Grey Matters
March 2025
Table of Contents
1. Tuition Changes
2. New vGSW Tutoria Region
3. Graduation of Journeyman Dega the Black
4. Perspective, Reverence, and Humility
5. Individuation and the Book of Balance
6. GSW Natural Philosophy Crossword
7. Between the Covers: The Stoic Mindset
8. March 2025 Astrological Forecast
Tuition Changes
By Headmaster Kingsley
Well met Everyone,
As always I hope that the day finds you in good health and high spirits.
I write to you today regarding an important shift in the future of The Grey School of Wizardry. Major changes to tuition will be taking effect next term. This is a significant decision—one that I have not made lightly, nor without extensive consideration of its impact on our community.
What This Means
First and foremost, these changes will NOT affect anyone with a current tuition plan. If you are already enrolled, your tuition will remain exactly as it is, with no increase or adjustment. Likewise, anyone who enrolls before the end of this term—March 20, 2025—will be grandfathered into our current tuition rates indefinitely.
However, this change will apply to all new and returning pupils enrolling after this term.
We are making these adjustments to realize the many new programs and experiences that you, our community, have asked for and that we have promised to bring to GSW.
For over twenty years, we have held firm in our commitment to keeping tuition as low as possible, ensuring that anyone with the desire to study wizardry could access our teachings, regardless of background or financial means. This philosophy has made GSW a truly global institution, welcoming pupils from all walks of life, experiences, and nationalities. We have been deeply enriched by the diversity of our student body, and in many ways, these experiences have shaped GSW into what it is today.
Yet, while this approach has allowed us to remain accessible, it has also placed us behind our educational peers in terms of what we can offer.
There has long been a resounding call for expanded opportunities—live classes, structured synchronous learning, and in-person experiences at Highspire. These are things we want to offer, but have simply not had the resources to make a reality. The fundamental issue is that we have not been able to properly compensate our faculty, and without that, we cannot expect them to commit more time and energy to expanding our programs.
I firmly believe that our faculty are the best in the industry. I have seen their dedication firsthand, their willingness to give freely of their time and expertise to guide apprentices through the rigorous path of wizardry. However, the reality is this: All of our Faculty members, Myself included, currently make less than $1000 per month.
These are experts in their fields—scholars, practitioners, and educators—who are effectively volunteering their time to keep GSW running. It is not surprising, then, that they often cannot commit to the additional projects we would like to see flourish, as they must seek other employment to make ends meet.
This same issue extends to our ability to provide scholarships. Ironically, in our quest to keep tuition low and ensure accessibility, we have hindered our ability to provide financial aid to those who need it most. This is something I have long struggled with, and something I am determined to change.
For GSW to truly become the foremost school of esoteric education, we must take bold steps forward. And while this change is not an easy one, it is a necessary one.
The Tuition Adjustments
Beginning next term, tuition rates will be adjusted as follows:
Apprentice Tuition: $100/month, $1,000/year, $6,000 lifetime
Magister Tuition: $150/month, $1,200/year, $7,500 lifetime
vGSW Cohort: $120/month, $500 per term (Details Below)
Psyche Program: Unchanged
I winced even as I typed that but it's good to have it upfront and in the open. These are significant changes, and I know they will be difficult for some. That is why we will grandfather in anyone who enrolls before March 20, 2025, ensuring their tuition remains at the current rate indefinitely.
But I do not make this change without a plan...
Where Will This Money Go?
This tuition adjustment is not about profit—it is about ensuring that GSW grows into the institution it is meant to be. These funds will be invested directly into faculty, scholarships, research, accreditation, and Highspire, strengthening the very foundation of our school.
Faculty Compensation & Program Expansion
At the heart of any institution is its faculty, and at GSW, our instructors are nothing short of exceptional. They dedicate themselves to guiding apprentices, refining lessons, and shaping the future of wizardry education. But the reality is that our current teaching budget—just $2,000 per month spread across our entire faculty—is unsustainable. Many of our educators make less than $100 per month, giving their time not for financial gain, but out of devotion to this school and its mission. This is a burden they have carried quietly for too long.
This must change if we are to expand our programs, retain our best teachers, and attract new ones. The new tuition structure will allow us to dramatically increase faculty compensation, ensuring that our instructors, professors, and deans receive the financial support they deserve. With this, we will finally have the means to offer live video classes, which require far more effort and preparation than grading essays or asynchronous discussions. More apprentices will have a richer, deeper learning experience. This also means we can develop and introduce new courses and programs, like the soon to be announced Cohort Program, a live term based study program where you and your peers engage in lessons together.
Beyond course improvements, faculty will have the time and resources to provide better mentorship, offer deeper academic guidance, and support apprentices in a way that hasn’t been possible before. Wizardry is a deeply personal and challenging path, and strengthening the bond between apprentices and instructors is a crucial step toward making GSW the best it can be.
If we are to thrive as a school, we must support the people who make it possible.
Scholarship Expansion & Financial Aid
Raising tuition naturally raises a difficult question:
What about those who cannot afford these new rates?
GSW has always been committed to accessibility, ensuring that anyone with the dedication and passion to learn wizardry has the opportunity to do so. That commitment will not change. In fact, it will grow.
With this tuition adjustment, we will be tripling our scholarship offerings, ensuring that no worthy apprentice is left behind. This means a massive expansion of our financial aid program, starting with 30 full-ride scholarships per year, with the goal of increasing to 100 per year as we grow.
Beyond full scholarships, we will introduce discounted tuition options for those facing financial hardship. Not every apprentice will qualify for a full-ride, but we recognize that many will need additional support. A tiered tuition assistance program will allow apprentices to continue their studies at a reduced rate, keeping wizardry education within reach.
In addition to merit-based and need-based aid, we will also be introducing Full-Ride Working Scholarships, allowing apprentices to earn their place through dedicated service to the school. These apprentices will contribute to various projects, community initiatives, and research efforts in exchange for tuition support.
While tuition rates are increasing, accessibility remains at the heart of our mission. Through these scholarships, we will ensure that wizardry education remains open to those who are truly dedicated to the path.
Accreditation
For years, we have been working toward formal accreditation, a crucial milestone in establishing wizardry as a recognized trade and vocation.
Accreditation is an intensive, multi-step process, requiring extensive institutional documentation, faculty credentialing, curriculum evaluations, and financial stability. It is also a costly endeavor, and one we must be fully prepared to see through.
We have already made significant progress—revamping our website, refining our curriculum, and implementing an application process designed to meet ACCSC standards. However, accreditation comes with application fees, compliance audits, and ongoing membership costs that we must be able to sustain.
We expect that multiple attempts may be required—after all, there has never been an accredited school of wizardry before. We are forging new ground, and while we are prepared to meet the challenge, we must also be financially equipped to do so.
The rewards of accreditation, however, are monumental. This will be a landmark moment for wizardry education. With accreditation, we will be able to offer officially recognized certifications, establish partnerships with other educational institutions, and create career-oriented pathways for apprentices. More than that, it will further legitimize wizardry as a respected field of study, helping us break down the barriers that have kept our discipline from the recognition it deserves.
This is one of the most ambitious and transformative steps we have ever taken, and with the right foundation, we will see it through.
Expeditions, Research & Innovation
A true university does not merely preserve knowledge—it discovers it.
For years, GSW has supported apprentices in their independent research, particularly through Seventh-Year practicums. But our ability to fund institution-led research initiatives has been extremely limited. That is about to change.
With this new tuition structure, we will have the resources to transform GSW into a center of active discovery—a school that not only teaches the traditions of the past but actively works to uncover new frontiers in wizardry, lore, and metaphysical sciences.
One of the first major expansions will be the development of institution-led research programs, where faculty and apprentices work together on long-term projects exploring wortcunning, esoteric history, elemental theory, ritual mechanics, and new applications of wizardry in modern society. These projects will be guided by our magisters, supported by dedicated research grants, and made available for future apprentices to build upon.
Additionally, we will launch expeditions to sites of magickal and historical significance, where apprentices and scholars can investigate, document, and recover lost knowledge firsthand. Imagine a research team studying ancient standing stones in the British Isles, analyzing their alignment with celestial events. Picture apprentices trekking through the ruins of Göbekli Tepe, examining its potential esoteric significance in early human civilization. Consider the impact of a team sent into the heart of the Amazon, rediscovering forgotten herbal knowledge, mapping out correspondences between traditional wortcunning practices and modern botanical science.
This initiative will also give us the ability to formally fund apprentice research projects, ensuring that the most ambitious and groundbreaking ideas are not held back by financial constraints. Too often, we have seen brilliant ideas go unrealized simply because apprentices lacked the resources to bring them to life. By introducing GSW-funded research grants, we will empower apprentices to take their work beyond theory, applying their discoveries in a meaningful way that benefits the larger wizardry community.
These efforts will not only contribute to wizardry as a whole but will also strengthen GSW’s reputation as a leader in esoteric education. By producing new research, publishing findings, and making meaningful contributions to the field, we will take another step toward wizardry being recognized as a legitimate academic discipline.
We have long spoken of bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. Now, for the first time in our school’s history, we will have the resources to do exactly that.
The vGSW Cohort Program
One of the most exciting expansions made possible by this tuition adjustment is the introduction of the vGSW Cohort Program—a structured, live-taught curriculum held within the Virtual Grey School of Wizardry.
For years, apprentices have taken GSW courses at their own pace, choosing majors and minors that align with their interests. This flexibility has been a strength, but many have expressed the desire for a more structured, guided approach—one that fosters deeper engagement, accountability, and community learning.
The vGSW Cohort Program will answer that call.
Unlike our traditional model, this program will follow a prismatic approach, touching on all sixteen departments rather than focusing on a single major or minor. Each cohort will advance through the curriculum together, completing all seven levels of study in just three and half years—a structured timeline that provides a clear path to mastery while maintaining the depth and rigor expected at GSW.
Live classes will be held once a week for an hour, though discussions will often extend beyond that. Apprentices will have a full week to complete assignments before progressing to the next lesson. These courses will form the core curriculum for cohort apprentices, but they will still have access to all of GSW’s online courses, treating them as optional electives to further enrich their studies.
The value of this program extends beyond just structured learning. By advancing together, apprentices will develop a stronger sense of camaraderie, forming lasting bonds with their peers and instructors. The immersive nature of vGSW will further enhance this experience, offering a dynamic, interactive environment where lessons come to life in a way that text alone cannot replicate.
Of course, offering live, weekly instruction requires dedicated faculty, and that is where this tuition adjustment plays a crucial role. The increase in tuition will allow us to properly compensate our instructors for the time, preparation, and engagement required to lead these classes. This ensures that the program is sustainable, high-quality, and worthy of GSW’s standards.
This is a bold new step in esoteric education, one that blends the best of modern learning with the traditions of our past. With the vGSW Cohort Program, we are expanding what GSW offers— redefining how wizardry can be taught, practiced, and experienced.
Highspire
Highspire has stood for nearly 150 years, and we are honored to be its current stewards. It has for many of us become more than just a building—it now serves as a symbol of our commitment to our Trade; a place where Apprentices, Magisters, and Faculty alike can come together in pursuit of wisdom.
However, Highspire is in need of investment.
We have already drawn up ambitious plans for expansion, allowing us to offer term-long, in-person enrollment where apprentices can live and study at Highspire for extended periods. This will transform it into a fully immersive learning environment, where apprentices can practice their craft alongside peers and instructors in a way that online learning cannot replicate.
Beyond its role as a learning space, Highspire has the potential to be a source of economic growth for the local community. Expansion efforts will create jobs, revitalize the area, and make wizardry education a visible and respected presence in the world.
And, of course, Highspire will become the home of major wizardry events, workshops, and gatherings, making it a hub for in-person magickal education.
It is one thing to study wizardry through books and lessons; it is another to step onto the grounds of a place steeped in it. Highspire is more than stone and mortar—it is the living heart of wizardry, and with the right investment, it will flourish for generations to come.
The Path Ahead
It should be noted, none of these improvements will happen overnight. Even with this adjustment, these goals will take time, planning, and perseverance. But this is the momentum we need to make them happen. This is the page upon which we will write the future of esoteric education. I know that raising tuition isn’t an easy thing to accept. It’s a risk. And I won’t fault anyone who looks at this and wishes things could stay the same.
