Our 16 Departments of Study
Here you can learn a little more about each of the Sixteen Departments that the
Grey School of Wizardry has to offer.
The Department of
Wizardry
This Department provides an introduction to Magick and Wizardry. It is the mission of this Department to help Apprentices acquire an essential understanding of what it means to be a Wizard in the world today.
The color of magick associated with this Department is Indigo, which relates to perception, imagination, illusion, and the ability to see patterns. In other words, Wizardry in general. Indigo shading to ultraviolet is often called “the color of magick.” This is a popular color for Wizard’s robes—often emblazoned with stars, moons, and other astronomical symbols. Indigo represents wisdom, self-mastery, spiritual realization and all things magick.
What makes this Department different from the others is that our focus is on the bigger picture: the Wizard as a whole being. The goal of this Department is to impart a sense of completeness to the Wizard’s path. To be called a Wizard at anything denotes excellence; a Wizard is a skilled and clever person, particularly at magick. Therefore a Wizard should show competence and learning in as many areas as possible, striving to always discern what is true, right, and lasting from that which is false.
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The Department of
Natural Philosophy
This Department includes all aspects of metaphysics and mysticism that relate to Nature and Her Mysteries. This Department also covers the more practical aspects and workings of appreciating the natural world and adventures in Nature—such as Camping, Woodcraft and conservation.
It is the mission of this Department to help Apprentices acquire an essential understanding of the ways of Nature, and to become comfortable and experienced with all aspects of the Natural World. Apprentices of the Grey School will be given wise counsel for hiking, exploring, camping, maintaining natural spaces, and enjoying instructive adventures in the many realms of Nature; both in the wilderness and urban settings. Apprentices will also study ecology.
The color of magick associated with this GSW Department is Silver. Silver is a color representing the energies of intuition, insight, dreams, psychic gifts and divination. Silver represents the color of the Moon, and the secrets of Nature.
The Department of
Magickal Practice
This Department includes the practical foundational basics for the mechanics and art of creating, maintaining, and understanding magickal hardware. From Wands to Totems and Amulets of cultures from around the world this Department seeks to unravel the Mysteries of occult accoutrement and instruct those under its banner on how to create the finest arcane implements.
It is the mission of this Department to help the Apprentice Wizard acquire the essential tools, both physical and conceptual, to make their magick effective. Our class topics include general magickal tools, regalia, the sanctum sanctorum, correspondences, signs, symbols, spells and charms.
The color of magick associated with this Department is Gold, reflecting the energies of strength and leadership, as well as vitality. For many, Gold represents the color of the Sun, the sign of Leo, adolescence, joy, fruitfulness and nobility. Men and women of magick often prefer tools, amulets and jewelry made of gold, bronze, or brass.
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The Department of
Psychic Arts
This Department delves into the Mystery school teachings of the Far East, many of which are key to many of the studies of Magick employed around the World. From the teachings of this department the seeker gains a solid foothold to not only explore the word around them, but also the world with-in.
It is the Mission of this Department to Guide the Apprentice through the Wisdoms presented in these traditions as well as to hone one's inner voice of Wizardry. Meditation is rooted in these wisdom teachings and gives the practitioner the ability to tame the mind and self-realization. Studies in this Department include the Mystery School teachings of the Far East, Meditation, understanding the senses, Dreamwork, trance, creative visualization, and manifestation.
The color of magick for the Psychic Arts Department is Aqua which represents all subtle energy. It is associated with the Uranus, the planet of self-expression and originality. Aqua is an excellent hue for awakening and invention.
The Department of
Healing
This Department covers forms of magickal arts and other practices devoted to curing diseases, relieving aches and pains, promoting tissue regeneration, restoring vitality and fertility, and more.
It is the Mission of this Department to help the Apprentice achieve a basic foundation in, and comprehension of, various Arts of Healing, as it has long been one of the hallmarks of Wizardry. Our studies include, but are not limited to; Psychic, Chakra, Auric, Pranic, Gemstone, as well as Herbal Healing mixtures and poultices.
The color of magick associated with this Department is Blue, for the Element of Water. Blue is the color of emotional work; love, peace, healing, and protection. Considered the color of wisdom, thoughtfulness, and celestial regions, blue draws on the power of Friday and the planet Venus. Blue identifies with the signs of Virgo and Capricorn, the 5th (Throat) Chakra and the natural sciences. It is through the color Blue that the aspiring Healer can connect to peacefulness and profound reflection. One can use it also for healing, harmony, creativity, communication, and resonance.
The Department of
Wortcunning
This Department employs the old word used for the knowledge of the secret properties of herbs, and this has always been a particular study of the Wise. Wortcunning includes all aspects of herbal lore and plant magicks.
It is the Mission of this Department to equip the Apprentice with a solid foundation in the knowledge and mastery of all aspects of herbal lore and plant magicks -from myth to method- including practical applications as well as folklore. As a long-standing Tradition of Wizardry, the Art of Wortcunning equips those who hold it's wisdom with tools beneficial in all aspects of daily life.
The color of magick associated with this department is Green, representing the Element of Earth. Green is the color of vegetation, as in gardening and herbalism; fertility and prosperity. Hope, joy, delight, growth and change are all aspects of green. Forest green is connected with fertility, the body, courage and classical music or wilderness sounds. Ivy green represents the emotional aspects, coping with grief, cliffside ponderings, and hushed music or silence. Pale green, as in the color of new grass, aids the healing process.
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The Department of
Divination
This Department adventures into the art of foretelling or predicting the future, as well as discovering things that are lost, hidden or secret. Although not all seers are Wizards, all Wizards are expected to at least dabble in the trade of seers. Many ancient peoples were completely obsessed with divination, and would hardly make a move without consulting diviners, seers, oracles or prophets.
It is the mission of this Department to provide the Apprentice with skills in the Mantic arts. The methods taught in this department will help the Wizard to ‘predict’ the future by addressing Divination as both an art and a skill, with classes in runes, oghams, scrying, Tarot, dowsing, palmistry, dream interpretation, augury, and numerous other methods practiced by peoples all around the world.
The color of magick for this Department is Yellow, which represents the Element of Air. Yellow is associated with mental work; meditation, will, intellect, divination and communication. Another version of gold, yellow is the color of friendship, goodness and faith. Yellow (or sometimes a very light yellow-green) is associated with Wednesday, the planet Mercury, the sign of Taurus and the 3rd (Solar Plexus) Chakra. . Yellow is a terrific color to improve balance, self-esteem, charisma, mantic ability and creativity. It is also rumored by some that the color Yellow is also attributed to strength of will, vitality, purpose and effectiveness.
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The Department of
Preformance Magics
This Department is also sometimes referred to as conjury or stage magic. Performance magic deals with “miraculous” illusions and special effects, which have been used in enhancing the theater of ritual since the first campfire was lit. Various types of performance, such as magic acts, acrobatics, juggling, puppetry, and fire-eating all came from such rituals. This Department also includes the Bardic Arts of music, chants, poetry, singing, and storytelling.
It is the mission of this Department to help the Apprentice acquire the essential skills, both physical and conceptual, to make his or her performances consistent with magickal and ritual activities. These arts follow the time honored position of getting the audience’s attention so that focused magical arts can be effective and memorable. These practices include conjury, bizarre magic, ritual poetry, bardic arts, chants and invocations, entrancement costume, and make-up & masque.
The color of magick associated with this Department is Orange, representing pride and courage; heroism and attraction; kinship and prosperity (as in a good harvest). Orange is attuned to warmth, friendship, abundance, spirit, will, principles, theory and alertness. It is also associated with the performance arts and conjury (stage magics).
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The Department of
Alchemy
This Department concerns the science and magick of transmutation and transformation. The forerunner of modern chemistry, Alchemy has roots in Egypt, Greece, and the Middle East. Historically, alchemists sought to turn base metals into gold, to formulate an Elixir of Life which would grant immortality, and to create an artificial man called a homunculus.
It is the mission of this Department to provide the Apprentice with a forum for the systematic pursuit of Alchemy, both the Spiritual and the Chemical. The Department's Professors seek to Mentor and Guide those hoping to understand the most profound of mysteries - those from which all Magick - indeed all human endeavors have sprung...
The color of this Department is Red. Red is the power color. It is associated with command, the planet Mars, Tuesday, the astrological sign of Gemini and the 1st (Root) Chakra. Red is the color of fire, inspiration, vitality, pride, anger, bravery, strong emotions, purification, arid places, aggressive music, and lightning storms. Red is also associated with Alchemy and the magickal arts of transformation. Red is said to be the best color to ward off danger and is often used for stability, grounding, prosperity and physical health.
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The Department of
Lifeways
This Department addresses aspects of the Apprentice's personal life as well as the building and maintaining of relationships. As every Wizard knows, there is great power in community! With the Wisdom of this Department at hand one will have the tools necessary to grow, maintain, and thrive in the communities they find themselves a part of.
It is the mission of this Department to orchestrate the highest degree of personal growth and self-directed learning toward becoming a productive member of humanity. Such learned skills and knowledge are essential to any level of wizardry, measured in the positive results the Apprentice has on others, and in the development of personal awareness and presence. Special knowledge and skills include goal setting, research, organization, record keeping, scheduling, commitment, communications and critical analysis.
The magickal color of this Department is Rose. Like copper, rose is also a color of Venus. Copper is related to the agrarian aspects of Venus—plants, fertility and growth are the common associations. Rose is more related to the emotional and spiritual aspects of Venus; specifically the emotional love of one’s self and others. Rose is the color for all our relationships with other people—and especially those involving family, love, intimacy, and romance.
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The Department of
Beast Mastery
This Department concerns everything to do with animals of all kinds. Beast Masters include “horse whisperers,” animal trainers, pet psychics, and all people who seem to have an uncanny ability to communicate and work with animals. Beast Mastery also includes the knowledge of zoology, cryptozoology, and the lore of Totems. Beast Masters seek to know the names of all animals, as well as how they evolved, what they eat, their behaviors, lifestyles, mating rituals, and languages.
It is the mission of this Department to provide the Apprentice with skills in communicating with the animals and other nature spirits while learning to understand the environment that we share, with classes in animal communication, the lore of animals, magickal animals, Totems, familiars, and more. It is also the aim of this department to further the understanding of the Apprentice regarding the realms of those things yet undiscovered in the animal kingdom.
The color of magick in this Department is Brown. Beast Mastery Wizards often work with animals in a variety of paths such as those who serve at animal hospitals, shelters or zoos, or become park rangers, wildlife rescuers or researchers. Wizards of this Department may also find themselves out in the woods searching for new species and furthering the understandings of our world's fauna.
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The Department of
Cosmology
This Department explores the great bowl of the night sky—the celestial sphere. That which surrounds our globe has always been a subject of magickal and Wizardly studies. The movements of the Sun, Moon and planets through the signs of the Zodiac gave us our calendar, our first way of keeping time, and our earliest form of effective divination. Cosmology is also concerned with the larger questions: How did everything begin? Where are we going? Is there anyone else out there?
It is the Mission of this Department to enlighten the Apprentice to the importance of the heavens and draw the eye skyward in wonder. In the way we can learn from the world around us, so too can one learn from the space around the world! The Cosmos are full of intrigue, wonder, awe and lessons for the wise to learn.
The magickal color of this Department is Violet, which is associated with power, wealth, and good fortune. Considered the color of royalty, violet (purple) represents judgment, industry, and religious thought, the planet Jupiter, Thursday, and old age. Violet is the color of spirit, etheric realms, higher esoteric learning, ancient wisdom and the deeper Mysteries of the Cosmos. Use violet as your focus specifically for spiritual centering and meditation, as well as expanded consciousness and cosmic awareness.
The Department of
Mathemagicks
This Department explores the Pythagorean Mysteries that laid the foundation for all mathematics; particularly arithmetic, geometry and music. According to Pythagoras, everything in the universe is based upon the same fundamental “blueprints” created by geometric patterns that repeat over and over in an endless dance of sound, light and color. These patterns form a matrix of grid energy derived from a central source. They create the entire natural world, and allow us to experience duality, emotions, linear time, and all the reality we experience. In this Department are included sacred geometry, numerology, and chaos theory magicks.
It is the mission of this Department to help the Apprentice acquire the essential skills -both practical and theoretical- to understand and use number and form in their magickal work, and to comprehend the esoteric mathematical foundations of the universe. Our class topics will include Pythagoreanism, the archetypal numbers, numerology, gematria, sacred geometry, esoteric mathematics (elementary and advanced), the I Ching, chaos magick, and the esoteric Quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy).
The color of magick associated with this Department is Clear, reflecting the transparency with which all creation is suffused with magickal formulae—underlying everything, but invisible to all but the imagination.
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The Department of
Ceremonial Magicks
This Department has knowledge with roots originating in the 17th and 18th Centuries within secret magickal orders, and occulted sects. Ceremonial Magick is based upon both the Qabalah and the Hermetica, along with Neo-Platonism and Oriental doctrines. In its highest sense, Ceremonial Magick is an experience that takes the Wizard into mystical realms and into communication with the Self. It awakens us to the power within. This Department covers all forms of rites and rituals, for all purposes.
It is the mission of this Department to aid the Apprentice in acquiring the essential skills, both practical and theoretical, to conduct effective Ceremonial Magick and to achieve the personal spiritual development afforded by these magickal systems. Our class topics will include the Hermetica, Qabalah, Neo-Platonism, theurgy, medieval grimoires, Renaissance magick, angelic operations, ceremonial technique, magickal tools, the Golden Dawn and other magickal orders, and invocation, evocation & banishing.
The color of magick for this Department is White, used for all types of ceremonies and rituals. The color of purity, white represents friendship, the Moon, Monday, infancy and the sign of Aries. Crystal white is the color of sincerity, divinity, transformation and singular focused sounds such as a gong or bell. White is also the color of The Divine, and so used in all forms of blessings.
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The Department of
Lore
This Department delves into the musky and dusty tomes of yor, as well as the stories of today, to find wisdom in the words of people the world over. Lore means “teachings,” and Lore Mastery is all about knowing arcane (hidden) secrets and esoteric mysteries known to very few others. Lore particularly concerns myths and legends; a Lore-Master is also a storyteller, who can always come up with a tale to make any point.
It is the mission of this Department to help the Apprentice develop the ability to access, synthesize, and critically evaluate arcane knowledge from a variety of magickal cultures. Such knowledge is crucial to the Wizard in practice as well as development and includes, but is not limited to: world mythology, world history, hidden realms, wizardly fiction, and cultural pantheons.
The color of magick associated with this Department is Grey, representing knowledge, lore and wisdom. Like Indigo, Grey is particularly associated with Wizardry, as it is neither black nor white, and indeed encompasses all colors while being none of them.
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The Department of
Defence Against the Dark Arts
This Department covers an understanding of the potential hazards of arcane practices, occult entities, and the harmful practices of those who may wish Ill.
It is the Mission of this Department to provide the Apprentice with the highest quality education in defensive occult knowledge appropriate to their level of development. We accomplish this task through the most effective online pedagogic methods available. This Department also informs and equips the Apprentice in understanding the basics of low magick, and its applications; and warding the wizardly safety of one's self and others through Defensive charms, wards, shields and other occult techniques for a vast array of spooky scenarios!
The color of magick associated with this Department is Black, relating to constricting, binding and Saturnian energies. As the color of night, black represents foreboding, fortitude, and consistency because of the need to “make it through the darkness.” Black is sometimes used as a protective color for magickal tools—especially handles and wrappings. It is also used when trying to banish a bad habit, turn negativity, or make drastic life changes. Black is also, of course, the color of Sorcery and the “Dark Arts.”
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Ready to Begin Your Studies?
For some the word "Wizard" conjures up images of make-believe, or the stuff of fantasy and legend.
However as you've seen here, Wizardry is quite the academic affair! While anyone is welcome to walk this path, it is not necessarily a path for everyone; After all, the world needs Heroes as well!
The trade of Wizardry is a time-consuming one to be sure and if fireballs and lightning bolts are your goal you'll be sorely disappointed. No, it is hard work and it takes time as well as study to learn all that now lies before you.
For those who find that they have what it takes, there are few more rewarding arts than ours. As Wizards we build up the world around us, drawing our dreams into reality and inspiring others to reach the best version of themselves.
Now that you've had a taste of what GSW has to offer we look forward to seeing you join us for the full version of these classes soon!
