Grey School of Wizardry: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia
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{{Advert|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox school
| name = Grey School of Wizardry
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| houses = {{Bulleted list|Flames|Waters|Stones|Winds|Psyche}}
| newspaper = Grey Matters
| website = {{URL|www.greyschool.comnet}}
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The '''Grey School of Wizardry''' is an [[online]] educational institution founded by [[Oberon Zell-Ravenheart]], offering a comprehensive and practical curriculum in the realm of secular [[Western esotericism|esoteric]] arts.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Conzola |first=EJ II |date=14 April 2023 |title=A school for wizards in Whitehall |pages=1 |work=NYVT Media |url=https://nyvtmedia.com/2023/04/14/a-school-for-wizards-in-whitehall/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 August 2023}}</ref> With inspiration drawn from various sources, including the fictional [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], the Grey School aims to provide a modern, non-religious approach to exploring [[magic (paranormal)|magic]] and [[mysticism]]. Its curriculum spans seven years, encompassing over 500 classes across 16 color-coded departments.
These departments cover an array of subjects, from [[Wizardrywizardry]] and [[Healinghealing]] to [[Alchemyalchemy]] and the [[DarkBlack Artsmagic|dark arts]]. The school's structure promotes both specialization and interdisciplinary understanding, emphasizing practical application, research projects, and ethical considerations. Known subject-matter experts periodically contribute to the curriculum through guest lectures and workshops, ensuring students receive diverse perspectives and remain updated on current practices.
The Grey School's approach is rooted in a secular exploration of the esoteric arts, distinct from religious spirituality. Despite its online nature, the school also acquired a physical campus in [[Whitehall, New York]], known as the "Nine Acre Woods" Conclave Grounds and the "Highspire" Manor building, fostering opportunities for in-person learning. Through this innovative blend of online education and physical presence, the Grey School of Wizardry provides a unique platform for individuals of all ages to delve into the interconnected world of secular esoteric education.
== History ==
The program was partially inspired by the fictitious [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] from the ''[[Harry Potter]]'' novels by [[J. K. Rowling]].<ref name="Bonewits, Isaac 2005 p. 84">Bonewits, Isaac (2005) ''The Pagan Man: Priests, Warriors, Hunters, and Drummers'' (Citadel) {{ISBN|0-8065-2697-1}}, {{ISBN|978-0-8065-2697-3}}, p. 84</ref> Before the school opened, the Grey Council was established by [[Oberon Zell-Ravenheart]] as an advisory group to determine the curriculum.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-09-17 |title=The Grey Council :: The Grey School :: Online Magickal Education for Youths and Adults |url=http://greyschool.net/index.php?module=Landing&func=display&page=council |access-date=2023-08-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917023348/http://greyschool.net/index.php?module=Landing&func=display&page=council |accessarchive-date=20232013-0809-0517 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref> The Grey Council was composed of some two dozen authors, mystics, magicians and leaders of [[Modern Paganism|neopagan]] communities around the world, including [[Raymond Buckland]], [[Raven Grimassi]], [[Patricia Telesco]], [[Frederic Lamond (Wiccan)|Frederic Lamond]], [[Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart]], [[Donald Michael Kraig]], [[Katlyn Breene]], [[Robert Lee "Skip" Ellison]], [[Jesse Wolf Hardin]], [[Nicki Scully]], [[Sam Webster (writer)|Sam Webster]], [[Trina Robbins]], [[Ronald Hutton]], [[Amber K]], [[Ellen Evert Hopman]], [[Luc Sala]] and [[Jeff McBride]].<ref>{{cite journal |last=Cusack |first=Carole M. |journal=Journal of Religious History |title=The Church of All Worlds and Pagan Ecotheology: Uncertain Boundaries and Unlimited Possibilities |year=2010 |url=http://www.basr.ac.uk/diskus/diskus11/cusack.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203022924/http://www.basr.ac.uk/diskus/diskus11/cusack.htm |archive-date=2013-12-03 |volume=11}}</ref><ref>[http://www.greyschool.com/index.php?module=Landing&func=display&page=council Grey School of Wizardry: Grey Council Membership]</ref> The Grey Council worked through 2003 to produce a textbook—a [[grimoire]]—for the school, the ''Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard'' (2004). This was followed by the ''Companion for the Apprentice Wizard'' in 2006.<ref name="greyschool.com">[https://web.archive.org/web/20130917065132/http://greyschool.net/index.php?module=Landing&func=display&page=school#about "About the School: The Grey School of Wizardry". Retrieved on November 27, 2013.]</ref>
The Grey School of Wizardry first opened on August 1, 2004. The school's motto is: ''Omnia vivunt, omnia inter se conexa'' (“Everything is alive; everything is interconnected” — [[Cicero]]). It is a nonprofit educational institute for children 11–17 years of age, and adults of any age.<ref>Fleischmann, Tom (Winter, 2009), "On Alticorns," ''Indiana Review'', 31(2).</ref> The name of the school may derive from the colors associated with the [[Magician (fantasy)|wizards]] in the [[J. R. R. Tolkien]] classic ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' and, in particular, with the appendix to the name of the protagonist [[Gandalf]] (the Grey).<ref>Cusack, Carole M. (2010) ''Invented Religions: Imagination, Fiction and Faith'' (Farnham, Surrey: Ashgate), 73-79.</ref> It was incorporated as a non-profit educational institution in California on March 14, 2004,<ref>Cusack, Carole M (2009) "Science Fiction as Scripture: Robert A. Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land and the Church of All Worlds," ''Literature and Aesthetics: The Journal of the Sydney Society of Literature and Aesthetics'', 19(2).</ref> and received a [[501(c)(3)]] tax exemption from the [[Internal Revenue Service]] on September 27, 2007.<ref>Knowles, George (November 29, 2009), "Oberon & Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart," [http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/10/prweb564025.htm "Controverscial.com"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617213455/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/10/prweb564025.htm |date=2018-06-17 }}, Retrieved November 16, 2013.</ref>
== Curriculum ==
The school provides a seven-year apprenticeship curriculum in wizardry. More than 500 classes are offered in 16 color-coded departments. These are: Wizardry (indigo), [[Natural philosophy|Natural Philosophy]] (silver), Magickal Practice (gold), [[Psychic]] Arts (aqua), [[Healing]] (blue), Wortcunning/[[Herbalism]] (green), [[Divination]] (yellow), [[performance arts|Performance Magics]] (orange), [[Alchemy]] & Magickal Sciences (red), Lifeways (pink), Beast Mastery (brown), [[Cosmology]] (violet), Mathemagicks (clear), [[Ceremonial Magic]] (white), [[Folklore|Lore]] (grey), and [[Black Magicmagic|Dark Arts]] (black).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferre |first=Lux |date=2017-08-03 |title=Grey School of Wizardry – OCCULT WORLD |url=https://occult-world.com/grey-school-wizardry/ |access-date=2023-08-05 |language=en-US}}</ref> Although some classes address [[mythology]] and [[comparative religion]], the school's grimoire (textbook of magic), ''Companion for the Apprentice Wizard'', and the school's [[philosophy]] focus on secular exploration of the esoteric rather than [[spirituality]].<ref name="greyschool.com"/>
The curriculum is categorized as follows:
*Foundational Courses: These courses are mandatory for all apprentices, providing an introduction to essential concepts in wizardry and forming the base for subsequent specialized studies.<ref name="guidestar.org">{{Cite web |title=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www.guidestar.org}}</ref> ▼
*Specialized Departments: The curriculum is further divided into 16 departments, each identified by a distinct color. Departments cover a wide spectrum of subjects, ranging from Nature Studies and Healing to Alchemy & Magickal Sciences and Dark Arts. This division facilitates both specialization in areas of interest and a comprehensive education.<ref>{{Cite web |titlename=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www."guidestar.org"/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www.guidestar.org}}</ref> ▼
*Practical Applications: Beyond theoretical instruction, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical exercises, allowing students to implement their knowledge in practical contexts.<ref>{{Cite web |titlename=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www."guidestar.org"/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www.guidestar.org}}</ref> ▼
*Interdisciplinary Studies: The school acknowledges the interrelation of esoteric disciplines. Consequently, there's a cross-disciplinary approach in the curriculum, offering students an integrated perspective and in-depth comprehension.<ref>{{Cite web |titlename=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www."guidestar.org"/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www.guidestar.org}}</ref> ▼
*Guest Lectures and Workshops: Renowned experts from various esoteric domains are periodically invited to share their knowledge, providing students with diverse viewpoints and updates on current practices and innovations.<ref>{{Cite web |titlename=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www."guidestar.org"/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www.guidestar.org}}</ref>▼
*Research and Exploration: Senior students have the opportunity to engage in independent research projects, deepening their expertise and contributing to the wider esoteric discourse.<ref>{{Cite web |titlename=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www."guidestar.org"/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www.guidestar.org}}</ref> ▼
*Ethical Considerations: In recognition of the profound impact of certain esoteric practices, the curriculum incorporates lessons on ethics, emphasizing the responsibilities associated with the application of such knowledge.<ref>{{Cite web |titlename=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www."guidestar.org"/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www.guidestar.org}}</ref> ▼
The curriculum at the Grey School of Wizardry undergoes regular updates to remain aligned with current advancements in the field and to incorporate feedback from the academic community, ensuring its relevance in contemporary esoteric education.<ref>{{Cite web |titlename=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www."guidestar.org}}<"/ref>▼
▲Foundational Courses: These courses are mandatory for all apprentices, providing an introduction to essential concepts in wizardry and forming the base for subsequent specialized studies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www.guidestar.org}}</ref>
The school offers a full [[apprenticeship]] program<ref name="Programs {{!}} Grey School">{{Cite web |date=2023-08-05 |title=Programs {{!}} Grey School |url=https://www.greyschool.net/programs |access-date=2023-08-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805211543/https://www.greyschool.net/programs |accessarchive-date=2023-08-05 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref> where upon completion apprentices receive a certificate of journeymanship in their chosen major. Course materials and exercises are provided by qualified faculty and guest lecturers. ▼
▲Specialized Departments: The curriculum is further divided into 16 departments, each identified by a distinct color. Departments cover a wide spectrum of subjects, ranging from Nature Studies and Healing to Alchemy & Magickal Sciences and Dark Arts. This division facilitates both specialization in areas of interest and a comprehensive education.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www.guidestar.org}}</ref>
The Grey School's Magister Program<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-05 |titlename="Programs {{!}} Grey School |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805211543/https://www.greyschool.net/programs |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=web.archive.org}}<"/ref> removes the structure and level restrictions of the Apprenticeship program, allowing the student to choose nearly any class from any level of study in the school's course catalogue. ▼
▲Practical Applications: Beyond theoretical instruction, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical exercises, allowing students to implement their knowledge in practical contexts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www.guidestar.org}}</ref>
▲Interdisciplinary Studies: The school acknowledges the interrelation of esoteric disciplines. Consequently, there's a cross-disciplinary approach in the curriculum, offering students an integrated perspective and in-depth comprehension.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www.guidestar.org}}</ref>
▲Guest Lectures and Workshops: Renowned experts from various esoteric domains are periodically invited to share their knowledge, providing students with diverse viewpoints and updates on current practices and innovations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www.guidestar.org}}</ref>
▲Research and Exploration: Senior students have the opportunity to engage in independent research projects, deepening their expertise and contributing to the wider esoteric discourse.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www.guidestar.org}}</ref>
▲Ethical Considerations: In recognition of the profound impact of certain esoteric practices, the curriculum incorporates lessons on ethics, emphasizing the responsibilities associated with the application of such knowledge.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www.guidestar.org}}</ref>
▲The curriculum at the Grey School of Wizardry undergoes regular updates to remain aligned with current advancements in the field and to incorporate feedback from the academic community, ensuring its relevance in contemporary esoteric education.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grey School of Wizardry - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/bca67b5b-2881-41f6-8ec8-1725248fbb48 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=www.guidestar.org}}</ref>
The Grey School hosts four lodges for adults: Flames, Waters, Winds, and Stones, that are associated with the [[classical element]]s [[Fire (classical element)|Fire]], [[Water (classical element)|Water]], [[Air (classical element)|Air]], and [[Earth (classical element)|Earth]]; the school also has one youth lodge, Psyche, which is associated with the [[Aether (classical element)|fifth element]]. The Grey School also sponsors clubs, merits, challenges, awards, a monthly school magazine (“Grey Matters”), summer conclaves at the school's physical campus, and a virtual school on "Second Life" with student-run moots and weekly meetups.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}
▲The school offers a full [[apprenticeship]] program<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-05 |title=Programs {{!}} Grey School |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805211543/https://www.greyschool.net/programs |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref> where upon completion apprentices receive a certificate of journeymanship in their chosen major. Course materials and exercises are provided by qualified faculty and guest lecturers.
▲The Grey School's Magister Program<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-05 |title=Programs {{!}} Grey School |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805211543/https://www.greyschool.net/programs |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref> removes the structure and level restrictions of the Apprenticeship program, allowing the student to choose nearly any class from any level of study in the school's course catalogue.
In October of 2019, the Grey School acquired a physical campus in [[Whitehall, New York]]. The "Nine Acre Woods" Conclave Grounds and the "Highspire" Manor building are open to Apprentices and Magisters for physical classes and during the school's yearly conclaves. Special access by appointment can be given by the provost.
According to neopagan author [[Isaac Bonewits]] the school presents an opportunity for males who are unsatisfied by the teachings of the modern Wicca movement.<ref name="Bonewits, Isaac 2005 p. 84">Bonewits, Isaac (2005) ''The Pagan Man: Priests, Warriors, Hunters, and Drummers'' (Citadel) {{ISBN|0-8065-2697-1}}, {{ISBN|978-0-8065-2697-3}}, p. 84</ref> He also wrote:
{{quoteblockquote|The Grimoire collects in one book a library of wisdom about ceremonial native and Earth-centered magic, Paleo- and Neopagan religions, the obligations of the wise to protect the defenseless, great wizards and witches of the past and present, and more.<ref name="Bonewits, Isaac 2005 p. 84" />}}
== Community ==
The Grey School of Wizardry, based in Whitehall, has received attention and acknowledgment from local authorities. Julie Eagan, the Mayor of Whitehall, during a discussion with the school's internal publication, Grey Matters, conveyed her endorsement and anticipation for the establishment. She stated, "Whitehall welcomes the Grey School of Wizardry and any apprentices who opt to visit Whitehall."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Conzola II |first=EJ |date=14 April 2023 |title=A school for wizards in Whitehall |pages=1 |work=NYVT Media |url=https://nyvtmedia.com/2023/04/14/a-school-for-wizards-in-whitehall/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 August 2023}}</ref>
Eagan emphasized the school's dedication to community involvement and civic service, which resonates with Whitehall’s communal values. She observed, "Whitehall centers on community and mutual support." The mayor suggested that the school, with its unique focus on training students to be active contributors to their communities, complements the spirit of Whitehall, offering both parties avenues for interaction and collaboration.<ref name=":0" />
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==External links==
* {{official website|http://www.greyschool.com/}}
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[[Category:Distance education institutions based in the United States]]
[[Category:2004 establishments in California]]
[[Category: Magical organizations]]