We stand at a crossroads. We can choose to remain where we are—comfortable, familiar, unchanged—or we can push forward, taking the steps needed to ensure The Grey School of Wizardry becomes everything it is meant to be.
For myself, I am not content to leave things to stagnate.
This change is about building something greater than we’ve ever been before. It’s about strengthening our faculty, expanding scholarship opportunities, and moving our Trade closer to full recognition. It’s about investing in research, deepening our programs, and giving Highspire the care it deserves so that it can stand as a true home for wizardry.
For years, we have imagined what GSW could be.
Now, we will redouble our work of making it reality.
Each step from here will take us into the unknown, and I have no doubt that together, we will forge something truly lasting.
Yours in Service,
Headmaster Nicholas Kingsley ᛞ
New vGSW Tutoria Region
By Headmaster Kingsley
Well met, Friends and followers all,
I hope that the day finds everyone in good health and high spirits!
We’ve got something exciting in the works! With the upcoming tuition changes, we’re eager to start putting those resources to work and showing—not just telling—how they’ll benefit our apprentices. And the first step? A brand-new region in vGSW called Tutoria!
This new space is designed to serve several key roles within our virtual campus. If you’re new to Second Life, Tutoria will be your starting point, a place where you can get hands-on guidance in navigating vGSW. Learning a new platform can be a bit daunting, but this area will walk you through the basics, making sure that every apprentice can confidently step into the wider world of virtual wizardry.
For those already settled in, Tutoria will also be home to personal dorm spaces—a place where enrolled pupils can carve out their own corner of vGSW. These dorms will be a chance to build a virtual sanctum, decorate, and create a space that feels uniquely yours. Think of it as your personal retreat within the school, where you can gather your thoughts, work on projects, or simply have a quiet spot to return to between classes.
Speaking of additions, we’re also introducing a trusted vendor marketplace within Tutoria. Over time, this will become a space where apprentices and friends of GSW alike can find items to enhance their Second Life experience—whether it’s tools, attire, or something a bit more specialized. Everything available here will be carefully curated to align with the school’s values, ensuring that what’s offered -genuinely- supports and enriches our virtual community.
All of this ties into the broader vision for expanding virtual learning at GSW, especially with the upcoming** vGSW Cohort Program**. The tuition changes haven’t taken effect just yet, but we want to make it clear that every step forward is being taken with intention. Tutoria is just the beginning of a much larger effort to enhance and refine the GSW experience, across all our learning platforms, and we’re eager to continue building on these foundations.
Be sure to keep an eye out for more updates—there’s plenty more in store!
Wizardly Regards - HMK
Graduation of Journeyman Dega the Black
By Headmaster Kingsley
Well met, followers and friends!
The Grey School of Wizardry takes immense pride in announcing the graduation of Corey Minatani to the esteemed rank of Journeyman!
The ascension of Journeymanship is truly a testament to the relentless pursuit of knowledge and the honing of one’s craft. It reflects not only academic achievement but also personal growth and readiness to serve the greater community with wisdom and skill. The path to this accomplishment embodies the essence of the Wizard's quest — a continual transformation through learning and application.
Our latest Journeyman has exemplified the virtues and rigor that the Grey School holds dear. He has traversed our curriculum, embodying the core values of the Wizard's trade, and has proven His prowess through practical and theoretical excellence.
As Journeyman Corey Minatani the Black, Wizard in the Second Degree, steps beyond the virtual halls of the Grey School, He carries forward a pool of light, ready to illuminate the shadows of the cave and to stand as a beacon of guidance in His communities.
The Grey School extends its heartfelt congratulations to our new Journeyman on this remarkable achievement. We also invite the entire community to join us in celebrating this milestone, which serves as an inspiration to all aspiring Wizards within our ranks. May this success be a harbinger of the great and impactful deeds yet to come.
In Wizardly Solidarity, and on behalf of us all here at the Grey School of Wizardry,
~Headmaster Nicholas Kingsley
Perspective, Reverence and Humility
By Apprentice Tim (Macanrothaic) M.S.
