIY. It's a lifestyle that often appeals to introverts like me.
Where else to find me:
I'm A Table - my arts, crafts, hobbies and home blog.
My Instagram - I enjoy taking photos of nature and my surroundings, my garden and my cat. Also occasionally what I ate and what I wore. (Hint: you don't need the Instagram app to view, just click the link and the website will open in your browser.)
My Facebook page - for my art. Not posting very often right now but hopefully that will change!
Finally, please be aware that this blog is the opinion of just one person. I never claim to be an authority on any subject. The things I write about here are my own personal experiences. The way I do things is only one way out of many. My aim is not to tell you what and how to do things, but to inspire you to explore your own way. If I make an error, please let me know. I am happy to be corrected.
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