Grey Matters
February 2025
Table of Contents
1. vGSW Public Moot 2/1/25
2. vGSW Public Region Open
3. Highspire Boarding Program Accepting Applications
4. The Ethical Folk Wizard
5. February 2025 Astrological Forecast
6. GSW Myths and Legends Crossword
vGSW Public Moot 2/1/25
By Headmaster Kingsley Greetings, Wizards and Friends!
Mark your calendars for February 1st, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST, as The Grey School of Wizardry proudly hosts its first Public Moot of 2025 in vGSW, powered by Second Life. This exciting event is your opportunity to dive into our community and explore the world of esoteric education in action. This is a Free event and open to everyone!
Throughout the event, you’ll find a variety of interactive booths curated by Lodge Prefects, Apprentice clubs, and Faculty. These spaces offer a chance to discover unique opportunities, spark conversations, and engage with the talents and creativity of our community.
At the heart of the gathering, join Headmaster Nicholas Kingsley and our Master of Studies, Aaron Meighen, for a live Wizardly Deep Dive—a thought-provoking discussion on the relevance of Wizardry in today’s world. Between sessions, enjoy a Berserker lesson at the Millstone Pub, Wonderful Booths hosted by our Lodges, and more.
We are also proud to share that a donation of $150 will benefit the California Fire Foundation, supporting communities affected by recent wildfires. It’s a chance to make a difference while celebrating the magick of our school.
Whether you’re here to learn, connect, or simply immerse yourself in the experience, the Moot promises a memorable blend of scholarship, spirit, and community. We can’t wait to see you there!
Public vGSW Region Open
By Headmaster Kingsley
The public region of the Virtual Grey School of Wizardry (vGSW) is open and free to everyone for exploration! At its heart lies our Second Life Info Center which aims to serve as a treasure trove of information about the Grey School’s academics, extracurriculars, and community life, in the virtual world.
Whether you’re a visitor, a friend of the school, or someone curious about modern wizardry, this public space offers a glimpse into the vibrant Trade we're keen to share.
Ready to explore?
Highspire Boarding Program Accepting Applications
By Headmaster Kingsley
As always I hope that the day finds everyone in good health and high spirits!
First and foremost, Happy New Year and welcome to 2025!
2024 was a remarkable year for The Grey School of Wizardry! We launched a new website, revitalized Magick Alley, experienced the vGSW Renaissance, revamped the majors and minors (and even added a few new ones), started our first on-campus club, hosted a fantastic Conclave, launched the Psyche Program, introduced an official school sport, and set the stage for even greater achievements.
All of this was done in celebration of our 20 years of wizardry, reflecting on what we’ve accomplished and breathing new life into our beloved school.
While 2024 was about honoring our history, 2025 is about looking forward to what we aim to achieve next.
The Grey School has big dreams for our in-person offerings. Our yearly Conclaves have become a cherished tradition, and our weekend classes have been warmly received. Looking ahead, we envision a day when GSW offers a full in-person curriculum, complete with teachers on campus, lessons in classrooms, and all the magic of a truly immersive experience.
That dream may still be a little ways off, but the journey to that future begins today.
I am thrilled to highlight that for the first time ever, The Grey School of Wizardry is officially accepting registrations for our Highspire Boarding Program, which will allow apprentices to live on campus for the term!
About the Highspire Boarding Program
The Highspire Boarding Program combines the flexibility of our online curriculum with the immersive experience of campus life. Apprentices will live at Highspire Manor, located on our beautiful physical campus in Whitehall, New York.
What the Program Offers:
-A Comfortable bunk and historic accommodations in Highspire Manor.
-A unique opportunity to live alongside fellow apprentices and engage in a supportive, like-minded community.
-Full access to The Grey School’s online curriculum.
-Occasional campus events and gatherings to enrich the experience.
This program represents a significant step forward in our mission to make the most of our physical campus while continuing to provide an unparalleled education in wizardry.
Registration for the Highspire Boarding Program is now open! Visit our official Highspire page for all the details, including room, board, and tuition information: [www.GreySchool.org/Highspire](https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.GreySchool.org/Highspire)
This is an exciting moment in our journey, and we look forward to welcoming apprentices to Highspire Campus in 2026.
Together, we’re building the future of wizardry—one milestone at a time.
Wizardly Regards,
Headmaster Kingsley ᛞ
The Grey School of Wizardry
The Ethical Folk Wizard
by Magister Tsuki
Editor's Note: Submissions to Grey Matters represent the opinions and perspectives of their authors, presented in their own voices.
When working with low magick, my ethical code centers on three guiding principles: respect for free will, accountability for actions, and the pursuit of harmony with both the natural and physical world. My principles help ensure that the practice of low magick serves as a force for good, avoids unnecessary harm, and aligns with my broader values as a practitioner of the craft. [Editor's Note: This essay uses the terms folk magick and low magick interchangeably, while the standard nomenclature in use at GSW would consider the topic at hand to be sorcery, defined as magick intended to benefit the one performing it. Low magick and folk magick are related but not identical terms, implying the use of simple, uncomplicated magickal operations and commonly available reagents and spell components in accordance with preserved folkloric traditions.]