Wizardry 101: Wizardly Perspective Essay 3
Identify which of these three - Perspective, Reverence, or Humility - is most important in your practice of Wizardry. Explain your reasoning in an essay of no less than 150 words.
Editor's note: this essay reflects the opinions and perspective of its author, and was recommended for publication by a member of faculty.
Humility -
Merriam Webster's (1994) dictionary defined humility as the following; “the quality or state of being humble” (Webster, 1994, p. 565). That humility was defined through the use of a synonym/root word; humble, is defined as follows; “1: “not proud or haughty: not arrogant or assertive” (Webster, 1994, p. 564). Proud, potentially having various conflicting and culturally and societally based definitions, is defined by Merriam Webster (1994) as follows; “1a: having or displaying excessive self-esteem” (Webster, 1994, p. 939). Following the line of understanding to arrive at the meaning of each successive thought in the proceeding definitions, the word of meaning; esteem, is defined as follows; “1 archaic: WORTH, VALUE” (Webster, 1994, p. 397). Worth being the word of importance in this definition is defined as follows; “2: deserving of” (Webster, 1994, p. 1365).
Humility therefore in my understanding is a means of saying that one is “deserving of” (Webster, 1994, p. 1365) something. That something could consist of food, monetary compensation, housing, respect, love and affection, equal treatment or equitable treatment. In viewing wizardry through the lens of being “deserving of” (Webster, 1994, p. 1365) I don’t find this an aspect of my practice of wizardry. While it is a trade, and I am familiar with working in trades being a carpenter myself, I don’t find my pursuit of wisdom as a lynchpin for why I would be “deserving of” (Webster, 1994, p. 1365) anything. No, I find my being “deserving of” (Webster, 1994, p. 1365) rooted in my existence. I am of the mind that all human beings are “deserving of” (Webster, 1994, p. 1365) being loved, equitable and equal treatment, food, shelter, water, companionship. In fact I find most sentient beings are “deserving of” (Webster, 1994, p. 1365) some level of respect. That being noted, this is the least important aspect of my practice of the craft and trade of wizardry.
Reverence -
Interestingly enough, I am ordained through the Universal Life Church of Modesto, California as such I have been bestowed with the title of Reverend. Merriam Webster’s (1994) dictionary defined reverence as the following; “1: honor or respect felt or shown” (Webster, 1994, p. 1002). I have already illustrated that I am of the mind that all sentient beings are “deserving of” (Webster, 1994, p. 1365) some level of respect. Trees are magnificent beings that provide us with oxygen and air filtration, shade from heat, fruit from their branches, and material to build our homes with. Stones are strong, and decorative at the same time, and we adorn ourselves with them, and build the foundations of our homes with them. The beasts of the fields, and waters, feed us, and provide us with material to clothe us.
Respect and reverence are due these beings who provide us with the means to meet our most basic needs, and our most lofty goals such as finding ways to cultivate bee colonies that provide us with sweets, and the vision to allow us to fly, and work together in larger social groups ourselves. Reverence I feel is due the subject that something is being harvested from such that when one is walking in the woods, thanking the trees for their shade is a means of paying reverence to the beings of the forest, or going to the supermarket to purchase food items, and offering a short prayer or thanks while cooking and or before eating the food items is a means of paying reverence to the sentient beings whose lives have been taken that we might live and propers from them.
Perspective -
I feel it is the most important aspect of the craft and trade of wizardry in that having the capacity for perspective allows for one to view the order of importance that align with paradigms and ideologies that are outside of one’s control. Having the capacity for perspective as defined by Merriam Webster’s (1994) dictionary; “2b: the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance” (Webster, 1994, p. 868) allow for exactly that, it allows for us, the beings with perspective to view things in accordance with being true, which as defined by Merriam Webster (1994) is; “4: Legitimate” (Webster, 1994, p. 1268), which is defined by Merriam Webster (1994) as “2: being exactly as purposed” (Webster, 1994, p. 665). This I find most important as, while one can use a screwdriver to act as a hammer, it is not the best use for a screwdriver, nor is it in the best interest of the individual using the screwdriver in place of the hammer, as it can result in injury and resentment and frustration as they are misusing a tool.
Using things in accordance with their truth, and yes, truth is subjective, that is one thing that having the capacity for perspective allows for, is that one can be aware that all things have ways in which they can be used, or misused, and being aware that one is misusing an item or an energy is a capacity of perspective. Being aware that one is making the choice to use properly, or to misuse an item is a byproduct of having the capacity for perspective, and this I find to be the most important aspect of my practice of wizardry.
References
Adeptus Zell, Oberon. (2003 - 2025) Wizardry 101: Wizardly Perspective. Perspective,
Reverence and Humility. The Grey School of Wizardry. Retrieved on 2/13/2025 From: https://www.greyschool.org/lessons/814.
Webster, Merriam. (1994). Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. (10th Edition). Massachusetts. ISBN: 0-87779-708-0.
Individuation & The Book of Balance
By Journeyman Dega, Captain
Editor's note: this essay reflects the opinions and perspective of its author.
Introduction
There is an interesting interplay between Jung’s Individuation (Jung C. , 1959) and Golden Dawn’s The Book of Balance (The Order of Golden Dawn, 2025). This interplay, especially for Wizards, can be a valuable resource for understanding one’s psychic abilities, but also as a tool for more intense and purposeful magicks (The Grey School of Wizardry, 2025). In this article, this Wizard details aspects of individuation and building magickal character through these two popular modalities.
Individuation
Jung’s idea of Individuation can be summed up through his own words:
“A few preliminary words may not be out of place in order to explain what is meant by ‘individuation.’ I use the term ‘individuation’ to denote the process by which a person becomes a psychological ‘in-dividual,’ that is, a separate, indivisible unity or ‘whole.’ It is generally assumed that consciousness is the whole of the psychological individual” (Jung C. , 1959).
While Jung’s idea on Individuation can be applied in many ways, this Wizard applies Individuation to the process of the Apprenticeship program through the Grey School of Wizardry (GSW); as a recent graduate of the Dark Arts program, this Wizard relates much to Jung’s writings on Individuation and the process of an Apprentice Wizard on their path to Journeyman. Headmaster Nicholas Kingsley “The ascension of Journeymanship is truly a testament to the relentless pursuit of knowledge and the honing of one’s craft. It reflects not only academic achievement but also personal growth and readiness to serve the greater community with wisdom and skill. The path to this accomplishment embodies the essence of the Wizard's quest — a continual transformation through learning and application” (Headmaster Nicholas Kingsley, 2025). As an Apprentice graduate to Journeyman, he is readily trained to go beyond the Grey School and work as an individual as forwarded by Jung (Jung C. , 1959); however, this Journeyman did not develop on their own.
According to Jung, “The psyche is part of the inmost mystery of life, and it has its own peculiar structure and form like every other organism. Whether this psychic structure and its elements, the archetypes, ever ‘originated’ at all is a metaphysical question and therefore unanswerable. The structure is something given, the precondition that is found to be present in every case. And this is the mother, the matrix-the form into which all experience is poured. The father, on the other hand, represents the dynamism of the archetype, for the archetype consists of both—form and energy” (Jung C. , 1959). Here one might relate the Apprentice to which all experience of learning at the Grey School might be poured, as Jung puts it and the archetype of the Wizard is infused into the Apprentice by the Grey School and its appointed instructors, deans, masters, and headmaster.
While Jung advises people to avoid archetypes, the Wizard may tap into such power due to their training and discipline, “If one can possibly avoid it, one ought never to identify with an archetype, for, as psychopathology and certain contemporary events show, the consequences are terrifying” (Jung C. , 1959). Following a guided path through the Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard or by enrolling into GSW for formal magickal studies, the Wizard can tap into this ‘terrifying’ energy of the archetype, as normal people, again according to Jung, “But unconscious phenomena are so little related to the ego that most people do not hesitate to deny their existence outright” (Jung C. , 1959). This unconscious phenomenon, the wielding of magick is surely written off as fantasy in the mundane world, despite their unconscious being wary otherwise.
The Book of Balance
The Liber Librae incorporates in some ways the archetypes, the elemental archetypes in how they develop their members. However, just as the Wizard must embrace various archetypal energies wisely, the Liber Librae instructs this, “1. Know then, that as man is born into this world amidst the Darkness of Matter, and the strife of contending forces; so must his first endeavor be to seek the Light through their reconciliation” (The Order of Golden Dawn, 2025). Similar to Jung’s acknowledgement of the terrifying aspect of the archetype, the Liber Librae speaks to the reconciliation of Light and the Darkness of Matter as a goal for their disciples. As such, this task will not be easy, but this path which may be difficult to traverse will develop character in the disciple (The Order of Golden Dawn, 2025).
Why would the Golden Dawn ask its disciplines to develop character? Here the Liber Librae tells readers, “So shalt thou gradually develop the powers of thy soul, and fit thyself to command the Spirits of the elements” (The Order of Golden Dawn, 2025). In this way, once the Wizard develops his soul, and for Jung, acknowledges and embraces the archetypes, only then will the Wizard have the balance, foundation, and moral intent enough to command the elemental spirits (The Order of Golden Dawn, 2025). For some, especially working with the Elemental Egregores for each Lodge at the Grey School, according to Dean Stefanowicz, this may be the first step in this process of developing the ‘soul’ as Golden Dawn argues, and embracing the power of archetypes, albeit wisely, as Jung puts it (Dean Stefanowicz, 2024). As Apprentices work with the Lodge egregores, they subtly become accustomed to the elemental energy of their Lodge to accomplish magickal workings.
Whether the process of development is through varying stages such as the Golden Dawn suggest through the Liber Librae (The Order of Golden Dawn, 2025), through varying stages of embracing and working with an archetype (e.g., the Hero Archetype – Separation, Initiation, Return), or through the process of an Apprenticeship through the Grey School of Wizardry reaching graduation and obtaining the Journeyman Letter, there is a molding, absorbing of lessons and energy, a realization of a larger world and cosmos of which the Wizard is not only a part of but an active character in the creative Universe.
Conclusion
While Jung’s concept of Individuation (Jung C. , 1959) and the Order of Golden Dawn’s building of magickal character might seem at first glance at odds with each other, the Wizard acknowledges and recognizes a certain struggle of forces, both inside and outside of the Wizard, working towards a reconciliation of forces to become something unique, be it a Wizard, an archetype, an elemental spirit, or an individual. The training of a Wizard enables them to see common denominators in all things that escape the observation of other people. As Adeptus Oberon stated in our textbook, Wizards are steps ahead of everyone else (Zell-Ravenheart, 2004). The juxtaposition between Jung and the Order of Golden Dawn’s teachings are not exempt due to the Wizard’s purview of knowledge and skills.
Works Cited
Dean Stefanowicz. (2024). Obsidian Ward Lecture on Egregores: February 13, 2024.
Headmaster Nicholas Kingsley. (2025, February 5). Grey School of Wizardry Group Page - Announcement of Corey Minatani to Journeyman. Retrieved from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GreySchoolofWizardry/permalink/3789942571257750/?rdid=btTU4usjFwkA1dY1&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fp%2F1Tzcy9Revy%2F#
Jung, C. (1959). The Collected Works of C.G. Jung, Volume 9, Part 1. New York: Bollington Foundation, Inc.
Jung, C. G. (1995). Memories, Dreams, Reflections. London: Fortana Press.
The Grey School of Wizardry. (2025). Archetypes 501: Lesson 0 - Syllabus. Retrieved from The Grey School of Wizardry: https://www.greyschool.org/lessons/3596
The Grey School of Wizardry. (2025). Archetypes 501: Lesson 1 - Introduction to the Collective Unconscious. Retrieved from The Grey School of Wizardry: https://www.greyschool.org/lessons/3597
The Grey School of Wizardry. (2025). Archetypes 501: Lesson 2 - The Psychological Significance. Retrieved from The Grey School of Wizardry: https://www.greyschool.org/lessons/3598
The Grey School of Wizardry. (2025). Archetypes 501: Lesson 3 - Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious. Retrieved from The Grey School of Wizardry: https://www.greyschool.org/lessons/3599
The Grey School of Wizardry. (2025). Archetypes 501: Lesson 4 - Magick as Psychology – Psychology as Magick. Retrieved from The Grey School of Wizardry: https://www.greyschool.org/lessons/3600
The Order of Golden Dawn. (2025). Liber Librae. Retrieved from Sacred Texts: https://sacred-texts.com/oto/lib30.htm
Zell-Ravenheart, O. (2004). Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard. Franklin Lakes: Career Press.
GSW Natural Philosophy Crossword
By Grey Matters Staff
You can complete this month's crossword online at https://crosswordlabs.com/view/gsw-natural-philosophy-crossword
Or download a PDF:
Between the Covers - The Stoic Mindset: Living the Ten Principles of Stoicism by Mark Tuitert
By Master Meighen
Mark Tuitert’s The Stoic Mindset is a short and accessible introduction to Stoic philosophy, making it an easy read for those new to the subject. At just over 100 small pages, it could reasonably be read in a single sitting. The book’s concise approach and plain language makes it suitable for a wide audience, including Apprentice Wizards at the Grey School of Wizardry.
The book covers topics of particular relevance to Apprentices, such as the importance of learning from failures and experiences. As Headmaster Kingsley wisely puts it, “The difference between a rock and a stepping stone is how you use it.” Tuitert echoes this idea by emphasizing how setbacks are opportunities for growth and a source of useful lessons. He also stresses the importance of strengthening and building teams and communities, stating, “What’s good for the team is good for you.” While the author draws on his experience as a professional athlete in making this point, it is equally applicable to the trade of Wizardry's emphasis on community.
Every chapter includes a practical exercise, giving readers a chance to actively apply the Stoic concepts discussed. This hands-on approach makes the book a useful tool for those who wish to integrate Stoicism into their lives rather than simply read about it.
Given its practical focus and emphasis on personal responsibility, The Stoic Mindset would make an excellent companion to Grey School classes such as Wizardry 100: Becoming an Apprentice, Wizardry 101: Wizardly Perspective, and Wizardry 400: Wizards Don't Whine. The book provides useful tools for wisely exercising one’s agency, dealing with fear or uncertainty, and ensuring that one's actions are not only well-considered but also something one can be proud to take responsibility and credit for.
Overall, this book is a valuable resource for those looking to cultivate resilience, wisdom, and a sense of purpose—qualities essential to both Stoics and Wizards alike.
March 2025 Astrological Forecast
By Grey Matters Staff
March 2025 brings powerful celestial movements, prompting reflection and transformation. From Venus and Mercury retrogrades to two eclipses and Neptune's entry into Aries, this month is something of a cosmic reset.
A New Moon in Pisces: Fresh Starts
The lingering energy of February’s New Moon in Pisces urges renewal and spiritual awakening. It’s a time to break from routine, embrace creativity, and make space for new beginnings.
Venus Retrograde in Aries: Love & Finance Reassessment
From March 1st to April 12th, Venus retrograde stirs introspection in relationships and finances. Old flames may resurface, and emotional depth takes precedence. Decisions in love and money should be delayed until post-retrograde clarity arrives.
Lunar Eclipse in Virgo: Seeking Order
March 14th’s Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Virgo brings clarity to neglected areas of life, especially work, health, and daily habits. Balance between practicality and intuition is essential.
Mercury Retrograde in Aries: Rethinking Strategy
Mercury turns retrograde on March 15th, urging reassessment in communication and personal initiatives. With delays and revisited conversations, this is a time for refining rather than rushing forward. Mercury dips into Pisces on March 29th, adding deeper layers of introspection self-analysis.
Solar Eclipse in Aries: Embracing Authenticity
March 29th’s New Moon Solar Eclipse—the last in the Aries-Libra series—pushes us toward independence and self-mastery. This is a period of major personal transformation.
Neptune Enters Aries: A Shift in Ideals
Neptune enters Aries on March 30th, marking a transition toward themes of bravery, independence, and visionary leadership. However, self-deception may be a challenge—clarity is key.
Final Thoughts
March 2025 is a time for reassessment and bold shifts. With Venus and Mercury retrograde, two eclipses, and Neptune’s move into Aries, introspection and patience will be vital. Act wisely and harness the transformative moments