Grey Matters
November 2024
Table of Contents
1.) New Lodge Lore Classes Available 2.) Ring Order Status Update 3.) Forthcoming Class: Brazilian Folk Magick 4.) Between the Covers Book Review 5.) November 2024 Astrological Forecast 6.) GSW Crossword
New Lodge Lore Classes Available
By Dean Meighen
Good afternoon and well met on this Sunday, Apprentices, Magisters, and Wizards one and all!
I have the exciting privilege of announcing not one, not two, but four brand new classes that are open for enrollment now!
These new Lodge Lore classes are rooted in the vibrant and dynamic energies of Grey School’s four Lodges, which date back to the founding of our hallowed institution and draw on the primordial wisdom and strength of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. Far from being mere administrative units, our Lodges are reservoirs of power, insight, and understanding for those who would seek to tap into them. Pupils enrolling in these classes will be guided in their exploration of what the Lodges truly have to offer.
Lodge Lore – Winds
In this class, pupils will explore the meaning and nature of the element of Air and how they can reflect its insightful and untethered qualities. They will encounter the lodge’s Mascot, the playful Sylphs, as well as its Patron, the wise Raven, and learn to draw on the qualities of Air and the Raven through meditation and invocation.
Lodge Lore – Flames
In this class, pupils will explore the meaning and nature of the element of Fire and how they can reflect its passionate and illuminative qualities. They will encounter the lodge’s Mascot, the fiery Salamanders, as well as its Patron, the mighty Dragon and learn to draw on the qualities of Fire and the Dragon through meditation and invocation.
Lodge Lore – Waters
In this class, pupils will explore the meaning and nature of the element of Water and how they can reflect its fluid and adaptive qualities. They will encounter the lodge’s Mascot, the emotional Undines, as well as its Patron, the graceful Salmon, and learn to draw on the qualities of Water and the Salmon through meditation and invocation.
Lodge Lore – Stones
In this class, pupils will explore the meaning and nature of the element of Earth and how they can reflect its enduring and solid qualities. They will encounter the lodge’s Mascot, the dutiful Gnomes, as well as its Patron, the great Wolf, and learn to draw on the qualities of Earth and the Wolf through meditation and invocation.
We hope to see you in class very soon!
GSW Ring Order Status Update
By Headmaster Kingsley Great news for those that ordered their school rings!
We've just received the shipment fresh from the forges. They'll be sent out later this week!
New Class Forthcoming: Brazilian Folk Magick
By Dean Meighen
Now moving into the final stages of review and quality control, the class "Brazilian Folk Magick" will soon be open for enrollment.
A comprehensive introduction and review of the folk magick of Brazil, with an emphasis on protective workings, this new offering will surely be of interest to aspiring Black Wizards and many others.
As a small preview, take a look at the lessons that will be offered:
Syllabus
Introduction
The Evil Eye
Directing Your Will
Salt & Pepper: More Than Seasonings
The Herbs: Allies, Herbal Baths & Smokes
The Iron
The Familiar Animals
The White Candle
Objects of Protection
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Folki Magick in Service? Helping Others
References
Between the Covers: Tree of Life by Israel Regardie
By Dean Meighen
In this review, we will critically consider and evaluate the book "The Tree of Life," written by Israel Regardie. To be clear, this review concerns the second edition of the book, published in 1969. There is a newer edition, published in 2001, with substantial footnotes and additional material provided by Chic and Tabitha Cicero; these were not present in the copy that I own and am basing this review on. First, some historical context. Regardie published the first edition of the book in 1932 after several years of studying ceremonial magick, the Qabalah, and related topics, including a stint as personal secretary to Aleister Crowley. His stated intent, expressed within the text itself, was to demystify to the public the nature and purpose of ceremonial magick and disperse lurid fantasies of "black magick" that existed in the popular imagination. Ceremonial magick, Regardie asserted, properly understood and applied, is a meticulous and scientific method of refining the character and elevating the soul of man to a point of union with the Divine, a sacred and theurgical process of spiritual unfoldment rather than a vulgar exercise in trying to amass material gains through sorcery. His book was generally well-received and was positively reviewed by fellow occultist Dion Fortune. He received some criticism, however, from those who felt he revealed too much to the teeming masses of humanity who did not deserve such powerful knowledge.
"The Tree of Life" became a classic in the field of magick and occultism, as it served as one of the first clear explications of the topics of ceremonial magick available to the wider world. It synthesized information from many other texts, including the Chaldean Oracles, Iamblichus' "On Theurgy," various grimoires of the Solomonic tradition, Levi's "Transcendental Magick," and Crowley's writings, a good number of which were obscure and difficult to procure copies of. The book is divided into two sections: in the first, Regardie lays out his definitions of what ceremonial magick is, defends it from misconceptions and attacks from those who would denigrate it, reviews its place in history, explains the importance of the Tree of Life diagram, and delves into an explanation of magickal philosophy as it was widely understood at the time. In the second section, Regardie makes a tour de force of various magickal techniques, from the tools of art, magickal circles, robes, the creation of talismans, the evocation of spirits, astral travel, mantras, the invocation of gods, and more. While not straightforwardly outlined, one can glean by several remarks in this section how the author is laying out a systematic regimen of graduated magickal practice that would allow the prospective student to learn and master these techniques.
So, now we arrive at the review proper. Regardie must be given credit; he had a wide breadth of knowledge and personal experience with the techniques of ceremonial magick and he has imparted much of it here, without obscure metaphors or symbolic veils. He explicitly lays out both the technical methods and the theory underlying them. For that reason alone, he is someone to whom all ceremonial magicians who came after are indebted, for his explanations moved much that was formerly taught only in closed lodges and temples into the public domain. However, the text is not flawless. Regardie is quite insistent on his own moral standards, which are frequently reiterated as absolute precepts. He is also more than a bit irascible, in one breath making overtures about how he will not sully himself with arguments and in the next insulting other authors and making clear how little regard he holds them in. Especially in the first section, the material is often presented in a manner that can feel more than a little disjointed and out of order, with important information pertinent to one topic only brought up pages later as an afterthought.
While this is not so much a criticism of the book or its author, it must be noted that the text itself may be difficult for modern readers. It is dense and rich, with much complicated and technical information presented quickly and constantly. For one unfamiliar with the subject matter, it will be slow going. Regardie himself is verbose and poetic, and makes frequent references and quotations to various sources and authorities, many of which are now obscure. It must be imagined that a reader new to the subject will have the experience of attending a lecture by a very learned and expert professor, who is giving their lecture at a high level and very much not caring if the student can keep up with him. In the final evaluation, I find that "The Tree of Life" is undoubtedly a historical landmark in the field of ceremonial magick and, for that reason, is worthy of being read by any aspiring White Wizard at some point in their career. However, for the novice or new Apprentice, there are perhaps better options available now. Of course, the classes in GSW's Ceremonial Magick Department must be mentioned as such an option, as are texts such as Kraig's "Modern Magick," DuQuette's "The Chicken Qabbalah," and the Ciceros' "Golden Dawn Magick."
November 2024 Astrological Forecast By Grey Matters Staff
November 1st marks the arrival of a New Moon in Scorpio, a powerful lunation that invites us to step beyond the familiar and explore new paths for healing and transformation. This cosmic event nudges us to confront what we've hidden or ignored and to gain a deeper understanding of others' motives. Such introspection enhances intimacy, forgiveness, and brings greater purpose to our lives.
For those looking to invest in a meaningful project or relationship, this lunar cycle offers the perfect backdrop. With Mars and Pluto—Scorpio's ruling planets—in opposition, ambition and drive may intensify, though potentially with challenges. Thankfully, a grounding trine to Saturn helps stabilize our intentions, allowing for measured and thoughtful progress.
Healing and Growth with Jupiter and Chiron
On November 2nd, a harmonious sextile between Jupiter and Chiron encourages personal expansion and healing. This outer-planet alignment, the second of three perfected transits, provides opportunities to enrich our lives through education, spirituality, and broadened experiences. Now is an ideal time to break free from negative patterns, welcome fresh perspectives, and foster meaningful exchanges. Health and wellness themes also arise, prompting us to evaluate areas for improvement in our physical and mental well-being.
November 15th: Saturn Direct and a Full Moon in Taurus
Saturn, which has been retrograde since June 29th, stations direct on November 15th. This shift re-emphasizes the importance of accountability and brings our goals into sharper focus. As Saturn regains forward momentum, we may feel more attuned to our responsibilities and better positioned to pursue long-term ambitions.
Coinciding with Saturn's direct turn, the Full Moon in Taurus encourages a reconnection with the physical and sensual realms. This lunar event highlights desires, pleasures, and a renewed appreciation for life's simple joys. However, with the Moon closely aligned with Uranus, expect a dose of excitement and perhaps some tension, as sudden insights shake up routines and inspire fresh perspectives.
November 19th: Pluto’s Ingress into Aquarius
On November 19th, Pluto makes its momentous entrance into Aquarius, leaving Capricorn behind. This shift marks the beginning of a transformative era that emphasizes community, innovation, and collective empowerment.
Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius – November 25th
Rounding out November’s astrological lineup, Mercury stations retrograde in Sagittarius from November 25th to December 15th. This retrograde phase encourages reflection on our beliefs, aspirations, and educational pursuits. Expect delays, miscommunications, and a heightened need for diplomacy in conversations. While Mercury’s retrograde may bring scattered thoughts and mental fog, it’s also a potent time to revisit and reevaluate longstanding goals or creative projects.
From navigating intense ambitions to reawakening simple pleasures, November’s astrological influences offer a wealth of opportunities for growth, introspection, and newfound purpose.
GSW Astrology Crossword
By Grey Matters Staff
Complete this month's crossword online at https://crosswordlabs.com/view/gsw-astrology-crossword-puzzle Or download a PDF:
