Grey Matters
August 2024
Table of Contents
20 Years of GSW
Adeptus Oberon's Reflections on 20 Years of GSW
New GSW Learning Tools
GSW Fundraiser Successful
Berserker Game 8/1/24
Hermes Club Meeting
New vGSW Space
GSW Class Rings Available
Lore of the Bean-Sidhe
GSW Crossword
August Astrological Forecast
20 Years of GSW
By Headmaster Kingsley
Honored Faculty, Esteemed Apprentices, Cherished Magisters, and Friends One and All to the Grey School of Wizardry,
Today, I write to you to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the history of not only our beloved institution, but the History of Magick as well.
Twenty years ago, the Grey School of Wizardry was founded with a visionary dream—a dream to create a sanctuary of wisdom, a beacon of knowledge, and a community where the ancient and mystical arts of Wizardry could flourish in the modern world.
Today we reflect on two decades of growth, learning, and transformation. The journey of the Grey School began with the pioneering vision of Adeptus Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, who, in 2004, laid the foundation for a unique educational haven where the timeless wisdom of Wizardry would be preserved and passed down to future generations. His dedication and passion have inspired countless wizards, young and old, to embark on a path of discovery, enlightenment, and service.
Over the years, our school has evolved in ways we could only have imagined. With over 700 classes spread across 16 departments, our curriculum has expanded to cover a vast array of subjects—from the esoteric arts of Alchemy and Divination to the practical skills of Wortcunning and Spellcraft. Our virtual campus has connected wizards from all corners of the globe, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community united by a shared passion for learning and growth. Whats more Highspire Manor, our physical campus, adds a tangible dimension to our educational offerings. This beautiful manor, steeped in history and magick, provides a space where our Apprentices, Magisters and Faculty alike can immerse themselves in the practice and study of Wizardry, surrounded by the
enchantment of the natural world.
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, I am thrilled to share the incredible progress we have made this year, reflecting our commitment to innovation and growth within our community.
We began this momentous year with the launch of our new website on January 1st, marking a significant overhaul of our entire online platform. This transformation has not only modernized our digital presence but also introduced our new major and minor system, providing our charges with a more structured and enriching educational journey.
Following this, we turned our attention to Magick Alley. Once simply the school store, it has now blossomed into a vibrant branch of the Grey School of Wizardry. Magick Alley oversees our School Store, yes, but also the Grey Matters publication, and our Zazzle shop as well, serving as a central hub for our community's needs and creative expressions.
In addition to that, we've also recently successfully completed a fundraiser to upgrade our Virtual Campus in Second Life. This upgrade allows us to create a public space that extends our reach and engagement within the broader community, offering new opportunities for interaction and learning.
On our physical campus, we've made significant enhancements as well. We've established a small marketplace for vendors at future conclaves, providing a lively space for the exchange of goods and ideas. Additionally, we have created a new woodland circular forge, where we plan to offer smithing classes later in the year, and also have plans to construct an archery range in 2025 to further enhance the opportunities provided by the Grounds.
That's what it's all about folks, looking forward. We're committed to nurturing the next wave of wizards, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and wisdom they need to navigate
the complexities of the modern world.
I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you for your contributions to our school. Your dedication, passion, and hard work have made the Grey School of Wizardry the extraordinary place it is today. Together, we have created a legacy that will continue to inspire and empower wizards for generations to come.
As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, let us carry forward the spirit of curiosity, creativity, and compassion that has always defined our school. Let us continue to explore the mysteries, to seek knowledge and understanding, and to use our skills and insights to make the communities we serve a better place.
Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Here’s to the next twenty years and beyond!
My Most Wizardly Regards,
Headmaster Nicholas Kingsleyᛞ
Adeptus Oberon's Reflection on 20 Years of GSW
By Grey Matters Staff
Join Oberon Zell as he reflects on the past 20 years of Wizardry and shares his thoughts on what is yet to come!
As a special celebration of our 20th anniversary, From Aug 1st - Sep 1st use the code "GSW20" to receive 20% off any enrollment plan. This is not just a one time discount—it will continue for the duration of your enrollment, ensuring ongoing savings as you embark on your GSW journey!
New GSW Learning Tools
By Headmaster Kingsley
This Being our 20th anniversary, it is only fitting to mark this milestone with some major announcements—Those that reflects our commitment to innovation and the enrichment of our educational offerings.
Today, I am thrilled to introduce two new learning tools that are under development at the Grey School of Wizardry: our immersive scenario-based training in Second Life and GSW Keys (name pending).
While I have no release date for these programs just yet, I hope you enjoy this sneak peek of what is in the works.
Scenario-Based Training in Second Life
Our first exciting addition leverages our newly updated Virtual Campus in Second Life, using it as a dynamic platform where Apprentices and Magisters can put their skills into practice through immersive scenarios. Each term, GSW Pupils will have the opportunity to choose from 1-3 scenarios, available directly from their grimoires.
Imagine, if you will, navigating the complexities of exorcising spirits from an ancient, haunted library. In this scenario, apprentices would need to research the history of the library, identify the types of spirits present, and use their knowledge of wards, banishments, and protective charms to cleanse the space. This exercise not only tests their theoretical knowledge but also their ability to adapt and respond to unexpected challenges.
Alternatively, consider a scenario where apprentices have to organize a relief effort in a simulated disaster zone. Here, they would coordinate the distribution of supplies, ensure the safety of affected individuals, and perhaps even use healing spells and poultices to tend to the injured. This scenario, for example, would emphasizes the importance of leadership, teamwork, and the practical application of healing arts taught at the school.
Another engaging scenario might involve crafting a ceremonial event for a significant magickal celebration. Apprentices would need to plan the event, create the necessary ritual components, and conduct the ceremony with precision. This task would hone their skills in ritual design, correspondences, and the execution of complex arcane operations.
And these are just the beginning. Whats important to note is that Scenario-based training is widely recognized and utilized in various vocations. For instance, medical simulations for healthcare professionals allow them to practice surgeries and emergency responses in a controlled environment. Similarly, crisis management drills for emergency responders prepare them for real-world disasters.
These exercises in virtual space not only reinforce lessons but also build practical skills and prepare individuals for real-world applications.
By implementing such training of our own, we can offer a constantly evolving rotation of scenarios, ensuring that our pupils are continually engaged and challenged. The flexibility of the virtual environment allows us to create meaningful, engaging, diverse, and realistic settings that might not be possible to replicate in the world at a moments notice.
Before undertaking a scenario for a score, Apprentices and Magisters will have the chance to practice under the watchful eye of a proctor who will provide guidance and, when they're ready, assign a grade. Those who pass will earn a credit, while those who do not will gain invaluable insights for their next attempt. This process ensures a focused and immersive learning experience, with apprentices undertaking only one scenario at a time.
These scenarios will be available across all 16 departments in time, allowing for specialized training that encompasses the full spectrum of wizardry. From alchemical experiments gone awry in the Alchemy Department to negotiating peace in a feuding community for the Lifeways Department, each scenario will be crafted to provide depth, engagement, and practical application.
The introduction of scenario-based training represents a significant step forward for us in our educational approach to provide truly unique and effective learning. It allows those who choose to study at GSW a chance to experience the thrill of real-world application while ensuring they are well-prepared for any challenges they may face in their careers.
GSW Keys (Name Pending)
The second exciting tool we are introducing is the "GSW Keys" (name pending...), an innovative method for delivering immersive and engaging content. This tool will allow our esteemed faculty to offer information in a uniquely wizardly manner, reinforcing the learning experience as a real and enchanting quest for knowledge.
Picture with me a moment an attentive apprentice enrolled in Wizardry 100: They start to notice that the first word of each lesson contains a randomly capitalized letter. This subtle detail might seem inconsequential at first, but upon reaching the end of lesson six, the apprentice finds instructions to revisit their lessons, gather these capitalized letters, and enter them into the "GSW Keys" (Name Pending) page. Upon doing so, they unlock a hidden seventh lesson—a secret gem that deepens their understanding and engagement with the material.
The value of these hidden lessons lies in their ability to create a truly immersive and interactive learning environment. Much like the thrill of discovering hidden passages in an ancient castle, these hidden lessons transform the educational journey into an adventurous quest. They encourage our pupils to pay attention to detail, fostering a deeper engagement with their studies and cultivating a sense of curiosity and wonder.
However, not every lesson will contain a key, and not every key will unlock a lesson. Some keys might reveal valuable information about GSW’s other properties, offer special coupons for Magick Alley, uncover secret locations on the Virtual Campus, or share fascinating lore about Highspire Manor. This variety ensures that the GSW Keys provide a wide range of rewards, keeping the experience fresh and exciting.
The purpose of the GSW Keys is to empower our faculty to create an even more engaging and interactive learning environment. They challenge our apprentices and magisters to look beyond the surface, to think critically, and to explore the depths of their studies with an adventurous spirit. This innovative approach not only enhances the educational experience but also instills essential qualities for any aspiring wizard: attention to detail, a thirst for knowledge, and the courage to delve into the unknown.
By incorporating these hidden elements, we are not just teaching wizardry—we are doing all in our power to embody it. Just as one would expect those hidden passages in an old castle, I believe hidden lessons should be a part of our wizarding school. It builds better wizards, nurturing a sense of exploration and discovery that is at the heart of true wizardry.
GSW Fundraiser Successful
By Headmaster Kingsley
I hope that the day finds everyone in good health and high spirits!
We've just wrapped up our VGSW Fundraiser, and it was a tremendous success!
A big thank you to everyone who contributed:
-Apprentice Altiriel
-Apprentice Kutter
-3 Anonymous Patrons
-Magister Arthur Kingsley
-Apprentice Severinus
-Prefect Dega
-Apprentice Emily Werbeloff
-Apprentice Fred
-Prefect Abbie
-Instructor Northrop
-Magister Kyle
-Instructor Mitchell
-The Wizard LaCroix
-Prefect Tim
Thanks to their support and generosity,
Our new VGSW region is currently being constructed by the talented people at Second Life and will be ready in just 1 to 2 weeks.
Once this new region is created, I will set to task and construction will begin! But that's not all – we'll be hosting a special tour around the space before we break digital ground. This exciting expedition will launch from the Stones Lodge Tower, as befits their station as the current Lodge Cup holders.
We'll embark on this grand journey by dirigible, soaring over the current VGSW. Upon arrival in the new region, I'll share our plans for the future of this space and the exciting developments we have in store. There will also be an opportunity for others to share their thoughts and excitement. What's more, participation in this momentous event will earn merits for everyone in attendance, making it an even more rewarding experience.
Stay tuned for more details on this event!
My Most Wizardly Regards,
Headmaster Kingsley ᛞ
Berserker Game 8/1/24: Salamanders vs Sylphs
By Grey Matters Staff
Don't miss the intense showdown between the Sylphs and Salamanders at the GSW Berserker Torney on Aug 1 at 8pm EST!
Join us on Discord for a front-row seat: https://discord.com/.../6917872001149.../1247588456130019378
Hermes Club Meeting
By Apprentice Asher of Blackwood
Hermes Club shall be meeting July 31, 2024 at 7:00 PM EST in the Club Room on the Grey School of Wizardry discord with the option of also joining us in the Club Room in VGSW in Second Life.
Reminder for members for the next meeting: Do reading or research into what Ceremonial Magick is and how you personally can relate to that as a field of study.
Come join us for the exploration of the subject of Ceremonial Magick!
New vGSW Space
By Headmaster Kingsley
Well met, Wizards one and all!
As always I hope that the day finds you in good health and high spirits!
I'm pleased to announce the addition of a new area to our VGSW campus: Magister's Rest. You'll find it conveniently located on the path between Stones Lodge and Waters Lodge. Despite the name, Magister’s Rest is open to all. Whats more, the space offers three exciting new board games for your amusement and challenge. You can now partake in Maasai Chess, Scrabble (referred to as Crossword), and Giant’s Causeway.
Rules and instructions for each game can be found by clicking the tops of the tables where they are located.
Whether you’re looking to relax after studies for the day, strengthen the ol'stratagem muscles, or simply have a bit of fun with your fellow wizards, the new Magister’s Rest area is worth checking out.
My Most Wizardly Regards,
Headmaster Kingsley
GSW Class Rings Available
By Headmaster Kingsley
Well Met, Wizards, Apprentices, Magisters, and Supporters All!
I have some exciting news to highlight. From July 1st to August 31st, we are offering the final chance to secure the iconic Grey School class ring! Designed by none other than our esteemed Founder Oberon Zell, these sterling silver rings are a perfect way to display your school spirit and dedication.
Each ring features a round stone in your chosen Wizard color, surrounded by the proud words "Grey School of Wizardry," and adorned with the Penkhaduce emblem on either side. This is your last opportunity to obtain this timeless design, so don't let it slip by!
Availability:
From July 1st to August 31st.
Sizes:
Rings are available in US sizes 4-15, including half sizes. If you don't know your US ring size, many helpful resources across the web can aid you.
PLEASE NOTE: The "Ring Size" field on our site uses the US size scale.
Ring Stones by Department:
Wizardry (indigo) -- indigo lapis
Natural Philosophy (silver) -- hematite
Magickal Practice (gold) -- goldstone
Psychic Arts (aqua) -- aqua turquoise
Healing (blue) -- blue compitos
Wortcunning (green) -- malachite
Divination (yellow) -- yellow amber
Performance Magics (orange) -- carnelian
Alchemy (red) -- red jasper
Lifeways (pink) -- rose quartz
Beast Mastery (brown) -- tigereye
Cosmology (violet) -- amethyst
Mathemagicks (clear) -- clear quartz
Ceremonial Magicks (white) -- white moonstone
Lore (grey) -- grey moonstone
Dark Arts (black) -- black obsidian
Each ring is not only some neat jewelry but also a token of your journey and support for the Grey School of Wizardry. It's a tangible reminder of the wisdom, knowledge, and community we cherish.
Lore of the Ancients: Bean-Sidhe (Banshee)
By Prefect Dega
Original Artwork by Asher of Blackwood
In the very days of old, from my teacher’s lips,
Passed down through the ages, a tale that grips,
Of families cursed, with a bell’s mournful chime,
A sorrowful legend, untouched by time.
When men were away, in the fields or the fray,
A wailing woman would herald the day,
Whispering softly the news of death,
A chilling omen, a fateful breath.
Unlike a normal woman, she wasn’t very high,
In darkened green clothes, her tears would lie,
For the one who beheld her, or another nearby,
Would soon meet their end, and silently die.
- Aodh the Magnificent (Minatani, 2017)
Introduction
In Old Irish they called her Bean-Sidhe, meaning ‘fairy woman’ or ‘woman of the fairy mound’ (Wikipedia, 2024). Another term for the Bean-Sidhe is cointeach, meaning ‘keener’ (Spence, The Magic Arts in Celtic Britan, 1945). In modern terms, she was the herald of death known as the banshee, and according to one source the term banshee “…[was] a term that is in use throughout Ireland in both urban and rural areas, and has been in common usage since around the 17th century (but accounts of the supernatural death messenger go much further back)” (Jones, 2004). Certain lore suggested that banshee were linked to specific Irish lines:
“This frightening but largely harmless faery is seen by members of certain families, usually of Irish descent, immediately preceding a death in the family. It is believed that a Bean-sidhe will attach itself to a family and remain with it for many generations, following the family wherever it goes. Though originally from Ireland, the Bean-sidhe is now found wherever Irish émigrés have settled, particularly in the American Southeast…As the Irish emigrated into the wider world many of their Faeries, including the Bean-sidhe, followed. And, just as the Irish have settled into their new homes and integrated into new cultures, so have the Bean-sidhe” (The Grey School of Wizardry, 2023).
Other researchers denoted stories of the Bean-Sidhe cropping up in Scotland, Wales, and Britain (Spence, The Magic Arts in Celtic Britan, 1945, p. 81). For Lewis Spence, the Irish had a specific focus for the Bean-Sidhe:
“The Irish banshee uttered her warning only in the case of ancient and noble families. When she did so, according to Crofton Croker, she walked beside those who met her on some lonely road, keening and clapping her hands, her long white hair falling about her shoulders, repeating the name of the person who was about to die” (Spence, The Magic Arts in Celtic Britan, 1945, p. 81).
The description of the Bean-Sidhe with ‘hair falling about her shoulders’ had historical resonance with the curses from Irish women:
“It would appear that the curses of women were especially feared throughout Irish history…but we also know that satire at the hands of women in medieval Ireland was also greatly feared. Women would let their hair down when casting curses and it appears that beggar women also left their hair down (women’s hair usually kept up or covered), to give the impression that they were ‘half-cocked’ so to speak, and ready to curse should they be refused. Interestingly, Bean Chaointe (Keening Women) also left their hair down, mimicking their supernatural counterpart, the Bean Sídhe” (Irish Folklore, 2021).
Previous research revealed the magical power of satire from popular bards (Minatani, The Magic of the Bards, 2024), however, the sight of any woman with her hair down may unsettle many people of Celtic descent. In addition, descriptions of the Bean-Sidhe escaped consensus, “The banshee is generally heard and not seen although there are also many, often contradictory, accounts recorded of her appearance” (Irish Folklore, 2017).
However, another source presented a common description, “According to folklore, she is usually dressed in a gray cloak and green dress, and her eyes are red from weeping” (Jones, 2004). In this version of the lore concerning the Bean-Sidhe, when someone saw the Bean-Sidhe, someone will die that night (Jones, 2004); if the Bean-Sidhe could be caught, the family member received a boon such that he could force the Bean-Sidhe to reveal who would in fact die (Jones, 2004).
One source described the ancient and noble families as such, “Traditionally the Bean Sídhe was believed to follow the ancient Gaelic families of Ireland, those being names with ‘O’ or ‘Mac’”(Irish Folklore, 2021). Historical accounts told of the traits of the Bean-Sidhe, “The death messenger on the other hand is a solitary creature who is never seen as living in a community of ‘banshees.’ She is never said to be married nor is there any accounts of her doing a ‘kind turn’ for humans, despite not being particularly malevolent” (Irish Folklore, 2021).
As this researcher delves deeper into this ancient lore, the reader will be introduced to other variants of the Bean-Sidhe, to include more stories to pass on to future generations…
ARTIST’S NOTE:
“I wanted to capture what a banshee looks like when it’s calm and from afar but also when it looks like mid scream right before death. I could have just chosen one of these to do but I really wanted to challenge myself after reading up on some banshee folklore which inspired me forward” – Apprentice Asher of Blackwood
Works Cited
Irish Folklore. (2017, October 22). The Banshee. Retrieved from Irish Folklore: https://irishfolklore.wordpress.com/tag/bean-sidhe/
Irish Folklore. (2021, May 20). Bean-Sidhe. Retrieved from Irish Folklore: https://irishfolklore.wordpress.com/tag/bean-sidhe/
Jones, M. (2004). Jones' Celtic Encylopedia: Bean-Sidhe. Retrieved from Ancient Texts: https://www.ancienttexts.org/library/celtic/jce/beansidhe.html
Minatani, C. (2017). Splinter in the Eye: The Bourgoning Adventures of Aznod Dona. Seattle: Minatani West Publications.
Minatani, C. (2023, Samhain). The Way of the Bard: Guardians of the Celtic Tradition. Oran Mor: The Celtic E-Zine of the New Order of Druids VZW/NPO(69), 5-9.
Minatani, C. (2024, Imbolic). The Education of the Bard: Celtic Poets, Historians and Scholars. Oran More: The Celtic E-Zine of the New Order of Druids, pp. 7-11.
Minatani, C. (2024). The Magic of the Bards. Seattle: Minatani West.
Spence, L. (1945). The Magic Arts in Celtic Britan. London: Rider & Company.
The Grey School of Wizardry. (2023). Uncommon Magickal Pests 301: Lesson 2 - Bean-Sidhe. Retrieved from The Grey School of Wizardry: https://www.greyschool.net/lessons/4520
Wikipedia. (2024). Banshee. Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Banshee&oldid=1217869019
GSW First Aid Crossword
By GSW Staff
Check out this month's crossword and complete it online at https://crosswordlabs.com/view/gsw-first-aid-crossword
Or download a PDF:
August 2024 Astrological Forecast
By Grey Matters Staff
August kicks off with a bang on the 4th as the New Moon rises in Leo. This celestial event urges us to refresh our creative, romantic, and self-expressive goals. It's a perfect moment to tap into our unique talents and let our inner child play. Think about diving into activities like sports, hobbies, or even rekindling the spark in our love lives.
Adding to this energetic boost, Mars and Jupiter align in Gemini, giving us the confidence to pursue new plans with enthusiasm. It's a time of enterprise and self-assurance, so go ahead and set those ambitions into motion.
But hold on, because on August 5th, Mercury goes retrograde, traveling backward through Virgo and Leo until the 28th. This period is excellent for reevaluating our work, health, and daily routines. Expect to revisit old projects or relationships with fresh eyes, driven by delays and information slowdowns that foster creativity and resourcefulness.
Mid-month, Mercury retrogrades back into Leo on the 14th, and on the 18th, it conjuncts the Sun. This alignment symbolizes catching up on what we've been overthinking since June, finally bringing clarity and a sense of direction. By the 28th, as Mercury turns direct, expect information flow to smooth out and decisions to become more straightforward.
Jupiter's sesquiquadrate with Pluto on August 7th might shake up our beliefs, nudging us toward an attitude adjustment. It's a balancing act between experiential learning and ambition. Beware of the temptation to cut corners or overinflate your importance, as this can lead to missteps.
The Full Moon in Aquarius on August 19th highlights our need for community and humanitarian efforts. It's a call to maintain objectivity and not lose sight of our broader goals, especially those that benefit the collective. This Full Moon squares Uranus, sparking some rebellious energy and surprising revelations, urging us to focus on the past to understand our future path better.
On the same day, Jupiter squares Saturn, presenting a challenge and an opportunity for growth. Though progress may feel slow and fraught with obstacles, this is a chance to restructure and reinforce our plans. Financial fluctuations, increased commitments, and occasional dips in energy or outlook are all part of the process. It's a period of asking deeper questions about our purpose and direction.
This Jupiter-Saturn square is the first of three, with the next two occurring on December 24, 2024, and June 15, 2025. During this time, breathe new life into old plans rather than starting fresh. Sacrifices in some areas may be necessary for growth in others. Avoid overextending yourself and be patient with the process. Adjusting expectations and persevering through challenges will ultimately lead to a stronger, more resilient you.