The first principle, respect for free will, is foundational and directly opposed to Aleister Crowley’s view of “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law" (1904). While the temptation to use magick for personal desires—such as love spells targeting a specific individual—may be strong, interfering with another's autonomy creates imbalance and invites unintended consequences and, at minimum, negative karma. Instead, I believe magick should focus on opening opportunities rather than forcing outcomes, especially over others. For instance, instead of attempting to make a specific person fall in love, I would create a spell to enhance my own qualities, confidence, and ability to connect with others, allowing relationships to form naturally. This approach respects individual agency and fosters mutual authenticity.
Second, I hold myself accountable for all actions I take, to include magick. This means considering the ethical implications of every spell and accepting the responsibility for its results, whether intended or not. Magick is a tool of power, and like any tool, it can be misused. For example, when I was at work I went through a grounding ritual to rid myself of negative energy. I sent roots deep into the Earth and channeled my negative energies down through the roots. The problem I did not realize until I was deep into the ritual is that I am on the third floor. I was channeling negative energy to and through the people on the floors below me. As such, immediately performed a cleansing ritual to remove any trace of the negative energies. [Editor's Note: Grounding and centering, as commonly practiced, would be presented by GSW as being operative under the Psychological Model of Magick and thus be unable to negatively affect others as described. See the classes Core Energy Practices 100 and 101.]
Lastly, harmony with the natural and physical world shapes my ethical practice. Folk magick traditionally involved using accessible, often natural materials, and I honor that tradition by sourcing ingredients sustainably and avoiding harm to living creatures whenever it is possible. Where older spells might call for animal parts or personal substances like urine, I look for symbolic alternatives that maintain the spirit of the work. For example, instead of animal bones, I might use ethically gathered stones or plants imbued with similar symbolic resonance. This approach preserves the intent of the original spell while better aligning with ethical practice.
My ethical code for low magick reflects a commitment to respect, responsibility, and harmony. These values ensure that my practice uplifts rather than undermines, respects autonomy rather than controls, and honors traditions while adapting to ethics. By staying true to these principles, I aim to use low magick as a tool for personal growth and collective well-being, not dominance.
References
Crowely, A. (1904). The Book of the Law.
February 2025 Astrological Forecast
By Grey Matters Staff
February might be the shortest month of the year, but the universe is packing it full of action! With both Jupiter and Mars moving full speed ahead, things won’t be slowing down anytime soon. Whether you’re looking for love, adventure, or a fresh start, the stars have something in store for you. Check out your personal horoscope for all the details—we’ve got a full breakdown for each zodiac sign, plus expert insights for astrology lovers!
VENUS: Love and Passion Take Center Stage
The temperature may be low, but the heat is turning up in your love life! Venus struts into fiery Aries on February 4th, sparking bold romantic moves. If you’ve been holding back, now’s the time to go after what (or who) you want! Just be careful—Venus in Aries can also lead to impulse spending. Keep your budget in check so passion doesn’t turn into financial regret. This sizzling energy sticks around until March 27th.
JUPITER: Time to Dream Big
Feeling stuck? That’s about to change! On February 4th, lucky Jupiter goes direct, clearing roadblocks in travel, education, and personal growth. If you’ve been putting off a big trip, considering going back to school, or dreaming about writing a book, now’s your chance. The universe is giving you the green light—go for it!
THE FULL MOON: Step into the Spotlight
The full Moon in Leo arrives on February 12th, and it’s all about confidence! This is your moment to shine, celebrate your wins, and let the world see what you’re capable of. But keep an eye out—full Moons can also bring drama, and not everyone will be cheering you on. If frenemies start showing their true colors, take it as a sign to focus on those who truly have your back.
MERCURY: Feelings Over Facts
On February 14th (yep, Valentine’s Day!), Mercury glides into dreamy Pisces, making emotions run high. Logic might take a backseat as intuition and sensitivity take the wheel. While this is a great time to tap into your creative and compassionate side, be mindful of making big decisions based on feelings alone. Mercury stays in Pisces until March 3rd, so take your time before jumping to conclusions.
THE SUN: A Creative and Compassionate Glow
On February 18th, the Sun joins Mercury in Pisces, turning up the dial on imagination and kindness. This is a great time to embrace your artistic side, trust your gut, and lend a helping hand to those in need. Just don’t get lost in daydreams—while a little escape is fine, staying grounded is key. The Sun stays in Pisces until March 20th.
MARS: Ready, Set, Go!
If you’ve been feeling like life’s been stuck in slow motion, that changes on February 23rd. Mars finally goes direct, giving you a much-needed push forward. Whether it’s tackling projects, solving family issues, or just getting your motivation back, this is the time to take action. Frustration lifts, and progress picks up speed—get ready to move!
THE NEW MOON: Dream Big, Start Fresh
The month wraps up beautifully with a new Moon in Pisces on February 27th. This is a time for fresh starts, creative breakthroughs, and new connections. Whether you’re setting goals, diving into an artistic passion, or forging new relationships, the sky’s the limit. Let your imagination run wild—big dreams are waiting!
GSW Myths and Legends Crossword
By Grey Matters Staff
Complete it online at https://crosswordlabs.com/view/gsw-myths-crossword
Or download a PDF:
